. What are Far Infrared Rays?
Far Infrared rays (FIR) are invisible and present in sunlight; they were discovered by a scientist named Sir William Herschel in 1800. His research led to the discovery that there were not only the known visible rays – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet (the colors we see in a rainbow) but there were also invisible rays later named Infrared. 
The name “infrared” is derived from the Latin word infra, which means “below.” Red color is associated with the longest wavelengths which means the lowest frequency of visible light. Because infrared light has an even longer wavelength and lower frequency than red light, it is designated in this way as “below-red.”
Infrared radiation is an invisible form of electromagnetic energy. Its wavelength is longer than that of visible light. Infrared radiations are categorized into three groups according to their wavelength. These groups are namely near infrared (NIR, 0.8–1.5 µm), middle infrared (MIR, 1.5–5.6 µm), and far infrared (FIR, 5.6–1000 µm). Approximately 80% of solar energy is made up of FIR and 60% is between the range of 10-20 microns. It’s the far infrared rays that have been applied in healthcare technologies.
Properties of Far Infrared Rays
- They cannot be seen with the naked eye & thus are invisible rays.
- They generate heat when absorbed by many substances.
- These rays deeply penetrate many objects including human tissue.
- They exhibit features of light such as travelling in straight lines, but can be deflected & reflected.
- Far Infrared rays are safe and beneficial rays from the sun
- They do not cause sunburn and damage your skin & should not be confused with Ultraviolet Light which can cause sunburn and damage the skin.
Far Infrared is Safe – Your Body Generates it
Approximately 50% of the energy generated by your own body is in the form of Far Infrared rays. So FAR infrared is completely safe. The human body generates FIR between 8-14 microns. Far infrared heating increases the activity level of our atoms. Albert Szent-Gyorgi, Nobel Prize Winner and the discoverer of vitamin C, believed that all energy from the sun has profound effects on us. His research showed that light can literally alter the body’s basic biological functions.
Background of Far Infrared Therapy
As we already know by now that high-frequency ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn or contribute to cancerous growth on the skin but on the contrary, low-frequency far infrared rays do not damage the skin. So devices that emit far infrared light can provide many of the benefits of sunshine, without the risks that accompany exposure to UV radiation.
Although heat therapy applied through human touch has been used for physical and emotional well being for millennia, it’s only more recently that specific technologies have been developed that can amplify and more precisely apply the healing warmth of infrared energy. Rays from Far Infrared Devices penetrate the body deeply helping gently warm your body at low temperatures – even as low as 370C which is body temperature. Far Infrared rays warm your body directly and NOT the AIR. Let’s have a look at a few ways Far Infrared is being used in products.
Night vision goggles used by the military detect the Infrared Rays generated by the body. Our bodies radiate Far Infrared energy through the skin at 3 to 50 microns, with most output at 9.4 microns. Our palms emit Far Infrared energy too, from 8 to 14 microns. Palm healing, an ancient tradition in China, has used the healing properties of Far Infrared rays for 3,000 years. Yogis in India also employ palm healing and recommend it especially for relieving eyestrain.
The Benefits of Sunshine Infrared Without The Risks
Far infrared waves can penetrate up to three inches deep to generate warmth that can provide immense relief to muscles and internal organs. This safe and natural alternative therapy can be used in the treatment of a variety of health problems such as arthritis, muscle pain and spasms and shoulder or joint stiffness. FIR therapy also benefits the body by:
- Helping the body remove toxins through perspiration
- Reducing tension and stress
- Improving lymphatic flow
- Boosting the immune system (Immune Booster)
- Increasing the circulation of blood deep in the tissues
It also relieves stiffness of the joints from arthritis. Studies show that far infrared heat makes connective tissue more flexible, permits greater joint movement and brings about increased levels of endorphins, which ease pain. Far infrared therapy also causes blood vessels to expand. This expansion leads to improved circulation and allows the immune system cells and chemicals to converge on the injured areas to facilitate the healing process. Despite the heat induced, FIR therapy does not cause any significant rise in core body temperature or in blood pressure, which makes it safer for seniors with cardiovascular problems.
Carefit Far Infrared Therapy Devices – A Gentle Experience
There are several types of infrared devices on the market today that provide both direct and indirect heat therapy. FIR sauna can be used to deliver whole body or indirect therapy while far infrared heating pads, clothing and automatic spine massager bed supplies may be used for localized applications.
1. Far Infrared Massage Beds
While traditional heating beds warm the air around you, carefit massage beds use FIR rays to raise your body’s temperature. Thus these therapy beds initiate the relaxation and detoxification benefits. The far infrared heat penetrates deeply through the skin to the muscles, tendons and ligaments, joints and surrounding tissues where it enhances blood circulation and promotes healing.
Far infrared therapy beds can also support pain relief & weight loss. They also help increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure, wound healing, and oxygenation of the cells of the body. Several studies have proved that Carefit Thermal Massage Beds definitely help in the treatment of chronic health problems.
2. Far Infrared Blankets
An alternative to standard electric blankets, Biosmart Infrared Blankets operate via low-voltage far infrared technology. Though this blanket won’t feel very warm to the touch, it will—like all far infrared products—warm your body from the inside out, by supplementing your own body’s production of far infrared energy. The blanket also promotes deeper and more restful sleep patterns.
3. Far Infrared Biomat
The Carefit far infrared therapy biomat combines far infrared technology with the conductive properties of jade or tourmaline gem stones. These original stones enhance the healing properties of the infrared energy. The carefit heating mat emits this healing energy when you lie down upon during the day, or sleep on at night. There are Mini Size Heating Mats & Large Full Body Jade Heating Mats too which differ in their sizes.
The Biomat is a registered FDA medical device approved for muscle relaxation and the increase of local circulation. It can effectively provide relief from muscle pain, minor joint pain and stiffness, muscle spasms, sprains and strains, & muscular back pain.
The Biomat is effective in reducing stress and fatigue, improving mood, improving sleep, reducing inflammation, and increasing tissue oxygen level by improving circulation. It support and regulate the body’s endocrine, immune, lymphatic, and nervous systems–and so tends to improve overall health.
4. Far Infrared Bedding
Athletes are always looking to gain an edge on the competition. How fast they recovery from workouts, practices, games, or even injury is vital. One of the best things ways to renew is through great sleep. So it’s no suprise that you can find Far Infrared technology incorporated into bedding — sheets and pillows. Even pajamas! Just ask Tom Brady.
5. Far Infrared Joint Wraps
Far infrared technology also enhance Knee, ankle, wrist, and elbow wraps. This adds an extra healing element to the support offered by the joint brace or compression sleeve—as the warmth generated by the infrared energy penetrates deep into the joint and surrounding tissues.