By: Marji Graf
What are Far-Infrared Rays (FIR)? Simply put, far-infrared rays are light. They are a specific bandwidth of light that cannot be seen, but can be felt as heat. Specifically, FIR waves are light waves in the 5 to 15 micron range.
How are Far-Infrared Rays Different from Regular Light? Without special filters and lenses, Far-Infrared light cannot be seen by the naked eye…but it can be felt. Light waves transmit heat when they come in contact with any object – sunlight warms a window sill. FIR waves do the same, but they are able to penetrate the surface of most organic materials. When light from a regular heat lamp strikes a roasted chicken, the heat lamp raises the temperature of the skin of the chicken. Heat is then transferred to the interior meat by conduction. In contrast, energy from an FIR heat lamp will actually penetrate 1-1/2 to 2 inches into the chicken and heat the meat directly. For our purposes, this is the most important distinction between FIR waves and regular light.
What Are “FIR” Fabrics? FIR fabrics are regular fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or acrylics, whose fibers have been implanted with various metals or ceramic compounds such as platinum derivatives, or alumina and silica.
What Do FIR Fabrics Do? FIR fabrics were developed as part of the space program to help keep astronauts warm in the deep cold of space. By using multiple methods to store and generate heat energy, breathable FIR fabrics will quickly warm you when you are cold, but will allow excess heat to escape if and when you get too hot. Most standard heat therapy devices use only one method of generating heat. Breathable FIR fabrics simultaneously use the three primary means of heat conservation: Reflection, Insulation, and Emission.
Benefits and Applications: FIR wraps will reduce the concentrations of chemical compounds that build up in muscle tissue during strenuous exercise. FIR waves will provide heat directly to the deep tissues and joints where it can be most beneficial. Increased blood flow can enhance the body’s natural cleansing and restorative abilities. FIR waves in the 5-15 micron range approximate the vibrational frequency of water, which frees various toxins being held by the body.
A Wealth of FIR Products: Saunas – also called Radiant Heat, is a form of energy that heats objects directly without heating the air in between. Infrared panels are used by hospitals to warm premature infants. The sun is the principle source of radiant energy.
Blankets, Mattress Pads, Hair Dryers, Car Seats, Wraps, Carpeting, Home Insulation, Shoe Inserts, Vests, Socks, Gloves
Benefits: Detoxifies and cleans the body of accumulated toxins; Stimulates increased blood circulation; Removes stress in comfortable warmth; Pain relief from arthritis, back pain, spasms, headaches; May be used for pre-activity “warm up”
