How Infrared light Becomes a Source of Heat and Healing
Light has been used for healing for many centuries, starting with the Greeks and Romans who recognized the positive effects of sunlight. We know that when sunlight strikes the skin, our whole body feels the benefits. Even our brain is affected by sunlight. As scientists have understood more about the nature of light and its positive effects on the body, they have been able to develop techniques and devices that use light as part of the healing process.
What we usually call light is the visible part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. We are all familiar with the rainbow effect and what we call light is that range of colors. Conventional light has a thermal effect; it warms up the skin. For example, ultraviolet light is the part of the spectrum that is responsible for tanning your skin; infrared light is used as a heat source.
The first low-level therapeutic laser was developed in 1962. By the end of the 1960's, Endre Mester in Hungary was reporting an improved healing of wounds through low-level laser radiation. Since then, scientists and doctors around the world have been using laser light to treat conditions that can affect all age groups.
"I have seen patients with serious physical pain come into my offices who, sometimes after only one treatment, walk out pain free," explains Dr. Melissa Ritter D.C. "The laser does not always cure problems, but it can, in many cases, completely eliminate the painful effects of a series of pain conditions."