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FAR INFRARED
WHAT IS FAR INFRARED (FIR)
It is a specific wave length
of light from the sun. Among the rays coming from the sun, the FIR waves
are the safest and the most beneficial.
What exactly is radiant heat? No need to worry - it has nothing to do with
either ultraviolet radiation (which gives you a sunburn and damages your
skin) or atomic radiation (the kind from a nuclear bomb). Radiant heat is
simply a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process
called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Radiant heat
is also called infrared energy (IR). The infrared segment of the
electromagnetic spectrum is divided into three segments by wave length,
measured in microns or micrometers (a micron = 1/1,000,000 meter); .076-1.5
microns = near or close; 1.5-5.6 = middle or intermediate; 5.6-1000 = far
or long-wave infrared. The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum
occurs just below or “infra” to red light as the next lowest energy band of
light. This band of light is not visible to human eyes but can be seen by
special cameras that translate infrared into colors visible to our eyes. We
can, however, feel this type of light which we perceive as heat.
Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the
spectrum. Our atmosphere has a “window” in it that allows FIR rays in the
7-14 micron range to safely reach the earth’s surface. When warmed, the
earth radiates infrared rays in the 7-14 micron band with its peak output
at 10 microns.
The sun is the principal source of radiant energy that we experience daily.
Have you ever been outside on a partly cloudy spring day of about 50
degrees and felt quite comfortable until suddenly the sun was obscured by a
cloud? Although the air temperature had not had time to drop, you felt
chilled, as the cloud would not let the warming infrared rays through to
reach you. The infrared heat in the Hot House is just like the heat from
our sun or that which our own bodies produce as they burn fuel to keep us
warm. These rays are selectively absorbed by the tissues needing a boost in
their output. The internal production of infrared energy that normally
occurs within our tissues is associated with a variety of healing
resources. After boosting a tissue’s level to maximum, the remaining rays
pass onward harmlessly. This phenomenon is called “resonant absorption.”
WHAT DOES IT DO
• Elevates the
temperature of subcutaneous layers, thus expanding blood capillaries,
stimulating blood circulation, increasing metabolism between blood and
tissue, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing cramping.
• Penetrates 4-5 centimeters into the dermis (middle layer of skin) from
muscles into blood vessels, lymphatic glands and nerves.
• Affects every living cell and produces warmth. Through this cell tissue”
micro-friction” and the vibration of molecular resonance, chemicals within
cells are activated.
• The warming effect is helpful in eliminating such things as the waste
products generated by aging, heavy metals and toxic substances, which are
then secreted by the sweat and dermis-layer fat glands.
• Adjusts the autonomic nerve function and reduces the over-stimulation of
sensory nerves.
HOW THE PROCESS EVOLVES
• FIR waves reach into
the cell and create water molecule resonance
• The waves then produce atomic molecule resonance
• Energy conversion occurs through absorption
• It forms an effect on the heart
• It enters to the subcutaneous cell layer
• Temperature is elevated
• Capillary dilation takes place
• Extravasated blood and congested toxins are excreted
• Cells are activated
• Organ cells are repaired and protected
• The formation of enzymes is promoted
When FIR penetrates our bodies it can be converted into the appropriate
energy. This activates the self-regulating systems in our living tissue so
as to alleviate the bodily imbalance and lead to recovery. It is not only a
beneficial health therapy, but can also be a substitute for other
therapeutic modalities. Because of its heat penetration property, FIR
radiates to the meridian points of the body.
Treatments generally last 20 minutes to an hour, but it does not hurt to
use it longer. Initially, relief is only temporary, but with repeated
treatments the duration of relief becomes longer and eventually becomes
lasting.
Today, scientists and physicians are studying specific wavelengths of
light, such as Far Infrared, to understand their therapeutic effects on our
bodies. The human body is
nourished directly by the stimulation of sunlight or nourished indirectly
by eating foods, drinking fluids, or breathing air that has been vitalized
by the sun’s light energy.
If certain wavelengths are missing in the light we receive, the body cannot
fully absorb certain nutrients. The result is that, even with adequate
nutrition, the body is malnourished without exposure to sufficient light.
Sunlight increases the ability of the lungs to absorb more vital oxygen, as
well as the blood’s capacity to carry and deliver it. Oxygen deficiency has
been readily linked to a host of illnesses and discomforts ranging from
chronic fatigue to cancer.
When near infrared (NIR) waves heat organic substances the surface gets
hotter than the interior, and the interior gets heated by conduction from
the surface. By contrast, far infrared (FIR) penetrates deeply with a very
uniform warming effect. Recent studies show that not enough illumination contributes
to fatigue, depression, suppressed immune function, hair loss, skin damage.
Lack of a balanced spectrum of light contributed to loss of muscle tone and
strength.
FAR INFRARED DOME BENEFITS
• Far Infrared emits
photons
• Photons help release enzymes
• Enzymes stimulate macrophage activity increasing the elimination of
damaged and diseased tissues
• Nitric oxide is released which expands capillaries and increases
circulation
Infra-red photons produce enzymes that activate macrophages, which help eliminate
damaged and diseased tissue. Macrophages work on a cellular level.
Nitric oxide is released and expands capillaries. It also increases
circulation and carries toxins to the lymph system and out of the body.
Why is this Infrared system unique? It uses infrared radiant energy to
directly penetrate the body’s tissues to a depth of over 1-1/2". Its
energy output is tuned to correspond so closely to the body’s own radiant
energy that our bodies absorb close to 93% of the infrared waves that reach
our skin.
One of the reasons FIR has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is
the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins, which are often at the core of
many health problems. Numerous toxins are stored in our bodies. Toxic gases
may be encapsulated by clusters of water. Where these toxins are
accumulated, blood circulation is blocked and cellular energy is impaired.
When a 10 micron FIR wave is applied to these large water molecules, the
water begins to vibrate, which reduces the ion bonds of the atoms which are
holding together the molecules of water. As the breakdown of the water
molecules occurs, encapsulated gases and other toxic materials are
released.
RESEARCH
Dr. Tsu Tsair Oliver
Chi summarized the effect of infrared rays on the body in these words, “These
rays are selectively absorbed by tissues needing a boost in their output.
The internal production of infrared energy that normally occurs within our
tissues is associated with a variety of healing responses and may require a
boost to a maximal level to ensure the fullest healing response possible in
a tissue which is being repaired. After boosting a tissue’s level to its
maximum, the remaining rays pass onward harmlessly.”
Success reported with Infrared treatments by Japanese researchers in
Musculoskeletal cases:
TMJ Accel-Decel Injury Sequelae
Traumatic Arthritis Brain Contusion -accelerated healing
Low Back Pain relieved Muscle Spasms -reduced or eliminated
Disc Protrusion-related Neuralgia Brain Contusion -accelerated healing
Tight Shoulders -relaxed Muscle Tension -relaxed
Bursitis -eliminated Shoulder Pain -relieved or eliminated
Spinal Cord Shock -reversed Post-exercise Muscle Pain
Arthritis: Gouty, Rheumatoid - each substantially relieved or improved
“Medical practitioners make use of Infrared radiant heat to treat sprains,
bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis and muscle pain,”
according to McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology.
Summary from Therapeutic Heat and Cold, 4th Ed., ED Justus F. Lehmann M.D.
Generally it is accepted that heat produces the following desirable
therapeutic effects:
1. It increases the extensibility of collagen tissues.
• Tissues heated to 45 C exhibit an increase of length in tissues when
stretched.
• This effect would be especially valuable in working with ligaments, joint
capsules, tendons, fascia and synovium that have become scarred, thickened
or contracted.
• Such stretching at 45 C caused much less weakening in stretched tissues
than a similar stretching at normal temperatures.
• The experiments cited clearly showed that low-force stretching can
produce significant residual elongation when heat is applied together with
stretching or range-of-motion exercises, and is also safer than stretching
tissues at normal tissue temperatures.
• This safer stretching effect is crucial in properly training competitive
athletes so as to minimize their “down” time from injuries.
2. It decreases joint stiffness directly.
3. It relieves muscle spasms.
4. It produces pain relief.
5. It increases blood flow.
6. It assists in resolution of inflammatory infiltrates, edema and
exudates.
7. More recently, it has been used in cancer therapy.
Otto Warburg was
nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1944 for research concerning
photosynthesis in connection with the chemotherapeutics of cancer and the
use of x-rays.
His research has shown that infrared impacts cancer.
Dr. Masao Nakamura of the O & P Medical Clinic in Japan has reported
great success with the use of Infrared treatment for:
Whiplash Menopause Shoulder stiffness
Rheumatism Sciatica Arthritis
Insomnia Acne Ear diseases
Gastroenteric problems
Researchers reported over 90% success in a summary of Chinese studies that
assessed the effect of Infrared on:
Soft tissue injury Lumbar strain Sciatica
Eczema with infection Cholecystitis Pelvic infection
Tinea Neurodermatitis Diarrhea
Neurasthenia Pediatric pneumonia Menstrual pain
Periarthritis of the shoulder Post-surgical infections
Facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) Frostbite with inflammation
Far Infrared produces nitric oxide. (White cells use nitric oxide to defend
against tumors. Nitroglycerine and other related compounds act by releasing
nitric oxide.)
The scientific mechanism of FIR was strongly suggested in the 1998 Nobel
Prize in Medicine Award. Scientists Murad, Furchgott and Ignaro found that
nitric oxide gas, which is released into the blood from the hemoglobin,
turns on the immune system and allows healing to take place. Dr. Valentino
Fuster, a past president of the American Heart Association, called the
nitric oxide discovery “one of the most important discoveries in the
history of cardiovascular medicine because it promotes expansion of the
capillaries and allows the blood to get into the area to increase
circulation and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.”
It has been demonstrated by Dr. Lon R. Horwitz that a FIR energy modality
increases nitric acid in the blood and plasma of normal adult subjects. A
1999 publication by Dr. Horwitz strongly suggests that Far Infrared
produces nitric oxide gas, which aided in the recovery of the five patients
in a study, who could not get healing conventionally. They had various
diabetic problems and were not able to heal, but they received the nitric
oxide technology produced by the FIR, and healing took place for all of
them. Augmentation of Wound Healing Using Monochromatic Infrared Energy;
Advances in Wound Care; author’s unpublished research.
When you apply the FIR technology, you see the healing results from the
production of nitric oxide from the hemoglobin by the reaction of the
photons of the FIR on the enzymes, which produce the nitric oxide gas. The
immune cells get into the area and the circulation is increased. Pain is
reduced, and the area now has the immune cells necessary to get complete
healing.
The wide-ranging results of nitric oxide may pay off in new treatments for:
Atherosclerosis (a thickening of artery walls)
Septic shock (a dangerous drop in blood pressure)
Cancer
The Infrared protocol
was instituted after conventional management protocols were shown to be ineffective
in wound healing. The rate and quality of healing of these previously
refractory wounds, following use of FIR energy, may be related to local
increases in nitric oxide concentration. Increases in nitric oxide
previously have been demonstrated to correlate with vasodilatory and
anabolic responses.
Substances harmful to the human body are excreted through sweat and oil
glands, such as
carcinogenic heavy metals, toxic substances from food processing, lactic
acid, nonesterified fatty
acids, fat and subcutaneous fat which cause fatigue and aging, as well as
hypertension caused by sodium ions which trigger uric acid pain.
FIR HEAT IS FELT TO PRODUCE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS IN THE
FOLLOWING:
BRAIN
Short-term memory improved Accelerated repair in brain contusions
Cerebral hemorrhages - healing both speeds up and is significantly enhanced
COLLAGEN TISSUES
Ligaments Joint capsules Tendons
Fascia Synovium Increases range of motion
Scarred, thickened or contracted tissues
Increases extensibility of collagen tissues
BODY ACIDITY
Reduces acidity in the body (FIR causes fruit to ripen faster by reducing
acidity)
NERVES
Neuresthenia Adjusts autonomic nerve function
Reduces over-stimulation of sensory nerves
CELLS
Attracts calcium ions to the cellular level
Promotes adhesion and osmosis of water molecules across the cellular
membrane
Stimulates enzyme activity
JOINTS
Assists in reduction of swelling and inflammation by improving lymph flow
Decreases joint stiffness directly
PAIN RELIEF
Neuralgia Headache Pain during menstruation
May lead to increased endorphin production, which reduces pain
CONDITIONS AFFECTED BY CIRCULATION
Increases blood flow by promoting dilation of capillaries
Clogged capillary vessels Hypertension Arteriosclerosis
High blood pressure Low blood pressure Coronary artery disease
Arthritis Sciatica Backaches
Hemorrhoids Nervous tension Diabetes
Varicose veins Neuritis Bursitis
Rheumatism Strained muscles Fatigue
Stretch marks Menstrual cramps Upset stomach
Piles Poor peripheral circulation
CARDIOVASCULAR
Atherosclerosis (thickening of artery walls due to fatty deposits)
Septic shock (dangerous drop of blood pressure)
Due to the deep penetration over 1-1/2" into the skin of the infrared
rays generated by the FIR dome, there is a healing effect deep in the
muscular tissues and the internal organs. The body responds to this deep
healing affect as a hypothalamic-induced increase in both heart volume and
rate. Research by NASA in the early 1980's led to the conclusion that
infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to
maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during long
space flights. As the body works to cool itself, there is a substantial
increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate, and blood flow
rises.
INFLAMMATORY
INFILTRATES, EDEMA AND EXUDATES
Edema of the joints Inflammation of joints Tendinitis
Sprain Joint stiffness Peripheral Occlusive Disease
Gout
Speeds up healing - treatment with infrared has been so successful that
hospital stays were reported to have been reduced by 25%.
CANCER
Cancer therapy
Cancer of the tongue
Radiation sickness - relieves signs & symptoms
Cancer pain - relieved in later stages of cancer
FIR heat can penetrate through the body and kill cancerous cells
Cancerous cells cannot exist if blood circulation is smooth. Good
circulation in the capillaries leaves no room for a cancerous cell to
settle down. (A cancerous cell has to settle down so it can proliferate.)
FIR helps capillaries to expand, improving circulation. The cancer cell
also has a weakness: heat above 42 deg C can kill it. FIR heat can
penetrate through the body and kill cancerous cells. FIR treatment raises
body temperature. FIR therapy can alleviate pain and prolong life when
conventional cancer treatment fails. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
are considered detrimental to health - they are invasive treatments. FIR
therapy and immuno-therapy are regarded as non-invasive. FIR is extremely
beneficial.
DENTISTRY
Dr. John Tate,
DDS, says, “I have used the FIR dome with over fifty high risk surgical
cases without complication or dry sockets on 92% of the patients. The dome
is placed over the patient in my office a half hour before surgery and then
a half hour after surgery to promote an immune response. The patient then
takes the dome home and applies the technology at home for two hours a day
for the next three days. They get what we call complete healing. The
macrophages produce collagen necessary to stimulate the fibroblasts, and
the tissue of the fibroblasts then will stimulate the osteoblast, which is
bone. That is where the bone forms - and it starts in the first three days
- but it takes about six months for complete healing. The two main cells we
need in dentistry and in surgery around the bone area are the macrophages
and the neutrophils.” (which are activated by far infrared heat).
“The macrophage is called the “pac man” of the immune system. The
macrophage is a cell that engulfs and digests microorganisms. Everything
starts with the macrophage - “macro” meaning big and “phage” meaning eater.
So we have a big eater here. The tentacle on the macrophage grabs the
staphylococci and a bacillus rod, and that macrophage extends a pseudo paw to
get the bacteria that is now invading our blood!”
“I elected to use the FIR dome for these reasons:
1. Safety. The FIR produces a wave length that is identical to the body’s
own wave length by body heat, and that is at the 8-to-10-micron level, so
it is safe.
2. Penetration. FIR penetrates 1-1/2" so this is an advantage to the
dental surgeon who deals with bone as well as soft tissue.
3. Area covered. The unique ceramic construction of the FIR dome covers a
large area
of the body, with a large coverage in a short period of time. Since there
is a 160-degree angle, the penetration and the intensity of the dome
produces a strong effect.
4. One hour’s use of the FIR dome for five days would produce a large body
production
of nitric oxide gas. It will also increase circulation, reduce pain and
swelling and promote faster healing. That has been my observation with
about 50 patients now. They tell me, ‘Doc, I don’t need any more
antibiotics; I am healing; I feel good; I don’t have any swelling.’”
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Pelvic
infection Post-surgical infection
Toe-and-finger-nail fungus
Scleraderma (an autoimmune disease where collagen builds up and healing
cannot take place because the circulation can’t get to the area due to the
buildup of the collagen)
Infrared energy appears capable of potentiating functions of white blood
cells. More white blood cells means greater immune function and resistance
to disease and viruses.
There is an immune response facilitated by the photons of the FIR
technology that turns on the enzyme system, particularly the nitric oxide
synthase enzyme. It is well established medically that this is the
mechanism involved in the FIR technology.
PROBLEMS THAT OFTEN ACCOMPANY AGING
Menopause Cold hands & feet High blood pressure
Rheumatoid arthritis Radiation sickness Sequelae of strokes
Leg ulcers Rheumatism Insomnia
Benign prostatic hypertrophy Pain which affects ability to sleep
Pain from a metal joint implant Speeds healing of joint implants
Compression fracture pain
DISEASES OF ORGANS
Duodenal ulcers Hepatitis Gastritis
Cirrhosis of liver Hemorrhoids Asthma
Bronchitis
Crohn’s Disease Post-surgical adhesions
Cystitis Heartburn Nephritis
Gastric and duodenal ulcers Stomach ache Gastroenteric
Reduces density of uric acid Cholecystitis
EAR, NOSE, THROAT CONDITIONS
Sore throats Earache Nosebleeds
Tinea
Chronic middle-ear inflammation & infection
Tinitus - chronic, severe case cleared with 10 FIR treatments
RESPIRATORY
Chest colds Bronchitis Pneumonia
SKIN CONDITIONS
Clogged pores. Poor skin tone. Open wounds
Laceration Body odor Loosens dead outer skin
Eczema Psoriasis Aging skin
Chapping Chillblains Frostbite
Rashes Removes roughness Improves skin tone
Nettle rash Neurodermatitis
Leg & Decubitus ulcers improved when previously resistant to other care
Dandruff - due to increased blood flow through the scalp
Burns - Scars and pain from burns and wounds are decreased in severity and
extent. FIR therapy is used routinely in burn units throughout Asia.
Keloids - significantly softened and in some cases completely gone
Acne - FIR may open pores that have not been functioning in years
Sunburn - FIR radiations are the only antidote to excessive ultraviolet
radiation, according to Clayton’s Electrotherapy, Ninth Ed.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Arthritis
Accel-decel injury sequelae Brain contusion
Lumbago Relieves muscle spasms TMJ arthritis
Cramping Whiplash Lumbar strain
Muscle tension Spinal cord shock Post-exercise muscle pain
Bursitis Muscle spasms Knee injuries
Paralysis Sciatica Neuralgia
Abnormal nerve functions
Back, shoulder, neck and muscle pain
Facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)
Reduces muscle spasms as muscle fibers are heated
Great for warming up before exercise
SOFT TISSUE
Soft tissue injuries - promotes relief in chronic cases Accelerated healing
in newer injuries
Auto accident-related soft tissue injury Cellulite
Aids in regeneration of tissue
Reduces soreness through direct action on nerve endings in tissues and on
periphery
WEIGHT LOSS
Direct excretion of fat. Burns calories Increases metabolism
Weight loss can come through the energy use needed to produce sweating
Cellulite (a gel-like substance made up of fat, water and wastes, which are
trapped in pockets below the skin) A FIR dome will assist this condition,
as profuse sweating helps clear it from the body. FIR heat can be
significantly more effective than other heat methods, due to the heat
penetration being twice the depth into cellulite.
As a FIR dome is an unsurpassed expeller of toxins, it is also a great way
to get rid of any fat our bodies are using to dilute toxins we are storing.
Two of the highest caloric output forms of exercise are rowing and marathon
running. Peak output in these sports burns about 600 calories in 30
minutes. Infrared use may better this effect by burning some 900 calories
in a 30-minute session. Thus Infrared might stimulate the consumption of
energy equal to that expended in a 6.9 mile run during only a single
session.
The cleansing and purifying benefits attributed to the traditional sweat
lodges are now available for daily purification without the time-consuming
set-up process that a sweat lodge requires.
EXERCISE AND CONDITIONING EFFECT
An
infrared system can play a pivotal role in both weight control and
cardiovascular conditioning. The Infrared dome makes it possible for people
in wheelchairs, or those who are otherwise unable to exert themselves or
who won’t follow through on an exercise and conditioning program to achieve
a cardiovascular training effect. This also allows for more variety in any
ongoing training program. “Regular use may be as effective, as a means of
cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories, as regular exercise.”
For athletes, the FIR dome helps the oxygen-debt to be repaid more quickly.
The FIR dome is great for warming up before stretching or starting any
vigorous activity. Allow the FIR rays to pour right through your clothing
until you just begin to break a sweat. Now you are pre-warmed for
stretching, running, skiing in cold weather. This should help to prevent
injuries.
CASE STUDY
Rheumatoid arthritis in a 14-year-old Swedish girl who couldn’t walk
comfortably downstairs due to knee pain since she had been eight years old.
Her rheumatologist told her mother that she would be in a wheelchair within
two years. However, after three infrared treatments she began to become
more agile and subsequently took up folk dancing, without the aid of the
conventional approach in her recovery.
CAUTION
If you have a disease or are using any prescription drugs, be certain to
consult with a primary-care physician before use. Some authorities consider
its use inadvisable with systemic lupus, erythematosis, chronically hot and
swollen joints, enclosed infections, predisposition to hemorrhage, multiple
sclerosis, or during pregnancy. If you have a recent (acute) joint injury
it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury. If you have
metal pins, rods, artificial joints or other surgical or silicone implants,
consult your surgeon prior to using FIR. (Metal pins, rods, etc. generally
reflect infrared rays.) FIR use must be discontinued if you experience pain
near any implants. Heating of the low back area of women during the
menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow.
The data presented herein is offered for reference purposes only and to
stimulate further observation. No implication of Infrared to cure or treat
any disease is implied nor should it be inferred.
Warming Up to Far Infrared
References
Infrared’s
Effect on Dentistry and the Immune System, John L. Tate, DDS.
Far-Infrared - Technologies That Harness the Sun, Valerie H. Free,
Complimentary Healing.
Warming up to Far-Infrared, D.J. Fletcher, Alternative Medicine, Jan.
2001.
Infrared Thermal System, Dr. Aaron M.Flickstein, Thermal Life Infrared.
The Healing Rays of Far-Infrared, Hsin Ten Enterprises.
Augmentation of Wound Healing Using Monochromatic Infrared Energy, Lon
R.Horwitz, DPM, CWS; Thomas J. Burke, PhD; Dale Carnegie, DPM, Advances in
Wound Care, Jan./Feb.1999.
Medical Report, HotHouse FIR Health Builder.
Clayton’s Electrotherapy, Ninth Ed.
Therapeutic Heat and Cold, 4th Ed, ED, Justus F. Lehmann, M.D.
The Science of Far Infrared Therapies, Toshiko Yamazaki, M.D.
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