Dr. David Candy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a licensed physical therapist in the state of Missouri USA. His work primarily focuses on helping people relieve pain and improve mobility. In this blog post, Dr. Candy will discuss his perspective on infrared therapy and share exercises for relieving lower back pain and promoting deep relaxation.
Infrared Therapy: A Modern Approach to Pain Relief
If you're dealing with a chronic health condition like arthritis, poor circulation, diabetes, fibromyalgia, or neuropathy, you've likely explored various alternative therapies or regenerative medicine options. Infrared therapy, once considered purely an alternative treatment, now has a scientific foundation and may even be one of the best alternatives in regenerative medicine. A recent article published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics has highlighted its potential benefits.
In this blog, Dr. Candy will delve into the science behind infrared radiation therapy and its potential applications for pain relief and wellness.
In Vitro Mechanisms of FIR (Far Infrared Radiation)
Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) has gained recognition for its wide range of health benefits, primarily due to its ability to penetrate deeply into tissues and influence cellular processes. Some of the key mechanisms include:
1. Impact on Cellular Activity
Research indicates that FIR may influence cellular activity by altering cell membrane potential, affecting mitochondrial metabolism, or regulating the activity of key dynamic cellular proteins. Specifically, FIR has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, offering potential as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
FIR has significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for individuals dealing with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. By reducing inflammation, FIR can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with these diseases.
3. Pain Relief
One of the most widely recognized benefits of FIR is its ability to provide pain relief, particularly for chronic conditions. FIR therapy improves blood circulation, enhances tissue repair, and accelerates the healing process, which ultimately helps reduce pain levels.
4. Cellular Regeneration
FIR promotes the regeneration of cells, making it an essential tool for supporting tissue repair and overall healing. This regenerative process aids in the recovery of damaged tissues and contributes to long-term health improvements.
5. Improved Mitochondrial Function
FIR boosts mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production within cells. Enhanced mitochondrial activity supports overall cell health and improves cellular efficiency.
6. Reduction of Oxidative Stress
FIR therapy is effective in combating oxidative stress, a factor linked to various chronic diseases. By reducing oxidative damage, FIR plays a role in protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
7. Vascular Regeneration
FIR is also beneficial in vascular repair and regeneration. It supports blood vessel health, which is crucial for ensuring proper blood flow and oxygenation of tissues.
Clinical Applications of FIR in Regenerative Medicine
Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) has shown great promise in clinical applications across various fields of medicine. Its effects are being studied for treating numerous conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and orthopedic conditions. The clinical benefits of FIR can be summarized as follows:
1. Cardiovascular and Vascular Health
FIR therapy has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable for treating diseases characterized by inflammation, such as peritonitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, FIR helps promote angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), which is particularly useful in treating cardiovascular conditions and diseases related to vascular regeneration.
2. Oxidative Stress Protection for Mental Health
FIR therapy is also beneficial for mental health conditions, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. By combating oxidative stress, FIR helps protect against the neurological damage associated with these mental health challenges.
3. Orthopedic Diseases
Beyond promoting the repair and regeneration of muscles, wounds, and other tissues, FIR plays a key role in pain relief for orthopedic conditions. Whether it’s for muscle recovery or alleviating joint pain, FIR has proven to be an effective therapy for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal issues.
4. Chronic Conditions Management
FIR is also studied for its potential to support the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The therapy’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects make it a promising treatment option for patients managing long-term health challenges.
It is important to note that while infrared therapy is not a cure for cancer, it may offer complementary support alongside traditional treatments.
How Can You Experience Infrared Therapy?
For most people, there are two primary ways to experience the benefits of infrared radiation:
- Far Infrared Saunas
These saunas provide the therapeutic heat of infrared radiation but are quite expensive and require significant space.
- Far Infrared Mats
These mats are a more accessible and affordable option. They work by emitting infrared radiation and can be used in the comfort of your own home.
For those looking to manage chronic health issues, investing in an infrared mat is highly recommended over renting a sauna.
Lower Back Pain Relief Exercises Using an Infrared Mat
To make the most of your infrared mat, it’s important to lie on it properly. Most commonly, you’ll use the mat while lying on your back. For individuals with back pain, here are a few guidelines to follow:
1. Prepare for Comfort
- Lie on your back with your legs extended.
- If you have lower back pain, bend your knees slightly or place a small pillow under your knees to prevent your lower back from overextending.
2. Stretching and Core Exercises
2.1 Knee-to-Chest Stretch
- Gently bring one knee toward your chest while keeping your other leg extended. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch legs.
- Bring one knee toward your chest while bending the other knee and placing that leg on top of the extended leg. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch sides.
- While lying flat, bring both knees toward your chest at the same time, gently hugging them with your hands. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then slowly release and return to the starting position.
2.2 Core Stabilization Exercise
While lying flat on the mat, raise your legs in a "marching" motion, ensuring that your lower back remains pressed against the mat throughout the movement.
Relaxation and Deep Breathing on mats
Let’s use simple breathing techniques to help your body deeply relax. Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for stress management.
- Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest.
- Inhale deeply, letting your abdomen rise.
- Exhale slowly, allowing your abdomen to fall.
Negative Ion Benefits for Emotional Well-Being
Negative ions are naturally occurring particles that carry a negative charge. They are often found in places with water flow, such as waterfalls, and are believed to help reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. By releasing negative ions, far-infrared mats can help improve your mood, manage stress, and purify the air.
Discover PHYMAT® 5-Gem Infrared Mat
The PHYMAT® 5-Gem Infrared Mat features five powerful gemstones: Amethyst, Red Agate, Obsidian, Turquoise, and Clear Crystal. Each of these stones is believed to have specific healing properties:
- Amethyst: Known for clearing negative energy, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.
- Clear Crystal: A master healer that supports the body’s energetic system.
- Obsidian: A protective stone that helps process emotions and release negativity.
- Red Agate: Known for its extreme healing power and ability to impact the body, mind, and spirit.
- Turquoise: A stone that aids in self-realization, immune system support, and tissue regeneration.
This mat is equipped with nine layers, including an anti-electromagnetic radiation layer, a temperature-sensing layer, and a waterproof outer layer to ensure safety and comfort.
If you’re looking for a powerful tool to help alleviate pain and improve your well-being, the PHYMAT® 5-Gem Infrared Mat is an excellent choice. This mat also comes in an upgraded version with PEMF therapy, offering even more comprehensive healing benefits.
