Warming Up to
FAR-INFRARED
by D.J. Fletcher
from
Alternative Medicine Magazine, January 2001 Issue
Popular in parts of Asia and Europe for more than a
decade, therapies and health care products based on
far-infrared technologies are making their way into
North America.
WHAT DO KNEE WRAPS, CAPS, QUILTS,
MATS, HAIR DRYERS, SOCKS AND SAUNAS HAVE IN COMMON?
If you say they warm you up, you're on the right track.
But if you know that all these objects and more are now
being designed to radiate far-infrared light--an
important energy force that promotes healing--you're
among a growing number of people who are onto new
techniques in energy medicine.
Perhaps one should
say old techniques but new technologies. After all, the
body's use of infrared rays is literally as old as our
species. Traditionally we've gotten our daily dose of
infrared from sunlight, which is composed of all the
energy wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum (see
Quick Definition). Today we're seeing new technologies
employing far-infrared energy in health care products
and in clinical protocols such as hyperthermic therapies
for detoxification and cancer treatment (see Alternative
Medicine issue 37, "Too Hot for Cancer").
Energy medicine is
very old, too--at least as old as the first Qigong
masters and other ancient practitioners of healing touch
therapies. These healers all had in common the ability
to emit energy through their hands, and so do many
modern day healers, such as Dolores Krieger, Ph.D.,
R.N., who began teaching healing touch techniques in the
U.S. in the 1970s. Contemporary researchers have now
proved that these forms of energy medicine use
wavelengths in the infrared range.
In a study at the
National Yang-Ming Medical College in Taipei, Taiwan,
published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in
1991, researchers measured the energy Qigong masters
emit from their palms. The researchers employed
electronic detection equipment but were also able to
detect infrared energy by a rise in air temperature near
the masters' palms. The study showed that emitted
infrared Qi, or Chi (pronounced "chee" and essentially
meaning energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has
positive effects on human fibroblasts, the cells that
rebuild connective tissue. The study also showed that
infrared Chi stimulated a significant increase in cell
growth, DNA synthesis and protein synthesis in cells.
In this
representation of the electromagnetic spectrum, we see
that infrared wavelengths are just below ("infra")
visible red light. The infrared (IR) portion is further
divided into three segments of wavelengths, which are
often measured in microns, or micrometers. (A micron is
equal to one millionth of a meter.) The near-IR segment
is 0.076 to 1.5 microns; middle-IR is 1.5 to 5.6
microns; and far-IR is 5.6 to 1,000 microns.
QUICK DEFINITION
The electromagnetic spectrum is the entire range
of radiant energies, measured as waves or
frequencies. Electromagnetic refers to the
ability to exist as both particle (matter) and
wave (energy). The spectrum is usually divided
into seven sections, from the longest to the
shortest wavelengths: radio, microwave,
infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray, and
gamma-ray radiation.
Researchers in Japan
have also performed studies of this infrared energy from
the human palm, which they call Kikoh. At the Niwa
Institute for Immunology in Tosashimizu, Japan,
researchers examined Kikoh as well as materials that
emit far-infrared radiation, including common granite
stone, tourmaline (a type of granite), ceramic disks and
hot spring water. In findings published in 1993 in the
International Journal of Biometeorology, they reported
that materials emitting far-infrared (FIR) energy appear
capable of potentiating functions of white blood cells.
These functions include increased immune defense
response in which white blood cells surround and ingest
small living things (such as bacteria) and cell wastes.
There's at least one startling connection between the
infrared Chi of healing hands and far-infrared products
like the knee wrap. In a situation in which you've
pulled a ligament or muscle, for instance, the knee wrap
can become the healing hands. Both employ the same
healing mechanism: They stimulate a degree of
inflammation--a positive sign that fibroblasts are doing
their job. Most people don't realize that inflammation
is necessary for a period of time to heal such injuries,
and they suppress this natural healing process by
overusing ice and ibuprofen. Instead, the FIR wrap helps
to trigger healing by radiating far-infrared energy
through its special ceramic-coated fibers and gently but
deeply warming the injury site.
But is this warming
effect different from that of a hot water bottle or
heating pad? Yes, the vibrational energy of far-infrared
light is unlike that of the heat energy we use, for
example, in cooking. Think of it as the difference
between leaning over a pot of boiling water and standing
outside in the sunlight. Steam from boiling water can
burn the skin but it doesn't heat internal organs.
Sunlight heats us in a profound way, however, because it
contains penetrating far-infrared rays as well as the
full range of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Everything in the
universe emits and absorbs certain wave energies. If we
look at a graphic representation of the electromagnetic
spectrum (see illustration), we see that infrared waves
are longer than those in the visible range, falling just
below ("infra") visible red light in the spectrum.
Although the wavelengths of far-infrared are too long
for our eyes to perceive, we experience the energy as
gentle radiant heat.
At the molecular
level, FIR exerts strong rotational and vibrational
effects that are either biologically benign or, in
certain processes, biologically beneficial. This healing
ability stands in contrast to the damaging effects of
short wavelengths, such as X-rays and gamma rays. The
molecular effects of FIR are actually measurable through
IR spectroscopy, a method of analyzing the emission and
absorption of infrared light that reveals changes in
atoms and molecules caused by IR energy. In health care,
these effects are being harnessed to promote healing.
Humans, like other
living organisms, have evolved to have a unique
absorption spectrum and to respond specifically to
particular electromagnetic wavelengths (EMWs). German
professor Fritz Hollwich, Ph.D., conducted a study in
the 1970s showing that individuals who sat under
cool-white fluorescent lighting had elevated levels of
the stress hormones ACTH and cortisol. There was no such
stress response in individuals who sat under
full-spectrum lights that simulated sunlight. (As a
result of studies like this, the fluorescent lights are
legally banned in German hospitals and medical
facilities.) Dr. Hollwich's study is one of many that
have shown that light has stimulatory and regulatory
effects on biological systems.
Leon M. Silverstone,
D.D.Sc., Ph.D., B.Ch.D., L.D.S., R.C.S., is a
contemporary expert on many of the effects of EMWs. Much
of his research, first in England and now in the U.S.,
has focused on developing non-invasive devices for
neuromodulation of disorders such as clinical tremor and
chronic pain. Dr. Silverstone explains that solar light
energy is transmitted to the brain by nerve endings in
the skin. "These energy impulses stimulate the
hypothalamus," he says, "And this has an important
controlling effect on the production of neurochemicals.
Given that neurochemicals regulate processes such as
blood pressure, immune response, sleep, mood, and so on,
there is little doubt that we exacerbate a wide range of
health problems by spending the greater part of our
lives indoors under inadequate lighting conditions."
Far-infrared light
penetrates beyond the skin level and is absorbed
efficiently by cells below, whereas visible light is
mostly bounced off the skin surface. Near-infrared is
mostly absorbed at the skin level and raises the skin
temperature. Far-infrared can penetrate up to 4
centimeters (about 1-1/2 inches), exciting the
vibrational energy of molecules and resonating with
cellular frequencies. We can't exactly perceive the deep
heating effects of FIR, though, because our body's
ability to sense heat is mainly at the skin level.
Nonetheless, the effects of FIR rays promote
bioprocesses such as increased metabolism and blood
circulation, and can raise core body temperature. NASA
certainly understood some of these effects when it
developed FIR materials for radiant heat during space
travel. Hospitals have also taken advantage of some of
these properties to keep newborn babies warm using FIR
materials around incubators.
Studies have been
done--predominantly in Asia and Europe over the past few
decades--to advance the understanding of FIR in
bioprocesses. A fundamental finding from classical
studies is that FIR appears to have "normalization
effects" on living organisms. In a recent study at the
Experimental Animal Research Laboratory at Meiji
University in Japan, researchers found that mice in a
group exposed to FIR had a significantly higher survival
rate than that of the control group.
Findings like these
don't surprise Fred Slingo, founder of 21st Century
Innovative Products and a pioneer U.S. importer of FIR
products and information. Slingo has spent a lot of time
talking to researchers, reading FIR studies and keeping
up with the many U.S. patents for FIR products being
applied for, especially by the Japanese. He says he and
his colleagues are constantly investigating new FIR
products.
WRAPS
FROM HEAD TO TOE--AND MORE
Wraps are just one of
many types of FIR health care products popularized over
the last decade in Asian countries. Of course, you might
not warm up to all the health claims until you fully
absorb the principles of FIR or try a self-care product
yourself. But as Dr. Silverstone explains, "The
mechanism of action is in some ways simple. It is
related to vasodilation, or increased blood flow and
local temperature. The penetrating infrared energy
brings nutrients and oxygen to the soft tissue region
being treated and at the same time stimulates the
removal of accumulated toxins. Also, far-infrared has an
ionizing effect. The many studies of the relationship
between negative ions and health have shown that these
effects are beneficial."
Far-infrared (FIR)
wraps can be used to promote localized healing in
different parts of the body. The wraps radiate
far-infrared energy through their special ceramic-coated
fibers, thereby gently but deeply warming the injury
site.
Some FIR products are
already available in North America, while the list used
in Asia is quite long. It includes waist protectors to
reduce stomachache, menstrual discomfort, chronic
intestinal inflammation, baby diarrhea and stomach cold
caused by kidney weakness; underwear to reduce
prostatitis, vaginitis, hives (urticaria), psoriasis and
jock itch; socks to get rid of foot aches, offensive
smell, sweaty feet and phlebitis; and caps to reduce
dandruff, high blood pressure, nervous exhaustion and
migraine. There are also "thermowear" FIR long johns and
vests filled with ceramic-reflective materials that, if
not yet proven therapeutic, will surely keep you warm.
But that's not all.
FIR brassieres have been invented to help eliminate
mastitis (inflammation of the breast) and to improve
lymph circulation and lactation. At the Osaka City
Perinatal Center in Japan, the vasodilating and warming
effects of far-infrared energy on the breast were
studied. The researchers reported their results in the
Annals of Physiological Anthropology in 1990, concluding
that "ceramics far-infrared radiation may be an
effective remedy for enhancing lactation."
In studies, the vasodilating and warming effects
of far-infrared brassieres have been found to help
eliminate mastitis and to improve lymph circulation
and lactation.
There are even
quick-cooking FIR ovens that replace microwave ovens and
are said to kill E. coli bacteria. Some years back,
there began experiments with different IR spectra used
to kill harmful microorganisms. This has translated into
several healthy household products--including FIR-coated
plates that kill bacteria, FIR-emitting paints and
wallpaper that kill molds, and FIR shower filters. "The
filters use FIR emissions combined with Paragon's
filtration technology to keep chlorine from forming
harmful vapors and also to prevent soap scum build-up on
shower walls," says Fred Slingo. "The shower filter is
actually a water treatment device that removes
undesirable substances and reduces the surface tension
of the water, which allows a complete rinse and has a
much less drying effect on the skin and hair."
Then there are the "bioenergetic"
FIR mattresses, mats and quilts, which have been said to
clear up insomnia, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, high
blood pressure, thrombus and arteriosclerotic occlusions
and more. In a study by Japanese researchers S. Inoue
and M. Kabaya, published in 1989 in the International
Journal of Biometeorology, questionnaires were sent to
542 users of bedclothes with embedded FIR radiator disks
(the ceramic disks that emit FIR in the 4 to 16 micron
range). The majority of respondents said they saw an
improvement in their health. The researchers concluded
that "these effects on living organisms appear to be
non-specifically triggered by an exposure to
far-infrared rays, which eventually induce an increase
in temperature of the body tissues or, more basically,
an elevated motility of body fluids due to decrease in
size of water clusters."
The upper torso FIR wrap covers the upper back,
shoulders and rotator cuffs, and promotes auxiliary
lymph circulation.
The ceramic powders,
coatings and disks used in FIR products and textiles are
made of natural minerals, such as silicates, that
transmit far-infrared wavelengths. The powders can be
fused into various polypropylene fabrics, and the
textiles are engineered so that the FIR effects are not
reduced by washing. There are also devices utilizing
ceramic-coated quartz lamps and heating wires that emit
FIR wavelengths.
Far-infrared shower filters combine the benefits
of water filtration technology with FIR emissions,
which have many added benefits--including the
prevention of mold and soap scum build-up on shower
walls.
Perhaps the most
popular handheld FIR device in the U.S. is the hair
dryer called the Solray 21 FIR Emitter. This device no
doubt became even more popular after its features
impressed Barbara Walters last March on her TV show,
"The View." The Solray 21 is being used for chronic pain
and skin conditions as well as healthy scalp
circulation. It also prevents hair damage from direct
heating, which causes split ends and the "frizzies." Dr.
Silverstone says, "The FIR hair dryer dries hair fibers
from the inside out. The deep penetration of FIR energy
has a positive effect on the scalp, producing an
increase in blood circulation. The hair ultimately
benefits from this vasodilation due to more efficient
removal of toxins and increased production of trace
elements, minerals and oxygen."
The "FIR" hair dryer promotes a healthy scalp and
prevents hair damage from direct heating. It's also
being used in localized treatment of other body
areas for conditions such as the chronic pain of
arthritis and difficult skin conditions.
The FIR hair dryer is
increasingly being used in localized treatment of other
body areas. John Porter, M.D., a specialist in physical
medicine and rehabilitation, and a partner in Phoenix
Rehabilitation of Phoenix, Arizona, says he has begun
exploring possible applications for the Solray 21 and
other FIR devices. "I've used several kinds of energetic
modalities successfully in the past," he says. "I'm
interested in far-infrared because it's important to
consider new solutions to the multi-dimensional
challenges we face in helping patients heal. The FIR
hair dryer appears to be a promising tool with minimal
side effects."
Dr. Porter has
recommended the Solray 21 to several people for adjunct
therapy at home. One is his brother, whose psoriasis, a
difficult skin condition, has evolved into painful
psoriatic arthritis. "Because my brother has apparently
been helped by the effects of this device," he says,
"I'm even more intrigued by the therapeutic
possibilities of FIR. But I caution people against
careless use, which would involve overuse to the point,
for example, of inflaming a joint, or use by persons
with serious neurovascular conditions. The safe approach
is to check with your doctor before beginning FIR
therapy. Then document your progress--say, over a course
of 90 days."
Another device for
localized treatment is a lamp on a stand. It's called
the TDP Far-Infrared Therapeutic Lamp, and it can
provide focused deep heating in therapeutic treatments
such as those to increase blood circulation and
metabolism. Clinical studies have shown some of the
following benefits
-
decreased
inflammation and edema from soft tissue injuries
-
relief of pain
including arthritis pain
-
promotion of
circulation and healing
-
healing of skin
disorders
-
balancing of the
nervous system.
For many, the biggest
news in FIR technology is its application in the
evolving science of detoxification, and the device being
used is the
far-infrared sauna. At home and in clinics,
these saunas are said to yield many benefits--including
relief from different kinds of pain; stimulation of
immune response; improvement in skin tone and conditions
such as burns, eczema and acne; and the accelerated
burning of calories. But the detox application is health
news that can benefit everyone.
"Traditional wisdom
has suggested that saunas work largely by promoting
detoxification through the sweat," says John C. Cline,
M.D., B.Sc., C.C.F.P., A.B.C.T., Medical Director of the
Cline Medical Centre and Oceanside Functional Medicine
Research Institute, located on Vancouver Island, British
Columbia, Canada. "Saunas also stimulate cells to
release toxins which can then be eliminated by the liver
and bowel. Several published studies have now shown that
this hyperthermic therapy can bring about the rapid
removal of a wide range of toxic substances from the
human body."
The FIR energy
emitted in these saunas may induce two or three times
the sweat volume of conventional saunas, yet they
operate at a much cooler air temperature range: about
110° to 130°F, compared with 180° to 235°F in a
conventional sauna. Many individuals who cannot tolerate
a conventional sauna, steam room or sweat lodge will
find FIR saunas pleasant. The lower heat range is also
safer for those with cardiovascular risk factors or
fragile health because lower temperatures don't
dramatically elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
Dr. Cline points out
that methods to induce sweating have been used for
centuries to bring about improved health and relief from
disease. "Over 2,000 years ago," he says, "the famous
Greek physician, Parmenides, stated 'give me a chance to
create fever, and I will cure any disease.' This
traditional wisdom has certainly stood the test of time.
Using methods ranging from hot mineral baths and sweat
lodges to saunas and steam baths, individuals have
enjoyed the revitalizing effects of induced
hyperthermia--the artificial elevation of body
temperature.
Scientists are taking a serious look at hyperthermic
therapy as a means to detoxify environmentally ill
individuals.
"Sweat therapy has
also been used for many years by miners in Europe to
prevent and treat occupational heavy metal poisoning,
and studies have now demonstrated that hyperthermic
therapy can bring about significant detoxification from
heavy metals including mercury. But only in recent years
has science begun to seriously examine this age-old
healing technique. Now, organizations such as the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency have taken a serious
look at hyperthermic therapy as a means to detoxify
individuals who are ill from exposure to environmental
poisons."
Randy Gomm of
an infrared institute based in Vancouver, became a
distributor of FIR saunas after his life was turned
around by detoxification. As a firefighter, his health
had begun to deteriorate until he was no longer able to
work. He was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and eventually
it was realized that the root of his problem was toxic
overload from occupational exposure. During the eight
years he was ill, he says, he had a lot of time to
research alternative modalities to regain his health. "I
discovered that leading researchers in fibromyalgia and
chronic fatigue syndrome stated that their patients had
high toxic loads," says Randy. "When their loads were
reduced, their symptoms often improved dramatically. It
worked for me. Detoxing really helped put me back on my
feet."
Environmental medical
specialist Doris J. Rapp, M.D., of Scottsdale, Arizona,
a well-known pediatrician, allergist, homeopath and past
president of the American Academy of Environmental
Medicine, states unequivocally, "Everybody in this
country needs to be detoxified because we've all become
'toxic dumpsites.'" Dr. Rapp began using a far-infrared
sauna personally after seeing a similar procedure being
employed in a German clinic. She was impressed with the
clinic's work in detoxifying young children and infants.
Dr. Rapp affirms that her FIR sauna causes her to
perspire profusely, and she adds, "I'm hoping to see
more patient outcome studies on FIR sauna use--studies
that will further evaluate the efficacy of this
treatment and impartially evaluate the various saunas."
Hyperthermic
detoxification using these saunas is not only uniquely
helpful in removing fat-stored toxins from the body but
also as an adjunct to mercury removal. Dr. Dietrich
Klinghardt, M.D., of Seattle, who has been called "the
holistic doctors' doctor and teacher," is one of the
pioneers in combining the use of FIR saunas with the
chelating agent DMPS in a heavy metal detox protocol.
Dr. Cline explains,
"Given that hyperthermic sauna therapy removes metal
contaminants from the body by a different mechanism than
chelation therapy mechanism than
chelation therapy we
have found that it may be used to further the benefits
derived from
chelation therapy. And we have also found
that it may be an alternative for those who are unable
to undergo chelation.
For more information please
read the complete article on
Far Infrared
Technology.
The
statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by
the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned
on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,
or prevent any disease. Information and statements made
are for education purposes and are not intended to
replace the advice of your family doctor.
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This means that depending on your international
location additional charges will apply even after
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