Infrared heat therapy has been linked to a number of health benefits, most notably burning calories and lowering blood pressure. Although there are several benefits to using infrared heat therapy, there are risks associated with it as well. In fact, the high temperatures put individuals at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Function
Infrared heat therapy involves the use of infrared radiation for health benefits. Infrared heat can be absorbed by being outdoors since 80 percent of the sun's ray are infrared, says Creighton University Medical School's alternative medicine website, AltMed. Infrared heat therapy causes deep heating of body tissue as well as profuse sweating, both of which are believed to result in several health benefits.
Types
Most commonly, infrared heat therapy is administered through the use of infrared saunas. The individual sits inside the sauna for a period of time to absorb the infrared radiation being produced by infrared heat lamps. Infrared saunas may be distinguished according to the level of infrared energy they produce. Most emit near or middle infrared energy, while others emit far infrared energy, with far infrared being the strongest energy in the infrared range. These saunas provide a way for individuals to absorb infrared heat while avoiding harmful UV rays from the sun.
Benefits
Among the many health benefits linked to infrared heat therapy, one of the most popular is its ability to burn calories and remove toxins from the body. Dr. Mehmet Oz from The Oprah Winfrey Show explains that in addition to these benefits, infrared heat therapy may also help lower blood pressure. A study published in Clinical Rheumatology also showed that infrared heat therapy may have provide short-term relief from the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, evidence was reported in Canadian Family Physician which showed that infrared sauna use could potentially treat congestive heart failure, chronic pain and obesity and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Considerations
Many of the health benefits which have been linked to infrared heat therapy have not been supported by solid clinical evidence. For example, the study mentioned in Clinical Rheumatology showed positive results, but with a test group of merely 34 people. Similarly, the study in Canadian Family Physician found only fair, weak or moderate evidence to support the health benefits for infrared heat therapy.
Warning
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two potential dangers of using infrared heat therapy. If a person's skin becomes clammy, he stops sweating or feels tired or nauseous while exposed to the infrared radiation, therapy should be stopped immediately. Furthermore, certain individuals are considered to be unsuitable for infrared heat therapy, including those who are pregnant, nursing or under the age of five or have artificial joints or silicone implants. Those who have adrenal suppression, systemic lupus erythematous, or SLE, multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism or hemophilia should also avoid infrared heat therapy, according to the AltMed website.
References
- Creighton University Medical School AltMed: How It Works
- Oprah.com: High-Tech Ways to Extend Your Life
- SpringerLink: Infrared Sauna in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Canadian Family Physician: Far-Infrared Saunas for Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Creighton University Medical School AltMed: Sauna Precautions
