Natural Infrared Light Put to the Test
How does IR radiation strengthen body and soul?
Physical and mental health have become increasingly important values in recent years. This means we are becoming more and more aware of how precious our own health is. The goal of strengthening our immune system and feeling energetic and fit in the long term is taking on a more central role in our lives. And this health trend is evident in all areas: Healthy, vitamin-rich food, restful sleep that’s easy on the back, varied exercise routines, or an ergonomic workspace—these are all topics we’re focusing on more and more. In addition to physical health, we also want to actively improve our mental and emotional well-being; to do this, we use meditation, relaxation exercises, or intentional breaks from our stressful workdays.
To relax and do something good for the immune system at the same time, we take time out for a day at the spa or thermal baths. We then really let ourselves go with sauna sessions, whirlpools and massages. These heat treatments stimulate circulation and support our immune system. One of the most popular heat treatments alongside the classic sauna? Treatment with infrared heat. It helps us to stay fit and healthy and can alleviate physical or mental complaints. But how does the infrared cabin work? How can the heat of the IR light help us to ward off pathogens?
Heat therapy as an immune booster
The Sat.1 Bayern video explores the health benefits of heat. It introduces us to the function of heat in saunas and infrared cabins, tests their use and compares their effects. Find out more from general practitioner Dr. Jan Schmitt-Bosselt about the positive effect of IR radiation on health - which is more important than ever in times of a pandemic. It becomes clear that sport and a vitamin-rich diet alone are no guarantee of a healthy lifestyle. Warmth and relaxation are also important factors for a vital and healthy life in the long term.
Externally applied heat stimulates the circulation and heats the entire body, similar to a mild fever. This stimulates the immune system and fights pathogens as a precautionary measure. The increased blood circulation helps the body's self-healing mechanisms and sweating removes various harmful substances from the body: our defenses are running at full speed!
One option is to sweat it out in saunas to boost your immune system and stimulate your circulation. But in summer we avoid them because of the extreme heat. Although we want to relax, boost our immune system and stimulate our circulation, our need for intense heat is satisfied. In addition, our individual perception of heat and ability to absorb heat varies greatly. Do you find saunas exhausting and tiring? A regular immune booster through heat and pleasant wellness moments can also be experienced outside of saunas. Natural infrared light is used for this purpose - this type of heat treatment takes place at pleasant and moderate temperatures and is now also part of many thermal baths and spa oases.
How do infrared cabins work?
Infrared light accompanies us during sunrises and sunsets in everyday life, so that the radiation is perceived by the body as natural. Infrared light belongs to a range of electromagnetic radiation that lies below the red end of the visible light spectrum. This light reaches the skin through the back radiators of the infrared cabin, which is heated gently and without contact. The heat is then distributed through the blood and the stimulated cells in the body. The entire body, especially muscles and joints, is gently heated and well supplied with blood. Our in-house expert, Peter Embacher, explains this process clearly in the video. At 27 to 37 degrees, the body can relax without being overloaded by heat, as it does not have to use its own energy to cool down or heat up. The additional heat is generated by the IR emitters only on a limited area of the skin. Lavatech radiators are used in the cabins for this purpose. These encourage our blood to flow into the interior of the body in a heat balance, gradually warming the core and shell of the body. In addition to relaxation that appeals to all the senses, the infrared cabin also has other health benefits: the regulated heat treatment strengthens the immune system, increases blood circulation, improves the metabolism, relieves tension and alleviates back, neck and joint pain. It can improve skin conditions and supports our mental and emotional well-being.
As everyone processes heat differently, Physiotherm has developed SENSOcare®, a unique technology that guarantees comfort and safety with a gentle and revitalizing heat treatment. The radiation temperature adapts to the body's needs on the basis of measured values - thus ensuring the ideal intensity at all times.
The experience comparison
Vanessa and Noah put it to the test in a thermal spa in Erding, Upper Bavaria. They tried out the infrared cabin in comparison to a conventional sauna, as the video report on Sat.1 Bayern shows. The test subjects are positively surprised: they describe the treatment in the infrared cabin as a very relaxed and rather localized warmth. They feel that this type of warmth is equivalent to a sauna session. The IR radiation warms them from the inside and leads to a gentle relaxation of body and mind. The circulation is less stressed than with hot sauna infusions, but the pleasant warmth and strengthening of the immune system are also provided.
Vital, healthy and balanced with infrared light - try it out for yourself. With infrared light, you can get closer to your goal of supporting your immune system and leading a vital lifestyle. Further information on the use of various infrared cabins, infrared showers or heating accessories is available from Physiotherm advice centers and on our website. We will be happy to help you decide on your personal favorite heat treatment.
