Our bodies naturally absorb infrared radiation from the sun, and it's a type of energy that aligns with our natural biological processes.
We are Solar Powered beings and the human body has evolved to handle infrared energy efficiently, making it both safe and beneficial for the majority of people.
Infrared light therapy has become popular because it supports healing, pain relief, and overall well-being by helping your cells and tissues work more efficiently. It’s a natural and non-invasive way to address a wide range of health and skin concerns. It helps us to support and harmonise our Prehistoric Bodies in a 21st World. In recent years the term bio-hacking has been embraced by many in the wellness world, very much fuelled by anti ageing messages, I was never keen on it and much prefer the term bio-harmonising that is much more rooted in living well, ageing well, optimising our health and wellness and remembering that we are interconnected with the world around us, we are natural beings as well as human beings and we have been designed to function best in harmony with nature.
If you have specific Health Issues or are on medication always check with your health care professional before introducing any new healthcare practices. Infrared is generally not recommended for anyone on blood thinners and sauna based heat therapy isn't recommended for people with high blood pressure.
The Science of Infrared Light and Heat Therapy
Infrared therapy uses light wavelengths that penetrate the skin to promote healing and rejuvenation. It works through photobiomodulation, stimulating cellular processes to boost healing and reduce inflammation. Infrared (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light, but with a longer wavelength. It’s not visible to the human eye, but we can feel it as heat. Infrared radiation is divided into three categories based on wavelength: near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared. The heat we typically experience from things like the sun or infrared saunas is mostly from far-infrared.
Advantages for Skin Health
I am not a fan of using lots of products on my skin, I do use a few Neals Yard products because they are all chemical free and natural based and compliment the use of the Infrared Wand. I also rarely wear makeup, make sure I get plenty of hydration and feel like we should be getting most of what we need from our food to support our skin health. (this is purely my personal opinion) You can check out Neals Yard here as they have some really great products. . https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/joannecallan/
The wand is something that feels like a good choice for me and saves spending regular money on products as once you invest that's it.
Enhanced Circulation: Infrared light boosts blood flow, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to skin cells.
Collagen Stimulation: Encourages our own natural collagen production,
Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Helps minimize the appearance of aging signs.
Improved Skin Tone: Promotes a more even complexion and reduces pigmentation.
Detoxification: Facilitates toxin elimination through sweating.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: It helps reduce redness, puffiness, and inflammation, making it effective for treating conditions like acne, rosacea, and general skin irritation.
Health and Well-Being Advantages
Pain Alleviation: Infrared heat can relieve muscle and joint pain, benefiting those with chronic pain issues.
Stress Relief: The calming warmth fosters relaxation and lowers stress levels.
Better Sleep Quality: Heat therapy can improve sleep patterns by encouraging relaxation.
Enhanced Immune Function: Regular exposure can boost immune responses and overall health.
Why Do We Benefit from Infrared? - A bit more info on the science.
1. Penetration and Heating: Infrared energy can penetrate the skin and tissue layers without needing to heat the air around you. This ability to deeply penetrate the skin helps to increase blood flow, stimulate healing, and reduce inflammation. Unlike regular heat that only warms the surface, infrared energy reaches deeper tissues, muscles, and joints.
2. Cellular Stimulation: Infrared light has been shown to promote the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency for cells. This process can speed up healing, rejuvenation, and repair at the cellular level, supporting overall health and vitality.
3. Detoxification: One of the major benefits of infrared therapy, especially in the form of infrared saunas, is its ability to induce sweating. This sweating can help the body expel toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals, through the skin, supporting natural detox processes.
4. Improved Circulation: Infrared heat dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow and improving circulation. This can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells more efficiently and remove waste products from the body.
5. Pain Relief: Infrared energy is effective in reducing pain and inflammation by improving circulation and accelerating tissue repair. It’s commonly used in physical therapy and rehabilitation for conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and joint stiffness.
6. Relaxation & Stress Reduction: The soothing warmth from infrared therapy helps to relax muscles, ease tension, and promote an overall sense of calm. It also helps reduce stress hormones in the body, contributing to emotional well-being.
Incorporating Infrared Therapy into Your Routine
Infrared Saunas: Regular sessions can offer both skin and health benefits.
Infrared Light Devices: Home devices can focus on specific areas for treatment. I choose the wand over the masks as I like the massage effect, I can use to stimulate my vagus nerve, I'm not keen on walking around like a robot or alien (if you have seen them you will know what I mean and because I am actively engaged whilst using in rather than multi tasking.
Professional Treatments: Many health care professional include infrared technology in their treatments.
Or you could do what did our ancestors did?
By sitting at a fire we are exposed to both red and infrared light both of which we now know improve our cellular health and our immune system.
When the sun light is lacking sitting around a crackling fire, being warmed and feeling cosy is the perfect solution. I have a stove, my mum has an open fire I know which one I would rather sit safely beside.
At Changing Cycles we host a monthly Community Fire, we use a sheltered out door space, they are the most powerful and special experiences and the hypnotic draw of the open fire is one of the highlights of my month.
As a species we have a deep love of fire. You could say it’s in our DNA. This love affair with fire is understandable; it has been instrumental in our evolution. According to Dr Christopher Lynn, a medical and psychological anthropologist, for our prehistoric ancestors, fire would have provided “light to extend the day and illuminate otherwise uninhabitable dark places; heat for cooking previously inedible food, warming bodies at night, and enabling migration into colder climates; a weapon to facilitate mass hunting and stave off predators; and, according to several scholars, social nexus.”
It’s also believed that social skills, cooperation and language evolved around the campfire due to the necessity of maintaining those fires.
What about the benefits of sitting around a fire for our modern world? It’s widely accepted that it is relaxing and calming and obviously it allows us to stay outside in otherwise inhospitable conditions. But are there any other health benefits? Research carried out by Dr Lynn, a professor at the University of Alabama, showed that people who were subjected to both the sight and sounds of a hearth fire or campfire experienced a significant drop in blood pressure, which was greater the longer they were exposed to it. He also suggested that “such fireside relaxation may be enhanced in social settings".
Or you could catch early morning sunlight each morning, watching the sunrise - we live in hope.
My favourite company for Infrared Products is Boncharge - Check out the full range using the link below and apply your discount code.
For 15%Off Use the code:INFRAREDISMYFRIEND
For some of the products I sometimes have discount codes so please get in touch if you are planning on purchasing.
If you would like more info on the glasses that I am wearing in the toothbrush pic - which are another great too for light harmonising you can check them out in the sleep blog below.
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