Infrared and diseases? How does that actually work? We explain it!
‘’Radiation? That doesn’t seem good for my body… ‘’
A fair comment, but not in every case. Infrared is a form of radiation that is not bad at all—in fact, quite the opposite. Infrared has a very positive and beneficial effect on the body and mind, including for various conditions and diseases. Curious? Then read on!
To make it clear for you:
- General effects of infrared therapy
- Rheumatism
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Bechterew disease
- Skin conditions and complaints
- Wrinkles
- Wound healing
- Cellulite
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Stress and depression
The infrared lamp
Infrared lamps are frequently used to combat muscle and joint pain, but can also provide relief for back pain or abdominal pain, for example. The pleasant heat from the infrared lamp provides rapid pain relief and improved circulation. Good circulation promotes muscle relaxation.
The wavelengths of infrared rays are converted into comfortable heat. The radiation does not increase the body’s temperature, but warms the skin. The shorter the infrared rays, the more powerful the effect of the infrared light. As the skin temperature rises, blood circulation accelerates and the heart rate increases. This allows waste products to be removed more quickly.
In addition to muscle and joint pain, it therefore has many other benefits. These include reducing skin diseases and conditions, such as wounds, acne and cellulite. In addition, the infrared lamp is an effective treatment for stress. The product has a relaxing effect. In addition to affecting your mental state, stress also affects physical complaints. The less stress you experience, the fewer complaints you have, such as abdominal pain, headaches and fatigue.
Rheumatism
Infrared has been used for years to treat painful joints. A logical question, of course, is whether infrared light also works for rheumatism. The answer is yes. Infrared has a beneficial effect on various forms of rheumatism. Below, read about its effects on different forms of rheumatism.
Fibromyalgia
Muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness and various painful areas are all too familiar to someone with fibromyalgia. However, no abnormalities can be found in the muscles, connective tissue or joints. Repeated studies of the disease show that people with fibromyalgia have increased muscle tension. The pain increases in cold conditions and during inactivity. The symptoms are not only physical. Sleep problems, concentration problems and depressive feelings are also common symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for fibromyalgia. Only pain management and learning to cope with the pain can provide relief. A session with infrared equipment may help with this. The radiant heat can reduce physical pain, while the relaxing environment helps ease mental tension.
Arthritis and Bechterew disease:
In 2008, Dr. H. Isomaki conducted research into the effect of infrared light on arthritis and concluded that infrared has a beneficial effect on muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis, which in turn improves mobility. Improved mobility encourages people to adopt a more active lifestyle and improves their quality of life. As a result, people also experience better mental balance!
Dr. F. Oosterveld, professor at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and rheumatologist Professor J.J. Rasker of the University of Twente have also conducted extensive research in recent years into the effect of infrared on diseases such as arthritis and Bechterew disease. They concluded that after one half-hour session in an infrared cabin, patients with arthritis experienced a reduction of approximately 40% in stiffness and pain. The same researchers concluded that, in people with Bechterew disease, pain and stiffness decreased by as much as 50% to 60% after a half-hour session in an infrared cabin.
Although many aspects still require further research, according to Dr. Oosterveld, the study served an important purpose: providing rheumatism patients with clarity about the effects of infrared heat.
Skin conditions
Infrared radiation has a positive effect on many skin conditions and complaints. Infrared stimulates healing, cleansing and production. Below, read the explanation of its effects on common conditions and complaints.
Wrinkles
Infrared softens fine lines and wrinkles on the face. This was shown by research conducted by dermatologists Yu Shun Tian, Nan-Hyung Kim and Ai-Young Lee. Infrared promotes the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. These are two proteins that keep the skin supple and wrinkle-free.
Wound healing
Infrared promotes the formation of new capillaries, supplying the wound area with oxygen and stimulating the healing process. Infrared therapy also helps reduce infection. Dead or damaged cells are cleared away. Damage to the lymphatic system can cause fluid to accumulate under the skin. Infrared stimulates the lymphatic system without overloading it. It stimulates not only the lymphatic system but also fibroblast production. Fibroblast? Yes, a fibroblast is the most important cell in connective tissue and plays a key role in the final healing phase of a wound.
The section on wrinkles mentioned collagen. Collagen is not only beneficial for reducing wrinkles. It is the main protein needed to help wounds heal. Infrared also provides cellular energy. The heat stimulates skin cells. Cellular energy is needed to deliver energy to damaged and surrounding cells so that they can do what they need to do… heal themselves.
Cellulite
Cellulite, also known as orange-peel skin—almost every woman is familiar with it… Google is frequently used to search for all kinds of creams for this common problem. It can make us feel insecure and greatly affect our daily lives. Cellulite involves gel-like pockets in the subcutaneous connective tissue. The fatty tissue effectively pushes against the connective tissue. The heat from infrared radiation causes these pockets to loosen. They are waste products that the skin wants to eliminate. Infrared therapy is a relatively inexpensive approach that can help you feel confident again in your swimwear or when visiting the sauna!
Acne
Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes during puberty. As a result, the sebaceous glands enlarge and produce more sebum. This excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells, can cause clogged glands. This creates a blackhead. Its wall can rupture, leading to inflammation of the skin. This inflammation is called a pimple. The skin stretches around the pimple until it bursts, creating small wounds. If the acne is severe and persists for a long time, it can even leave scars.
Infrared therapy cleanses the pores by inducing excessive sweating through the heat of the infrared lamp. Redness and swelling are also reduced during a session. This happens because blood circulation improves, accelerating the healing process. The body’s natural response to a warmer temperature increases the heart rate. As a result, oxygen-rich blood is carried to all the veins and blood vessels. Although infrared therapy is not recommended as the sole treatment for acne, adding infrared sessions can be useful in making the treatment easier.
Eczema
Eczema is a collective term for various skin conditions. Eczema involves inflammation of the skin, such as itching and redness. Using infrared therapy makes the body sweat, thoroughly cleansing the pores. Regular use of infrared therapy improves the immune system and helps remove toxins that can cause skin inflammation. Infrared stimulates the skin’s healing process and reduces the “fiery patches,” as well as the itching associated with eczema.
Psoriasis
There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, the disease can be treated increasingly effectively with medication. Various types of therapy can reduce the symptoms, including infrared therapy. Infrared radiation is harmless radiation that penetrates deeply into the muscles and joints. This warms them and stimulates circulation. Infrared radiation removes dead skin cells and reduces flaking, which has a beneficial effect on psoriasis.
Stress
When we expose our skin to infrared light, serotonin is released in our bodies. Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, is a substance produced naturally by the body. Serotonin has a stimulating effect on the body. It influences our mood, self-confidence, sleep, orgasms, appetite and much more. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison believe that the heat stimulating the skin activates serotonin-producing cells. This causes a change in brain function.
Infrared light also stimulates the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus? It is the center that regulates your sleep, temperature, feelings of hunger and thirst, day-night rhythm, behavior and memory. When the hypothalamus is disrupted, balance is lost and people experience more stress. Prolonged stress can, in turn, develop into depression. People suffering from depression have stress-related dysregulation of the hypothalamus. It is therefore extremely important to take good care of this center!
Treatment with infrared lamps is relaxing. As we all know, relaxation is one of the best remedies for stress.
Please note! Do you suffer from a condition or disease? Always consult your doctor first before using infrared equipment.
We hope that what you wanted to know is now a little clearer! Do you still have questions or would you like to share your experience? You can always ask your questions via hello@liromaredlight.com or share your experiences via the website!
