From cryotherapy to inflatable compression boots, people will do just about everything they can to keep their body in optimal condition.
When you’re a professional athlete like six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, special far-infrared pajamas are not out of reach for you and every innovation is worth trying. But are Under Armour products actually effective? Under Armour’s bioceramic pajamas and bedding look just like regular pajamas and bedding, but the product uses far-infrared technology to promote overnight muscle recovery.
This article discusses the science behind far-infrared technology and its innovative role in healing the body.
What is full spectrum infrared sauna therapy?
Full spectrum infrared sauna therapy uses far-infrared radiation, a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Infrared is a ray of light that is invisible to humans but can still be felt. “Far” describes where the wavelength falls on the spectrum. The easiest way to master the concept of FIR therapy is to compare a conventional sauna to an FIR sauna.
Conventional saunas use heat to warm the air in enclosed spaces, which in turn warms your body. People like saunas because of the benefits of heat therapy, including reducing muscle pain and promoting relaxation.
On the other hand, FIR saunas use light instead of heat. These far-infrared waves directly heat your body without heating the surrounding air. FIR light can transfer energy purely in the form of heat and reach deeper layers of human tissues, which is why FIR is chosen for therapy.
Full spectrum infrared sauna therapy has the same advantages as heat therapy without any of the concerns. This is why companies can put it into everyday products such as pajamas, bed linens, and underwear.
How does far infrared therapy work?
FIR heating lamps, saunas, and select personal items directly shine far-infrared light onto your body and reach a depth of about 2 to 3 cm (about 1 inch) below the surface of the skin. Your body absorbs light, which triggers a series of physiological reactions.
Because a person’s body temperature tends to be higher than the temperature of the air in a room, research has shown that FIR radiation originates from your body. The interwoven bioceramic particles in the product work by releasing energy back into your body.
What are the benefits?
The putative benefits of FIR treatment are similar to conventional thermotherapy:
- Body relaxation
- Better sleep
- Improved blood flow
- Muscle recovery
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved range of motion
Other benefits may include:
- Body detoxification
- Weight loss
- Improved skin tone
Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, far-infrared saunas use light to warm your body directly. For most people, this reduces sweating.
What does science say?
Overall, research on FIR treatment seems promising, but there is still a long way to go.
There is evidence that FIR can have an impact on weight loss. A study reported that anthropometric measurements decreased after wearing bioceramic clothing. However, numerous reviews of FIR studies have cited the same research as the only weight-loss trial, so this concept still needs more analysis.
However, there are many studies that prove FIR is effective in pain relief and overall health maintenance. Infrared sauna reviews of 10 people found that using infrared saunas as part of a holistic treatment plan can help people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Infrared saunas can temporarily reduce joint pain and improve range of motion for people with arthritis. FIR can also help people maintain bone health.
FIR may have protective effects for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
And, because it’s worth noting, one study found that FIR treatment can significantly improve allergy symptoms.
Should you try it?
Many gyms and fitness clubs offer FIR saunas for members so, if you are interested, please consult their member services.
