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Have you been thinking about trying far infrared therapy to improve your overall health and quality of life? Luckily for you, we’ve got some great info coming your way! Research indicates that infrared therapy has an array of benefits, meaning it might just be that healthy edge you’ve been looking for. With so many benefits, you can’t go wrong with utilizing far infrared therapy to improve your health/life. So, what exactly is far infrared therapy all about? What are the benefits it offers?
Defining Far Infrared Therapy
Far infrared light is naturally created by the sun, and the therapy version of it recreates this invisible light energy to produce heat in a variety of ways. The human body further naturally absorbs this light, which helps reduce health problems as well as improve metabolic function. In fact, research shows it may even decrease oxidative stress which, when elevated, can lead to a variety of health ailments [1].
The Benefits of Far Infrared Therapy
Far infrared therapy boasts many benefits, including the following:
1. Can Decrease Pain
Chronic pain isn’t fun. It can get in the way of your hopes and dreams, as well as prevent you from actively participating in parts of your life. When using far infrared therapy, researchers found that pain decreased, as well as scores relating to depression and anger associated with the participants’ conditions [2].
Another 2014 study had similar findings, where short-term treatment of far infrared therapy helped decrease muscle stiffness and pain in individuals with chronic myofascial neck pain [3]. Without pain standing in your way, you can finally live your life the way it was meant to be lived.
2. Can Help Muscle Recovery and Healing
Far infrared therapy has also been used to aid in muscle recovery and healing after an exercise session. Research has demonstrated far infrared therapy in speeding up the recovery process, allowing participants in the study to achieve a full recovery within 24 hours post-workout [4]. Experts believe this is due to increased circulation caused by the warming of the tissue, which is a direct positive side-effect of far infrared light. This can help remove toxins and byproducts that build-up from exercise. With improved recovery times, you can train harder and better than before, improving your performance and overall results.
3. Can Reduce Inflammation
Other research also suggests far infrared therapy may reduce inflammation [5]. This can also be attributed to improved circulation from the dilation of blood vessels within the body; as well as increased lymphatic flow. The lymph system is a vital part of your body’s immune system, helping remove toxins and waste from the body. By boosting the lymph system, this helps your body’s systems function at their best.
4. Can Contribute to Increased Mobility and Movement
The waves produced by far infrared therapy penetrate about three inches into the body. As a result, it works to warm the tissues from deep within, providing soothing warmth to joints, muscles and other soft tissues. Since this can also help eliminate pain, an individual can potentially move better and easier than before.
How Do These Benefits Improve Your Overall Life?
When your health is optimized, you can perform better in all areas of your life. For instance, improved mobility - or capability of movement - can further help ward off various life-threatening diseases. When you feel better and are able to incorporate healthy movement into your life, your total health improves and you’re able to live a happier life overall.
It’s also worth noting that inflammation is a marker of various chronic diseases. Many doctors and experts believe disease may arise in the body when inflammation is present, which can also lead to increased pain levels. Subsequently, a person’s health, independence and quality of life may decline. But with the use of far infrared therapy, the risk of these diseases and markers can significantly be reduced.
Ultimately, when you feel your best, you give your best. Your mood is elevated, increasing your social skills and subconsciously making you a better parent, spouse, sister, brother, daughter, son, friend, etc. You’ll perform better in the parts of your life where you may feel you’ve been lacking, and you can finally achieve that extra edge you’ve been craving.
Resources:
[1] Shui S, Wang X, Chiang JY, Zheng L. (2015). “Far-Infrared Therapy For Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, And Other Chronic Health Problems: A Systematic Review.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnology Information, October 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935255/.
[2] Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C. (2005). “The Effects Of Repeated Thermal Therapy For Patients With Chronic Pain.” Karger.com, Karger AG, Basel, August 2005, https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/86319.
[3] Chien-Hung Lai, Ting-Kai Leung, Chih-Wei Peng, Kwang-Hwa Chang, Ming-Jun Lai, Wen-Fu Lai, and Shih-Ching Chen. (2014). “Effects Of Far-Infrared Irradiation On Myofascial Neck Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.” Liebertpub.com, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 7 February 2014, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2013.0122.
[4] Hausswirth C, Louis J, Bieuzen F, et al. (2011). “Effects Of Whole-Body Cryotherapy Vs. Far-Infrared Vs. Passive Modalities On Recovery From Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage In Highly-Trained Runners.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 7 December 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3233540/.
[5] Durante W, Lin C, Lin S, et al. (2008). “Far Infrared Therapy Inhibits Vascular Endothelial Inflammation Via The Induction Of Heme Oxygenase-1.” ahajournals.org, American Heart Association, Inc., 17 January 2008, https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/atvbaha.107.160085.
