The most interesting thing I read was that researchers believe FIR is equivalent to the Qi energy in humans and animals, which also emitted from sunlight. (Yes, yes I know another theory about what Qi is...) The intensity of Far Infrared produced by the human body constantly fluctuates. When its intensity is high, we feel healthy and are able to overcome ailments. When the intensity begins to decline, we are subject to disease and illness and tend to age more quickly. Apparently, we can be exposed to Far Infrared heat for hours and it will never cause our skin to burn. Indeed after sitting in the FIR sauna for about 15 minutes, I did experience a feeling similar to the Qi state, with better circulation, a feeling of internal warmth and heat and a slight swelling and tingling of the palms and hands.
According to the research our bodies radiate far infrared energy through the skin at 3 to 50 microns, with most output at 9.4 microns. Our palms emit FIR energy also, between 8 and 14 microns. 'Palm Healing', an ancient tradition in China, has used the healing properties of far infrared rays for 3,000 years. These natural healers emit energy and heat radiating from their hands to heal, much the same as Reiki healers do. Current research conducted in Taiwan has measured significant far infrared energy emitted from the hands of Chi Gong masters. Yogis in India also employ palm healing and recommend it especially for relieving eye strain. Thermal therapy has in fact been in existence for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Finns, the Romans, the ancient Chinese and the American Indians.
Since ancient times, people have believed that exposure to sunshine can maintain and even enhance health. Sun therapy is a form of natural FIR thermal therapy. Far Infrared Ray are the invisible rays of natural sunlight that have the longest wavelength. Since sunlight also contains ultra-violet rays which are potentially damaging and there is also no temperature control and sunshine is only available seasonally this is a more convenient method, especially in winter.
Here are some of the purported benefits:
1) Far Infrared expands capillaries which stimulates increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation and oxygenation.
2) Far Infrared is excellent for detox. Scientists in Japan report that in the FIR treatment of clogged capillary vessels, heat expands the capillaries and then initiates the start of a process to dissolve hidden toxins. Far Infrared thereby promotes elimination of fats, chemicals and toxins from the blood: Poisons, carcinogenic heavy metals - toxic substances from food processing - lactic acid, free fatty acids, and subcutaneous fat associated with aging and fatigue - excess sodium associated with hypertension - and uric acid which causes pain. Furthermore, if sebaceous glands are activated, accumulated cosmetics in pores can be eliminated through the skin (sweat and oil glands) rather than by the kidneys.
3) Far Infrared stimulates enzyme activity and metabolism - One hour in the sauna improves metabolism. FIR heat aids in breaking down cellulite - trapped water, fat and waste.
4) Far Infrared may induce the killing of varied pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
5) Far Infrared promotes rebuilding of injured tissue by having a positive effect on the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for the repair of injury). Furthermore, it increases growth of cells, DNA syntheses, and protein synthesis all necessary during tissue repair and regeneration. Excellent for healing burns, scar tissue and skin problems.
6) Far Infrared relieves nervous tension and relaxes muscles thereby helping the body make the most of its intended healing abilities. FIR reduces soreness as muscle fibers are heated.
7) Far Infrared strengthens the Immune System by stimulating increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes) by the bone marrow and killer T-cells by the thymus.
8) Far Infrared strengthens the Cardiovascular System by causing heart rate and cardiac output increase, and diastolic blood pressure decrease - Extensive research by NASA in the early 1980's led to the conclusion that far infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during a long space flight.
Far infrared light also affects the hormonal balance of the body, in levels of:
Melatonin: hormone derived from serotonin, produced by the pineal gland that plays a role in sleep, aging and reproduction.
Cortisone: naturally occurring steroid hormone, primarily in carbohydrate metabolism, and is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal insufficiency, certain allergies and gout.
Testosterone: white crystalline steroid hormone, most potent naturally occurring androgen.
Far infrared photons of light has a process similar to the photosynthesis process in plants. FIR is converted by the body into electrochemical impulses and sent to the pineal and pituitary glands, which, in turn, produce healthy hormones that are sent through the central nervous system to all the cells of your body. Thus, light is essential to the functioning of our entire endocrine system.
I am interested to see how this continues as the weeks progress, for one thing the condition of my skin improved and is smoother, and my muscles seem to be less tense. This may be a good adjunct (but not replacement) to my regular zhan zhuang practice, as it will not train the muscles, fascia and other connective tissue. But on those days when I am bone tired from work and don't want to stand, then it is nice to look forward to one, especially on the really cold and damp days we have had recently. From a TCM point of view, one of the ills that commonly plague modern people is internal dampness (from sitting in a termperature controlled environment all the time), and this is a safe way to heat the body internally to drive out the damp without drying it out like a normal dry sauna and avoiding the dampness of a steam room.
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