The Healing Power of Infrared Heat

Infrared heat lamps are neither a light source nor a decorative feature in my office. They are used to elevate the surface temperature of the body. This enhances body functioning on several levels. The basic concept is that the invisible waves of heat energy provided by infrared rays have the ability to permeate all layers of the body. They penetrate tissues, muscles and even bone.

Metabolism

Infrared light is an alternative to the negative effects of sun exposure. The immune system requires only subtle heating from infrared rays in order increase production of white blood cells and killer T-cells. These healing rays also boost the functioning of the cardiovascular system. However, it is the metabolism that seems to show the most dramatic changes. An hour of infrared therapy can burn up to 900 metabolic categories. Sweating induced from the heat is believed to assist in the excretion of pollutants from the body. Patients who smoke or suffer from high-cholesterol or diabetes benefit from lowered blood pressure, increased circulation, reduced blood sugars and weight loss. All of this is due to the fact that infrared sauna therapy improves blood vessel functioning.

Blood

Speaking of benefits to the blood, infrared therapy also oxygenates and regenerates by expanding capillaries. This leads to some deep detoxification.  Hidden toxins in the body’s tissues end up immobilized or dissolved. Heavy metals, poisons and carcinogenic material is released from the body.

Mental Health

Mental health may be the final frontier for medicine. While Western medicine has made great advances in terms of diagnoses and prescription medicine, it still fails to integrate mental health into all specialties. With the effect that stress alone has on so many ailments, it is a bit difficult to understand. Acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners always have your mental health in mind, with all techniques designed for its benefit, just as much as for all other aspects of your health. Aside from the physical and physiological benefits of infrared heat, the therapy is also believed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regular exposure to the infrared heat may be related to increased vitamin D production. This is beneficial in elevating and stabilizing the emotions, limbic and nervous systems.

While infrared heat has many health benefits, we only prescribe it with the utmost caution. It may or may not be an option for you, depending on your individual needs, which we will discuss when you make an appointment.