Far Infrared Heat Therapy - The Latest Innovation in Pain Relief, Blood Circulation, and Healing

The proven health and therapeutic benefits of Far Infrared Heat Therapy, or light therapy, while familiar to health professionals, are still a mystery to most consumers. A recent "explosion" of Far Infrared Heat Therapy products on the market has prompted many people to show interest in the benefits of using those products, but like most new technological applications, the majority are still skeptical as to whether or not these products actually work.

What is Infrared Heat?

Infrared is a band of light that we perceive as heat. While we cannot see infrared heat, we can feel its effects. Infrared radiation, or radiant heat, represents over half of the energy emitted by the Sun and is divided into three segments: near, middle, and far. Infrared rays heat our body by a process called conversion. Through conversion, far infrared heat can penetrate organic substances such as the human body without heating the air in between. You may notice a similar effect on partly cloudy days: when a cloud obscures the sun, you suddenly feel cooler, but the air temperature around you has not had time to be affected. The cloud blocked the sun's infrared rays from penetrating your body. By using far infrared heat as opposed to traditional heating methods, you enable the heat to penetrate deeper into your body without the skin discomfort of heating pads, hot towels, and some pain relief gels/creams. However, less discomfort is just one of many benefits of far infrared heat therapy.

What are the benefits of Far Infrared Heat Therapy?

The human body is composed of 90% water. Far infrared rays cause resonance in water molecules, activating them and ionizing them. Because of this effect, Far Infrared Heat Therapy offers a variety of proven health and beauty benefits.

Far Infrared Heat Therapy effectively helps to increase blood circulation without putting strain on your heart and increases the levels of oxygen and white blood cells in your blood. It also stimulates the production of collagen (a building block for human tissue) in your body and helps to rid your body of toxins by causing you to perspire. You get the benefit of a stronger immune system, better cardiovascular health, and a faster ability to heal from soft tissue injuries such as tears, pulls, and sprains. Believe it or not, Far Infrared Heat Therapy also serves as an effective way to help cure hangovers.

The penetrating heat of Far Infrared Heat Therapy can be used as a beauty treatment as well. It reduces the appearance of crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles. In addition to helping heal scars, wounds, and cuts, it also smoothes your skin's texture, lessens coarseness, and reduces pore size.

Far Infrared Heat Therapy penetrates deep into soft tissue, making it an ideal source of arthritis pain relief. Athletes and the elderly will benefit from an effective means of loosening sore muscles and stiff joints without the use of ointments or creams that can burn and have an unpleasant odor. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease can enjoy an easy to use form of pain relief. In addition to making you perspire and removing toxins from your body, Far Infrared Heat Therapy serves as a means of weight loss and cellulite reduction for those who cannot exercise due to health concerns or mobility issues.

How is Far Infrared Heat Therapy administered? Thanks to the demand for pain relief applications as well as the growing knowledge and popularity of Infrared Heat Therapy, a wide variety of products are available to help you enjoy the benefits of this technology. Ranging in price from as low as $80 to as high as $2,600, Far Infrared Heat Therapy technology is used in handheld devices, stationary systems, products with built in massagers, and even highly effective home saunas. The Light Relief® is an example of a handheld infrared therapy device. It uses either an AC adapter or batteries and can be held against your body with your hand or attached to your body using the long strap included with the product. It is a great solution for targeting pain in specific areas such as your joints, hands, and neck. The DPL - Deep Penetrating Light Therapy System is a device that consists of two large panels, mounted on a stand, that contain dozens of infrared LED lights. The DPL can sit on a table to apply the skin-related benefits of infrared therapy to your face, or the two panels can be removed and either held or strapped to the body. When removed from the stand, the two infrared panels are ideal for relieving pain, healing, and increasing circulation in larger parts of the body such as the lower back, the upper back, thighs, shoulders, and abs. Perhaps the most effective form of Far Infrared Heat Therapy, the Far Infrared Home Sauna offers many more benefits than any other device. Unlike traditional saunas that heat up to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the Far Infrared Home Sauna only reaches a maximum of 150 degrees. The infrared technology allows the heat to penetrate even deeper into your body while eliminating the discomfort of extremely high temperatures. The air is fresh and steam-free as opposed to being humid and stale, and this sauna uses a fraction of the energy a traditional one uses. Because the temperatures are low enough to not affect electronics, the Far Infrared Home Sauna includes a sound system with CD player and a reading light.

Will Far Infrared Heat Therapy Work For Me?

Far Infrared Heat Therapy has been shown to work on people of all backgrounds. The range of benefits from this effective form of heat therapy can be felt regardless of skin type, physical disabilities or limitations, and athletic condition. Simply use the available types of Far Infrared Heat Therapy for 15 - 30 minutes per day and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. For more information on the wide variety of infrared heat therapy products, click on the links below.

Infrared Blood Circulation Massager

Ultra Deep Kneading Massager with Infrared Technology

Far Infrared Home Sauna

Light Relief Therapy

DPL - Deep Penetrating Light Therapy System

Thermotex Infrared Heating Pad

Author: Richard Chandler

*Originally published October 17, 2007

Despite society’s focus on male hair loss as many as two-thirds of all women will experience thinning hair at some point in their lives, but numerous myths about what causes hair loss for women make it difficult to know what can help thinning hair and what can cause it.

#1 Hair loss is generally a male thing.

In truth, women worldwide can experience hair loss or thinning hair both as a result of natural reasons or illness.

#2 Hair loss is passed down through your father.

We blame our parents for many things, but both mom and dad can carry genes for hair loss. Hair loss caused by genetics is called “Androgenetic alopecia.”

#3 Menstruation is affected by hair loss in women.

Again, there are many unhappy things we can associate with menstruation, but hair loss doesn’t have an effect on it. The exception to this occurs if hair loss is a result of a health condition such as cancer, because menstruation can also be affected by the same illness.

#4 Frequent hair coloring, teasing, hair product use, hair washing, etc. causes or increases thinning hair.

This myth has been proven false through specific research which found normal shampooing, hair styling, etc. doesn’t damage hair follicles (thus doesn’t affect hair loss).

#5 Only older women suffer thinning hair or hair loss.

Younger generations will be surprised to learn hair loss typically begins in women anywhere between the ages of 12 and 40. Similar to men, age isn’t the determining factor behind hair loss.

#6 A single factor is the cause of hair loss in women.

While it would certainly be easier if there was only one, a single factor behind hair loss simply is not the case. Hair loss is often a result of a combination of factors.

#7 Extensive hormonal evaluation is required when women experience hair loss.

As you learned above, typical hair loss doesn’t affect menstruation, nor does it hinder pregnancy or endocrine function. You should, however, see a doctor about hormonal evaluation if you are experiencing hair loss in combination with any of the following: abnormal periods, infertility, hirsutism, cystic acne, virilization, or glactorrhea.

While recognizing myths vs. fact about hair loss in women makes you a more informed consumer, it isn’t changing the fact that you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss. Depending on where you are in the stages of hair loss, there are numerous hair care specialists (maybe even your personal stylist) who can offer you help and explain some of your options or your doctor may be able to recommend someone to you. There are numerous hair loss products on the market, but if the idea of walking into a “hair club for men” building has you about as excited as most guys are to have to buy tampons, consider a hair loss device which delivers the power and results of a commercial product but is designed for ease of use in the privacy of your own home, like the innovative iGrow hair restoration system. The revolutionary iGrow Laser Hair Rejuvenation System is one of the best-selling hair loss products on the market, and you can learn more about it here.

Valentine’s Day is upon us again (yes, only a week away), and while some complain it is a holiday created by greeting card companies most look at it as a day to express your love to your loved ones. If you drained all your gift ideas creativity at Christmas and are exhausted by simply the thought of having to think about another unique gift for Valentines Day gifts don’t worry -- we’ve put together some Valentines Day gift ideas to make your Valentines gift search easier (you can thank us later… and we like candy more than flowers).

Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Men. Certainly all men aren’t created equal when it comes to gift ideas for Valentines Day, and gift ideas for boyfriend and husbands are priority. A massage can be a romantic Valentines Day gift; especially if you’re the one giving it to him! Whether you get a massage table or simply lay a clean sheet on the bed, a few candles, soft music, and warm massage oils will make for a wonderfully memorable Valentine’s Day.

If your significant other rarely takes time to himself, giving him a new golf glove and a gift certificate to the local driving range or for a round of golf can be an incredibly thoughtful gift idea for Valentine’s Day.

Valentines Day Gifts for Her. Again, it is important to distinguish who “she” is; focus Valentines Day gift ideas on significant others first. With the variety of spa-at-home goods on the market, any busy girlfriend or tired mom will enjoy having some “me time” with spa quality products at home (these can include everything from microdermabrasion systems to pedicure kits). Want a Valentines Day gift you can both enjoy? Get her an affordable portable spa, or infrared sauna for the ultimate relaxation experiences.

If she has been wanting to try yoga or Pilates, buy her a trial membership at a local studio and present it to her with a new yoga mat.

Valentines Day Gift Ideas to Avoid. It doesn’t matter how much she has been complaining she needs to lose weight, she will not think you are being thoughtful if you give her weight loss chocolate (yes, it exists), a bathroom scale, or anything weight loss related! Likewise, avoid kitchen appliances (blenders aren’t romantic) and exercise equipment.

Similarly, gift ideas for him shouldn’t include the Boyfriend Arm Pillow or male enhancement supplements (or erection dysfunction devices). Even if he knows his snores could wake the neighbors, Valentines Day gifts for him probably shouldn’t include anything related to stopping snoring (though it might not be a bad idea to give yourself a Valentines gift of ear plugs).

While these gift ideas for Valentines Day should be avoided for your loved ones, sending a disliked ex any of these gifts could make for a hilarious Valentine’s Day for you (but do you really want to spend any more money on someone you don’t like?).

Whatever Valentines gift you decide to give, don’t make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to purchase it. With only a week left, there is still time to buy Valentines Day gifts (online take advantage of lowest prices, free shipping, additional free gifts, and rebates) and have them delivered on time. Shopping in person doesn’t allow you to wait until the last minute because you have to fight the crowds of people shopping for their own Valentines Day gifts for her (and him); if you even have the time to spend shopping in person. For other unique ideas for Valentines Day gifts click here.

Recently a company sent information about its “far infrared heat therapy products.” After reviewing the products and accompanying information it quickly became obvious the company either didn’t understand far infrared heat or they did and were blatantly misrepresenting their products as such – either way, while the products they were selling may have had some potentially healing benefits of their own accord they were not far infrared heat therapy products. Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more of this so we want to make sure consumers are as informed as possible regarding far infrared heat therapy and related infrared heat products.

What is far infrared heat?

Infrared energy (also called “IR” or radiant heat) is a form of energy that directly heats objects without having to heat the surrounding air. You’ve experienced this when a cloud covers the sun and you feel cooler even though the air temperature hasn’t had time to change yet; this is because the sun’s infrared rays directly penetrate and heat your body (when the sun goes behind a cloud the rays aren’t directly hitting your body and you feel cooler). Infrared radiation, or radiant heat, represents over half of the energy emitted by the sun and is divided into three segments: near, middle, and far.

It is important to note that far infrared heat (FIR) is NOT ultraviolet radiation. Far infrared heat therapy provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of the sun.

Benefits of far infrared heat.

The human body is composed of 90% water. Far infrared rays cause reverberation in water molecules, activating them and ionizing them. Because of this effect, Far Infrared Heat Therapy offers a variety of proven health and beauty benefits. Infrared energy travels 2-3" deep into the body, but you don’t have to worry about the skin discomforts associated with traditional heat sources such as heat pads, gels, or creams.

Infrared heat therapy increases blood circulation without putting stress on your heart, so it is a feasible healing option for people with cardiovascular problems. Heating your muscles with infrared heat increases your blood flow similar to blood flow during exercise which allows people with mobility problems (or others unable to exert themselves) to achieve effects not unlike those who perform cardio exercises with traditional cardio exercise machines or activity.

White blood cells in your blood and overall oxygen in your body are increased with use of far infrared heating. Far infrared heat also decreases joint stiffness, relieves muscle spasms, provides pain relief, decreases inflammation, promotes weight loss, and has been used in helping to treat cancer. Far Infrared Heat Therapy is recognized for ridding body of toxins by causing you to perspire, which leads to faster healing and a stronger immune system. Far infrared heat is even an effective way to help end hangovers.

Far infrared heat is used for beauty treatments because it reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, heals scars, smoothes the skin’s texture, reduces pore size, and more.

Would you benefit from far infrared heat therapy?

The benefits of far infrared heat are so vast whether you have a diagnosed health condition (temporary or chronic), want pain relief, desire the benefits of cardio exercise without exercising, or a beauty treatment you will enjoy the effects of infrared heat therapy. Among the benefits listed above far infrared therapy is also ideal for offering simple and convenient pain relief to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease. Far infrared heat therapy is perfect for everyone from athletes to the elderly.

While much of the current far infrared heat information focuses on far infrared saunas there are actually a variety of far infrared heat products allowing you to utilize the benefits of this heat therapy; infrared heating mats, infrared massagers, infrared seat warmers, FIR infrared heat pads, FIR infrared heated body wraps, and more. Click on the topics for more information on Far Infrared Heat Therapy (FIR), Infrared Heat Products, and to experience a Far Infrared Sauna.

Definition of Burns

A burn is defined as any destruction of skin or body tissue resulting from heat, chemicals, radiation, or electricity. The severity of a burn depends several factors:

• the amount of body surface area, also called BSA, that is injured
• the depth of destruction
• the location of the burn

What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

First-degree burns are the least severe. They affect only the outer layer of the skin. The person may experience tingling and hypersensitivity of the skin. There may be pain that is soothed by cooling measures. The wound may appear reddened, but turn white briefly when pressed. The area is dry, with little or no swelling.

Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. The wound may have a weeping surface.

Third-degree burns cause the deepest damage. The skin is affected. Subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue, muscle, or bone may also be damaged. The surface of the burn may be white and soft, or black, charred, and leathery. The burned area has no feeling when touched. Third-degree burns usually are not painful because the nerve endings in the skin have been destroyed. In the case of burns caused by electricity, there may be wounds at entry and exit sites.

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Normally, tiny one-way valves inside each vein keep blood from flowing backward. When valves are damaged or do not work properly, a vein may start to bulge and twist. This is called a varicose vein.

What is going on in the body?

After blood filled with oxygen is pumped through the body, veins bring oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Normally, one-way valves inside veins keep gravity from pulling the blood toward the feet. When valves are not normal or have been damaged, blood pools in the vein. The kinks, bulges, and lumps of varicose veins then occur. Varicose veins are most often noticed on the thigh or calf, where they are close enough to the skin to be seen. Varicose veins can, however, occur in other parts of the body.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Often, varicose veins close to the skin can be seen. They are often described as swollen, enlarged, snakelike, bluish veins that are most noticeable when standing. They are most commonly seen on the back of the calf or inside of the leg from the ankle to the groin. Other symptoms in the legs include:

• pain
• itching
• swelling
• fatigue
• heaviness
• aching
• burning
• throbbing
• cramping
• restlessness

Definition of Rosacea 

Rosacea is a chronic inflammation that occurs on the skin of the face. It usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50.

What is going on in the body?

Rosacea results in blushing, enlarged blood vessels in the surface of the skin, red pimple-like bumps, and the thickening of the skin's oil glands. It primarily occurs over the middle face, nose, and cheeks.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of rosacea commonly include the following:

• Inflamed, acne-like bumps are usually superficial but may be deep and painful. Some of the bumps may contain pus.
• The inner cheeks and the skin across the bridge of the nose have a red, flushed look. The redness may also extend to the lower forehead and the chin, as well as the entire cheek area.
• Oil glands in the skin on the nose thicken.
• The skin on the cheeks and nose are mildly swollen.
• Tiny blood vessels on the face are swollen.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. This disorder is common in people with fair skin, from Northern European ethnic backgrounds. A person with rosacea often has a history of reddened skin and acne, or pimples.