"I have an infrared sauna, is it the same as these photobiomodulation devices?"
This is a question I get quite a lot and it's not a silly question. Understanding the differences between the infrared used in saunas and the near infrared in the photobiomodulations available here is key to understanding the health benefits that photobiomodulation can provide you and your family.
Infrared sauna and photobiomodulation are two different forms of infrared therapy that have unique wavelengths and mechanisms of action. Infrared sauna uses longer wavelengths of infrared light, typically in the range of 4-14 microns, while photobiomodulation uses shorter wavelengths of infrared light, typically in the range of 600-1000 nanometers.
Infrared sauna therapy is a form of heat therapy that uses infrared light to increase the body's core temperature, leading to increased circulation, sweating, and a release of toxins. The longer wavelengths of infrared light used in sauna therapy are able to penetrate deeper into the body, reaching the muscles and joints, making it an effective therapy for reducing pain and inflammation. The increased circulation also helps to oxygenate the cells, leading to improved cellular function and overall health.
On the other hand, photobiomodulation therapy uses shorter wavelengths of infrared light to target specific cells and tissues in the body. The shorter wavelengths of light are able to penetrate the surface of the skin, reaching the cells and mitochondria, where they are absorbed and used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell. This increased energy production leads to improved cellular function, including increased cell proliferation, increased collagen production, and improved wound healing.
Infrared sauna therapy is a form of heat therapy that uses infrared light to increase the body's core temperature, leading to increased circulation, sweating, and a release of toxins. The longer wavelengths of infrared light used in sauna therapy are able to penetrate deeper into the body, reaching the muscles and joints, making it an effective therapy for reducing pain and inflammation. The increased circulation also helps to oxygenate the cells, leading to improved cellular function and overall health.
On the other hand, photobiomodulation therapy uses shorter wavelengths of infrared light to target specific cells and tissues in the body. The shorter wavelengths of light are able to penetrate the surface of the skin, reaching the cells and mitochondria, where they are absorbed and used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell. This increased energy production leads to improved cellular function, including increased cell proliferation, increased collagen production, and improved wound healing.
Both infrared sauna and photobiomodulation have been shown to have therapeutic benefits, but photobiomodulation is generally considered to be more effective because of its ability to target specific cells and tissues. Photobiomodulation therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain and inflammation, wound healing, and even certain skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. In addition, photobiomodulation therapy is non-invasive, does not require the use of heat, and can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy.
In conclusion, while both infrared sauna and photobiomodulation therapy have their own unique mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits, photobiomodulation therapy is generally considered to be more effective because of its ability to target specific cells and tissues. This makes it a more versatile and effective therapy for a wide range of conditions.