Benefits of Far Infrared Therapyand its Potential Applications inWellness and Health ProductsAuthor: Rowan Norrie, Wellness and Health Innovation Project, Innovation Centres (Scotland) LtdDate: October 2009

Commissioned by Wellness and Health Innovation, Scotland’s national initiative designed to support Scottish companies developing innovative products or services for the wellness and health sector. www.wellnesshealthinnovation.org

A WHI White Paper

2

Benefits of Far Infrared Therapy and its Potential

Applications in Wellness and Health Products

A WHI White Paper

WHAT IS FAR INFRARED (FIR)ENERGY?

The electromagnetic spectrum is the transfer ofenergy via electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum can be subdividedinto regions according to its wavelength; these subsets include ultraviolet, infrared, microwave andradio frequency. Infrared (IFR) radiation wavelengthfalls between that of visible light and microwaves,and ranges from approximately 0.72 to 1,000micron. The IFR region is itself divided into threesubsets:

• Short-wave (near): 0.72 to 2 micron • Medium-wave (middle): 2 to 4 micron • Long-wave (far): 4 to 1000 micron

All bodies above absolute zero emit electromagnetic energy in some form. The sun produces 80% of itsrays in the infrared spectrum. Our atmosphereallows infrared rays in the 7 to 14 micron ranges to reach the earth's surface, with peak output at 10 microns. Our bodies radiate infrared energythrough the skin at 3 to 50 microns, with most output at 9.4 microns. Palms emit infrared energyfrom 8 to 14 microns and palm healing is an ancientChinese tradition that has been using the healingproperties of infrared rays for 3,000 years. The useful infrared region for therapeutic purposesis between 4 microns and 25 microns (see Figure 1).

The benefits of Far Infrared (FIR)therapy have been long recognisedin Eastern countries, particularlyChina and India. However, recentresearch has validated the wide-ranging medical claims of FIR,including increased blood flow, painrelief and boosted immune system.This white paper discusses theeffect FIR has on the body, whatconditions can be assisted, whatthe opportunities are for companiesto develop new FIR products andwho are the key target customers.

Most beneficial range forInfrared Therapy

Gammarays X-rays Ultra

violet Infrared Microwaves Radio frequency

Vis

ible

Vis

ible

NearInfrared

MediumInfrared

Far Infrared

Infrared

Sunlight

0.4 0.7 2.0 4.0

4 25

1000

Wavelength (microns)

Figure 1: The wavelength spectrum and its subsets

3

WHAT EFFECT DO FIR RAYS HAVE ONTHE HUMAN BODY?

Unlike ordinary heat, which is mostly absorbed at skin leveland raises the skin temperature, FIR rays easily penetratethe skin. The natural resonant frequencies of water andorganic substances are within the FIR range, which meansthat close to 93 percent of FIR rays that reach the skin areabsorbed up to a depth of 4 centimetres. The electromagneticenergy travels in straight lines from the source, and it canbe directed into specific patterns with the use of properlydesigned reflectors. It decreases in intensity as it travelsoutward from its source.

When infrared energy strikes an object (including tissue), it causes the surface electrons to excite and oscillate, whichcreates heat. This increased heat leads to vasodilation(expansion of blood vessels and capillaries), improvedblood circulation, increased metabolism between bloodand tissue, which promotes faster tissue regeneration.Heating muscles improves blood flow.

The oscillation also reduces the ion bonds of the atomsthat are holding together the molecules of water, resultingin a release of toxins.

Some studies have shown that there is improved angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) followingrepeated application of FIR;

Studies have also shown that FIR improves endothelialfunction of capillaries, arteries and veins by inhibitingneointimal hyperplasia (the uncontrolled proliferation ofsmooth muscle cells, which reduces the lumen of theblood vessels and compromises patency);

Unlike short wavelengths (such as X-Rays and gammarays), which have a damaging effect on tissues, the effectsof FIR rays are either biologically benign or beneficial.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FIR?

FIR has been shown to have wide-ranginghealth benefits:

Provides effective pain relief – The application of heathas long been recognised as being effective for the relief ofpain. In addition FIR may bring about an improvement byincreasing blood flow and relieving spasms.

Accelerates healing in soft tissue injury – FIR is beingincreasingly used for treatment of soft tissue injuries.Improving the blood flow to the site of injury can speed upthe rate of recovery.

Increased blood flow – Application of FIR can result inincreased vasodilation even when there is no rise in corebody temperature.

Decreases joint stiffness – Subjective and active observation of joint stiffness has been shown to improvewith application of FIR. Speculation is that both the jointand connective tissues benefit.

Increases extensibility of collagen tissues – Applying FIR to tissues before stretching is particularly beneficial for ligaments, joint capsules, tendons and scar tissue. Not only does it reduce the risk of injury, but it also allowsfor greater extension than would otherwise be achieved.

Reduces inflammation and oedema – FIR is a safe andeffective treatment for inflammation. Increased peripheralcirculation helps to reduce oedema, which helps reduceinflammation and associated pain.

Reduces muscle spasms – Heat has long been used totreat muscle spasms, and FIR has additional advantages in that it can reduce inflammation and reduce pain.

4

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN FIR HELPTREAT?

FIR is being heralded as an exciting new treatment for a variety of conditions:

Conditions affected by circulation – e.g. clogged capillary vessels hypertension arteriosclerosis (FIR increases blood flow by promoting dilation of capillaries); high blood pressure, low blood pressure, stress (it is thought that the improvement in blood circulation and the reduction in muscle spasms plays a role in this) haemorrhoids, varicose veins, Raynaud’s disease (FIR assists with relief of pain and improved circulation of blood to the affected limb), chilblains (again, pain relief and improved blood circulation), peripheral vascular disease.

Joints – e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (assists in reduction ofswelling and inflammation by improving lymph flow).

Pain relief – e.g. neuralgia headache (may lead toincreased endorphin production, which reduces pain),menstrual cramps and pain (pain relief, improved flow ofblood and reduction in cramps).

Cardiovascular – e.g. artheriosclerosis (FIR improvesblood flow reducing the risk of plaque being deposited on the artery walls).

Weight Management – Part of a weight management programme (FIR can improve circulation, eliminate toxinsand improve metabolism, which can aid in weight loss).

Exercise and conditioning effect – A far infrared systemcan play a pivotal role in cardiovascular conditioning, especially for those who are limited in their ability to carryout a full exercise programme, e.g. elderly or disabled.(NASA used FIR stimulation of cardiovascular function during long space flights); FIR is great for warming upbefore stretching or starting any vigorous activity.

A WHI White Paper

Enhances white blood cell function – This in turnincreases the immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products.

Improves the lymph circulation – Accumulated toxins,often at the core of many health problems, are removed.

Stimulates the hypothalamus – The hypothalamus controlsthe production of neurochemicals involved in processessuch as sleep, mood, pain sensations, and blood pressure.FIR has been extensively used in this area.

5

Collagen tissues – e.g. ligaments, joint capsules tendons.FIR increases the extensibility of collagen tissues, whichimproves the range of motion of scarred, thickened or contracted tissues.

Inflammatory and oedema – e.g. Joint inflammation, gout.

Soft tissue – FIR speeds up new and chronic soft tissueinjuries.

Cancer – e.g. cancer therapy, radiation sickness (relievessigns & symptoms), cancer pain (relieved in later stages ofcancer).

Immune system – Plays a role in fighting infection, e.g. in toe-and-finger-nail fungus (due to improved white bloodcell function).

Conditions associated with ageing – e.g. menopause,sequelae of strokes, leg ulcers, benign prostatic hypertrophy, osteoporosis (some scientists think thatreducing excess acidity in the body through toxin elimination will improve bone density). Alzheimer’s: thewriter Terry Pratchett is currently undergoing a course ofFIR treatment.

Diseases of organs – e.g. duodenal ulcers, hepatitis, gastritis, cirrhosis of liver, bronchitis, Crohn’s disease, cystitis.

Ear, nose, throat, conditions – e.g. sore throats, nosebleeds,chronic middle-ear inflammation and infection, tinnitus.

Respiratory – e.g. chest colds, bronchitis, pneumonia.

Skin conditions – e.g. eczema, acne, psoriasis, chillblains,leg and decubitus, burns, keloids.

Brain – e.g. short-term memory improved, acceleratedrepair in brain contusions, cerebral haemorrhages; healingboth speeds up and is significantly enhanced, migraines(as a result of improved blood flow to the brain).

Figure 2: Persona of elderly person using FIR products

Persona: Anna GreenAge: 84Situation: Lives alone, has never marriedConditions:Hip replacement,osteoarthritis, rheumatoidarthritis, some memoryloss, some hearing loss

Anna lives on her own, having never married. She isindependent, but her fear of falling and painful arthritismean that she is much more restricted than she wouldlike to be. She would love to be able to have a bathand relax in the hot water, but again she is afraid offalling, so she uses the shower instead.

Anna’s niece Carol lives nearby and pops in regularlyto keep an eye on her aunt. She bought her a FIRheated body warmer, which she wears whenever shegoes outside to make sure she doesn’t get a chill. Itkeeps her cosy indoors and she even finds that thewarmth eases the aches and pains in her back andshoulders. Carol mentioned that the company alsomake heated gloves, and she thought this might helptake the pain in her rheumatic fingers.

Body acidity – e.g. reduces acidity in the body (FIR causesfruit to ripen faster by reducing acidity).

Nerves – e.g. peripheral neuropathy (FIR increases localmicrocirculation, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients aswell as reducing overstimulation of sensory nerves, pain,stiffness, and muscle spasm), Bell's palsy (again FIRassists with microcirculation).

Musculoskeletal – e.g. lumbago, cramping , post-exercisemuscle pain.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR FIR

Although the benefits of FIR have been recognised in theEast for many centuries, its application is relatively new inthe West. There are, therefore, many opportunities for newproducts. Two of the key markets in terms of market sizeand extent of need are:

Management of long-term conditions – Around 17 million people are living with long-term conditions in theUK. These include diabetes, stroke, arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Many patients are suffering from multiple conditions, for whom treatment is particularly complex.

FIR products are ideal for self-management of long-termconditions as part of an ongoing healthcare treatment plan.While it would never be recommended for patients to relysolely on a self-management approach, such products canplay a vital role in areas such as pain management, forboosting the immune system and increasing blood flow togenerally improve organ function.

Suitable products might include clothing (socks, gloves,body warmers, etc.), bedding (pillows, quilts and blankets)and heat pads to apply to specific parts of the body, suchas shoulders or knees (see Figure 2, Persona of ElderlyPerson).

Health-conscious consumer – There is a growing marketfor high-tech, non-invasive products for health. This segmentis often living stressful lives, but highly aware of the potentialdamage they are doing to their health. They are generallyproactive in seeking out healthy food options, doing someexercise and exploring alternative therapies. They areimage-conscious, have ready access to the internet to findout about new developments and to order online.

FIR products could play an important role in the lives ofhealth-conscious consumers, e.g. as part of a detox regime,for boosting the immune system, pre- and post-exercise towarm and relax muscles, and also to manage any ad hochealth problem, such as migraine or muscle damage.

Suitable products might include FIR saunas, lamps, tents,body wraps (compresses, belts, full wraps, etc.), clothingsuch as body warmers for wearing during outside activities,massage products (foot, back, etc.) and mats for yoga ormeditation.

Figure 3: Persona of health-conscious person using FIR products

Persona: JaneCampbellAge: 36Situation: Married to Paul,2 childrenConditions: High bloodpressure, frequent backache and shoulderpains, migraines

Jane lives a very stressful life, balancing a busy workschedule with family life. She has recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure and is takingtablets to control it. She is very aware of the need for a healthy diet and to include some exercise in her dailyregime, but lack of time means this often doesn’t happen.

Jane bought a yoga video and is enjoying trying outthe exercises at home. She also got an FIR mat, andfinds this very soothing for her back and shoulders.Seeing how well that worked, she also bought a FIRneck wrap, and as soon as she feels a tensionheadache coming on, she puts this on and sits quietly.

After some initial scepticism, Paul finds the FIR mat agreat way to cool down after he has been out for a run.An unexpected side-effect is that Paul is sleeping better since using the mat.

6

A WHI White Paper

7

CONCLUSION

FIR for health is a relatively new concept in the West.However, as the understanding of this exciting new technology grows, more applications and products will be developed.

The potential market for these products is enormous. The ageing population means that an increasing number ofpeople will be living with long-term conditions in the future.People are becoming increasingly pro-active in maintaininggood health and of the benefits of self-management ofminor conditions.

The expectation is that the acceptance of FIR products willcontinue to grow as their use spreads into mainstream. The window of opportunity for developing new products inthis area is now.

Note: The personas as not real people; they representthe target groups, displaying typical characteristics identified through primary research of these groups.

To access our FREE services contact:Wellness and Health Innovation www.wellnesshealthinnovation.orgTel: 0141 585 6300 Email: wellness@innovationcentre.org

REFERENCES

17 million reasons; unlocking the potential of people with long-term conditions in the UK, www.17millionreasons.co.uk/Downloads/17_Million_Manifesto_2006.pdfaccessed 16th October 2009

Chih-Ching Lin, Chao-Fu Chang, Ming-Yu Lai, Tzen-Wen Chen, Pui-Ching Lee| and Wu-Chang Yang,Far-Infrared Therapy: A Novel Treatment to ImproveAccess Blood Flow and Unassisted Patency ofArteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients,Published ahead of print on January 31, 2007, J Am SocNephrol 18: 985-992, 2007, © 2007 American Society ofNephrology doi: 10.1681/ASN.2006050534

Danno K, Mori N, Toda K, Kobayashi T, Utani A,Near-infrared irradiation stimulates cutaneous woundrepair: laboratory experiments on possible mechanisms,Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2001 Dec;17(6):261-5.

J. Dover, T. Phillips, K. Arndt, Cutaneous effects and therapeutic uses of heat with emphasis on infrared radiation, Journal of the American Academy ofDermatology, Volume 20, Issue 2, p278-286.

Hideyoshi Toyokawa, Yoichi Matsui, Junya Uhara,Hideto Tsuchiya, Shigeru Teshima, Hideki Nakanishi, A-Hon Kwon, Yoshihiko Azuma, Tetsuo Nagaoka,Takafumi Ogawa, And Yasuo Kamiyama., PromotiveEffects of Far-Infrared Ray on Full-Thickness SkinWound Healing in Rats, Experimental Biology andMedicine, online article,www.ebmonline.org/cgi/reprint/228/6/724.pdfaccessed 17th October 2009.

Hu KH, Li WT, Clinical effects of far-infrared therapy inpatients with allergic rhinitis. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med BiolSoc, 2007;2007:1479-82

Sakaida Hideaki, Kokubo Hideyuki, Yamamoto Mikio,Hirasawa Masahiko, Kawano Kimiko, Machi Yoshio, A Study of Infrared Measurements during Qigong, J IntSoc Life Inf Sci, (JA)280-282, 277-278, (EN)276-279(2000)

Shojiro Inou and Morihiro Kabaya, Biological activitiescaused by far-infrared radiation, Int J Biometerol (1989)33:145-150 meteorology

Walter Crinnion, ND, Components of Practical ClinicalDetox Programs – Sauna as a Therapeutic Tool, 13thInternational Symposium of The Institute for FunctionalMedicine

Winterfeld HJ, Siewert H, Strangfeld D, Bohm J, AurischR, Engelmann U, Frenzel R, Sauna therapy in coronaryheart disease with hypertension after bypass operation, in heart aneurysm operation and in essential hypertension,Z Gesamte Inn Med. 1993 May; 48(5):247-50.

©2010 Wellness and Health Innovation