8 Benefits of Far Infrared Mats for Lyme Disease Patients
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What Are Far Infrared Mats and How Do They Work?
Far infrared mats emit far infrared radiation (FIR) to provide health benefits. They contain a layer of natural gemstones that emit FIR, which penetrates up to 2-3 inches deep into the body, promoting circulation and relaxation. FIR therapy has been used for centuries and can help manage pain, inflammation, and stress while improving sleep and immune function. Simply lie on the mat to enjoy its benefits.
A History of Infrared Heat Therapy
The application of heat to treat certain conditions, including possible tumors, has a long history. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used hot stones, wrapping them in hot blankets or immersing them into hot water or sand to treat breast masses. 2,400 years ago, Hippocrates, noticed tumor shrinkage after a fever and came to the idea of inducing fever to cure diseases. Medical practitioners in ancient India used regional and whole-body hyperthermia (raising the body temperature) for healing purposes and anti-aging. Asians heated by the sun, with handmade mats with Amethyst, Tourmaline and Jadeite stones to accumulate the thermal healing power of the sunlight, which was transferred to the body while sleeping on the mat. Turkish baths, Russian banya and Finnish saunas are other examples of traditional heat therapy treatments.
Modern scientists consider that hypothermia (low body temperature) may be the cause of many diseases, including cancer, and even a 1.8° increase of the body temperature may improve the immune function by 40% and can enhance production of enzymes and hormones by up to 50% and stimulate the metabolic processes up to 12% by increasing calories burn and fat loss.
Both negative ions and infrared heat go into the body through the thick layer of natural amethyst crystals covering the surface of the mat’s construction. Amethyst crystal refraction organizes the far infrared light and negative ions into patterns with the highest biocompatibility and healing effects.
When used at higher temperatures, far infrared therapy can create a false fever in the body with its deeply penetrating heat from four to six inches into the body. A fever stimulates the immune system into producing more white blood cells, antibodies, and a protein called interferon, all of which work to protect your body against harmful microorganisms. Just a one or two degree increase can produce very healing effects. Fever also increases the metabolism.
Amid all this activity, your circulation is increased, stimulating natural detoxification, thus increasing your metabolism. The deeply penetrating heat is very relaxing and soothes stressed muscles and reduces pain and inflammation.
Modern Far Infrared Amethyst Mat Benefits
There are so many health benefits to far infrared therapy! Here are a few of the many far infrared therapy benefits:
1. Improves Circulation & Cardiovascular Function
Far infrared therapy raises body temperature, warming the blood and expanding the blood vessels. This creates an increase in peripheral blood flow and volume, resulting in improved circulation and heart function, as well as oxygenation.
2. Improves Immune System Function
Far infrared rays’ deeply penetrating heat raises body temperature, inducing an artificial and healthy fever, which promotes the killing of many pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. As the body works to combat the “fever,” the body’s immune system is activated and strengthened by increasing the production of white blood cells. Combined with the detoxification of harmful toxins and waste products, one’s overall health and resistance to disease are greatly improved.
3. Relieves Pain and Chronic Inflammation
The deep penetrating heat of the far infrared therapy helps peripheral blood vessels dilate, bringing relief and healing to the muscles and soft tissue injuries. Increased blood circulation carries away metabolic waste products and delivers oxygen-rich blood to depleted muscles so they recover faster.
4. Burns Calories and Controls Weight
As one relaxes in the gentle heat of the far infrared mat, one’s body is actually hard at work, producing sweat, pumping blood, and burning calories. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association report, a single far infrared session burns as many calories as rowing or jogging for 30 minutes.
5. Eases Joint Pain and Stiffness
Far infrared heat therapy is widely used to treat patients who are suffering from many kinds of arthritic and musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, it has been proven effective in the treatment of sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness and many other musculoskeletal ailments by increasing the growth of cells, DNA and protein synthesis necessary for tissue repair and regeneration. Stiffness, aches and soreness that come with aging are reduced or eliminated using far infrared therapy.
6. Reduces Stress and Fatigue
The gentle warmth of the far infrared rays helps to sooth nerves and relax tight or knotted muscles by heating the muscle fibers. The end result is an improvement in the balance of blood pressure, blood sugar and nutrients in the cells resulting in increased muscle strength, mental stability and improved energy.
7. Improves Skin
The FIR’s heat and negative ions penetrate deeply into the body, through the skin, helping to detoxify impurities from the skin and lymphatic system. In addition, the far infrared greatly enhances exfoliation by rapidly removing dead skin cells. Increased circulation draws the skin’s own natural nutrients to the surface, rejuvenating the skin’s health and appearance.
8. Assists in Detoxification
Far infrared therapy helps to detoxify the body in several important ways. Increased blood circulation stimulates the sweat glands, releasing built-up toxins and waste. Daily sweating can help detoxify the body as it rids itself of an accumulation of potentially carcinogenic heavy metals, alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid, cholesterol, and uric acid. In addition to causing the body to sweat, far infrared is capable of removing toxins via several other bodily systems.
Choosing the Right Far Infrared Mat for You
Choosing the right far infrared mat can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your therapy and your overall experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a far infrared mat:
Quality: Look for a high-quality mat that uses natural gemstones, such as amethyst or jade, to emit FIR. The mat should also be well-constructed with a durable cover and reliable heating elements.
Size: Consider the size of the mat and make sure it fits comfortably in the space where you plan to use it. Also, consider if you need a portable option if you plan on taking it with you while traveling.
Heating settings: Different mats come with various heating settings. Look for a mat with adjustable temperature settings to suit your preference.
Cost: Far infrared mats can vary widely in cost, so consider your budget when making a selection. Keep in mind that higher-priced mats may offer more features and higher-quality materials.
Reviews: Look for customer reviews and feedback to get an idea of the experiences of others who have used the mat. This can help you make a more informed decision.
Here are a few mats recommended by Lyme Warriors in our community.
Far Infrared Mat
from $299.00
TheraPro - PEMF/Infrared/Red Light Pad (Regular)
$498.00
Biomat Professional
$1,850-1,950
Infrared saunas. Find pricing info on the Sunlighten website
*WE DO NOT RECOMMEND HEALTHYLINE Mats. The feedback from the community has been very poor regarding the company and we only want the best for our fellow Lyme Warriors.
Important Note about Infrared Mats and Lyme Disease
"High intensity infrared treatments can produce die-off of spirochaetes, and this can sometimes produce Herxheimer, or “detox” reactions. But these reactions will diminish after a few sessions. Still, it is good to start with a medium setting and work up. Some people are less tolerant of heat than others, and in some cases, it can be due to the fact they have more toxins to remove than others."
As always, please consult with a doctor before starting any treatments.