Medical Data
1. Increases in the extensibility of collagen tissues
Tissues heated to 45 degrees C and then stretched exhibit a non-elastic residual elongation of about 0.5 to 0.9% that persists after the stretch is removed. It does not occur in these same tissues when stretched at normal tissue temperatures. Thus 20 stretching sessions can produce around a 10 to 18% increase in length in tissues heated and stretched. This effect would be especially valuable in working with ligaments, joint capsules, tendons and fascia.
The cited experiment clearly shows that low-impact stretching can produce a significant residual elongation when heat is applied together with stretching or range-of-motion exercises, which is also safer than stretching tissues at normal tissue temperatures.
This safer stretching effect is crucial in properly training competitive athletes so as to minimize their down- time from injuries.
2. A decreases of joint stiffness directly
There was a 20% decrease in stiffness at 45oC as compared with 33oC in rheumatoid finger joints, which correlated perfectly to both subjective and objective observation of stiffness.
Any stiffened joint and thickened connective tissues should respond in a similar
fashion.
3. Relief of muscle spasms
Muscle spasms have long been observed to be reduced through the use of heat, be they secondary to underlying skeletal, joint, or neuro-pathological conditions.
This result is possibly produced by the combined effect of heat on both primary and secondary afferent from spindle cells and from its effects on Gogli tendon organs. The effects produced by each of these mechanisms demonstrated their peak effect within the therapeutic temperature range obtainable with radiant heat.
4. Pain relief
Pain may be relieved via the reduction of attendant or secondary muscle spasms. Pain is also at times related to tension or spasm, which can be improved by the hyperaemia that heat-induced vasodilatation produces. Heat has been shown to reduce pain sensation by direct action on both free-nerve endings in tissues and on peripheral nerves. In one dental study, repeated heat applications eventually led to abolishment of the whole nerve response responsible for pain arising from dental pulp.
5. Increase of blood flow
Heating of one area of the body produces reflex-modulated vasodilatation in distant-body areas, even in the absence of a change in core body temperature; i.e. heat one extremity and the contra lateral extremity also dilates; heat a forearm and both lower extremities dilate; heat the front of the trunk and the hand dilates. Heating of muscles produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during an exercise.
Temperature elevation produces an increase in blood flow and dilation directly in capillaries, arterioles, and venous, probably through direct action on their smooth muscles.
6. Assists in resolution of inflammatory infiltrates, oedema and exudes
The increased peripheral circulation provides the transportation needed to help evacuate the oedema, which can help stop inflammation, decrease pain and help speed healing.
7. More recently, it has been used in cancer therapy
This is a new and experimental procedure. It shows great promise in some cases, when used properly.
American researchers favour careful monitoring of the tumour temperature; whereas the successes reported in Japan make no mention of such precaution.
Cancer Pain: relieved pain in later stages of cancer extremely well.
8. Burns relief
Relieves pain and decreases healing time, with less scarring.
9. High Blood Pressure
Reported safe in 40oC to 50oC range and regular use helps to lower hypertension. A Case of a diabetic is reported with a systolic decrease from 180 to 125, and a concurrent 10 lbs. weight loss after infrared treatment.
10. Low Blood Pressure
Regular FIR Sauna use assists the body to raise blood pressure to normal levels.
11. Short-term memory
Use is reported to improve short-term memory retention.
12. Cerebral Haemorrhage
An enhanced and rapid recovery.
13. Auto Accident: related soft tissue injury
Daily sessions with FIR treatment were used until best healing was attained; then Infrared systems were used to deal with permanent residuals. The pain control effect on the chronic residuals from such injuries lasted three days before another treatment was necessary.
Infrared healing is now becoming the leading edge in the care of soft tissue injuries to promote both relief in chronic or intractable “permanent” cases, and accelerated healing in newer injuries.
14. Arthritis, acute and chronic
Both are reported to be greatly relieved.
15. Gouty Arthritis
Similar relief reported.
16. Rheumatoid Arthritis
FIR treatment successfully relieved discomfort.
A Swedish case study reports on the case of a 70-year-old man with Rheumatoid Arthritis secondary to acute rheumatic fever. He had reached his toxic limit on Gold injections and his Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate was still at 125. Within 5 months of undergoing an infrared treatment, his ESR was down to only 11.
In another case of rheumatic arthritis, that of a 14-year old Swedish girl who couldn’t walk comfortably downstairs due to knee pain since an eight year old, her Rheumatologist told her mother that her child would be in a wheelchair within 2 years if she refused gold corticosteroid therapy. However, after 3 infrared sauna treatments, she became more agile, and subsequently took up folk dancing, without the aid of the conventional approach in her recovery.
A clinical trial in Japan reported the successful solution in seven out of seven cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with whole-body infrared therapy. These case studies and clinical trials indicate that further study is warranted on the usage of whole-body infrared therapy in the care of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
17. Menopause Symptoms
Treatment relieved chills, nervousness, depression, dizziness, head and stomachaches.
18. Weight Loss
As previously discussed the initial loss occurred through perspiration and the energy use needed to produce the perspiration. Secondly, weight reduction occurred through direct excretion of fat.
19. Radiation Sickness
Relieved signs and symptoms.
20. (THE ONLY ANTIDOTE TO UV DAMAGED SKIN CELLS)