Infrared and diseases? How does that actually work? We explain it!
“Radiation? That doesn’t seem good for my body…”
A valid concern, but not in all cases. Infrared is a form of radiation that isn’t so bad at all, on the contrary. Infrared actually has a very positive and beneficial effect on body and mind, even with various types of conditions and diseases. Curious? Then keep reading!
To make it clear for you:
- General effects of infrared therapy
- Rheumatism
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew)
- Skin conditions and complaints
- Wrinkles
- Wound healing
- Cellulite
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Stress and depression
The infrared lamp
Infrared lamps are widely used to combat muscle and joint pain, but can also provide relief for, for example, back pain or stomach pain. The pleasant warmth of the infrared lamp provides quick pain relief and improved blood circulation. Good blood circulation stimulates muscle relaxation.
The wavelengths of infrared rays are converted into comfortable warmth. The radiation does not raise the body’s temperature but warms the skin. The shorter the infrared rays, the stronger the effect of the infrared light. Because the skin temperature rises, blood circulation speeds up and the heart rate increases. This helps waste products to be removed faster.
Besides muscle and joint pain, it also has many other benefits. Think of reducing skin diseases and conditions such as wounds, acne, and cellulite. Additionally, the infrared lamp is a good treatment for stress. The product has a relaxing effect. Stress affects not only your mental state but also physical complaints. The less stress, the fewer complaints (think of stomach pain, headaches, and fatigue).
Rheumatism
Infrared has been used for years for painful joints. A logical question is whether infrared light also works for rheumatism. The answer is yes. Infrared has a beneficial effect on various forms of rheumatism. Read below about its effects on different types of rheumatism.
Fibromyalgia
Muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, and various pain points are familiar symptoms for someone with fibromyalgia. However, no abnormalities are found in the muscles, connective tissue, or joints. Research into the disease shows that increased muscle tension is found in people with fibromyalgia. Pain increases with cold and inactivity. The symptoms are not only physical. Sleep problems, concentration difficulties, and depressive feelings are also common symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no concrete treatment for fibromyalgia. Only pain management and learning to cope with pain can provide relief. A session with infrared equipment can help with this. The radiant heat can reduce physical pain, and the relaxing environment supports the reduction of mental tension.
Arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew):
Dr. H. Isomaki conducted research in 2008 on the influence of infrared light on arthritis and concluded that infrared has a beneficial effect on muscle and joint pain in arthritis, which leads to better mobility. As a result of better mobility, people tend to adopt a more active lifestyle and experience a better quality of life. Consequently, they experience a better mental balance!
Dr. F. Oosterveld, professor at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and rheumatologist Prof. J.J. Rasker from the University of Twente have also conducted extensive research in recent years on the influence of infrared on diseases such as arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. They concluded that patients with arthritis experienced about a 40% reduction in stiffness and pain after one half-hour infrared cabin session. The same researchers found that in ankylosing spondylitis, pain and stiffness decreased by as much as 50% to 60% after a half-hour infrared cabin session.
Although many aspects still need further research, according to Dr. Oosterveld, the study has served an important purpose: to provide clarity to rheumatism patients 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. Read below for explanations about its effects on common conditions and complaints.
Wrinkles
Infrared softens fine lines or wrinkles on the face. This was shown in research 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, which supplies oxygen to the wound area and stimulates the healing process. Additionally, infrared therapy reduces infection. Dead or damaged cells are cleared away. Damage to the lymphatic system can cause fluid buildup under the skin. Infrared stimulates the lymphatic system without overloading it. Not only is the lymphatic system stimulated, but also the production of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts? Yes, fibroblasts are the main cells of connective tissue and play an important role in the final healing phase of a wound.
The term collagen also appeared in the section about wrinkles. Collagen is not only good for reducing wrinkles. Collagen is the main protein needed in the process of helping wounds heal. Furthermore, infrared provides cell energy. The warmth stimulates skin cells. Cell energy is needed to bring energy to the damaged and surrounding cells so they can do what they need to do… heal themselves.
Cellulite
Cellulite, also called orange peel skin, is known by almost every woman… On Google, many searches are made for various creams for this common complaint. It makes us insecure, which greatly affects our daily lives. In cellulite, there are gel-like pockets in the subcutaneous connective tissue. The fat tissue pushes against the connective tissue. The warmth from infrared radiation loosens these pockets. They are waste products the skin wants to get rid of. Infrared therapy is a relatively inexpensive way to feel confident again in your swimwear or to go to the sauna!
Acne
Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes during puberty. This enlarges the sebaceous glands, which produce more sebum. This excessive sebum production, combined with dead skin cells, can clog the glands. This causes blackheads. The wall of these can rupture, leading to skin inflammation. This inflammation is called a pimple. The skin stretches at the pimple until it bursts, causing small wounds. If acne is severe and lasts long, it can even leave scars.
Infrared therapy cleanses the pores through excessive sweating caused by the heat of the infrared lamp. Redness and swelling are also reduced during a session. This happens because blood circulation improves, speeding up the healing process. The body’s natural response to warmer temperatures increases the heart rate. This brings oxygen-rich blood to all veins and blood vessels. Although infrared therapy is not recommended as the sole treatment for acne, it is useful to add infrared sessions to facilitate treatment.
Eczema
Eczema is a collective term for various skin conditions. Eczema involves inflammation of the skin, such as itching and redness. Using infrared therapy causes the body to 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 spots’ and the itching associated with eczema.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is not (yet) curable. However, the disease can be increasingly well treated with medication. There are various therapies that can reduce symptoms, such as infrared therapy. Infrared radiation is harmless radiation that penetrates deeply into muscles and joints. This warms them and stimulates blood circulation. Infrared radiation removes dead skin cells and reduces skin flaking, which has a beneficial effect on psoriasis.
Stress
When we expose our skin to infrared light, serotonin is released in our body. Serotonin, also called the happiness hormone, is a substance the body produces itself. Serotonin has a stimulating effect on our 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 the serotonin-producing cells. This causes a change in brain function.
In addition, infrared light stimulates the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus? That is the center that regulates your sleep, temperature, hunger and thirst, day and night rhythm, behavior, and memory. When the hypothalamus is disrupted, balance is lost and more stress is experienced. Prolonged stress can lead to depression. People suffering from depression have a stress-like dysregulation of the hypothalamus. It is very important to take good care of this center!
Treatment with infrared lamps is relaxing. As we all know, relaxation is one of the remedies against stress.
Note! Do you suffer from a condition or disease? Always consult your doctor before using infrared equipment.
We hope what you wanted to know is now a bit clearer! Do you still have questions or would you like to share your experience? You can always ask your questions via info@liroma.nl or share your experiences via the website!
