far infrared therapy side effects

What You Need to Know About Far Infrared Therapy Side Effects

By Gladiator Therapeutics

March 31, 2025

Why Understanding Far Infrared Therapy Side Effects Matters

Far infrared therapy side effects are important to recognize for anyone considering this non-invasive treatment. While far infrared therapy has gained popularity due to its ability to improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation, understanding the side effects is crucial for safe usage.

Potential Side Effects:
Thermal Burns: Overexposure to infrared heat can cause burns.
Dehydration: Sweating during treatment can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replenished.
Eye Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure may irritate sensitive eyes.
Skin Effects: Individuals with certain skin conditions should be cautious.

Far infrared therapy offers numerous health benefits, such as improved relaxation and improved skin elasticity. However, for safety reasons, proper use and medical guidance are essential. Before you get started, make sure to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health conditions like heart issues or are pregnant.

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Infographic of common side effects of far infrared therapy, listing thermal burns, dehydration, eye sensitivity, and skin effects - far infrared therapy side effects infographic brainstorm-4-items

Understanding Far Infrared Therapy

Far infrared therapy is a type of treatment that uses far infrared radiation to generate heat within the body. This heat can penetrate deep into the skin and tissues, offering various therapeutic effects. To understand how this works, let’s dive into the basics of far infrared radiation and its place in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Far Infrared Radiation and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is like a giant library of all types of radiation. It includes everything from radio waves to gamma rays. Far infrared radiation is a part of this spectrum. It sits between microwave and visible light, with a wavelength range of 3 to 100 micrometers (µm). This type of radiation is unique because it transfers energy purely as heat, which our skin can feel as warmth.

Electromagnetic Spectrum - far infrared therapy side effects

Therapeutic Effects of Far Infrared Therapy

Far infrared therapy is known for its therapeutic effects. When the far infrared rays penetrate the skin, they can:

  • Increase Blood Flow: The heat helps to widen blood vessels, improving circulation.
  • Promote Relaxation: The warmth can soothe muscles, reducing tension and stress.
  • Improve Skin Health: By stimulating fibroblasts, it can boost collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture.

In a study involving patients with facial wrinkles, six months of far infrared treatment led to noticeable improvements in skin texture and roughness. Patients reported a 51-75% improvement in skin quality, although changes in hyperpigmented lesions were not significant.

Improvement in Skin Texture - far infrared therapy side effects infographic 3_facts_emoji_light-gradient

These benefits make far infrared therapy a popular choice for those seeking non-invasive treatments for various health conditions. However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, as mentioned earlier, to ensure safe and effective use of this therapy.

Far Infrared Therapy Side Effects

While far infrared therapy offers many benefits, it’s crucial to understand the side effects and risks associated with it. Let’s explore some potential concerns and precautions to take.

Thermal Injuries

Thermal injuries can occur if the heat from far infrared therapy is too intense or prolonged. Although it’s rare, users might experience burns or overheating. To minimize this risk, ensure the device is set at a safe temperature and limit the duration of each session.

Eye Sensitivity

Exposure to infrared light can affect the eyes, especially if they’re not protected. While far infrared rays are not as intense as ultraviolet rays, prolonged exposure without eye protection can lead to discomfort or potential damage. It’s advisable to wear protective eyewear during therapy sessions.

Skin Effects

Far infrared therapy can cause mild skin effects like redness or irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals. However, these effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly. To avoid skin issues, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your skin adapts.

Potential Risks and Precautions

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should be cautious with far infrared therapy. The increased heat can raise core body temperature, which may pose risks to the developing fetus. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using this therapy during pregnancy.

Heart Disease

For those with heart disease, far infrared therapy can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. If you have cardiovascular conditions, talk to your doctor before starting infrared treatments to ensure it’s safe for your specific health needs.

Chronic Illness

Individuals with chronic illnesses like kidney disease or neurological conditions should also seek medical advice before trying far infrared therapy. Conditions that affect the body’s ability to regulate heat may increase the risk of overheating or dehydration.

By understanding these potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can safely enjoy the benefits of far infrared therapy. Next, we’ll dig into the health benefits this therapy offers.

Health Benefits of Far Infrared Therapy

Applications in Medical Fields

Far infrared therapy is not just a wellness trend; it’s a powerful tool used in various medical fields. Let’s explore some of its key health benefits.

Pain Relief

Far infrared therapy is gaining attention for its ability to ease pain naturally. It penetrates deep into muscles and joints, providing relief from aches and stiffness. Athletes often use it to speed up recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Chronic pain sufferers, like those with arthritis, find it particularly beneficial.

Improved Circulation

One of the standout benefits of far infrared therapy is its ability to improve blood circulation. The warmth from the infrared light causes blood vessels to dilate, boosting blood flow. This increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, aiding in healing and reducing pain.

Detoxification

Infrared saunas use this therapy to promote detoxification. As the body heats up, sweating increases, helping to eliminate toxins. This process supports the immune system and improves overall health. Regular sessions can improve biochemical processes, leading to better digestion and improved energy levels.

Wound Healing

Far infrared therapy plays a significant role in wound healing. By improving blood flow and oxygen delivery, it accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation. This makes it a valuable tool in rehabilitation and recovery for those with injuries or post-surgical wounds.

Cardiovascular Health

Infrared therapy benefits cardiovascular health by increasing the production of nitric oxide. This molecule helps relax arteries, preventing blood clots and improving circulation. Studies suggest it could lower blood pressure and combat oxidative stress, making it a promising therapy for heart health.

Muscular Injuries

For muscular injuries, far infrared therapy boosts the action of mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells. This triggers the growth and repair of muscle tissues, speeding up recovery. It’s a non-invasive way to support muscle health and reduce downtime after injuries.

These applications highlight the diverse benefits of far infrared therapy in medical fields. Next, we’ll address some common questions about its side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Far Infrared Therapy Side Effects

What are the common side effects?

Thermal Burns and Dehydration

While far infrared therapy is generally safe, it can lead to thermal burns if not used properly. The heat generated by the infrared light can cause skin burns, especially if the therapy is applied for too long or at high intensity.

Dehydration is another concern. As the body sweats during infrared therapy, it loses fluids. It’s crucial to stay hydrated before and after sessions to prevent dehydration.

Is infrared therapy safe for everyone?

Pregnant Women and Heart Disease

Infrared therapy may not be safe for everyone. Pregnant women should avoid it unless they have their doctor’s approval. The heat can affect fetal development, and there’s a risk of overheating.

People with heart disease should also exercise caution. The therapy can increase heart rate and blood flow, which might cause complications for those with underlying heart conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting infrared therapy if you have heart issues.

Can infrared therapy cause cancer?

Photocarcinogenesis and Safety Studies

A common concern is whether infrared therapy can cause cancer. Current research indicates that far infrared rays do not have enough energy to damage DNA or cause cancer, a process known as photocarcinogenesis.

Safety studies have shown that far infrared therapy is non-ionizing and does not pose a cancer risk. However, ongoing research is essential to continue understanding its long-term effects.

These insights address some of the frequently asked questions about far infrared therapy side effects. In the next section, we’ll dig into how to maximize the benefits of this therapy while minimizing risks.

Conclusion

At Gladiator Therapeutics, we’re dedicated to using the power of far infrared therapy to improve patient outcomes. Our innovative SemiCera® Technology is at the forefront of this effort, designed to improve healing processes and reduce treatment costs.

Why Choose Gladiator Therapeutics?

Our SemiCera® Technology is non-powered and focuses on accelerating wound healing and promoting stem cell proliferation. By using far infrared radiation, our devices provide a non-invasive, safe approach to improve recovery and improve quality of life.

Improved Patient Outcomes

Patients using our technology have experienced faster recovery times and reduced pain. Studies have shown that far infrared therapy can improve circulation, promote detoxification, and aid in muscle recovery. These benefits contribute to better overall health and well-being.

Commitment to Safety

While there are risks associated with far infrared therapy, such as thermal burns and dehydration, our products are designed to minimize these risks. We emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines and consulting with healthcare providers, especially for pregnant women and individuals with heart conditions.

Our commitment is to provide effective, safe, and affordable solutions for healthcare needs. We believe that with proper use and precautions, far infrared therapy can be a valuable tool in medical treatments.

For more information about the benefits of far infrared therapy and how our technology can help you, visit our Far Infrared Therapy Benefits page.