Having a healthy mind and body is super important for lots of reasons. For starters, it helps you be more productive at work. It also lets you take better care of your family and friends. On top of that, it can make sure you live longer and get more enjoyment out of life.
When you’re not healthy, you can easily fall sick. Health issues can range from physical problems like heart issues and cancer to mental problems like depression and anxiety.
Thankfully, there are ways to tackle these health issues. For physical problems, you might consider surgery or taking supplements. For mental health issues, medications and therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful.
Another option to consider is infrared therapy. But first, let’s talk a bit about what infrared light is.
Infrared light, or infrared radiation, is a type of electromagnetic radiation we feel as heat from the sun. It has a longer wavelength than visible light.
These days, infrared light is used in many different ways, like in food processing, remote controls, night vision goggles, and thermal imaging cameras. It’s also popular in some biohacking techniques.
If you’re unfamiliar with biohacking, it’s basically using biological interventions to improve health, performance, and well-being through strategic methods and experiments.
Now, onto infrared therapy. Infrared therapy is a type of light therapy that uses infrared radiation to heat up the body’s tissues.
Light therapy can be used to treat various mental health issues. People often turn to this kind of therapy to manage anxiety or depression, including conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Infrared therapy is commonly used for musculoskeletal issues like joint pain or muscle strains, and it also promotes relaxation and overall wellness.
Infrared light therapy usually involves using different wavelengths of infrared radiation, tailored to the specific therapy device or application. Each wavelength penetrates the body’s tissues to different depths and provides various therapeutic effects.
1. **Far infrared therapy**: This has the longest wavelength and can activate sweat glands through direct heat. Sweating can help detoxify your body from food and product toxins.
2. **Mid-infrared therapy**: This type may improve circulation and expand blood vessels, allowing oxygen to reach injured areas of the body more effectively.
3. **Near-infrared therapy**: This wavelength can penetrate the outer layer of the skin, helping to remove dead cells, bacteria, oil, and dirt.
You can choose the wavelength of infrared therapy that best suits your health needs.
Infrared light can be used daily without side effects if done correctly. If you’re using an infrared heating pad, set it to a comfortable heat level and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wait a day between uses to support the natural healing process. If using an infrared LED system, sessions of 10–30 minutes are generally recommended.
Infrared therapy offers many possible health benefits. It’s wise to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before starting to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
In summary, infrared therapy is a light therapy that can treat various health issues. Learning about it is a good first step. This overview should give you some useful insights to help you decide if it’s worth trying.