The therapeutic effect of infrared massage can be enjoyed lying in a specialized capsule bed or by using a hand-held infrared massage device. According to the online Global Healing Center, infrared rays are invisible waves of energy that penetrate deep into the inner tissues, muscles and bones of the body. Energy of these waves slightly elevates the surface temperature of your body. Other than the sought after benefit of soothing relaxation, massage combined with infrared heat therapy may offer many other healthful benefits.
Relax Tight Muscles
Mayo Clinic health experts state that massage is an effective form of therapy for stress relief and for relaxing stiff muscles. Infrared massage beds use heated jade stone rollers that massage from your neck down to the base of your spine, targeting and relaxing key muscle groups in your back. A second set of rollers that are unheated massage from your lower back down to your ankles to soothe and relax the muscles in your legs. With a hand-held massager, you can focus on any area of your body that feels tense using the device to knead and relax specific muscles.
Improve Circulation
According to a study published in the January 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American Society of Nephrology," use of infrared therapy may be an effective form of therapy to increase blood flow. The Mayo Clinic also lists improved circulation and blood flow as one of the possible benefits of massage therapy. Infrared massage combines both the heat from the rays and manipulation of the body, which may be beneficial for circulation issues.
Pain Relief
Ischemic pain, as defined in the medical dictionary, is the result of insufficient blood flow that can occur due to injury or after a surgical procedure. Increased blood flow, therefore, brings pain relief to muscles and injured soft tissues. "Arthritis Today" lists heat therapy as one of the most effective pain relief treatments for stiff joints and inflammation. The deep penetrating heat of infrared massage may help reduce the pain of arthritis, spasms and joint pain.
Other Possible Benefits
As with hands-on massage, infrared massage may have many healthful side effects. Management of depression and anxiety, improved blood pressure, enhanced immune system, relief from the painful side effects of cancer, healing of sports injuries are all on the list of possible benefits cited by the Mayo Clinic.
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