Infrared light is the invisible part of the sun’s spectrum, a form of light that we can not see with our eyes. Different lengths of infrared light has the ability to penetrate deep into the tissues and dissolve harmful substances accumulated by our body. Infrared light has a range of wavelengths:
Near Infrared (NIR) – The shortest wavelength, also called infrared A (IR-A). It is absorbed just below the surface of the skin creating a sweat that promotes healing and revitalization.
Mid Infrared (MIR) – A longer wavelength, also called infrared B (IR-B). MIR wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body’s soft tissue, promoting blood vessels to expand. Expansion of the blood vessels, called vasodilatation, increases circulation, and therefore more oxygen can reach injured areas of the body. This mechanism helps to reduce pain and speeds the healing processes in our body.
Far Infrared (FIR) – The longest wavelength, also called infrared IR-C (IR-C). “FIR wavelength is too long to be perceived by the eyes, however, the body experiences its energy as a gentle radiant heat which can penetrate up to 1.5 inches (almost 4 cm) beneath the skin”(1). Unlike conventional saunas that heat the air, FIR waves heats our body on the cellular level of the skin, deeply from within. This deep penetrating heat increases the core temperature resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It’s therapeutic benefits have been shown to promote detoxification, weight loss, and blood pressure reduction. The main difference between the wave length ranges is that the longer the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates into the body.
