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Far-infrared or radiant heat (FIR) is part of the natural light spectrum of
sunlight and a safe form of energy that heats objects by a process called
direct light conversion. Radiant heat warms the objects around it without affecting
the temperature of the surrounding free air. All warm-blooded animals emit
far infrared/radiant heat, a beneficial and essential form of energy that has
the ability to penetrate, refract, radiate and reflect.
Infrared heat is divided into three wave length categories: near, middle and
far infrared, which are measured in microns or micrometers. The sun produces
most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Our
atmosphere allows infrared rays in the 7-14 micron range to safely reach the earth's
surface. When warmed, the earth radiates rays within this band, with its peak
output at 10 microns.
Near infrared or close heat (.076~1.5 microns), is extremely hot and used
industrially for curing paint, setting glues and many other applications. Middle
or intermediate infrared heat (1.5~5.6 microns), is a visible red light that
is not meant to be used at close range. It is utilized in food warming lamps
and also has some medicinal benefits. Far or long wave infrared heat (5.6~15
microns), is invisible to the naked eye and used in many medical applications,
from incubators to physical and dermatological therapies, and is the only heat
known to lower blood pressure. Far infrared rays offer the most health benefits
because they are capable of penetrating 2-3 inches into the human body, where
they gently elevate the body's surface temperature, increase circulation,
nourish damaged tissue and activate major bodily functions.
When FIR heat penetrates through the skin to the subcutaneous tissues, it
transforms from light to heat energy, dilating blood capillaries and assisting
the body in eliminating toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating. Activated
by heat, the FIR energy is absorbed by human cells in a process known as
resonance or resonant absorption. Cellular activities are instantly
invigorated, resulting in improved metabolism. Far infrared lamps are used by doctors,
chiropractors, physical and massage therapists and acupuncturists in the
treatment of arthritis, joint pain, stiff muscles, injuries to tendons and ligaments
and to promote faster bodily healing. According to Dr. Tsu-Tsair Oliver Chi,
tissues needing a boost in their output selectively absorb FIR rays.
Thermal therapy has been in existence for thousands of years, dating back to
ancient civilizations such as the Romans, the Chinese, the Finns and the
American Indians. Our bodies radiate far infrared energy through our skin at 3 to
50 microns and the healing generated by the laying on of hands can be partly
attributed to the FIR energy of 8-14 microns emitted by the palms of ancient
yogis and contemporary Reiki healers. Current research conducted in Taiwan has
measured significant far infrared energy emitted from the hands of Chi Gong
masters.

Far infrared heat is beneficial in many ways:
1) FIR heat expands capillaries, stimulating increased blood flow, and aiding
in regeneration, improved circulation and oxygenation. It is helpful in detox
programs because it promotes the elimination of fats, chemicals, poisons,
carcinogenic heavy metals and toxins from the blood. FIR energy aids in the
elimination of lactic acid, free fatty acids, subcutaneous fat, excess sodium
associated with hypertension, and uric acid. Activating sebaceous and sweat glands
also assists the body in ridding itself of accumulated cosmetic materials
through the skin rather than by the kidneys.
2) Far infrared heat speeds cellular metabolic rates by stimulating the
activity of mitochondria, and triggering enzyme activity, therefore promoting the
killing of many pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. FIR energy
strengthens the immune system by stimulating increased production of white blood cells
(leukocytes)by the bone marrow and killer T-cells by the thymus gland. It is proving to
be a factorin strengthening the body's resistance to infectious diseases, increasing,
the production of lymphocytes and neutrophils, and reducing the frequency of
colds and respiratory infections.
3) Far infrared heat promotes the rebuilding of injured tissue by having a
positive effect on the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for
repair) and it increases the growth of cells, DNA and protein synthesis necessary
during tissue repair and regeneration. It is therefore excellent for healing
burns, scar tissue and skin problems. Far infrared heat also promotes bone growth
and is beneficial for the prevention of osteoporosis.
4) FIR energy relieves nervous tension and relaxes autoneuro muscles. It
reduces soreness in nerve endings and muscle spasms by heating the muscle fibers.
It improves the balance of blood pressure, blood sugar, and nutrients in the
cells, resulting in increased muscle strength, vitality and mental stability.
Natural wave lengths of far infrared light are also essential for regulating
hormonal levels such as melatonin, the hormone derived from serotonin that plays
a role in sleep, aging, and reproduction; cortisone, a naturally occurring
steroid hormone that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal
insufficiency, certain allergies, and gout; and testosterone, the most potent
natural androgen.
5) Far Infrared heat strengthens the cardiovascular system by causing heart
rate and cardiac output increases, and diastolic blood pressure decreases. NASA
concluded in the 1980's, that far infrared stimulation of cardiovascular
function is the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in astronauts
involved in long space flights.
In much the same way that plants need light for the photosynthesis process,
animals need radiant energy to send electrochemical impulses to the pineal and
pituitary glands to produce healthy hormones that are sent through the central
nervous system to all the cells of the body. Far infrared light and heat is
thus essential to the functioning of our entire endocrine system and is not
only safe, but also highly beneficial for optimal health.

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