Light that heals
The application of infrared light therapy is growing. It is now commonly used for healing wounds, relieving pain due to arthritis and sprains and helping sinusitis. It is also beneficial in cases of nerve pain, bursitis, tennis elbow, inflammation, scars, varicose veins and osteoarthritis. It is now being tried on patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Sunlight vs. Infrared Light
The energy of the sun is beneficial, but too much of it can cause damage to your skin. Infrared light therapy, however, provides the benefits of natural sunlight without the potential damage cause by the sun's UV rays.
Therapy
Infrared light therapy provides heat that travels 2 to 3 inches below the skin's surface to a specific region, relieving pain and repairing the underlying tissues. The light helps relax the blood vessels and ensures better supply of blood to the specific area. It also increases oxygen and nutrients to the affected part that helps relieve pain and promote healing.
Generally, a part of the body is exposed to infrared light rays. This is done in a variety of ways. The mix of devices includes handheld and other devices such as infrared light wraps, full beds and light panels. Each device has specific applications. There are even infrared helmets.
Useful Applications
Infrared light therapy treats acne by killing bacteria in the skin pores and chronic pain due to arthritis by loosening muscles and decreasing inflammation.
The rays of infrared light relax nerve cells and cause the release of endorphins by stimulating glands. The release of these natural pain killers, endorphins, gives infrared light its effectiveness in treating many types of pain, including backaches, neck pains and sport injuries.
By increasing blood circulation and increasing nitric oxide, infrared light rays treat high blood pressure and wounds in diabetic patients.
Infrared sauna has been effective in relieving stress.
Acceptability
Infrared light therapy has been used by medical practitioners for the past 20 years. It is a simple and painless process. The effects of the treatment can be seen almost immediately and remain for some time after the treatment.
According to NASA studies, infrared light therapy is highly effective for pain. This approach is fast becoming common among medical doctors, veterinarians, physical therapists and massage therapists.
There is a plethora of equipment for infrared light treatment. Many, but not all, are FDA-approved devices.
Precautions
Avoid infrared light if your eyes are sensitive to photo-toxicity. Also, avoid it if you have any history of mania or if your skin is photo sensitive.
Medicines that cause photosensitivity may cause you some aversion to infrared light treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking.
The treatment is not advisable if you have an inherent enzyme disorder that affects the skin and the nervous system.
Tags: light therapy, infrared light, infrared light, Infrared light, infrared light