Safety
What exactly is radiant heat? No need to worry – it has nothing to do with either ultraviolet radiation (which gives you a sunburn and damages your skin) or atomic radiation (the kind from a nuclear bomb). Radiant heat is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversions, without having to heat the air in between.
Radiant heat is also called Infrared Energy (IR). The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum is divided into 3 segments by wavelength, measured in micros, or micrometers (a micron = 1/1,000,000 of a meter) 0.076 ~ 1.5 microns – near or close; 1.5 ~ 5.6 = middle or intermediate; 5.6 ~ 1000 = far or long wave infrared. The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum occurs just below or “infra” to red light as the next lowest energy band of light. This band of light is not visible to human eyes, but can be seen by special cameras that translate infrared into colors visible to our eyes. We can, however, feel this type of light that we perceive as heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Our atmosphere has a “window” in it that allows IR rays in the 7 ~ 14 micron range to safely reach the earth’s surface. When warmed, the earth radiates infrared rays in the 7 ~ 14 micron band with its peak output at 10 microns.
According to Dr. Tsu-Tsair Oliver Chi in his summation on the mechanism of actions of infrared devices tuned to the human body, these rays are selectively absorbed by the tissue needing a boost in their output. The internal production of infrared energy that normally occurs within our tissues is associated with a variety of healing responses and may require a boost to a maximal level to insure the fullest healing response possible in a tissue under repair, harmlessly. This phenomenon is called “resonant absorption.”
The sun is the principal source of radiant energy that we experience daily. Have you ever been outside on a partly cloudy spring day of about 50 degrees and felt quite comfortable when the sun was suddenly obscured by a cloud? Although the air temperature had not had time to drop, you felt chilled, as the cloud would not let the warming infrared rays through to reach you. The infrared heat in infrared thermal system is just like the heat from our sun or that which our own bodies produces as they burn fuel to keep us warm.
Our bodies radiate infrared energy out through the skin at 3 ~ 50 microns, with most of their output at 9.4 microns. Our palms emit infrared energy at between 8 ~ 14 microns. Palm healing, which as a 3,000 year-old tradition in China, has been based on the healing properties of these natural infrared rays. The Yogis of India also use such palm healing and recommend it especially for relieving eye strain. Sauna use has been popularized by the Finns whose old religion used it as a ceremony for mental, spiritual and physical cleansing. This religion came with the Finns when they migrated from an area northwest of present day Tibet, between 5,000 ~ 3,000 year BC, to their present location in Finland.
Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa received the patent on the zirconia ceramic infrared heaters used in these thermal systems in 1965, after five years with Fuci Medical R & D department. The infrared thermal systems based on these heaters were used exclusively by medical practitioners in Japan until they were released for public use in 1979. The idea has now been further refined into the infrared thermal system that has been sold in the United States since 1981. Panels that produces similar infrared rays are used in hospitals to warm newborn babies.
The heaters in infrared thermal systems emit about one-third of their output in the middle infrared band, from 2 ~ 5.6 microns, for super deep penetration and the other two-thirds in the long band, from 5.6 ~ 25 microns with that part of the output evenly spread around the 94. micron pivot point of peak human output. This distribution maximizes the higher penetration of the middle-band waves and combines then with the long waves that produces a resonant absorption amplification of healthy tissue output. The Chinese researchers consider the band from 2 ~ 25 microns as the most therapeutic.
Recent books such as Cross Currents, by Robert O. Becker, MD., have detailed the hazards of exposure to certain kinds of electromagnetic fields such as those encountered under high tension power lines or while working at computer display terminals. Japanese researchers have reported that infrared radiant heat serves as an antidote to the negative effects of such toxic electromagnetic sources. Infrared Thermal System has been tested and found to be free of such so-called “toxic” electromagnetic fields. The Swedish National Institute of Radiation Protection has concluded that the heaters in infrared thermal system are not dangerous.
The above was excerpted from Dr. Aaron M. Flickstein’s article on infrared sauna therapy entitled Infrared Thermal System, 1994
Contraindications
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As you can see, the segment of the infrared spectrum emitted by an infrared thermal system is reputed to offer an astounding range of possible therapeutic benefits and effects in research conducted around the world. The data presented is offered for reference purposes only and to stimulate further observation. Infrared thermal systems creating a cure for or treating any disease is neither implied nor should be inferred.
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If you have a disease, be certain to consult with a primary-care physician concerning it.
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If you are using any prescription drugs, check with your physician or pharmacist for any possible change in the drug’s effect due to any interaction with infrared energy.
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It is considered inadvisable to raise the core temperature in someone with adrenal suppression and systemic lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis, by some authorities.
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If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury or until the hot and swollen symptoms subside. If you have a joint or joints that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous heating is strictly contra-indicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in joints or in any other tissues.
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If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, discontinue your sauna use. Finnish women use their saunas, which don’t throw heat as deeply into the body, for only 6-12 minutes and reportedly leave at that time, due to perceived discomfort. Their usage at this low level of intensity is not linked to birth defects. Infrared thermal system usage may be 2-3 times more intense, and comparatively shorter 2-6 minute sessions hardly seem worth any minimal risk they may present.
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Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared rays and thus are not heated by this system, nevertheless you should consult your surgeon prior to using an infrared thermal system. Certainly, the usage of an infrared thermal system must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. Silicone does absorb energy. Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacements may be warmed by the infrared rays. Since silicone melts at over 200 degrees C (392F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of infrared thermal systems. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the product manufacturer to be certain.
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Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow. Once a woman is aware that this may occur, she can choose to allow herself to possible experience this short term effect without worry or to simply avoid infrared thermal system usage at that time of her cycle.
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Hemophiliacs and anyone predisposed to hemorrhage should avoid infrared thermal system usage or any type of heating that would induce vasodilatation which can potentate the tendency to bleed.
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Obviously, should any condition worsen with use of an infrared treatment, the use of the system should be discontinued.
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People do not experience pain using infrared thermal systems unless such is contraindicated. If you do, the use of radiant heat is clearly inappropriate for you at that time.
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DO NOT attempt to self-treat any disease with an infrared thermal system without direct supervision of a certified physician.
The above was excerpted from Dr. Aaron M. Flickstein’s article on infrared sauna therapy entitled Infrared Thermal System, 1994