There's no doubt that the favorite part of most people's visit is a chance to relax and receive acupuncture under the warm glow of the Infra-Red lamp!
I often describe the IR lamp as the 'cherry on top' but this belies the fact that Infra- Red is actually an important part of your treatment and enhances the effect of acupuncture.
On a basic level, being warm and comfortable is conducive to becoming relaxed and when you're relaxed the full benefit of acupuncture becomes available. Tense, cold tissues contract and inhibit blood flow.
Infra- Red light is part of the light spectrum with wavelengths in the range of 700-1000 nanometers. You can see and feel Infra-Red as red light and warmth. It can penetrate deeper than just red light (LED) and therefore benefits deeper tissue structures such as muscle, nerve and connective tissue. It has been shown as an effective tool in relieving pain and reducing inflammation with no adverse side effects. It is used post-injury to shorten healing times and to restore function of the affected body part.
IR light has also been shown to increase the production of nitrous oxide in the blood. This molecule is a vital bio transmitter which helps relax arteries and prevents blood from clotting and clumping in the vessels. It combats free radicals to prevent oxidative stress and regulates blood pressure.
Red Light therapy is also beneficial but acts in a different way. Red light can be seen but there is no warmth like with Infra-Red. Red light can penetrate the skin to a depth of about 5mm without damage. Red light produces a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens mitochondria. Mitochondria produce the energy (ATP) which cells use to grow and regenerate. Thus, with more ATP available, cells can repair and function more efficiently. Red Light is used in skin therapy for wounds and lesions. There are promising studies which use Red Light therapy to stimulate the thyroid gland in patients with Hashimoto's (underactive thyroid). Other applications include relieving the symptoms of TMJ disorder, carpal tunnel and scar treatments.
Using light therapy to elicit a healing response in the body is called photobiomodulation. We have discovered that exposure to sunlight is essential in regulating our body clocks, in the synthesizing of Vitamin D in the skin and for good mental health.
We look forward to the longer, daylight hours that heralds the arrival of Spring. Sunlight which is made up of both IR and UV waves are essential to life on this planet.
So, whilst I cannot bring the sun into the office, I know that the IR lamp and Red Light therapies offered as part of your treatment bring a ray of healing sunshine into your life!
If you think you'd benefit from this kind of treatment, please give the office a call or call your local licensed acupuncturist for help and advice!
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