The following excerpts are from a detailed study into far infrared and its myriad of applications:

"Discs and garments manufactured of FIR emitting ceramic material have been applied to the human body. For instance, a blanket containing discs has been reported to improve quality of sleep and single discs were applied to the breasts of women who encountered difficulty in producing sufficient breast milk during lactation. Gloves have been made out of FIR emitting fabrics and there have been reports that these gloves can be used to treat arthritis of the hands and Raynaud’s syndrome.

Belts made out of these fabrics have been used for weight reduction. In one study, Conrado and Munin investigated whether the use of a garment made with synthetic fibers embedded with powdered ceramic led to a reduction in body measurements. The study population comprised 42 women divided into two groups: active and placebo. The volunteers used clothing either impregnated or not impregnated with ceramic powder for at least 8 h/day for 30 days. The experimental data showed a reduction in body measurements, which may be a consequence of an increment in microcirculation and peripheral blood flow, and these changes might promote improved general health.

A belt containing FIR-emitting sericite mineral (a fine grained mica) was used to study the relief of menstrual pain. In this study, 104 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomized to wear a sericite or placebo belt during sleep for three menstrual cycles, and then followed up for two additional menstrual cycles with no belt. Hot packs were used to heat the ceramics and ensure slight pain relief in both groups. Although the severity of dysmenorrhea decreased during the treatment period in both groups, it was found that during the follow-up period, the decreased VAS (pain) score was maintained in the experimental group, whereas the VAS score gradually returned to baseline in the control group, which resulted in significant difference between the groups.

In their recent clinical study, Liau et al. looked into the benefits of using an FIR emitting belt for managing the discomfort of primary dysmenorrhea in female patients. Taking into account several parameters, such as body temperature, abdominal blood flow, pain assessment, and heart rate variability, they showed that FIR belts used increased the local surface body temperature as well as the abdominal blood flow; in addition to reducing the pain and the discomfort from it." 

Read the full article here.

This article examines the positive effect that Far Infrared Saunas can have on muscle recovery in a group of athletes.  

Excerpt: "In 2015, a study from Finland tested to see if FIR saunas increased recovery and power output after endurance training. They found that using FIR treatment following 30-40-minute endurance training sessions resulted in significantly lower heart rates and measured a greater counter movement jump than those using traditional saunas. It appears that using FIR after endurance training is more favorable for the neuromuscular system to recover. They also investigated the effects of FIR on a group of athletes during a 5-day intensive training period to find that the testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratios had improved significantly after using FIR. These improvements in recovery can enable more intensive training to help push athletic development."

Read the full article here.

Love him or loathe him, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (Super Bowl Champion for a record sixth time) has set the standard for sustained peak performance over his illustrious career. What keeps him going? Lots of good habits, including the use of far infrared in his recovery regimen.

Read the full article here.