Why Sleep Matters to Your Overall Health
(Health Secrets) If you are trying to tough it out and convince yourself that all will be better tomorrow, an infrared lamp may do you a world of good. For anyone with muscle aches and pain, tendonitis or just in the throes of aging, an infrared lamp can boost circulation and give you new vitality.
There are many companies selling therapeutic energy products, and it’s best to do some homework before making a decision. You might consider a far infrared sauna, lamp or clothing. Many think the greatest utility comes from a far infrared lamp.
The far infrared mineral lamp features a round plate coated with a proprietary mineral clay formation consisting of 33 earth elements essential to the human body. When activated, this mineral plate emits a special band of far infrared rays ranging from 2 to 25 microns in wavelength, an amount that coincides with the wavelengths and intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the human body.
Far infrared rays are invisible waves of electromagnetic radiation of wavelength greater than that of the red end of the visible spectrum. They are capable of penetrating body tissues to a depth of 10mm. Some examples of infrared rays you might find in your home are heat lamps, steam radiators and incandescent light bulbs.
Infrared rays are used therapeutically to promote muscle relaxation, and increase circulation to a part of the body. Far infrared rays speed up the inflammatory response, and it should be noted that the inflammatory process is the body’s way of initiating healing. Chronic inflammation is a reaction of tissue to irritation, injury or infection.
Through its subtle healing, far infrared rays also boost the immune system, increasing the amount of white blood cells and killer T-cells. Far infrared rays expand capillaries, increasing oxygenation and regeneration of the of the blood, bringing about deep detoxification and improving functioning of the major organs in the body. This deep detoxification dissolves or immobilizes toxins in the blood. Far infrared ray therapy may help in chronic fatigue, water retention and skin disorders, as well as in the elimination of heavy metals, poisons and carcinogenic material in the body.
Far infrared is beneficial in reducing muscle soreness and muscle spasms, and provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis. Research by NASA showed that far infrared used on the cardiovascular system was a great way of keeping astronauts’ hearts in optimal condition. Far infrared increases the enzyme activity in the digestive tract and boosts metabolism. An hour of this therapy can burn up to 900 calories helping to break down trapped fat, waste, cellulite and other forms of toxic substances. Far infrared has been shown to help heal scar tissue too.
Heart studies done by the Mayo Clinic and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that infrared sauna therapy significantly improved blood vessel functioning in people with high cholesterol, diabetes and even in smoking patients. The therapy was also found to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The far infrared sauna uses light to create heat. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you. It produces these results at lower temperatures than does a regular sauna, which makes it accessible to people who can’t tolerate the heat of a conventional sauna.
Several studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis, and found some evidence of benefit, however larger and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these results. No adverse effects have been reported with infrared saunas.
In randomized, controlled trials in peer-reviewed, medically respected journals, saunas are noted as contributing to the improvement in patients with congestive heart failure, heart disease, mild depression and chronic pain.
Unlike the far infrared lamp which can target a specific part of the body, the far infrared sauna heats the whole body. According to Creighton University’s Medical School, individuals with a history of multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, hyperthyroidism, systemic lupus or adrenal suppression should not use an infrared sauna. Those who are pregnant, nursing or experiencing a menstrual period should not use a sauna. People with artificial joints, metal pins and silicone implants should also avoid saunas. The effects of some prescription drugs may be altered due to the high heat in a sauna. You should discuss the precautions mentioned in this article with your naturopath to find out if the far-infrared lamp or far-infrared sauna is appropriate to your medical needs and general health.
For more information:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infrared-sauna/AN02154
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-far-infrared-therapy/
http://www.livestrong.com/far-infrared-therapy/
Photo by ** RCB ** 
Photo by paul bica
