What Are Far-Infrared Rays?

Infrared wavelengths accounts for over half of the energy emitted by the sun. The remaining energy is emitted in the form of visible light.

The infrared light spectrum comprises wavelengths from 1 millimeter to the longest wavelength of visible light, from 5.6 microns to 14 microns wavelength. This range, also known as radiant heat, was discovered by the English astronomer Sir William Herschel in 1800. By putting a thermometer at various points in a prismatic spectrum, Herschel found that ordinary light transmits some heat but that the effect is even more marked beyond the red end of the spectrum (far-infrared).

Infrared heat is readily absorbed by many kinds of matter and is thus effective in warming the substances on which it falls. Because it is more penetrating than visible light, such warmth lends itself to many kinds of practical application, one of which is drying.

Far Infrared Heat (FIR) and Health
As for infrared’s outstanding effect on caloric consumption and weight control, we find that it burns from 600 to 1,500 calories in a 45-minute session. The infrared thermal system might then simulate the consumption of energy equal to that expended in a 4- to 6-mile run during only a single session. This would be invaluable for those who don’t exercise and those who can’t exercise yet want an effective weight control and fitness maintenance program.

Evidently, the flushing of toxins from the lymph areas and from the largest organ of elimination, the skin, are the source of many these health improvements. Toxemia has been targeted as the number-one reason so many of us are ill. With the elimination of these poisons from deep within the body, the organs can then do their job unhindered.

The list of health enhancements through the use of infrared therapy is impressive. It includes:

• Relief from all forms of arthritis
• Increase in the extensibility of collagen tissues
• Relief of muscle spasms and joint stiffness
• Increase in blood flow
• Weight control through burning of calories
• Hypertension
• Help with arteriosclerosis and coronary artery disease
• Increase in blood circulation
• Help with ear, nose and throat conditions
• Relief of skin conditions (including cellulite)
• Deep cleaning of skin and all-around beauty treatment
• Pain relief
• Removal of toxins and mineral waste
• Improvement in the immune system
• Reduction of stress and fatigue

Unlike environmental temperature conditions, or even visible light rays or close-infrared rays, FIR rays have the ability to penetrate deeply (up to 4.5 inches) and permeate thoroughly into the hypodermic layer of a person’s skin. Thus, it is possible to revitalize human cells and tissue by warming the body from the inside. Again, this warming is made possible by the heat energy transfer of the far-infrared deep penetrating heat.

Other effects of far-infrared rays are:
• Activates water molecules in our body
• Improves oxygen level in our body
• Warms and eliminates fats, chemicals and toxins from our blood, thus smoothing the flow of blood
• Eliminates other waste from the body
• Reduces the acidic level in our body
• Improves nervous system
• Improves perspiration system
• Prevents bacteria growth
• Softens hard water
• Relieves pain
• Eliminates bad odor
• Maintains warmth and better sleep
• Enhances and maintains freshness
• Purifies hair for beauty care
• Improves strength and health
• Speeds up repair of body cells
• Balances the acid level in our body
• Normalizes blood cholesterol
• Prevents mold
• Helps plants to grow better

Information reprinted courtesy of Therasage Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.