Infrared heating uses infrared lamps, commonly called heat lamps, to transmit infrared radiation to the body that is being heated.
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
All saunas have the same goal: to raise your core body temperature enough to jump-start its natural healing processes. Traditional saunas use steam, fire, or electric heaters to make the air in the sauna hot, which eventually heats up your body from the outside in. Infrared saunas tap into the science of light to help you sweat faster and more comfortably. Unlike the traditional methods, near infrared (NIR) light works with your body’s biology to create radiant heat—from the inside out. By using near infrared’s shorter wavelengths in a way that mimics natural sunlight, the light penetrates deeply to raise your core temperature faster. source
These treatments are cumulative, so don't expect results overnight. It takes time and multiple treatments to see results—especially with at-home devices that aren't typically quite as intense as medical-grade devices in dermatologist offices.
That said, even at-home treatments can still be very beneficial if you use the right device and are consistent. First and foremost, "look for a device that has a wavelength of somewhere between 600 and 900 nanometers,". And make sure it's easy to use, since this will help with consistency. source
The 1150 nm and greater wavelengths emitted comprise the thermal infrared that heats our tissues, because water absorbs most light wavelengths above 1150 nm.
Red light therapy is effective because wavelengths of red light have a positive effect on human cellular health, which may lead to benefits for your skin, muscles, and joints. Red light wavelengths are found in the 620 to 750 nanometer range, but for effective light therapy treatments, it’s ideal to use isolated red wavelengths in the mid-600 nanometer range. source
How Does Infrared Therapy Work?
Jessica - How to Make a Near Infrared Sauna Lamp for Detoxification and Relaxation (video)
Jessica - How to Build a Portable Infrared Sauna For Detoxification and Healing (video)
Device Beurer IL 35 with lamp Infrared PAR 38 (150 W) (mirror) - works mainly in the infrared wavelength range: IRA + IRB, the dominant wavelength is 1100nm. Update : Wearing > Philips PAR38E 230V/150W. As per their online manual :
Device Philips.InfraPhil with > Philips PAR38E 230V/150W also explained with charts. As per their online manual :
Device TDP Infrared Heating Lamp (215W). As per their online manual :
IR radiation is divided into IRA (760–1440 nm), IRB (1440–3000 nm) and IRC (3000 nm-1 mm). Of these, only the IRA fraction – 30% of the IR radiation that reaches the human body – penetrates deeply into the skin; and 65% of that portion reaches the dermis (Schroeder). Thus, IRA is well-positioned to exert effects on the dermis. source
Recharging Your Body From Within
At the core of your body’s healing capabilities are the mitochondria. The mitochondria play a vital role in your internal organs and tissue, including the liver, skin, heart, and muscles. It’s in charge of the body’s energy supply via ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
With both working together, they provide energy to our body and maintain the cell cycle and growth. This is why you’ll often hear the mitochondria referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell.”
Here's how the mitochondria is affected by red light:
Dr. Lawrence Wilson - Sauna Therapy
Photoimmunotherapy - Killing Cancer Cells with the Help of Infrared Light (ref)
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
All saunas have the same goal: to raise your core body temperature enough to jump-start its natural healing processes. Traditional saunas use steam, fire, or electric heaters to make the air in the sauna hot, which eventually heats up your body from the outside in. Infrared saunas tap into the science of light to help you sweat faster and more comfortably. Unlike the traditional methods, near infrared (NIR) light works with your body’s biology to create radiant heat—from the inside out. By using near infrared’s shorter wavelengths in a way that mimics natural sunlight, the light penetrates deeply to raise your core temperature faster. source
These treatments are cumulative, so don't expect results overnight. It takes time and multiple treatments to see results—especially with at-home devices that aren't typically quite as intense as medical-grade devices in dermatologist offices.
That said, even at-home treatments can still be very beneficial if you use the right device and are consistent. First and foremost, "look for a device that has a wavelength of somewhere between 600 and 900 nanometers,". And make sure it's easy to use, since this will help with consistency. source
The 1150 nm and greater wavelengths emitted comprise the thermal infrared that heats our tissues, because water absorbs most light wavelengths above 1150 nm.
Red light therapy is effective because wavelengths of red light have a positive effect on human cellular health, which may lead to benefits for your skin, muscles, and joints. Red light wavelengths are found in the 620 to 750 nanometer range, but for effective light therapy treatments, it’s ideal to use isolated red wavelengths in the mid-600 nanometer range. source
How Does Infrared Therapy Work?
Jessica - How to Make a Near Infrared Sauna Lamp for Detoxification and Relaxation (video)
Jessica - How to Build a Portable Infrared Sauna For Detoxification and Healing (video)
Device Beurer IL 35 with lamp Infrared PAR 38 (150 W) (mirror) - works mainly in the infrared wavelength range: IRA + IRB, the dominant wavelength is 1100nm. Update : Wearing > Philips PAR38E 230V/150W. As per their online manual :
Device Philips.InfraPhil with > Philips PAR38E 230V/150W also explained with charts. As per their online manual :
Device TDP Infrared Heating Lamp (215W). As per their online manual :
IR radiation is divided into IRA (760–1440 nm), IRB (1440–3000 nm) and IRC (3000 nm-1 mm). Of these, only the IRA fraction – 30% of the IR radiation that reaches the human body – penetrates deeply into the skin; and 65% of that portion reaches the dermis (Schroeder). Thus, IRA is well-positioned to exert effects on the dermis. source
Recharging Your Body From Within
At the core of your body’s healing capabilities are the mitochondria. The mitochondria play a vital role in your internal organs and tissue, including the liver, skin, heart, and muscles. It’s in charge of the body’s energy supply via ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
With both working together, they provide energy to our body and maintain the cell cycle and growth. This is why you’ll often hear the mitochondria referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell.”
Here's how the mitochondria is affected by red light:
- LED light wavelengths from 600-800nm(red) and between 810-850nm(infrared) penetrate through the skin into the cells via a red light therapy device.
- Light enters the cell's mitochondria, absorbed by chromophores which include EZ water and protein cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), resulting in stimulating activity.
- Subsequently, three molecules are affected: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Nitric Oxide (NO).
- Interestingly, our body weight is made of 70% water, with 99% of our bodies molecules also made of water, making it a powerful component in red light therapy treatment.
Dr. Lawrence Wilson - Sauna Therapy
Photoimmunotherapy - Killing Cancer Cells with the Help of Infrared Light (ref)