Since IR radiation only works to get molecules moving, any moderate dose of IR radiation will simply heat up any living tissue it touches upon. This happens because the skin tends to become loose due to the constant ultraviolet rays. In general, infrared light therapy side effects are at the minimal side. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The function of the heart is to pump blood to the rest…, The 12 cranial nerves are pairs of nerves that start in different parts of your brain. This radiation is identical to that from sunshine and produces similar warming effects. The infrared pad uses carbon fibers so that the heat can go deep into the human body. Proximity to the lamp or prolonged use (more than 10-15 minutes) can overheat the skin and cause it to become red, irritated, inflamed. Far Infrared (FIR) heat therapy is one of the primary modalities in our clinic. However, the infrared sauna, which uses electromagnetic radiation from infrared lamps to warm your body directly rather than heating the air, is gaining popularity. Infrared lamps emit infrared radiation, hence their name. It is important to always use infrared lamps and other similar products as specified in the instructions to avoid unnecessary side effects and fully enjoy the health benefits they provide. Proponents typically quote the Journal of the American Medical Association stating: "A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in an infrared room, consuming nearly 300 kcal, which is equivalent to running 2–3 miles. Depending on the brand and model, they may be small enough to grip with one hand or as large as 7 kg and over 1 meter in height, with a cord as long as 3 meters that allows for better access to a socket. Infrared and red light therapy are generally very safe treatments. The heat from an infrared sauna can cause potentially serious side effects for those battling infection or disease. Still, before you go out and buy an infrared therapy product, you should consult a qualified health practitioner first and not be s… Keep the lamp at the recommended distance from the skin to avoid burns. In fact, it's the exact opposite. 4) Cervical neck pain. Throat chakra problems can also lead to…, If you’d like to work with a provider with a whole-body approach, a holistic doctor may be an option. Now, a novel heating device captures the healingpower of the sun’s far infrared rays to provide safe, soothing relief from various types of pain and tension. Using them to treat various aches and pains caused by feeling cold, high humidity etc. 3.5This shows that the side effects will come about to improper usage of the infrared massage, improper massage techniques and improper intensity application of … “Infrared saunas heat your core body temperature and only heat to about 150°F (66°C),” says Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden, MD, FAAD, with Advanced Dermatology P.C. Negative side effects of using an infrared saunaÂ, What You Need to Know About Muscle Function Loss, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. The potential risks and side effects of using an infrared lamp include: 1) Eye injury may occur when we look at the infrared light directly so if we want to use the lamp on the face area for a couple of minutes, it might be best to close our eyes or wear something over them (a sleeping eye mask). Cook-Bolden says this type of heat penetrates deeper into the body and is thought to impact and heal deep tissue and also detox via sweating through your pores. Often times your doctor will want you to address constipation and diarrhea in order to stop your hemorrhoids without surgery or a procedure. It’s no different from taking in too much sun at once. > 1. They are the same lamps used in raising baby chickens, ducklings and other poultry incubated and hatched in an incubator, but also lizards, tortoises etc. Using an infrared lamp can provide the following benefits: 1) Improve blood circulation. This is not necessarily dangerous, but it may worsen dehydration or cause unpleasant reactions in overly-sensitive skin, potentially irritating it. 2) Muscle tension. Health Physics Journal 91(6):630-645; 2006. In certain studies, it was pointed out than infrared radiation may cause the same effects of that found in solar UV radiation. Large doses of infrared waves can also damage skin and tissues. Potential side effects RLT is a completely natural process. As soon as I would get inside and warm up well, the ache would decrease considerably. Are infrared heating panels a therapeutic appliance? Most lamps for therapeutic use range from 100 to 300 watts, but bigger models that can cover areas as large as the entire back can work their way up to 650 watts or more. Infrared therapy provides many benefits, with a painless approach and side effects being little to none. Learn about the causes and treatment. Heat therapy is most commonly used for rehabilitation purposes. It exposes you to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when your peripheral nerves malfunction because they’re damaged. These saunas heat the air around you and typically operate at a temperature of 180°F to 200°F (82.2°C to 93.3°C). IR was well … 5) Allergic reaction in particularly sensitive people. He adds that infrared rays actually boost the self-healing properties of the body, which helps provide speedy relief from pain. 2) Relax muscles. It helps in the relaxation of muscles. Before you heat up, take note of these potential side effects and risks. They control everything from your facial expression to…, The muscular system is made up of over 600 muscles, and each has a part to play in how our bodies function. What do you use an infrared lamp for? According to a 2018 systematic review, the negative signs and symptoms of sauna use include: One small 2013 study found that continuous sauna exposure, which consisted of 2 sauna sessions per week for 3 months — each lasting 15 minutes — demonstrated impairment of sperm count and motility. The heart is a muscular organ made up mostly of cardiac muscle, which is specific to the heart. A2A mid feb 2020 when the COVID-19 virus craze was running rampant. They can suggest alternative therapies for your…. Is Burning Candles Safe or Bad for Your Health. 6) Reduce stress. Relief from sore muscles reportedly tops the list. Improves Skin Health and Appearance: As our bodies absorb natural wavelengths of red and infrared light, the mitochondria in our cells can produce energy more efficiently. Known for easing sore muscles, improving sleep, and general relaxation, infrared saunas are a top choice for people looking for a cooler way to heat their bodies. What does an infrared lamp look like? Here are some tips to get you started. is known as infrared heating therapy. By improving blood circulation, the infrared radiation from the lamp allows for muscles to be well-nourished and repair themselves. 5) Stiff joints. These conditions can increase your risk of further health complications. Cook-Bolden says you should speak to your healthcare provider before encountering any form of intense heat exposure. Just as lying in the sun gives us a pleasant feeling of calm and serenity, so using an infrared lamp can relieve stress caused by various pains and aches and help us relax. Dr. Sharma says the dry heat generated in an infrared sauna can cause you to become overheated, and if used for a prolonged session, it can also cause dehydration and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infrared radiation damages the eyes and the skin and contributes to the greenhouse effect. Depending on its size, a lamp may cover as little as the back of the neck and head, one shoulder or the hands or as much as the entire back. You may have seen people who are exposed to sunlight for long hours have wrinkled skin. The increased blood flow to the affected area provides proteins, nutrients, and oxygen for better … I knew very little about infrared lamp heating therapy and did not expect much improvement, but after using it for only 10 minutes, I no longer had a stiff neck and regained most of my mobility. Unlike many man-made pharmaceuticals, negative ions have no negative side effects. This is a result of both the warming effects and improved blood circulation which relieve tension, allow muscles to relax and reduce joint stiffness, at the same time improving mobility. 3) Muscle contractions. Infrared radiation waves are the same as heat waves. The potential risks and side effects of using an infrared lamp include: 1) Eye injury may occur when we look at the infrared light directly so if we want to use the lamp on the face area for a couple of minutes, it might be best to close our eyes or wear something over them (a sleeping eye mask). A good sweat session is often associated with intense exercise like running, cycling, or strength training, but you can also warm things up while relaxing and rejuvenating in an infrared sauna. All rights reserved. I have a 100 watt infrared desk lamp that I keep about 40-60 cm away from the skin. “If you cannot tolerate the sauna or do not have an infrared sauna available where you live, you can also get similar — and even more — health benefits by doing cardiovascular and strength training workouts,” he adds. If you are using an infrared lamp at home, make sure it … Before you heat up, take note of these potential side effects and risks. The Sioux City Journal quotes Dr. Cliff Meylor, an established chiropractor, as saying that infrared therapy does not interfere with the normal functioning of nerves in the body. A heat-conditioned person can easily sweat off 600–800 kcal with no adverse effects. 7) Abdominal cramps (also period cramps and cramps caused by sudden exposure to cold). However, not all experts…. Some people find this therapy offers some relief when it comes to throat, nose and even ear infections such as otitis. 4) Burns or blistering. What I liked best was that aches and cramps disappeared completely after as little as one or two uses. Infrared heat lamp therapy Safety Hazards of Infrared. IR raises the internal temperature of the eye, virtually “baking” it. The reported benefits of using an infrared sauna, including better sleep and relaxation, are impressive. Heating cancer cells to temperatures above normal makes them easier to destroy using radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs. There is an increase in photoaging that leads to wrinkles and fine lines on … If you’re pregnant, young, an older adult, at risk of overheating or becoming dehydrated, or you have a chronic health condition, you may want to avoid using an infrared sauna. And it worked. The infrared heating pad is a medical therapy for low back pain. Side effects depend on what part of the body is treated and how high the temperature is raised. Last winter I had a resilient ache in my neck caused by feeling too cold. 6) Cold hands and feet. People with a history of skin cancer and systemic lupus erythematosus should also avoid this kind of treatment. Infrared light is a much narrower, isolated spectrum. 2) Sweating from the heat. The appeal of saunas in general is that they cause reactions similar to those elicited by moderate exercise, such as vigorous sweating and increased heart rate. Infrared saunas provide a relaxing experience that’s safe for most people. If you have been diagnosed with certain diseases including heart disease, hypertension, hypotension, hemophilia, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis, your disease may affect your body's abilities to cool itself. The infrared radiation can penetrate the human body into the dermis before absorption. Cook-Bolden says these conditions make people more prone to dehydration and overheating: While not an exhaustive list, the conditions listed in this section warrant avoiding infrared sauna use or getting clearance from a healthcare provider. According to the North American Sauna Society, the majority of saunas you see in homes and commercial settings use electric sauna heaters. Phototherapy requires special technical equipment and trained staff. It uses electric light technology instead of an electrical coil for heating. 3) Redness, irritation. In my experience, the effects are similar to sitting in the sun and feeling its warm rays penetrate the skin and warming you from the inside, muscles, bones, joints, cartilages and all. I found great relief in infrared heating therapy and continued to use the lamp for various cold-related aches and cramps with excellent results. No, infrared heating panels are designed to heat in the most efficient way possible. This is not necessarily dangerous, but it may worsen dehydration or cause unpleasant reactions in overly-sensitive skin, potentially irritating it. The common effects are: Pain relief. But does that translate into tangible health benefits? The most you might experience is mild headache, eye strain, irritability and insomnia. When applied by a trained practitioner, the device is very safe and and has no known negative side effects. Producers warn that it is possible for some people to experience a sort of allergic reaction to the infrared radiation heat which makes it even more important to limit use to recommended time, especially when using the lamp for the first time. The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye (such as diabetes) and the use of photosensitizing medications (i.e.lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics and certain antibiotics). Training in Onnetsu by Sacha Packer of The Balanced Canine. It uses visible towards the infrared end of the electromagnetic spectrum and occasionally uses infrared light too. Infrared heating lamps are electrical lamps that emit infrared radiation for the purpose of heating. Full spe… It exposes the skin to levels of light that are not harmful — unlike UV light coming from the sun. No, not really, especially if you meant bad or adverse site effects of using such a device. These lasers can be strong enough to burn a hole through metal and so could certainly damage flesh. Infrared heating therapy can help relieve some of the pain caused by various muscle, bone or joint problems. What is an infrared lamp and what does it do? Contact Us – Disclaimer Cookies Policy – Privacy Policy. Infrared lamps contain an infrared bulb that produces heat. Side effects of regional and whole-body hyperthermia. Red light therapy is considered to be a safe and well-tolerated therapy for the relief of symptoms of multiple conditions. Infrared Coagulation Therapy is good to use for minor cases of internal hemorrhoids that have not gone away with changes in diet, exercise, or the addition of fiber supplementation. 3.3Case on an adverse problem on Neck. Seventeen RA patients and 17 AS patients were studied. Every time I had to get out of the house, even for a very short time, my neck would start to ache more, despite being all covered up. Other uses. The thermal effect of infrared lamps has got many healing effects on our bodies. 3.4Here are some common side effects of infrared massage. What is infrared lamp heating therapy good for? 3) Help oxygenate tissue. Don't stare at the sun! Uses cover a variety of ailments and conditions such as: 1) Muscle aches and cramps. Here's what the science says about which candles are healthiest. The specific wavelengths have exclusively beneficial effects with no known side effects or harmful components – making red light therapy worry free with no SPF creams or protective clothing required. Last medically reviewed on February 26, 2020. Red Light Therapy and Inflammation Red light therapy treatments help supply the mitochondria in your cells with the light needed to make the ATP energy that powers your body. The same thing happens when you go for infrared heat therapy. 2) Sweating from the heat. It improves blood supply. [10] Red light therapy allows a person to supplement the sunlight they get from their environment with … Side effects and risks. Burning a candle releases chemicals, but can they pose a danger to your health? Infrared lamps may be used for fungal infections behind the ears caused by dampness and can help with symptoms, but are not a substitute for antifungal treatment. Infrared lamps are said to improve acne by helping clear skin of impurities (reducing blemishes, unclogging pores). Far infrared is also known for its mood enhancing capabilities. The improved blood circulation helps relieve tension and relax muscles. Dr. Janet Voke, Radiation effects on the eye, Part 1 – Infrared radiation effects on ocular tissue, Optometry Today, May 1999. Infrared therapy is a new and innovative light-based method to treat pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. When it comes to infrared lamps, make sure you limit use to 10-12 minutes and avoid looking directly into the light. 4) Pain relief. The therapeutic effects of heat include increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues; decreasing joint stiffness; reducing pain; relieving muscle spasms; reducing inflammation, edema, and aids in the post acute phase of healing; and increasing blood flow. With a 15-minute dry sauna maintained at 60 degrees centigrade, the deep-body temperature increases 0.8 to 1.2 degrees centigrade. Wintergreen oil (or oil of wintergreen) has a lot in common with the active ingredient in aspirin. There is no danger or harmful effects from coming in contact with FIR energy itself. Intenational Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The infrared radiation of the lamp reaches deep into the skin, warming up tissues and blood vessels and contributing to better oxygenation. The heat from infrared lamps manages to reach our blood vessels and dilate them, leading to better blood circulation. Generally, these lamps produce a red light, but they may also come in warm yellow to mimic sunshine. But careful temperature control is a must with any type of hyperthermia. All these effects in relieving almost any kind of joint and muscle pain. By its very nature, infrared radiation reaches deep into the skin, dilating blood vessels and improving circulation, thus warming us up. Prolonged IR exposure can lead cataracts, corneal ulcers, and retinal burns. In addition to allowing movement, muscles…, When your throat chakra is blocked or misaligned, you may have issues with creativity and communication. Because I couldn’t avoid the winter cold and my ache was becoming too much to deal with at times, I decided to get myself a small infrared heating lamp to heat the sore muscle in my neck and get some relief after a month of suffering. 3.2Case on minor discomfort. Support My Work Copyright © 2014-2021 NatureWord. How to use an infrared lamp. Infrared radiation (IR), sometimes known as infrared light, is a However, they are not a therapy method but simply may have positive side effects on your health by eliminating the negative effects of convection heaters. As a most commonly used in rehabilitation, the therapeutic effects of heat include increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues, decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms, reducing inflammation, edema, and aids in the postacute phase of healing, and increasing blood flow. Negative ions act as natural antidepressants by oxygenating the brain and regenerating the blood. And Now, the Unique Benefits of Infrared … Infrared radiation can increase the amount of soluble collagen and elastin in fibroblasts resulting in enhanced skin texture. If you’re a fan of dry heat, there’s a good chance you’ve spent time using a traditional sauna. Perhaps. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 8) Headaches caused by cold air or wind blowing in our face or on the head. While considered safe for most people, there are some risks associated with using an infrared sauna. Anti-aging effects, increased detoxification, pain reduction, joint and muscle support, and cardiovascular healing are currently where infrared saunas are gaining the most attention. While FDA-approved drugs provide some relief for joint discomfort, they are notwithout signifi cant side effects. Whether you’re using an infrared sauna at a health club, spa, or at home, it’s important to follow the general guidelines for safe use. Waon therapy improves vascular function in the entire body. If used correctly, it can be quite relaxing. However, if you’re on medications, have implanted medical devices, or have a medical condition — whether acute or chronic — you should be cautious. Muscle function loss, or paralysis, happens when your muscles don’t work or move normally. Consider your current health status and talk with your healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna. This increase of around 1.0 degree centigrade in the deep-body temperature is safe and free of adverse effects, and it shows therapeutic effects. This contributes to fewer muscle cramps, less tension and even pain relief. Eye damage The human eye is sensitive to all radiation, including infrared radiation. But just like anything else, with the pros come the cons. The technology has even been used by NASA. This is why it is very useful in muscular spasm cases. Here’s what you need to know before you dress down and get in for a quick session. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Dr. Ashish Sharma, a board-certified internal medicine physician and hospitalist at Yuma Regional Medical Center, also shared insight regarding negative side effects linked to sauna use. How does an infrared lamp work? This is due to FIR’s emissions of negative ions. Laser beams are composed of highly amplified electromagnetic radiation (visible light, microwaves, infrared and others). Also remember the lamp case and the bulb heat up considerably so avoid touching them when they get hot and allow them to cool down after use before you put the lamp away. These are also common effects of spending too much time roasting in the sun. 5) Faster healing. The only hazard in most cases is that prolonged exposure to a very high level of IR could result in a burn, just as could exposure to a hot stove or any other heat source. This pad uses infrared rays that work fine and have no side effects on the skin. They do not have the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun. If the risks outweigh the benefits, Sharma says, remember the benefits of saunas are mainly because of the physiological effects of sweating and increased heart rate, just like moderate exercise. Unlike using salon tanning beds, red light therapy does not utilize harmful ultraviolet (UV) light which can damage skin and cause cells to mutate. This is absorb… Lastly, the heat therapy may help alleviate period cramps and relieve headaches. Far Infrared Therapy Capturing the Therapeutic Benefits of Solar Energy. To study the effects of infrared (IR) Sauna, a form of total-body hyperthermia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients were treated for a 4-week period with a series of eight IR treatments. There are no known side effects of using infrared heat treatment for arthritis and other cases. The nutrients we absorb at the intestinal level are key elements for tissue repair. What is an infrared heating pad? My ache improved considerably so I used the lamp to warm up my feet when they were too cold and my knees when they hurt from too much humidity. Read up about what it’s used for, tips to find…, Prolotherapy is an alternative therapy that may help reduce pain and repair body tissues, for example, with osteoarthritis. This is a more severe side effect and can only occur if we intentionally keep using an infrared lamp after we start feeling the heat burning our skin.