5 Surprising Health Benefits of Infrared Heating

Infrared heating has lots of benefits. The fact that it’s cheaper to run than conventional heating is what attracts many.

But did you know, there are plenty of health benefits to infrared heat?

As a result, many therapeutic treatments incorporate infrared light and/or heat. These include physiotherapists and even cancer therapies.

Many spas and gyms are starting to include infrared treatments, including infrared saunas.

What is Infrared Heat?

Infrared heat ist the same type of heat you get from the sun. It transfers heats objects, surfaces, and people, without heating the air between.

That’s why you still feel the sun’s warmth, even if the air is cool.

We humans also emit radiant heat so it’s perfectly safe.

Health Benefits of Infrared Heating

1. A Stronger Immune System

An infrared heater generates warm wavelengths that our bodies absorb naturally. This extra heat helps our capillaries expand which increases oxygenation and regeneration of red blood. Both of which are extremely important for detoxifying our major organs.

Diverging slightly, claims have been made that infrared may benefit cancer patients. Concentrated infrared heat is currently being used in certain cancer treatments in Europe, including Germany, Holland and Austria.

Your immune system is your body’s frontline defence. When exposed to FIR, your core temperature rises slightly—much like when you’re fighting off a cold. This process, known as passive hyperthermia, has been shown to trigger the production of white blood cells and support detoxification.

Research published in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy found thermal therapy helped increase immune response in patients by gently raising body temperature.
In parts of Europe, FIR is already used alongside conventional treatments to help support immune activity.

See the NIH article on how hyperthermia supports immune function

2. Better Heart Health

Research by NASA has shown that (far) infrared heat on the cardiovascular system promoted healthy hearts in astronauts while in outer space. And if it’s good enough for NASA then it’s good enough for me.

The Mayo Clinic and Journal of the American College of Cardiology also found that intensive use of far infrared heating (via an infrared sauna) significantly improved blood vessel functionality in patients suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol and who smoked.

3. Improved Blood Circulation

Infrared heat dilates capillaries in the body, which greatly improves blood circulation. This means blood supply to muscles is increased when exposed to infrared heat. The improved circulation helps to improve wounds and muscle pain.

A 2015 study showed that FIR heat improved blood circulation and helped patients recovering from muscular injuries.
It’s often used by athletes and physiotherapists to aid recovery and reduce muscle fatigue.

Full study: FIR therapy and circulation

4. Reduces Joint Pain and Stiffness

Infrared heating also reduces sore and stiff joints. By increasing your heart rate via an infrared sauna, blood flow increases. This breaks down metabolic toxins like Lactic Acid and other impurities. This can benefit both those suffering with injuries and also those who have aches and pains related to aging like Arthritis.

A trial published in Clinical Rheumatology found that FIR sauna sessions helped reduce pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis—with no side effects.
It’s now widely used in rehab clinics and spas for this reason.

Study: FIR and rheumatoid pain relief

5. Allergy Reduction

Conventional heating systems use convection heating. This heats the air which rises to the top of a room (another downside of conventional central heating). This movement of air dislodges dust and other allergens.

Infrared heating warms objects, not the air. This reduced the amount of dust and allergens floating around your homes.

This is particularly beneficial for those with breathing difficulties who find hot, dry air aggravating and drying.

Is Infrared Heating Safe?

Far infrared heating is 100% safe and this has been backed up by numerous studies. Including those done by the Swedish National Institute of Radiation Protection.

Although our infrared heaters generate the same sort of heat as the sun, no harmful UV rays are projected from our panels.

Infrared heat does offer some exceptional health benefits, which are not seen in conventional central heating. It is in no way of course a substitute for having a healthy lifestyle. But incorporating infrared heating into your home or work place not only cuts costs, but creates a healthier environment all round.