Near Infrared or Far Infrared to Improve Fertility?
NIR vs. Far Infrared - Which is the best option for women and men’s reproductive health?
If you’ve ever dived into the world of wellness, you’ve likely heard the buzz about the benefits of infrared therapy and red light therapy (photobiomodulation). But, like standing in a tech store faced with too many choices, it can be overwhelming to figure out the differences between Near Infrared (NIR) and Far Infrared (FIR) radiation, especially when it comes to your health and fertility. So let's break it down
Understanding the Spectrum
First things first, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Infrared radiation is a type of light energy invisible to the human eye, which comes in three forms: Near Infrared (NIR), Mid Infrared (MIR), and Far Infrared (FIR). Each type has different wavelengths which dictate how deeply they penetrate the skin and the effects they have on the body.
Near Infrared (NIR): Ranging from approx 780 nm to 2500 nm, NIR is the closest to visible light. It penetrates deep into the tissues, muscles, and bones, helping to heal and regenerate cells. It's regularly used in photobiomodulation therapies for its deep penetration and several studies suggest NIR is the most effective (especially at about 830 nm).
Far Infrared (FIR): With longer wavelengths, FIR also penetrates the tissues but it warms the body. This makes it a favorite for use in FIR saunas, where it promotes relaxation, detoxification, and circulation. FIR is usually a thermal therapy - designed to heat the body, NIR/photobiomodulation are non-thermal.
Safety and Adverse Reactions
When it comes to safety, both NIR and FIR are generally safe and non-invasive. However, the experiences can differ:
NIR Safety: NIR devices are deemed safe for most people and are used in various medical and cosmetic procedures. Even though NIR penetrates deeply, it has been deemed a safe therapy.
FIR Safety: FIR is celebrated for its gentle warming effect, making it widely used in saunas. The risks associated with FIR are minimal, primarily if used correctly. Overuse can lead to issues like dehydration or overheating, so it’s vital to stay hydrated and monitor time exposure.
Adverse reactions for both NIR and FIR are rare but can include temporary discomfort, increased temporary inflammation, or heat-related issues such as dehydration or heat exhaustion, particularly if sauna sessions are extended or temperatures are too high.
Fertility and Infrared Therapy
Research into the effects of infrared therapy on fertility is still in its early stages, but the potential benefits can be linked to improved mitochondrial functioning that has a knock-on effect of improved circulation, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue regeneration and pain management.
Think of Red Light Therapy as a recipe or prescription. Just like a medication that requires a specific formula and dosage to be effective, RLT depends heavily on using the exact wavelength and power irradiance. It’s tailored to target specific issues with precision, making those details crucial for its success.
On the other hand, using a far infrared sauna is more like incorporating a wholesome diet into your lifestyle. In a sauna, the exact wavelength and power aren't as critical as they are in RLT. It's more about the overall experience and benefits—similar to how eating a balanced diet supports your body's health. While there are healthier choices and less healthy ones (like the difference between a salad and fast food), there's more flexibility in finding what works for you. In a far infrared sauna, the gentle heat helps promote relaxation and improves circulation, contributing positively to your body's overall well-being and potentially enhancing fertility by creating a more favorable environment for reproductive health.
NIR for Fertility: The deep penetration of NIR can be beneficial in promoting cellular repair and increasing mitochondrial activity, which is crucial for energy production in cells, including those in reproductive organs that have huge numbers of mitochondria. Additionally, NIR can help address underlying issues such as inflammation or scar tissue in reproductive tissues.
FIR for Fertility: FIR’s gentle heat helps improve circulation and reduce stress, factors that can positively influence fertility. The heat from FIR can also promote a healthier environment in the reproductive area by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Due to the increase in perspiration from FIR light gets reflected off the body so you’re losing some of the benefits just through distance. Whenever possible I recommend using a red light tool that is placed directly onto the skin to reduce this potential loss.
Interesting fact! - In a 2016 study infertility was associated with lower abdominal temperature, which may be attributable to poor blood circulation in the core muscles and tissues of the body.
Which Option is Better for Women Experiencing Infertility?
Choosing between NIR and FIR for fertility enhancements depends largely on individual needs and conditions. NIR is more suitable for those looking into targeted deep-tissue treatments for specific medical conditions that could be affecting fertility. In contrast, FIR could be a better option for overall relaxation approaches to boost fertility, such as reducing stress and improving blood circulation. For men - avoiding saunas, hot tubs etc is recommended to support sperm health as even short-term overheating takes a few months to recover from.
Decisions Decisions
Both NIR and FIR have their unique spots in the spectrum of wellness, each with potential benefits, but for fertility and overall health, the evidence continues to mount globally in support of NIR.
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