Far-infrared radiation (FIR) is gaining increasing importance in medical and therapeutic practice. A study* published in the National Library of Medicine in 2012 highlights the effectiveness of FIR and shows why this form of therapy can be superior to conventional heat treatments.
This blog post summarizes the key findings of this study, describes the benefits of FIR, its effects on the body, potential side effects, and technologies that can enhance the effects of FIR.
Published on September 11, 2024
To understand the function of far infrared in the therapeutic field, we will first examine the function and effect of infrared in general.
The Infrared radiation (IR radiation) is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and is located in the wavelength range between 780 nm* â 1 mm***. Infrared rays are invisible to the human eye and lie on the electromagnetic spectrum scale between visible light (violet: 380 nm â red: 780 nm) and microwaves (1 mm â 30 cm****). The infrared wavelength spectrum, in turn, is divided into 3 ranges:
Infrared is used in a variety of fields due to its versatility. Examples include space heating, chemistry, art history, astronomy, electronics and computer technology, national security, and, of course, medicine and therapy.
* nm = nanometer, **”m = micrometer, *** mm = millimeter, **** cm = centimeter
Unlike UV radiation (100 nm â 400 nm), far-infrared rays are not harmful to the human body; rather, they actually have health-promoting effects. The sun is the strongest natural source of infrared radiation. As far back as ancient times, its «thermal radiation» was used to accelerate wound healing, cure illnesses, and boost performance. Today, pure infrared rays can be generated artificially, and due to their safe nature and beneficial effects, they are used in fields such as medicine and the wellness industry, among others.
When infrared rays strike tissue, they cause molecules to vibrate. This generates heat, resulting in a rise in temperature in the irradiated area. The effects of infrared radiation vary depending on its wavelength, energy, and penetration depth. Water, hemoglobin, and melanin have a major influence on the penetration depth of the rays. As a general rule for infrared radiation, the shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy, and consequently, the greater the penetration depth. This is in stark contrast to conventional heat, where the air around the body is warmed and heat transfer only heats the outermost layer of skin. Due to the significant loss of energy at the skinâs surface, no significant deep penetration can be achieved.
What makes far-infrared (IR-C) so valuable in the therapeutic field is the factâwhich makes it relatively safe to useâthat the rays are largely absorbed by the upper layer of skin, the epidermis, yet still penetrate the body to a small extent. Through this indirect heat transfer in the tissue, the increase in temperature reaches deeper regions of the body without causing tissue damage. Because of the invisible wavelength, it is recommended to always wear protective eyewear during far-infrared treatments.
Infrared rays in the IR-B and IR-A ranges, on the other hand, have more energy and penetrate deeper into the tissue. IR-A rays (NIR), in particular, are able to penetrate water, melanin, and hemoglobin effectively and reach up to 5 mm beneath the skin. Therefore, they are well-suited for treatment with low-level lasers (LLL) as well as High-Power Lasers (HPL). Various scientific studies have demonstrated positive effects on performance, recovery, wound healing, and skin health. Particularly noteworthy are the improvement in metabolism and blood circulation, as well as the increased production of collagen by fibroblasts and the increase in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the mitochondria.
Due to the higher power (mWâW) and pulse frequency at which lasers operate, their therapeutic use requires professional application and monitoring by qualified personnel, as their deep penetrating power can lead to injuries (such as burns, eye damage, etc.) if used incorrectly.
A key advantage of pure infrared rays compared to sunlight is that the infrared spectrum contains only the positive effects of sunlight and poses very few risks. While sunlight offers many health benefits, it can also be harmful, particularly due to its UV content. Sunlight contains approximately 10 % UV light, 40 % visible light, and 50 % infrared light. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can lead to skin cancer and other skin damage. Infrared rays (in the IR-B and IR-C ranges: 1500 nm to 1 mm), on the other hand, are free of UV radiation and therefore non-carcinogenic. This makes infraredâand especially the long-wave infrared range (FIR/IR-C)âa safe and effective method of radiation that provides soothing warmth and health benefits without the risks associated with UV radiation.
Deep heat from infrared rays dilates blood vessels, thereby promoting local blood circulation. The benefits include:
As we have just learned, the long-wavelength (FIR) region of the infrared spectrum has a shallowâand therefore safeâpenetration depth. And yet, FIR heat penetrates deep into the body. The advantage: FIR heat works without damaging tissue or burning the skin, which can occur with IR-A and IR-B radiation. This property is one of the reasons far-infrared (FIR) is used in so many ways in the health and wellness sector.
Due to the deep-penetrating properties of FIR, infrared radiation has several positive and therapeutic effects on the human body:
Treatment with far-infrared rays offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable complementary therapy for many physical problems:
FIR therapy is generally considered safe and low in side effects. However, incorrect use can lead to mild skin irritation or a feeling of overheating. It is therefore important to apply the therapy according to the manufacturer's or therapist's instructions, thereby preventing any risks. If such symptoms occur, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
Individuals who are susceptible to thermal stress (e.g., due to cardiovascular disease, heat stroke, etc.) should consult a doctor before undergoing far-infrared treatment.
Far-infrared (FIR) represents an effective and versatile form of therapy that surpasses normal heat treatments through its long-lasting and deep-penetrating warmth. The benefits of FIR range from improved blood circulation and pain relief to detoxification and stress reduction.
Originally, infrared applications using infrared lamps could only be used locally. Thanks to the development of high-power LEDs that can be installed over large areas, devices for whole-body irradiation are now also available. With the support of these modern technologies, FIR can be easily applied for therapeutic purposes. Depending on the treatment goal, there are various methods for applying infrared heat:
* Note:
The information on FIR is based on the study «Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications» by Fatma Vatansever and Michael R. Hamblin. The full study can be read here:
Here are a few examples of far-infrared applications for the health and wellness sector from the MTR Equipments range:
The triple-detox technology of the MLX i3 DOME is a multi-award-winning detoxification concept from Gharieni. This innovative treatment offers three highly effective detox methods in a single session. While the special Gharieni FIR technology uses long-wave infrared rays to stimulate sweating and thus metabolism beneath the thermal dome, the optional plasma and light therapy (PLT) hood ensures visible skin rejuvenation, improves the respiratory system, calms the nervous system, and supports the body with many other issues.
This whole-body chamber with multi-biohacking properties by Art of Cryo combines negative ion therapy with photobiomodulation, far-infrared, as well as auditory and aromatic wellness in 8-minute sessions to enhance mental and physical regeneration. The effect is maximized when this multi-biohacking system is combined in the MCS with a cryotherapy chamber session or a session in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
This exceptional PEMF device uses electromagnetic fields to actively improve cell function and promote healing and regeneration. The full-body applicator contains an additional layer of carbon fiber fabric that emits a perfect and evenly distributed FIR wavelength spectrum to generate resonant absorption. iMRES PRIME is the only PEMF system in the world that simultaneously applies PEMF and FIR, which potentiates the health-promoting effects of electromagnetic oscillations within the biological window.
Incrediwear is based on a fabric technology with embedded nanoparticles of the natural semiconductor elements germanium and carbon. When these semiconductor elements are activated by body heat, negative ions and an optical wave in the mid and far infrared range are released. Blood circulation is improved, metabolism in the inflamed area is increased, and swelling is thus reduced.
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