The Healing Glow: Unlock the Health Benefits of Red Light and Infrared Sauna Therapy
In the wellness community, red light and infrared sauna therapies are slowly increasing in popularity for their purported health benefits, which science is beginning to support with compelling evidence. This holistic approach allows people to experience the benefits of the radiant sun without exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.
Yoga, Fitness, and Wellness centers are also proactively adding these ancillary services. Red light and Infrared therapies can support muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, which also overlaps with anti-aging benefits.
So, What is the Science of Healing Light?
Red Light Therapy (RLT) and Infrared Sauna Therapy harness specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into tissues where it is absorbed. These wavelengths are long and have the lowest frequency. Once absorbed, an array of metabolic processes at a cellular level begins.
RLT generally utilizes light in the red to near-infrared range (630-680nm and 800-880nm), while infrared saunas emit light in the far-infrared spectrum (greater than 3000nm).
Infrared light therapy application is used to aid in the improvement of various health conditions, including muscle strain, neck and back pain, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
Muscle Recovery
Physical activity, especially at an intense level, can cause microscopic tears in our muscle fibers, leading to soreness and fatigue. Red light and infrared therapy may accelerate muscle recovery by:
Boosting Cellular Energy: Mitochondrial chromophores absorb photons, stimulating ATP production, which provides more energy for cellular repair processes.
Reducing Oxidative Stress: RLT has been shown to activate antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress and improving mental health.
Enhancing Tissue Repair: Infrared therapy may promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood cells). Also, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), hyaluronic acid, collagen protein, and elastin protein synthesis were also increased in human fibroblasts exposed to red or infrared light, aiding tissue repair and recovery.
Reducing Inflammation
We all suffer some form of inflammation, sometimes at a chronic level. Inflammation is our body's response to injury or infection, but it can contribute to chronic diseases if left unchecked. Fortunately, red light and infrared therapies may modulate the inflammatory response by:
Altering Cytokine Activity: These therapies increase anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Reducing Edema: RLT promotes lymphatic drainage and reduces swelling.
Improving Circulation
Better circulation is vital for delivering nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues. Here's how red light and infrared sauna therapies help:
Vasodilation: Infrared heat promotes blood vessel dilation, allowing for increased blood flow.
Reducing Blood Pressure: Studies show that consistent infrared sauna use lowers blood pressure and improves heart function.
Embracing the Glow
Whether you're an athlete looking to speed up recovery or someone seeking to alleviate chronic pain, both RLT and infrared sauna therapies offer a non-invasive option to enhance your health regime. As with any treatment, individual results may vary. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting.
Ready to begin your infrared experience?
