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What are Far Infrared Rays?

As a band of light that cannot be seen with the naked eye, infrared rays are perceived as heat. Producing most of its energy output in this infrared segment of the spectrum, the sun’s infrared wavelengths are divided by microns into three segments. Near infrared is measured in 0.76 to 1.5 micron wavelengths, middle infrared is measured in 1.5 to 5.6 micron wavelengths and far infrared is measured in 5.6 to 1000 micron wavelengths. Only the far infrared rays, also referred to as “FIR”, penetrate organic substances (including the human body) up to three inches.

FIRs are the healthy rays from sunlight, responsible for photosynthesis and life on earth. They are not to be confused with ultraviolet (UV) light that can cause burning and damage to the skin. FIRs are naturally present in the human body, and we feel better when we’re exposed to them. Individuals with low levels of FIR are generally found to have a variety of problematic health issues. Far infrared rays are responsible for the healing warmth we feel on a sunny day. When the clouds come over the sun the air temperature often remains the same, but we feel colder because of the absence of the FIR penetrating our bodies at that moment.

How do Far Infrared Saunas Benefit Health?

While conventionally heated saunas transfer heat by circulating hot air, FIR warms the body directly. Specialized FIR technology uses infrared heaters to emit radiant heat that is absorbed immediately by the surface of the skin, permeating two to three inches into the body’s tissues. Rather than the conduction and convection heating methods of a conventional sauna that simply heat the air and surfaces inside the unit, far infrared saunas warm the body from within, as the body’s cells immediately absorb the beneficial and natural heat that FIR generates.

This gentle heating that permeates into the body’s tissues proffers a number of different health benefits. Here is an overview of some of the main ways that FIR saunas have been demonstrated to aid in good health maintenance:

Detoxification

As one of the main reasons for using any type of sauna, detoxification is a crucial aspect of good health. While most of us are familiar with sweating out toxins in a sauna, this experience actually becomes much more pleasant in a far infrared sauna. Because saunas using FIR technology do not heat the air, they can often be used by individuals who normally cannot use a regular sauna. The elderly or those with cardiovascular issues or heart weaknesses may find the heat of a regular sauna too much to bear. While a FIR sauna still increases body core temperatures to induce sweating, enhance circulation and the removal of accumulated toxins in the body, it does so in a much gentler manner, and not to the extremes that a regular sauna can cause.

Supporting the body’s natural abilities to heal itself, the act of detoxification is paramount in today’s polluted and fast-paced world. When we reach critical toxicity or stress levels we no longer have the energy to repair or detoxify our bodies. This is when we need outside support, such as the natural and gentle detoxification methods found in using far infrared saunas. FIR saunas are much more efficient than conventional saunas at detoxification, with a toxin ratio of almost 20% compared to a regular sauna’s toxin ratio of about 3%.

FIR saunas can be extremely helpful for individuals who are unable to exercise, or who tend to be ‘cold-natured’, have thyroid imbalances or other core body temperature issues and are unable to sweat or expel toxins normally.

Relaxation

Using a far infrared sauna is a great way to relax. The gentle and healing heat penetrates deeply into tight muscles to help you unwind and relieve tension. The far infrared rays of the sauna additionally aid in maintaining healthy cortisol levels. As an adrenal hormone responsible for the “fight or flight” response, too much stress can lead to unhealthy levels of this hormone that raises blood pressure and heart rate, often leading to the deposit of excess calories and fat in the midsection. Research has demonstrated that cortisol levels drop immediately following a FIR sauna session.

Pain Relief

Numerous studies have shown that far infrared sauna therapy is a highly efficacious form of pain management. Nearly 70% of chronic pain patients experienced a significant reduction of their pain levels after their very first session in a FIR sauna. Both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have found less stiffness, fatigue and pain by using FIR saunas. Because far infrared rays penetrate into the body so efficiently, this action speeds oxygen and circulation flow to affected tissues. This deep, natural heat reduces muscle spasms, soreness on nerve endings and encourages the body to heal itself. Using FIR saunas reduces inflammation and helps relieve joint and muscle pain.

Weight Loss

Far infrared sauna sessions have been demonstrated to burn up to 600 calories. Even though FIR saunas do not cause core temperatures and heart rates to rise as dramatically as conventional saunas, they do cause a gentle and natural increase in metabolic rates, cardiac output and heart rates, which leads to the burning of calories. The sweating caused by the core temperature’s rise drops calories through that sweat, sometimes equivalent to the calories lost in running 2 to 3 miles.

Circulation and Immunity

Circulation is stimulated by the far infrared heat of the sauna, leading to a vast assortment of varied health benefits. Improved circulation translates to better detoxification, enhanced muscle recovery, balanced and healthy immune system function and augmented cellular health. FIR sauna therapy also boosts immunity by elevating lymphatic flow, which aids in further detoxification.

Skin Rejuvenation and Purification

Softer, clearer and healthier looking skin is another added benefit of incorporating regular far infrared sauna sessions into your lifestyle. Toxins are eliminated from the skin’s pores, purifying the skin and increasing healthy circulation of nutrients to the skin. Studies have shown significant improvements in the skin’s appearance after 3 months of FIR sauna sessions, with better overall skin tone, smoothness, elasticity, firmness, clarity, and a reduction of wrinkles.

Is a Home Sauna with FIR Technology Right for Me?

Just about everyone can enjoy the many health benefits of using a far infrared sauna. While most FIR saunas are considered safe to use even for the elderly or those who have cardiovascular issues because they do not increase core body temperature and heart rates as dramatically as most conventional saunas, we’d still recommend that you talk with your doctor before using one.

FIR saunas can help treat a wide variety of existing health issues while they also help to prevent future health problems. The natural waves of heat generated by FIR saunas is the same heat found in healthy human bodies and something we must continue to be around in order to not only stay alive, but to thrive. Rehabmart is pleased to offer superior quality far infrared saunas from innovative manufacturers that include Sauna Works, PLH Products, Inc. and Under the Sun Distribution.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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