Explanation of Red and Infrared Light

Infrared light therapy is a scientifically proven light-based method to treat pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. Infrared light stimulates cell regeneration, unlike ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin. Certain wavelengths of infrared light are sent to the site of inflammation or injury, promoting cell healing. The main feature of infrared light is its ability to penetrate even the deep layers of the skin, providing better pain relief. In addition, infrared light is safe, natural, non-invasive and painless. Therefore, it can provide a wide range of health benefits. The natural, non-invasive and painless Infrared light therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser (LLLT) and photobiomodulation, is experienced by us as heat and is the invisible part of the sun's light spectrum.

What does infrared light do to your body?

Infrared light penetrates deep into your body (2-7 mm) and can reach your muscles, nerves, bones and inner layers of the skin. IR increases local blood circulation, which brings more healing and therapeutic nutrients to the area and promotes a purifying sweat. Research over the past decades has shown that this specific light frequency provides a powerful healing boost to your body at the cellular level.

What is the difference between IR-A, IR-B and IR-C light?

A wavelength range between 0.75 μm and 1000 μm is called the infrared spectrum, and is located just below red light. This light, often called thermal radiation, is invisible to the human eye. Everything warm, including the sun and even people, emits infrared light. IR is everywhere. The infrared spectrum is usually divided into 3 smaller sections:

  • IR-A - Near infrared (0.75-2.5 μm)
  • IR-B - Mid infrared (2.5-25μm)
  • IR-C - Far infrared (25-300 μm)

Each of these ranges affects matter differently and can have different effects on the human body. Below is an overview of these three IR energy bands.

Near infrared (IR-A, NIR)

Near-infrared light has a wavelength of 0.75-2.5μm and is the closest to visible light of all infrared radiation. Early on, researchers accidentally discovered that near-infrared energy accelerated wound healing in mice. More recent research has revealed a more specific understanding of the exact type of cells that respond to near-infrared light. This research suggests that “photobiomodulation” techniques such as NIR therapy may help improve mitochondrial function.

Mid-infrared (IR-B, MIR)

Mid-infrared light falls in the range of 2.5-25μm and has both warming and illuminating properties. MIR therapy has been investigated as a potential therapy against cancer and to support beneficial mitochondrial function. The MIR energy area seems to fall into a somewhat strange category because most IR research in health focuses on NIR or FIR.

Far infrared (IR-C, FIR)

Far infrared light falls in the 25-300 μm range and is the only IR range that transfers energy as pure heat. FIR radiation is well absorbed by the human body and can quickly cause a temperature increase. Medical applications of FIR light include accelerated wound healing by increasing blood flow, improved skin health by the same mechanism, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).

Use of infrared light therapy

The therapy can be used to treat problems such as:

  • Long-term and temporary discomfort
  • Migraine and persistent headache
  • Recurrent chronic wounds
  • Bedwetting in children
  • Joint problems and pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • PMS and menstrual pain
  • Certain skin conditions
  • Digestion and bowel movement problems
  • Rheumatic conditions
  • Bruises and broken bones
  • Scars, burnout and stress

Health benefits of infrared light therapy?

Because modern humans often spend a lot of time indoors and in front of the computer, many of us are deficient in various types of bioactive light, which our bodies need in sufficient quantities to promote optimal health. This can negatively affect our overall well-being. With this in mind, infrared light has been proven to have powerful effects on cellular health. Infrared lights help target the cells in your body and help them absorb more energy. The lamps can be focused on a specific part of the body for a certain period of time to relieve colds and tension and improve blood circulation. This process is considered a form of light therapy, which releases very little heat and does not burn or damage the skin.

  1. Cardiovascular health

Improved cardiovascular health is one of the most important health benefits of infrared light therapy. Nitric oxide is a crucial signaling molecule essential for blood vessel integrity, and infrared light promotes its production. This molecule helps relax the arteries and prevents blood from clotting and clotting in the blood vessels. In addition, it also fights free radicals to prevent oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure. Nitric oxide is essential for improving blood circulation, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues.

  1. Pain and inflammation

Pain and inflammation can be treated safely and effectively with infrared treatment. It can reach the muscles and bones by penetrating deep into the skin layers. Infrared light accelerates and stimulates the regeneration of injured tissues, reducing inflammation and pain. Infrared therapy promotes and improves circulation in the skin and other parts of the body, it can deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues. It helps relieve pain, relieves inflammation and protects against oxidative stress.

  1. Muscle injuries

Infrared light therapy improves the functioning of the mitochondria in the cells, which initiates the growth and recovery of new muscle cells and tissues. Infrared light can speed up the recovery process after a muscle injury.

  1. Detoxification

Infrared light therapy can be applied to the entire body via saunas. Detoxifications are important because they can strengthen the immune system. Detoxification helps biochemical processes function properly and improves food digestion. During therapy, the core temperature of the body increases, leading to detoxification at the cellular level.

  1. Strengthening immunity and possible cancer treatment

Infrared light therapy is a potentially viable cancer treatment. Studies show that nanoparticles are significantly activated when exposed to infrared radiation, making them highly toxic to surrounding cancer cells. It also helps strengthen immunity.

  1. Super Skin Solution

According to research, infrared light treatment can relax your skin and reduce wrinkles because it increases the production of collagen and elastin. Therefore, infrared light therapy is believed to be a safe and reliable way to promote skin renewal and anti-aging. Additionally, it can also heal or reduce acne scars, burns, and signs of UV sun damage. Reversing UV damage requires repair of cellular and DNA damage, which fortunately can be achieved with infrared light therapy. In addition, many doctors are beginning to recommend infrared light therapy to treat psoriasis, a skin condition and autoimmune disease that leads to rapid changes in skin cells. Although the process is not visible to the human eye, the result often leads to sore spots on the skin. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment yet, but light therapy is said to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, relieve pain and reduce skin ulcers.

  1. Wound healing

Infrared light is extremely beneficial for wound healing; This happens in several ways: Dead and damaged cells in the skin are cleared, ATP in the skin cells is increased, giving the cells more energy to repair themselves, the production of fibroblasts is increased, blood flow is increased, giving the wound extra oxygen and nutrients are provided to speed up the recovery process, the health of the extracellular matrix is ​​stimulated and the formation of new connective tissue and blood vessels on the surface of the wound is stimulated.

  1. Better cognitive performance

Infrared light therapy has been shown to improve brain function and support cognitive performance in young, healthy adults, by improving short-term memory and attention span. In addition, it has been shown to improve brain memory in older adults with significant memory deficits, making scientists hopeful about the potential of near-infrared light as a possible future treatment and preventive measure against Alzheimer's disease.

  1. Low risk

The use of infrared light therapy is considered a safe, efficient, painless and drug-free method for treating various diseases, including joint and muscle pain, inflammation, spinal injuries and sports injuries. Although this form of light therapy is suitable for most people, we do not recommend the use of infrared therapy if you are pregnant or have heart disease. Even if you have an underlying health condition, we recommend that you talk to your doctor about whether this option is right for you.

  1. Accessibility and affordability

Until recently, infrared therapy was limited to laboratories and doctor's offices, unfortunately limiting its accessibility for many. The good news is that with the advent of modern technology adapted for home use, more people can benefit from this form of light therapy. Your infrared lamp offers more convenience for people who cannot or do not want to travel and is also cheaper. Because these devices are designed for safe use without the help of a medical professional, you can simply plug them in at home and apply infrared light to the affected part of your body.