Infrared Sauna at D’Arcy Wellness
Infrared saunas mimic the same infrared wavelengths created by the sun but leave out the harmful, skin-damaging ultraviolet waves. When we enjoy the rejuvenating effects of the sun’s warmth on our skin, we are actually enjoying photons delivered at the speed of light from the sun. A photon is a minute energy packet of electromagnetic radiation generated from the Sun’s core. All living things have evolved to utilize photons, especially those in the infrared range, to stimulate growth, energize the body, and regulate many cellular processes.
Healing Properties of Infrared Photons:
Pain Relief: Infrared therapy is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. It penetrates deep into tissues, improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
Improved Circulation: Infrared light increases the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels, improve circulation, and deliver more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues.
Detoxification: Infrared saunas can help detoxify the body by promoting sweating, which helps eliminate toxins.
Immune System Boost: Infrared therapy can enhance the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and improving overall cellular function.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Infrared light reduces inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle strains.
These benefits make infrared therapy a valuable tool for promoting healing and overall well-being.
Mitochondria Activation: Red light and near-infrared wavelengths energize the mitochondria, which are the power plants of virtually every human cell (as well as animal, plant, and fungi cells). Well-functioning mitochondria create the energy needed to drive cellular function and all our biological processes.
Photobiomodulation: Light therapies, red light LEDs, low level lasers, and infrared saunas use light, all can be used to stimulate living things into healing themselves. These different wavelengths of light produce photons with proven healing, anti-aging, wound healing, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Modern Life and Infrared Deprivation: In the last 30 years humankind has produced the first-generation cut-off from, or at least, we are often starved of the regulation red and infrared light, as many of us live and work all day under artificial blue lighting, looking into blue-light devices for hours on end. This deprivation of the natural balanced wavelength of light leaves us much more vulnerable to dysregulation imbalance and disease.
Longevity and Health: Mitochondria are like cell engines, providing energy (ATP) for every part of our body. With age, these cellular engines can wear down, causing decreased ATP, increased oxidative stress, and impaired cellular energy metabolism. Infrared light helps by boosting mitochondria with energy, improving function, and creating more “engines” when necessary. This can counteract mitochondrial dysfunction, keeping cells healthy and helping slow aging. It also lowers low-grade inflammation, which stealthily impacts health and accelerates the aging process.
Ideally sitting under a tree in the sun, absorbing the rich red and infrared light, not absorbed by green plants reflected to us, to keep us healthy. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow this, consider a course of infrared sauna sessions for your health and longevity.
Conditions that benefit from Infrared Saunas:
Circadian disruption
Insomnia
Mood disorders
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Cognitive and memory issues
Stress and anxiety reduction
ADHD
Low energy
Slowing metabolism
Insulin resistance
Athletic recovery
Immune system enhancement
Chronic Lyme disease recovery
Heart disease
Heavy metal detoxification
Fibromyalgia
Lowering blood pressure
References:
https://www.the-well.com/editorial/healing-power-of-infrared-heat
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Infrared-Therapy-Health-Benefits-and-Risks.aspx
https://infraredlighttherapy.org/the-healing-power-of-infrared-light-therapy-a-comprehensive-guide/
A short history of phototherapy, vitamin D and skin disease - PubMed (nih.gov)
A Perspective on the Use of NB-UVB Phototherapy vs. PUVA Photochemotherapy (nih.gov)
Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation (nih.gov)
Blue lighting accelerates post-stress relaxation: Results of a preliminary study (nih.gov)
Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review (nih.gov)
Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications (nih.gov)