Infrared therapy is one of the most talked-about treatments among medical experts. The reason? Its effectiveness. It’s really popular in medicine, wellness, and sports recovery—people are loving the benefits it brings.
What more could you ask for?
- Pain Relief & Inflammation Reduction
- Skin Health & Anti-Aging
- Detoxification & Weight Loss
- Cardiovascular & Circulatory Benefits
- Mental Health & Sleep Improvement
You can receive all these benefits from infrared light therapy devices. Let’s find more details about infrared light therapy and how it works better than other therapies.
What is Infrared Therapy?
Infrared light stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source of our cells. IR repairs and regenerates cells, improves blood flow, and reduces inflammation.
Types of Infrared Light: NIR vs. MIR vs. FIR
Infrared light has a wavelength between 7oonm and 1mm, which lets it go deep into the skin, about 2 to 7 centimeters deep. The exact wavelength can change depending on the type of light therapy you’re using.
The reason is that infrared light comes in three main types. Each type of light has different penetration depths and effects.
| Infrared Light | Wavelength | What It Does |
| Near-Infrared (NIR) | 700–1400 nm |
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| Mid-Infrared (MIR) | 1400–3000 nm |
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| Far-Infrared (FIR) | 3000 nm–1 mm |
|
Top 5 Health Benefits of Infrared Therapy
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Pain Relief & Inflammation Reduction
One of the most well-documented benefits of infrared therapy is its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
How does Infrared Therapy Reduce Pain & Inflammation?
- Infrared therapy stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and carries oxygen. It also increases blood circulation to speed up healing.
- Infrared light boosts mitochondrial function, helps lower inflammation, and decreases damage from oxidative stress.
- The therapy releases endorphins as well. The heat triggers the body’s natural painkillers. Patients with chronic conditions feel much better.
Benefits for Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Joint Pain
| Health Concerns | Benefits of IR |
| Arthritis |
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| Fibromyalgia |
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| Chronic Joint & Muscle Pain |
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Scientific Evidence
- A study found that infrared therapy reduced pain and stiffness in 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 17 patients with ankylosing spondylitis. They also reported feeling less fatigue during and after the treatment.
[Source: PubMed]
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Skin Health & Anti-Aging
Infrared therapy has powerful effects on skin health. With it, your collagen production and cellular repair will be doubled.
How Infrared Light Improves Skin Health
- The light lifts up skin elasticity. You will see fewer fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
- Faster regeneration of skin cells is something really noticeable. It is beneficial for cuts, burns, and post-surgical recovery.
- The inflammation goes down. It helps treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis by calming skin irritation.
- Infrared light kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Deep heat therapy can soothe symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Scientific Evidence
- A study on laser surgery showed that using red light and infrared therapy helped boost collagen density. This led to smoother, younger-looking skin for 136 volunteers who went through the treatment.
[Source: PubMed]
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Detoxification & Weight Loss
Infrared therapy also induces sweating and helps release toxins from the body. You can also lose body weight as well.
How Infrared Therapy Promotes Detoxification
- Infrared saunas heat the body at a cellular level. It helps to flush out heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins.
- Infrared heat improves circulation in the lymphatic system. This is really essential for detoxification.
Weight Loss & Metabolism Boost
- A session in an infrared sauna can burn 300–600 calories.
- Infrared heat mimics the effects of exercise by raising core body temperature. This speeds up the metabolism.
Scientific Evidence
- A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that using an infrared sauna can help reduce body fat and improve metabolism. Researchers found this out by studying ten healthy middle-aged women.
[Source: ScienceDirect]
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Cardiovascular & Circulatory Benefits
Infrared therapy improves heart health. It keeps the blood flow and oxygenation going.
How IR Supports Cardiovascular Health
- Infrared heat therapy relaxes blood vessels, reducing hypertension.
- Boosts blood flow, delivering more oxygen to tissues.
- Infrared therapy has been linked to improved heart rate variability.
Benefits for High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease
- Infrared sauna use can lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
- Infrared therapy helps improve blood vessel function and reduces inflammation.
Scientific Evidence
- A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that regular infrared sauna sessions improved 17 of 20 patients after two weeks. It improves vascular endothelial function.
[Source: Jacc]
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Mental Health & Sleep Improvement
Infrared therapy doesn’t just heal the body—it also benefits the mind.
How Infrared Therapy Reduces Stress & Anxiety
- Activates Heat Shock Protein proteins help repair damaged cells and reduce stress-related inflammation.
- Infrared heat promotes relaxation and reduces cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone.
Improves Sleep Quality
- Infrared therapy can enhance the body’s natural melatonin levels, leading to deeper sleep.
- Infrared light exposure helps balance sleep-wake cycles, improving sleep patterns.
Scientific Evidence
- Research in PubMed Central shows that heat therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
[Source: PubMed]
Risks & Side Effects of Infrared Therapy
Yes, there are hundreds of health benefits of using infrared therapy. However, it is always better to know at least the potential risks and side effects. Although the treatment is generally safe, some individuals should take precautions before using it.
Who should NOT use infrared therapy?
- Pregnant women because the heat on fetal development is not well-studied.
- Cancer patients because the therapy may cause tumor growth.
- People with low blood pressure should be cautious, as therapy can dilate blood vessels and may cause dizziness.
- Those with heat sensitivity might be confused by the heating level.
- Heat can promote bacteria in those with skin infections.
Infrared therapy side effects
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Overheating
- Heat exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Skin burns
- Irritation
How to Use Infrared Therapy Safely?
| Infrared Therapy | Best Way To Use |
| Infrared Saunas |
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| Infrared Home Devices |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of infrared therapy?
- Reduces pain
- Promotes muscle recovery
- Enhances skin health
- Boosts detoxification
- Supports cardiovascular function
- Improves sleep
What are the health effects of infrared therapy?
- Pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved blood circulation
- Detoxification
- Skin rejuvenation
What are the disadvantages of infrared therapy?
- Overheating
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Skin irritation
Is it safe to use infrared light every day?
You can use it daily but with proper guidelines.
How long should you use infrared therapy?
Pers sessions go for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the device and purpose.
What’s the difference between infrared and red light therapy?
Red light therapy targets the surface level of the skin. Infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin.
Can infrared therapy help with weight loss?
Infrared therapy boosts metabolism and causes sweating, leading to weight loss.
Does infrared therapy reduce wrinkles and improve skin?
Infrared therapy boosts collagen and elastin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.