Far-Infrared Therapy for Vascular Health?

What is far infrared?

Far infrared (FIR) is infrared light with a wavelength between 3 and 1,000 micrometers. Infrared is an electromagnetic wave invisible to the human eye that can penetrate deeper through the skin to reach deep tissue.

Far infrared is widely used in physical therapy, for example in far-infrared saunas, heating pads and related therapeutic devices.

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Effects on health

Promotes blood circulation

Far infrared can penetrate the skin to reach deep tissue, promote blood circulation and improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients, which helps ease muscle pain and tension ^{(Reference 1)}

Relieves pain

Far-infrared therapy can effectively relieve chronic pain, such as arthritis and muscle pain _{(Reference 2)}

Improves skin health

The heat from far infrared promotes circulation in the skin, which helps skin repair and improves skin elasticity _{^{(Reference 3)}}

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Benefits for dialysis access?

Promotes circulation and vessel health

Far infrared promotes blood circulation, which helps reduce inflammation within the vessel and promote vasodilation, and may help improve the condition of the dialysis access _{(Reference 4)}

Improves peripheral vascular function in kidney patients

Some studies suggest that far-infrared therapy can improve peripheral vascular function in kidney patients and in turn lower the risk of peripheral vascular stiffening _{(Reference 5)}

Eases dialysis-related symptoms

Far-infrared therapy is thought to relieve some symptoms in dialysis patients, such as dry skin and vascular problems. By increasing local blood flow, far infrared may help reduce discomfort during dialysis ^{_{(Reference 6)}}

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Points to note when using it

Risks of overexposure

Prolonged or excessive exposure to far infrared may cause dry skin, burns or discomfort. Be careful to control the exposure time ^{_{(Reference 7)}}

Not suitable for some people

Some groups, such as pregnant women or people with heart disease, may not be suitable for far-infrared therapy. Seek professional advice before use _{(Reference 8)}

Device safety

Make sure the far-infrared equipment used meets the relevant safety standards, to avoid injury caused by poor product quality_{(Reference 9)}

References:

1. “Far Infrared Radiation: A Review of Health Effects and Applications” in Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition (2014)
2. “The Effectiveness of Far Infrared Therapy in Pain Management” in Pain Research and Treatment (2015)
3. “Far Infrared Radiation and Its Effects on Skin: A Review” in Dermatologic Therapy (2016)
4. Matsushita, T., & Kawai, T. (2003). “Effect of Far Infrared Ray on Blood Flow and Skin Temperature”. Japanese Journal of Physiology
5. Kondo, K., & Nakano, M. (2012). “Impact of Far Infrared Therapy on Vascular Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease”. Clinical Nephrology
6. Yang, H., & Wang, Q. (2016). “Far Infrared Radiation Therapy for Symptoms of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis”. International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease
7. “Potential Risks of Excessive Far Infrared Radiation Exposure” in Journal of Occupational Health (2017)
8. “Safety Considerations for Far Infrared Therapy” in Clinical Therapeutics (2018)
9. “Standards and Safety Regulations for Infrared Devices” in Health Physics (2019)