The sun gives life, and it stands to reason that harnessing the energy from that life source can be a powerful healing experience. We absorb the sun’s rays through our skin and eyes, and the lack of sun exposure can lead to a suppressed immune system, fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, sleep disorders, and other health problems. It’s also our only natural source of Vitamin D.
A large portion of this energy we receive from the sun is in invisible, on the infrared part of the spectrum. This differs from the high-frequency ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and skin damage. Far infrared rays (FIR) do not damage the skin and help enhance blood circulation, reduce pain, protect the cardiovascular system and ease joint stiffness and inflammation.
FIR therapy can also improve sleep and protect against oxidative stress.
FIR photons are absorbed by the body’s molecules and alter the way water functions within cells. When toxins invade water molecules, they are trapped by the water and stay in your body. These toxins block blood circulation and impair cellular energy. When FIR therapy is applied to these molecules the water starts to vibrate, causing the ion bonds of the atoms that hold the molecules of water together to evaporate and release the toxins.
FIR heat also helps increase circulation, which benefits those who suffer from circulatory issues. It increases blood flow without increasing blood pressure, by promoting dilation of the blood vessels. This heat also improves flexibility with those who have lost elasticity in muscle fibers and connective tissue due to lack of exercise. Warming up the muscle and connective tissue this way can restore its elasticity.
There are three main types of Far Infrared Devices:
- Far Infrared Mats – they help relieve back pain, reduce fatigue and stress, restore energy, boost the immune system and detoxify. Even while you are relaxing on the mat your body is hard at work, producing sweat, pumping blood and burning calories. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association report, a single far infrared session burns as many calories as rowing or jogging for 30 minutes.
- Far Infrared Lamps – FIR lamps are known to emit the most therapeutic, effective infrared rays by using a silica blend curing plate, which is coated with essential minerals. When the plate is heated it emits electromagnetic waves with an absorption depth of up to five inches. The energy provides direct contact with injured areas to accelerate the healing process.
- Far Infrared Saunas – Infrared saunas use heat and light to help in relaxing and detoxifying your body. They use infrared light waves to create heat in your body, causing you to sweat and release toxins. These are different from regular saunas because the light directly penetrates your skin, without warming the surrounding air.
FIR saunas are beneficial for people with:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic muscle and joint pain
- Congestive heart failure
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Poor digestion
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stress
Compared to steam saunas, far infrared is seven times more effective at detoxifying heavy metals and other environmental toxins.
Make sure to consult with your physician about using FIR if you have a particular disease or are concerned about the prescription drugs you are taking, as these could be affected by far infrared energy.
