Warming Up to Far Infrared.
by D.J. Fletcher
Energy medicine is very old, too--at least as old as the first Qigong masters and other ancient practitioners of healing touch therapies. These healers all had in common the ability to emit energy through their hands, and so do many modern day healers, such as Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N., who began teaching healing touch techniques in the U.S. in the 1970s. Contemporary researchers have now proved that these forms of energy medicine use wavelengths in the infrared range.
In a study at the National Yang-Ming Medical College in Taipei, Taiwan, published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 1991, researchers measured the energy Qigong masters emit from their palms. ... The study showed that emitted infrared Qi, or Chi (pronounced "chee" and essentially meaning energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has positive effects on human fibroblasts, the cells that rebuild connective tissue. The study also showed that infrared Chi stimulated a significant increase in cell growth, DNA synthesis and protein synthesis in cells.
Employ the same healing mechanism: They stimulate a degree of inflammation--a positive sign that fibroblasts are doing their job. Most people don't realize that inflammation is necessary for a period of time to heal such injuries, and they suppress this natural healing process by overusing ice and ibuprofen. ...
At the molecular level, FIR exerts strong rotational and vibrational effects that are either biologically benign or, in certain processes, biologically beneficial. This healing ability stands in contrast to the damaging effects of short wavelengths, such as X-rays and gamma rays. ...
Far-infrared light penetrates beyond the skin level and is absorbed efficiently by cells below, whereas visible light is mostly bounced off the skin surface. Near-infrared is mostly absorbed at the skin level and raises the skin temperature. Far-infrared can penetrate up to 4 centimetres (about 1-1/2 inches), exciting the vibrational energy of molecules and resonating with cellular frequencies. ... the effects of FIR rays promote bioprocesses such as increased metabolism and blood circulation, and can raise core body temperature. ...
Dr. Silverstone explains, "The mechanism of action is in some ways simple. It is related to vasodilation, or increased blood flow and local temperature. The penetrating infrared energy brings nutrients and oxygen to the soft tissue region being treated and at the same time stimulates the removal of accumulated toxins. Also, far-infrared has an ionizing effect. ...
There are even quick-cooking FIR ovens that replace microwave ovens and are said to kill E. coli bacteria. ... FIR-coated plates that kill bacteria, FIR-emitting paints and wallpaper that kill molds, and FIR shower filters. "The filters use FIR emissions combined with Paragon's filtration technology to keep chlorine from forming harmful vapors and also to prevent soap scum build-up on shower walls," says Fred Slingo. "The shower filter is actually a water treatment device that removes undesirable substances and reduces the surface tension of the water, which allows a complete rinse and has a much less drying effect on the skin and hair."
Then there are the "bioenergetic" FIR mattresses, mats and quilts, which have been said to clear up insomnia, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, high blood pressure, thrombus and arteriosclerotic occlusions and more.
The ceramic powders, coatings and disks used in FIR products and textiles are made of natural minerals, such as silicates, that transmit far-infrared wavelengths. The powders can be fused into various polypropylene fabrics, and the textiles are engineered so that the FIR effects are not reduced by washing. There are also devices utilizing ceramic-coated quartz lamps and heating wires that emit FIR wavelengths.
For many, the biggest news in FIR technology is its application in the evolving science of detoxification, and the device being used is the far-infrared sauna. At home and in clinics, these saunas are said to yield many benefits--including relief from different kinds of pain; stimulation of immune response; improvement in skin tone and conditions such as burns, eczema and acne; and the accelerated burning of calories. But the detox application is health news that can benefit everyone.
Traditional wisdom has suggested that saunas work largely by promoting detoxification through the sweat," says John C. Cline, M.D., B.Sc., C.C.F.P., A.B.C.T., Medical Director of the Cline Medical Centre and Oceanside Functional Medicine Research Institute, located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. "Saunas also stimulate cells to release toxins which can then be eliminated by the liver and bowel. Several published studies have now shown that this hyperthermic therapy can bring about the rapid removal of a wide range of toxic substances from the human body."
The FIR energy emitted in these saunas may induce two or three times the sweat volume of conventional saunas, yet they operate at a much cooler air temperature range: about 110 to 130F, compared with 180 to 235F in a conventional sauna. Many individuals who cannot tolerate a conventional sauna, steam room or sweat lodge will find FIR saunas pleasant. The lower heat range is also safer for those with cardiovascular risk factors or fragile health because lower temperatures don't dramatically elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
Sweat therapy has also been used for many years by miners in Europe to prevent and treat occupational heavy metal poisoning, and studies have now demonstrated that hyperthermic therapy can bring about significant detoxification from heavy metals including mercury.
Hyperthermic detoxification using these saunas is not only uniquely helpful in removing fat-stored toxins from the body but also as an adjunct to mercury removal.
Research conducted by U.S. scientists has demonstrated that close to 80,% of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome will improve markedly by a guided detoxification program.
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