What is infrared therapy?

Infrared light is one of several innovative therapies that are being trialed for the management of patients with acute or chronic pain. The therapy uses certain wavelengths of light that are delivered to sites of the body that have injuries.

Unlike ultraviolet light - which has damaging effects upon the tissues and cells of the body - infrared light helps cells regenerate or repair themselves. Infrared light also improves the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body, promoting faster healing of deep tissues and relieving pain.

One of the characteristics of infrared light is its ability to penetrate below the skin layers, providing a much greater depth which is able to effectively provide pain relief. In fact, this invasive, natural, and painless method can provide a vast range of health benefits, without damaging the skin through UV radiation

Infrared light is the heat people feel when exposed to the sun. The skin naturally radiates infrared heat every day. Infrared light has shown immense health benefits, from pain relief to reducing inflammation.

Benefits

Unlike traditional treatments,infrared lights special heaters that directly penetrate into the body and the infrared energy augments the body’s healing mechanisms. This results in toxins and pollutants stored in fat cells being dissolved and washed away through natural body functions along with a variety of other benefits. minor joint pain, and stiffness

• Improve sleep (if associated with pain relief)

• Alleviates minor muscle and joint pain

• Increase tissue oxygen (due to increased circulation where applied)

• Increase blood circulation in areas where applied

• Promote relaxation by application of heat

• Promote restful sleep for those with occasional sleeplessness

• Reduce inflammation (where applied)

• Reduce stress and fatigue

• Relax the muscles

• Relieve minor muscle pain in areas where applied

• Soothe and relaxes

• Support the immune system

• Temporarily increase local circulation where applied

• Temporarily relieve joint pain associated with arthritis

• Temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness

• Temporarily relieve minor muscular back pain

• Temporarily relieve muscle spasms

• Temporarily relieve sprains and strains

Infrared light, like the ones used in infrared mats, can cause dramatic changes in body chemistry. In some instances, helping restore balance in some people who suffer from chronic problems related to pains, inflammation, low energy and poor circulation. These mats are comfortable even for people who struggle with pain or who have sensitive skin and stomachs when it comes to heat.

Let an infrared mat help improve capillary function, revitalize the circulatory system and activate cellular renewal. It also will help boost the body’s metabolic rate, assist in fighting illness and enhance the body’s ability regenerate cells. Desert Rose Essential Herbs offers infrared sauna treatments as part of her holistic approach to wellness, health and healing the body.

Far infrared is a form of electromagnetic radiation (light) with wavelengths between 3µm to 1,000 µm. All living things emit far infrared energy. If we were able to see it with the naked eye, everyone would be glowing like the photo b

Pre Session

• Hydrate with at least 8 oz. of water to prepare their body for an increase in core temp.

• Time frame of your appointment – Please arrive early in order to set yourself up comfortably. Appointments are set up back to back with a small amount of time in between to clean and prep for the next client.

What to Wear

• During the session you can wear a bathing suit or undergarment.

• Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for after your session.

Post Sweat Session

• You should drink at least 24 oz. of water or electrolyte to rehydrate.

• Dry off with and then allow your body to cool down naturally.

• Schedule your next session.

During Sweat Session

• You shouldn’t be surprised if you do not sweat during the first few sessions. Sweating will increase with regular use, removing toxins and leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

• Clean towels are provided for every client.

• Start session when mat reaches 100°F.

• Optimal experience occurs between 100° and 130°F.

• We will start slow with 15-30 minute sessions at 100°F every other day.

• Gradually increase towards 60 minute daily sessions in the optimal temperature range.

• Always remember you can discontinue the session and exit the room at any time.*

• Please do not eat or drink in the room.

• Please refrain from applying oils or lotions to your skin prior to entering the sauna.

How does infrared therapy work?

Infrared light penetrates to the inner layers of the skin at about 2 to 7 centimeters deep. Hence, it reaches the muscles, nerves and even the bones. Many studies have shown that a frequency of infrared light, with wavelengths from 700 to 1,000 nanometers, is best used for healing inflammatory conditions.

The use of electricity for healing purposes began in 2,750 BC when people used electric eels to give electric shocks. Electricity and magnetism were used in people with just little success. However, in 1975, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) was developed to treat chronic pain. It was not until recently that infrared therapy was developed to improve wound healing, reduce the pain caused by arthritis, boost endorphin levels, and bioactivate neuromodulators.

Infrared therapy technology allows people to harness the benefits of the sun, without being exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays. Also, infrared therapy is safe and effective, without adverse side effects. As a matter of fact, infrared light is safe and is used even for infants in the neonatal intensive care.

Infrared light is absorbed by the photoreceptors in cells. Once absorbed, the light energy kickstarts a series of metabolic events, triggering several natural processes of the body on a cellular level.

The key to the efficacy of infrared light therapy may be nitric oxide, a gas that is vital to the health of the body’s arteries. Nitric oxide is a potent cell signaling molecule that helps relax the arteries, battles free radicals to reduce oxidative stress, prevents platelet clumping in the vessels, and regulates the blood pressure. Hence, this molecule enhances blood circulation to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to damaged and injured tissues in the body.

The increase in the blood flow to the different parts of the body makes it possible for oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, enabling them to function properly and effectively. Hence, this therapy stimulates the regeneration and repair of injured tissues, reducing pain and inflammation.

Infrared light therapy is applied in the treatment of various health conditions, including back pain, arthritis, bursitis, blunt trauma, muscle strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain, diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), tendonitis, wounds, sciatica, and surgical incisions.

Contraindications

Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes

Individuals suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and the respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.

Medications

Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics such as amitryptiline may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heatstroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heatstroke.

Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “sweat out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore, he/she may not realize when the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by heat stress. The use of alcohol, drugs or medications prior to a sauna session may lead to unconsciousness.

Elderly

The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. If the elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

Children

The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone to Bleeding

The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.

Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated With Reduced Ability to Sweat or Perspire

Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors, and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Consult a physician.

Fever & Insensitivity to Heat

Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the mat until the fever subsides.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.

Menstruation

Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. This should not preclude sauna use.

Joint Injury

Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.

Implants

Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using.

The magneTPacemakers / Defibrillators

FIR used to assemble our equipment can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.

In the rare event that you experience pain or discomfort, immediately discontinue mat use.