Health experts are finding out about the benefits of infrared light and how it can help circulation, heart health and brain function. But what is infrared light?
Health experts are finding out about the benefits of infrared light and how it can help circulation, heart health and brain function. But what is infrared light?
Let’s take a deep dive.
What Is Infrared Light?
The electromagnetic spectrum contains all the colors of the rainbow, starting with red (longer wavelength) and ending with purple (shorter wavelength).
Infrared light is invisible to the human eye, and has a longer wavelength compared to anything with the color red. Health practitioners have been using IR light for a wide range of therapeutic purposes.
Types of Infrared Light
IR Light for therapeutic purposes contains 3 main types:
Red Light (620 to 780 nanometers): Skin healing and hair health.
Near Infrared Light (780 to 3,000 nanometers): Brain blood flow and energy production
Far Infrared Light (50,000 to 1,000,000 nanometers): Blood flow and nitric oxide production
Infrared (IR) therapy can support people with high blood pressure and poor circulation by increasing nitric oxide to help blood vessels relax.
2. Supports Heart Failure Recovery
For patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), IR therapy helps reduce fluid buildup and ease symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Clinical trials report better walking endurance and lower heart stress markers
3. Improves Circulation in Peripheral Arterial Disease
IR therapy can help people with poor leg circulation due to atherosclerosis. Research shows reduced leg pain, better walking distance, and even healing of ulcers after consistent therapy
4. Aids Metabolic Function
By improving circulation and mimicking the effects of exercise, far-infrared therapy can help regulate blood sugar and enhance glucose uptake in cells
For long-term pain sufferers and even Fibromyalgia, IR therapy offers lasting relief and improved quality of life. Two years after treatment, 77% of patients had returned to work compared to just 50% of those who didn’t receive therapy.
6. Speeds Post-Surgery Recovery
Infrared therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation after orthopedic surgeries like hip replacements or shoulder repairs. Patients also recover mobility faster compared to standard care.
7. Enhances Brain Function
Red and near-infrared light can penetrate the skull and may boost brain performance by increasing mitochondrial energy (ATP), improving blood flow, and reducing oxidative stress, essential for healthy brain aging.
8. Aids Recovery from Brain Injury
Patients with traumatic brain injury showed improvements in memory, focus, and sleep after multiple IR light sessions. Many also reported reduced PTSD symptoms.
9. Supports Dementia Treatment
Early studies show that infrared therapy (through transcranial or intranasal application) can enhance cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in dementia patients, all without side effects.
10. Helps Detoxify the Body
Infrared saunas promote detoxification by increasing core body temperature, helping eliminate toxins through sweat while improving circulation and supporting digestion and immunity.
11. Accelerates Muscle Recovery
By energizing mitochondria and promoting cell repair, IR therapy speeds up muscle recovery after injury or strenuous activity, reducing downtime for athletes and active individuals.
12. Cancer Recovery
Emerging research suggests that infrared light may enhance cancer treatments. When combined with nanoparticles or photoimmunotherapy, IR exposure can help target and destroy cancer cells more precisely.
Risks Of Infrared Therapy
While infrared therapy can be a source of healing, too much of it can damage the body. One must remember that it is still a type of radiation.
As with all other sources of radiation, infrared can cause heat injuries to the skin and cell tissue if exposed to the body for too long.
Pregnant women and those with existing heart conditions must consult a doctor or health practitioner before deciding on IR therapy.
Natural Sources Of Infrared
The most natural source of infrared light outside of therapy is the Sun! Simply going out into the Sun (which naturally emits about 50% of its energy in the infrared spectrum) improves blood circulation, relaxing muscles, and easing joint stiffness.
Other sources of infrared light can be found in nature, such as campfires, hot springs, warm sand and even spas where they put hot stones on your body.
Planning an event? Let Savor of Life bring the flavors to you! From social gatherings to large celebrations, our catering services offer delicious, high-quality meals tailored to your needs.
Ready to transform your wellness with specially made meals? Sign up for our Savor Transform 10-Day Challenge and enjoy exclusive perks, special offers, and unforgettable meals!
