What is Infrared light therapy? What is the Difference Between Red Light vs. Near Infrared Therapy?

What is Infrared light therapy? 

Infrared light therapy is a form of light therapy, which involves getting exposed to sufficient intensity of infrared light to experience health benefits. The infrared spectrum is the invisible light with frequencies below that of the red light. It is why we feel gentle radiant heat when we are exposed to the sun because infrared creates heat in our tissues. However, the infrared spectrum also affects our physiology in other ways. 

The infrared spectrum is between 700 nm to 0.1 mm in wavelength, which can be divided into near, mid, and far infrared spectrum. The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency and the further the light can penetrate tissues.

Different ranges of infrared frequency have different health benefits.

Near infrared light, with wavelengths between 700 – 1400 nm, generates the most heat but does not penetrate deep into human tissues. In addition, the 760 – 895 nm range of infrared light can stimulate the mitochondria function, which can increase metabolism, improve tissue repair, and reduce inflammation.9,10

Mid infrared light, with wavelengths between 1400 – 3000 nm. It penetrates deeper than near infrared light and generates more heat than far infrared light. Mid infrared light can help expand blood vessels and increase circulation so that blood can reach injured or inflamed areas of the body. 

Far infrared light, with wavelengths between 3000 nm – 0.1 mm. Far infrared penetrates deepest into the tissues. Its health benefits come from both generating heat and other properties. Far infrared light can potentially reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It increases circulation, improves blood vessel and heart functions, reduces pain and fatigue, and normalizes blood pressure.

Heat exposure has several health benefits that are similar to exercise. For example, both exercise and heat work out the cardiovascular system, which improves the health of your heart and blood vessels, and also increases the euphoric hormone endorphin. The heat also improves your immune function, sleep quality, and detoxification through sweating.

Although many clinical studies have shown that both mid and far infrared have many health benefits in ways that do not involve heat, scientists are still working to understand exactly how these infrared spectrums exert their benefits. For example, both mid and far infrared spectrums are well absorbed by water. Therefore, these spectrums could help organize the water molecules inside the cells, which helps improve cellular function.

Red Light vs. Near Infrared Therapy

Red light therapy and near infrared light therapy fall into a whole other light spectrum. The two are often confused about the same thing, but they are really quite different. Red light falls into the visible part of the light spectrum between 630-700 nm on the electromagnetic scale and is used to treat the surface of the skin. Near infrared wavelengths fall into the invisible part of the light spectrum between 700 and 1200 nm. So what does this mean? The longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration to deliver energy to the cells, stimulating healing and relieving pain. Various cell and tissue types each have their own unique light absorption methods at varying wavelengths. This means certain tissues absorb certain kinds of light. For example, light vibrating at the blue wavelength is great for skin while other colors may penetrate the skin more deeply – see LEDs in Dermatology study.

The optimal NIR technology is done by LED as you are able to control the surface temperature. Also, LED disperses over a larger surface area than a RED light halogen or laser. Another major difference between LED and halogen and Laser is the way light energy is delivered (optical power output – OPD). The OPD of LED Near is measured in milliwatts and laser and halogen is measured in watts. This allows LED to have a more gentler delivery as it will not damage tissue and will not have the same risk of accidental eye injury. Also with LED NIR disperses over a greater surface area give a faster treatment time.

NASA research has found that the NIR electromagnetic frequency band of energy penetrates deeply into the body and can have a healing effect on our individual cells. For example, inside the mitochondria of every cell are receptors which respond to Near Infrared wavelengths. The light triggers an increase in cell metabolism, protein synthesis (including collagen), and anti-oxidant activity (meaning the cells detoxify). Additionally, it reduces inflammation and pain while simultaneously triggering growth and regeneration in the cells.

Benefits of Near Infrared Therapy

Near Infrared Therapy falls on the spectrum of Infrared Light which is barely visible to the eye and is also the shortest infrared wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared typically includes wavelengths from 700 nm to 1 mm. Near infrared light, however, falls in the spectrum of 700 nm to 2500 nm.

Boosts metabolism

Recharges mitochondria

Stimulates white blood cell production

Reduces body fat

Promotes cell regeneration

Increases energy

Reduces inflammation within the body

Improves circulation within the body

Heals wounds faster

Faster recovery time after working out

Provides pain relief

Rejuvenates the skin

Lessens joint and muscle pain

Improves flexibility

Provides anti-aging benefits to your body

UTK provides different kinds of red light therapy devices and infrared heating pads. Learn more at www.utktechnology.com