According to experts, infrared light therapy shows potential in alleviating chronic pain, improving mobility, and enhancing mental health.
As reported by National Geographic, infrared heat is gaining popularity as a common heating method for saunas and exercise classes in the United States, promising benefits ranging from easing chronic pain to reducing stress.
A woman sitting in an infrared sauna – using light to create heat instead of electric heaters or steam – in New York City (USA). (Source: National Geographic).
Unlike traditional heating systems that warm the air, infrared technology uses electromagnetic waves to directly heat objects, such as the body and the floor, creating a more “gentle” and penetrating warmth.
Brooke Alexandra, a Pilates instructor and owner of Reforming Foundations Pilates and Wellness in Michigan (USA), first tried infrared heating when she began using an infrared sauna to help manage her Lyme disease symptoms.
She noted: “I started doing gentle Pilates in the sauna and found that this method helped improve mobility and joint function.”
Since then, she has incorporated infrared heating into her Pilates classes, reporting that her students have seen improvements in sleep, energy, mental clarity, and focus, along with a reduction in joint pain.
Several studies indicate that infrared light can provide real health benefits when used appropriately. Here’s what you need to know about infrared light therapy:
What is Infrared Heat?
Infrared light has three wavelengths: far, medium, and near. Some infrared saunas feature all three wavelengths, but regardless of the type, infrared heaters emit electromagnetic waves that travel through the air and warm objects, including our bodies.
Near infrared light is often used for medical purposes such as wound healing and skin treatment. Far infrared is most commonly used in saunas and Pilates and yoga classes, penetrating the skin up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) – according to Pavan Tankha, Medical Director of the Comprehensive Pain Recovery Program at the Cleveland Clinic.
This deeper penetration suggests that far infrared light not only warms the body but can also affect immune cells and other structures deep within the body.
Current science shows that low-level infrared heat therapy – like that found in dry saunas or exercise classes – does not cause serious harm.
How is Infrared Light Used in Medicine and Research?
Infrared light is not just a health trend; it is also utilized in various medical applications, with increasing evidence supporting the health benefits of this therapy.
David Ozog, Chair of the Dermatology Department at Henry Ford Health, stated that several randomized controlled trials have shown that red and near-infrared light can promote hair growth and accelerate wound healing. Infrared heat also helps relax, recover muscles, and may even have some cardiovascular benefits.
The science behind this lies in how the body responds to heat. Robert Griffin, a professor at the Rockefeller University Cancer Institute of the University of Arkansas, explained that when any part of our body is heated, blood flow increases, delivering nutrients and oxygen. Immune function also improves as body temperature rises.
Infrared light is used in various medical applications. (Source: National Geographic),
“Research in thermal medicine shows that if you heat the entire body by one or two degrees, you can boost immune function, as it’s similar to inducing a fever,” he said.
Infrared heat also shows promise in treating mental health. A recent study found that infrared saunas significantly reduced symptoms of depression.
Ashley Mason, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, and author of the study, noted that depression is associated with higher body temperatures, and infrared saunas induce sweating, which helps the body cool down.
However, Tankha cautioned that it is still too early to make definitive claims about the benefits of infrared saunas in treating chronic pain. “Research and treatments show promise, but there is a lack of truly rigorous evidence,” he stated.
Should You Try Infrared Heat Therapy?
Infrared saunas and exercise classes utilizing heat therapy are generally safe for most people. However, it is advisable to consult a physician before starting any new treatment, especially if you are pregnant or prone to dehydration.
It is important to remember that results from scientific studies may vary in magnitude, as factors such as temperature and duration can change.
“It’s not entirely precise,” Griffin said, “so even if you go to an infrared sauna, you don’t know how much heat you are actually absorbing.”
