Infrared light therapy is a very old form of medical care. It is a unique healing process where infrared rays are used for treatment of diseases. In this process, the injury sites are exposed to infrared radiation for a specific amount of time which results in rapid relief from discomfort.
Characteristics of Infrared Light
Infrared light is an electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is longer than visible light and shorter than radio waves. A distinguishing trait of infrared light is that it has all the benefits of natural rays of the sun without any harmful effects of solar radiation. Based on wavelength, infrared light can be divided into three types - short, medium and long. Infrared light can be obtained from thermal radiation. Any kind of radiation that we perceive as heat; be it from the sun, fire or a light bulb, are actually transmitted by infra-red rays. Infrared light can penetrate 2-3 centimeters deep into our body. It is invisible to the naked eye.
Working Principle of Infrared Light Therapy
Infrared light therapy is a form of photo therapy where infrared light is directly applied to our body to cure illness. Drugs are of no use in this process. The injured or painful part of the body is wrapped up with some pads that contain infrared rays. These rays, on penetrating the skin, help in the release of nitric oxide thus relaxing the blood vessels and preventing blood clots due to injury/illness. In this way, blood circulation to the affected area improves. As a result, more blood can reach the injured tissue, which in turn, increases the supply of oxygen and valuable nutrients to it. These essential components of our body speed up the healing process and provide comfort to the patient.
Uses of Infrared Light Therapy
Cure for Acne - When infrared light is used to treat acne, ATP (Adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that transfers chemical energy within cells for metabolic processes) in the skin cells gets activated and kills the bacteria present in the skin pores. When there is no bacteria, there is no inflammation and acne is cured.
Relief from Chronic Pain - Chronic pain resulting from arthritis, neck pain or stiff muscles can be treated with the help of Infrared light therapy. When infrared light is administered on a tender spot, the taut muscles loosen up and give the much-needed relief.
Infrared Light Therapy for Sports Injury - Most of the aches, soreness and swellings that athletes suffer from, are either due to sprains or due to nerve cell damage. Infrared rays soothe the nerve tract and stimulate the glands that cause the release of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are commonly referred to as 'natural pain relievers'. With the release of endorphins, pain tends to alleviate naturally.
Heal Diabetic Wounds - Diabetic patients have low levels of nitric oxide in blood because their insulin-dependent blood vessels become less responsive to nitric oxide. Hence, in case of an external injury, their wound takes longer to heal. Infrared light facilitates the release of nitric oxide, which in turn, improves blood flow. Due to increase in blood circulation, wounds heal quickly.
Infrared Light Therapy for High Blood Pressure - High blood pressure can lead to various life-threatening diseases like heart attack and stroke. When a person is suffering from high blood pressure, it means that the heart has to work hard to maintain proper supply of blood throughout the body. Application of infrared rays increases the blood circulation in the body. So, the heart does not have to strain itself to pump the blood through the body, thus reducing blood pressure.
Advantages of Infrared Light Therapy
The biggest advantage of this treatment is that it is very simple and absolutely painless. It rapidly gives relief to the patient. Moreover, it is one of the safest forms of treatment. Even an hour-long treatment remains in effect for several hours.
Side Effects of Infrared Light Therapy
Researchers, so far, have not found any major side effects in this form of treatment. Some minor side effects like anxiety, depression and mania can be observed in patients undergoing infrared light therapy. But usually, these kinds of mood alterations are easily controllable. However, it is advisable not to attempt self-medication receive infrared light therapy only under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
Precautions for Infrared Light Therapy
As we already know, that there are no major side effects of infrared light therapy. However, before administering infrared light therapy, the physical condition of the patient should be tested. There are certain physical conditions in which this treatment should be avoided. They are:
If the patient's eyes are sensitive towards photo-toxicity.
If a patient has a past record of mania.
If the patient has photo-sensitive skin.
If the patient is taking any kind of photosensitizing medicine.
If the patient has inherited or acquired a disorder like porphyria (enzyme disorders that can affect the skin and nervous system)
Recently, medical researchers have found preliminary evidence that infrared light therapy can be used on patients suffering from loss of vision due to over-exposure to light. Nowadays, a lot of research is going on to find out if diseases like cancer or tumor can be diagnosed with the help of infrared light therapy. It is believed that infrared light therapy has the potential to revolutionize the world of medicine.
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