EDITOR’S SUMMARY: Sunlight fuels life on Earth, delivering infrared light—long revered for its health benefits across cultures. While technology often sparks both innovation and skepticism, research leaves no doubt: absorbing infrared light can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. If basking in natural sunlight isn’t always an option, infrared systems provide a smart way to tap into these benefits anytime, anywhere.
Written by Sarah Campise Hallier
Edited by Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D.
For centuries, humans have relied on sunlight for more than just warmth and daylight. Exposure to natural light has played a crucial role in regulating sleep, boosting mood, and supporting overall immune function. Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for bones and cognitive health. It also helps regulate circadian rhythms, which control hormone function, affect digestion and metabolism, and influence body temperature. Countless individuals report feeling more energized and uplifted after spending time outside, while a lack of sunlight—especially during the winter months—can contribute to fatigue, low mood, and seasonal depression. What if you could capture some of those gains when the sun is hidden behind clouds or during the shorter days of winter? Infrared light (IR), an invisible yet powerful component of sunlight, may hold the key. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin damage with prolonged exposure, infrared light penetrates deep into the body, promoting a myriad of wellness advantages. Scientists have found that infrared exposure can aid in pain relief, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular health—all without the risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Some studies also suggest that infrared light may help slow cancer growth. Infrared light is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, ranging from approximately 760 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). IR is categorized into three regions based on wavelength, each with different biological effects.
- Near-Infrared (NIR, 700–1400 nm): Deeply penetrates the skin and tissues, promoting cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and circulation.
- Mid-Infrared (MIR, 1400–3000 nm): Penetrates more deeply than NIR and is particularly effective at improving circulation and relieving muscle and joint pain.
- Far-Infrared (FIR 3000 nm–1 mm): Primarily heats tissues at a more superficial level and is associated with detoxification, improved cardiovascular health, and relaxation.
For improvement in overall health, a combination of all three can be beneficial. All objects emit infrared radiation as a function of their temperature, a phenomenon known as blackbody radiation. Even objects that appear cold, like ice cubes, emit some level of infrared radiation. Electronics like laptops and televisions, along with fireplaces and campfires, also produce heat in the form of infrared radiation. This type of energy has a wide array of applications across various fields. In astronomy, for example, infrared telescopes allow scientists to observe celestial objects, providing insights into star formation and the early universe. In everyday technology, infrared is utilized in remote controls, night-vision equipment, and thermal imaging cameras, which detect heat patterns for purposes such as building inspections and medical diagnostics.
Beyond its scientific and technological applications, infrared light plays a significant role in human vitality and longevity. One of its characteristics is the ability to penetrate below the skin layers, reaching deeper tissues to effectively alleviate pain. In fact, this non-invasive, natural, and painless method can offer a wide range of reparative effects. Exploring these ideas provides insight into why infrared therapy is increasingly utilized in medical and health settings. As its uses expand, research into infrared light’s effects continues to be a key focus in health and medicine. Once an unseen force, infrared light is now being harnessed in ways that challenge conventional thinking. As its applications grow, so too can your understanding of its impact on daily life.
Infrared saunas are increasing in popularity due to their diverse benefits, including pain relief, lowering oxidative stress, and detoxification. Unlike regular saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas heat your body directly without increasing the temperature of the air. Inside infrared saunas, temperatures remain closer to 120–140F, versus 150–180F in a traditional sauna. From “Is an Infrared Sauna Better Than a Traditional Sauna?”:
“Supporters of infrared saunas say the heat penetrates more deeply than warmed air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature and stay in the sauna longer.”
From post-workout recovery to cardiovascular health, research suggests that infrared sauna use offers a wealth of physiological rewards. According to the review “The Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure in Individuals with High-Stress Occupations. A Mechanistic Review”:
“According to Laukkanen et al., on the basis of the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Risk Factor (an epidemiological study of risk factors for atherosclerosis – a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack and/or stroke), increased duration and frequency of sauna bathing decreased the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease incidences.”
Are there best practices for using an infrared sauna? According to Conscious Spaces, “Ten tips to maximise your infrared sauna session,” having some insight before stepping into your first sauna can enhance your experience:
- Doing a bit of yoga, lightly stretching, or taking a gentle walk pre-sauna will dilate your blood vessels. Doing this will increase circulation, helping your body respond more effectively to the heat from the sauna.
- Choose your sauna carefully, selecting structures made with natural, nontoxic materials. There’s no reason to undermine the healing process by stepping into a toxic environment.
- Rinse off before entering, and remove make-up, lotions, or other body products so your pores are ready to absorb without obstruction.
- Take your sauna in the morning to set the focus for the day, or in the evening to unwind after your daily activities.
- After your hot sauna, always take a cold shower to close your pores, ensuring you don’t reabsorb the toxins you’ve released.
“If it isn’t washed away, excess salt, sebum and bacteria left on your skin can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Taking a cold shower will not only close your pores, but it will also boost your circulation; drawing the blood back to your vital organs and leaving you feeling reinvigorated and refreshed.
Infrared therapy gloves are designed to support overall hand health and mobility. They can help reduce joint stiffness, making movement easier and more comfortable, while also easing muscle spasms. By improving blood circulation, the gloves enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to your hands, aiding in faster recovery from soft tissue injuries. Additionally, they help decrease pain and provide soothing relief for sore or overworked hands. Their far-infrared technology enhances the flexibility of collagen tissue, supporting greater dexterity and long-term joint health. Occupational therapists often recommend therapy gloves for patients.
“Specific wavelengths of far infrared (6-14 microns [micrometer]) are easily absorbed deep within the cells of your skin and soft tissues. Once these “vital rays” come in contact with proteins, collagen and fats, they ‘fire’ micro-circulation, fine-tune cellular functioning, and flush toxins from the body.”
Infrared biomats offer a portable and cost-effective way to experience the warmth and healing benefits of infrared light at home, especially if a full sauna setup isn’t what you’re looking for. They’re also easy to travel with and won’t take up much space in a vehicle on a road trip. These specialized mats use far-infrared technology to generate soothing heat that penetrates deep into muscles and joints, helping to ease tension and promote relaxation. Biomats are great for post-exercise recovery, chronic pain relief, or simply as a way to unwind after a long day. Unlike traditional heating pads that only warm the surface of your skin, biomats send infrared waves deep into your body, improving circulation and helping to flush out toxins. Amethyst crystals can be added, with the belief that they enhance the mat’s therapeutic effects by emitting negative ions, promoting an overall sense of calm. The fusion of advanced technology and natural elements makes biomats a standout choice for those pursuing a more profound, restorative path to relaxation and recovery. Whether you’re an athlete looking to speed up recovery or someone dealing with chronic stiffness, this could be a game-changer as an addition to your wellness routine.According to Dr. George Grant, Canadian pioneer of Quantum Integrative Medicine:
“The core of BioMat technology is a combination of far infrared rays (6–12 microns), negative ion effects and the conductive properties of amethyst channels. These three powerful health stimulators are combined in a single, easy-to-use product with remarkable healing properties.”
Infrared light panels are devices designed to emit infrared (IR) wavelengths, typically in the near-infrared (NIR) and far-infrared (FIR) spectrum, to deliver therapeutic properties. These panels contain multiple LEDs or other infrared-emitting elements that target the body with deep-penetrating light. Unlike traditional heat sources, infrared light penetrates the skin and tissues, stimulating cellular energy production (ATP), improving circulation, and supporting tissue repair without overheating the surface. Just position yourself near a panel to receive its energy. You can do this while working, relaxing, reading, or meditating, etc.
Expanding the Role of Infrared Light
Thermography is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses infrared cameras to capture temperature patterns in the body. These thermal images reveal areas of inflammation, poor circulation, and other irregularities, sometimes before symptoms become noticeable. Unlike regular X-rays or CT scans (computed tomography), thermography doesn’t expose you to radiation, making it a safer option. Integrative health practitioners use it to identify early signs of cardiovascular issues, while others incorporate it into screenings for inflammation-related conditions and breast health. While it is suggested that thermography be coupled with other testing, especially for detecting breast abnormalities, it offers a fascinating look at how infrared technology can be used for preventive care. From the Eagle Institute of Clinical Thermology, “Breast Thermography”:
“By detecting minute variations in normal blood vessel activity, infrared imaging may find thermal signs suggesting a pre-cancerous state of the breast or the presence of an early tumor that is not yet large enough to be detected by physical examination, mammography, or other types of structural imaging.”
“Structured water” and the cardiovascular system:You may be familiar with the importance of staying hydrated for heart health—ensuring blood level volume, maintaining electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and reducing the risk of clotting. Dr. Stephen Hussey takes it a step further, delving into the concept of “structured water” in his book, “Understanding the Heart: Surprising Insights into the Evolutionary Origins of Heart Disease―and Why It Matters.”
“The number one energy absorbed by water is radiant light. From infrared light, particularly the 3,000 nanometer wavelength, Dr. Hussey states, ‘“If we want to energise the water in our bodies – like the water in our blood to get it to structure itself and help protect the lining of the artery – infrared light is the best way to do it.’”
Dr. Hussey has extensively researched studies on protecting the lining of cardiovascular arteries, with a focus on infrared therapy and the role of circadian rhythms. From an interview with Muscle Intelligence, he shared:
“The ways that our body absorbs energy to energize the water so that it can form this lining of exclusion zone water in the artery is radiant energy, so from the sun, or what’s popular these days is people use infrared saunas, or the red light therapies, things like that. There actually is something to this. We’re actually forming the structured water in our bodies.”
Infrared light is believed to help structure the water in your cells, improving blood flow and reducing the workload on the heart. Essentially, when water molecules absorb infrared energy, they form a gel-like substance that helps blood and oxygen flow easily through your arteries, thereby enhancing cellular function and circulation. This may help explain the connection between infrared saunas, other forms of infrared therapy, and improved cardiovascular health. Although research on structured water is ongoing, it provides a fascinating perspective on the connection between light, water, and health. Whether through infrared sauna sessions, biomats, or natural sunlight exposure, supporting your body’s circulation and energy balance may be key to long-term vitality. In the morning, spend at least 10–15 minutes in natural sunlight without sunglasses to help signal your body to wake up by boosting cortisol. Try stretching outdoors or enjoying your morning coffee or tea near a window. In the evening, watching the sunset can encourage melatonin production, preparing your body for rest. A short walk at dusk can further support this process.
Infrared light technology bridges ancient healing traditions with modern life, offering accessible, non-invasive ways to promote wellness. Research shows that infrared light enhances circulation by stimulating nitric oxide production, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. This supports cardiovascular health, accelerates tissue repair, and helps manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and cognitive decline. While saunas, biomats, and other instruments provide infrared exposure, natural sunlight remains essential—especially since vitamin D, vital for bone health, immune function, and hormonal balance, cannot be synthesized from infrared devices. Whole foods like wild-caught fatty fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, and UV-exposed mushrooms can help maintain vitamin D levels, though supplements come with potential risks, including toxicity and digestive discomfort. Ultimately, spending time outdoors is irreplaceable—allowing sunlight to reach as much skin as possible. And regardless of weather conditions, research suggests that outdoor exposure is incredibly beneficial. When that’s not an option, exploring infrared therapy can be a valuable complement.
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Published on March 06, 2025.
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