Boosting cellular regeneration, reducing inflammation and enhancing recovery, infrared therapy offers innovative benefits for healthspan.
Infrared therapy has gained recognition as a scientifically validated tool for enhancing both wellness and longevity. Using infrared light to penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, this non-invasive therapy has been shown to support cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing processes. For those seeking to extend their healthspan – and prolong the years of good health – infrared therapy offers a promising approach that aligns well with the growing demand for accessible solutions that can be deployed outside traditional clinical settings. Companies like Juro Miru are capitalizing on this technology, offering infrared wellness products that integrate seamlessly into daily routines.
The science behind infrared therapy
Infrared light therapy works by leveraging specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the body as heat. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause cellular damage, infrared light can penetrate up to several centimeters into the skin, targeting tissues beneath the surface. Near-infrared (NIR) and far-infrared (FIR) light, which are commonly used in infrared therapies, stimulate various biological processes, and while NIR, penetrates the skin and is often used to treat surface injuries and inflammation, FIR reaches deeper into tissues, targeting more significant conditions such as muscle soreness and joint stiffness. This versatility has made infrared therapy popular in diverse fields such as sports medicine, dermatology and rehabilitation.
One key mechanism involves the enhancement of mitochondrial activity, leading to an increase in ATP production – the energy currency of the cell – which is vital for cellular repair and regeneration [1].
Infrared light therapy also promotes the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a crucial role in vascular health by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation [2]. Improved circulation allows for better oxygenation of tissues and more efficient removal of metabolic waste, accelerating recovery from injuries and reducing inflammation [3].
Longevity.Technology: The longevity industry is constantly seeking new methods to extend healthspan, and infrared therapy fits into this vision by offering a non-invasive, accessible way to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM), particularly with far-infrared (FIR) light, in penetrating deeper tissues to support muscle recovery, alleviate joint pain, and reduce chronic inflammation – a significant contributor to aging and many age-related conditions [4]. These findings suggest that regular FIR therapy could help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, promote tissue regeneration, and improve overall well-being.
Longevity on a biological level
Far infrared therapy operates by influencing several key physiological processes. FIR light, which falls within the 5-25 micron wavelength range, penetrates the skin and is absorbed by tissues up to several centimeters deep. This deep tissue absorption causes the water molecules in the body to vibrate, generating heat and leading to several beneficial effects.
FIR stimulates mitochondrial function by influencing the electron transport chain, a crucial component of cellular respiration. When FIR light penetrates tissues, its energy is absorbed by chromophores – light-sensitive molecules present in cells, particularly in the mitochondria. One of the key chromophores in this process is cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the mitochondria that plays a pivotal role in the electron transport chain.
FIR light excites cytochrome c oxidase, which helps facilitate the transfer of electrons through the chain more efficiently. This enhanced electron flow increases the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier in cells. The rise in ATP levels boosts the energy available for cellular processes, including repair, regeneration and recovery from damage.
Moreover, FIR therapy can reduce oxidative stress within mitochondria by improving the efficiency of ATP production [5]. This reduction in oxidative stress is essential for maintaining mitochondrial health, as excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage cells and contribute to aging and inflammation. By improving mitochondrial efficiency and reducing oxidative stress, FIR helps cells function optimally, promoting better overall cellular health and longevity.
In addition, far infrared therapy promotes the release of nitric oxide (NO) – and chromophores play a role in this process, too [6,7]. When FIR light penetrates the skin and reaches deeper tissues, it interacts with certain chromophores, specifically cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction helps displace nitric oxide, which can sometimes bind to cytochrome c oxidase and inhibit its function.
By freeing nitric oxide from cytochrome c oxidase, FIR therapy allows NO to be released into surrounding tissues and the bloodstream. Nitric oxide plays a critical role in vascular health, as it functions as a signaling molecule that relaxes the smooth muscles lining blood vessels. This vasodilation effect leads to increased blood flow, improved oxygen delivery, and enhanced nutrient supply to tissues, while also facilitating the removal of metabolic waste.
In addition, the release of nitric oxide helps reduce inflammation by regulating immune cell activity and modulating inflammatory pathways. As a result, FIR therapy’s ability to enhance nitric oxide availability contributes to its benefits in improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair and healing.
Real-world applications in healthspan
Juro Miru has been at the forefront of incorporating infrared therapy into wellness products designed for everyday use. The company’s infrared therapy mats, for instance, are designed to enhance blood circulation and reduce inflammation, key components in promoting cellular recovery. By targeting specific areas of the body, these mats can be used to alleviate pain and support healing from injuries [8].
In addition to mats, Juro Miru offers infrared saunas, which combine heat therapy with the penetrating benefits of infrared light. Unlike traditional saunas, which only heat the surface of the skin, infrared saunas raise the core body temperature, improving detoxification, reducing blood pressure, and promoting relaxation. The sauna’s infrared light also stimulates nitric oxide production, which further aids in vascular health and tissue regeneration [9].
Juro Miru has even integrated infrared technology into activewear. The Hikari Infrared Yoga Collection, which includes leggings and sports bras, uses fabric designed to convert body heat into infrared energy. This innovative approach allows wearers to experience the benefits of infrared therapy during physical activities, such as yoga or running, by enhancing muscle recovery and improving performance [10].
The future of infrared therapy in health and wellness
Infrared therapy’s versatility and accessibility make it an appealing option for those seeking to improve their health and extend their longevity. The therapy has demonstrated potential in reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and promoting cellular regeneration – all of which are critical factors in healthy aging [11]. Moreover, its ease of use in non-clinical settings makes it accessible to a broader audience; from infrared therapy mats to wearable technology, companies like Juro Miru are making it easier than ever to incorporate these benefits into daily routines.
Infrared therapy represents an exciting and scientifically-backed approach to enhancing wellness and promoting longevity. By harnessing the body’s natural healing processes, it offers a non-invasive way to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and support cellular repair. As companies like Juro Miru continue to innovate in this space, infrared therapy is likely to become a mainstay in the growing field of longevity technology.
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[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982219311133
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16946145/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28070154/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19602651/
[5] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine/51/17/51_51.7115/_article
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X1300956X
[7] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/circj/70/4/70_4_463/_article
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31170016/
[9] https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1750-1326-4-26
[10] https://juromiru.com/collections/fir-technology
[11] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29167727/
