Light is essential for our health and cellular function, just like water, sleep, and food nutrients.
The human body is designed to function with an abundance of natural sunlight, but most people don’t get nearly enough light every day with our modern lifestyles.
When infrared energy strikes an object it makes the surface electrons excite and oscillate, which creates heat.
This heat leads to vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels and capillaries), improved blood circulation, increased metabolism between blood and tissue, which promotes faster tissue regeneration.
Infrared therapy technology allows you to harness the benefits of the sun, without being exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays.
Infrared light has shown immense health benefits, from pain relief to reduced inflammation.
Are red and infrared synonyms?
No, they’re not.
They differ in their wavelengths.
Infrared light has a long wavelength and it can’t be detected by the human eye.
Red light is easily seen, as it has a shorter wavelength.
Also, they differ in how far they are absorbed into the body and in their effect on the body.
Red light penetrates about 8-10mm (subcutaneous layer, blood supply and acupoints) while Infrared light penetrates deeper, about 100mm (muscle and bone).
How does it work?
Red light works by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthen the mitochondria.
The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell — it’s where the cell’s energy (ATP- adenosine triphosphate) is made for our bodies to use in all aspects of life.
When you have healthy mitochondria, everything works, feels, looks and performs better.
By increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT, a cell can make more ATP.
With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage.
Infrared light is absorbed by the photoreceptors in cells. Once absorbed, the light energy kickstarts a series of metabolic events, triggering the body on a cellular level.
Infrared light also increases the production of nitric oxide, a vital signaling molecule that is important for the health of the body’s arteries.
This molecule helps relax the arteries and prevents blood from clotting and clumping in the vessels.
Aside from these, it additionally combats free radicals to reduce oxidative stress, prevents platelet clumping in the vessels, and regulates blood pressure.
Hence, this molecule enhances blood circulation to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to damaged and injured tissues in the body.
The increase in the blood flow to the different parts of the body makes it possible for oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, enabling them to function properly and effectively.
Therefore, this therapy stimulates the regeneration and repair of injured tissues, reducing pain and inflammation.
Benefits
Here are some of the benefits that RLT delivers with constant use:
- Helps cells regenerate or repair themselves.
- Improves the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body.
- Pain relief.
- Promotes faster healing of wounds and deep tissues.
- Boosts endorphin levels.
- Improves cardiovascular health/ improved blood flow.
- Helps detoxify the body.
- Stimulates the production of collagen.
- Rejuvenates the endocrine system – balances the hormones.
Which device should I use?
A high-quality light therapy device uses medical-grade LEDs to deliver concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your skin and cells, without dangerous UV rays or excess heat.
All you have to do is sit or stand near a device for 10-15 minutes a day to charge your cells and your body will do the work.
The more surface area of your body you can cover, the more your cells absorb natural light, and the more full-body benefits you can expect to see with consistent use.
According to the difference in wavelength, infrared radiation can be divided into three categories:
- Near-infrared radiation (0.8 to 1.5 μm),
- Middle-infrared radiation (1.5 to 5.6 μm),
- Far-infrared (FIR) radiation (5.6 to 1000 μm) [1]
The best light therapy devices use these proven wavelengths: red light in the mid-600 nanometer range and near-infrared light in the mid-800s.
There are three main techniques for FIR radiation delivery: [2]
- FIR saunas.
- FIR ray devices.
- FIR emitting ceramics and fabrics.
Saunas
Korea and Japan are well known for their beauty spas, but there is one practice that is different.
Waon therapy is a form of thermal treatment in a dry sauna maintained at a temperature of 60 degrees C (140 °F).
Waon is a Japanese word meaning soothing warmth.
Waon therapy has been used extensively in Japan and Korea for cardiovascular conditions and diseases, particularly chronic heart failure and peripheral arterial disease.
In FIR saunas the source of light is wavelength 700/15000 μm.
FIR sauna therapy has been used to improve cardiac and vascular function and reduce oxidative stress in patients with chronic heart failure.
Reduction of pain, stiffness and fatigue were observed during FIR sauna therapy.
Ray devices
These devices help in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients and the devices were found to reduce symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes after a simulated trail running race.
I’m using a Joovv device that is class II FDA certified.
Joovv is one of the leaders in red light therapy for home-usage.
It is a device that is high quality, well constructed and robust.
It is a bit pricey but you want to invest when it comes to your health. Find more about it here.
Emitting ceramics and fabric
All ceramics have the property of emitting infrared radiation depending on their temperature.
Small particles (nanoparticles and microparticles) of FIR-emitting ceramic material have been incorporated into fibers that are then woven into fabrics.
These fabrics can be manufactured into various garments that can be worn on different parts of the body (blankets, gloves, belts, socks…)
Conclusion
Red light therapy is something I have added to my daily life that has helped me optimize my health and myself and also allowed me to get the most out of everything I was doing.
Infrared therapy promises many health benefits but its study isn’t complete yet.
At present, therefore, it should be considered an adjunct to medical treatment, and other regimens should be continued as prescribed.
Out of precaution make sure to consult your doctor and talk about potential risks.