Infrared & Near Infrared Sauna
Near infrared saunas and infrared saunas are two types of saunas that have gained attention in recent years as potential therapies for brain injury recovery. Unlike traditional saunas, which use high heat and steam, near infrared saunas and infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body from within.
Near infrared saunas use near infrared light, which is absorbed by the body and can penetrate deep into the tissues. This type of sauna is often touted for its potential anti-inflammatory effects and ability to promote healing.
Infrared saunas use a broader spectrum of infrared light, which can penetrate even deeper into the tissues than near infrared light. Like near infrared saunas, infrared saunas are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and may promote healing.
Studies on the use of near infrared saunas and infrared saunas for brain injury recovery are limited, but early research suggests that they may have potential in reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and promoting overall well-being. More research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety for this population.
Patient reviews
The body is in a very traumatic state while healing a brain injury. Pain is a vicious cycle, constantly reinforcing itself. For example, being in pain can force you into poor posture with tense muscles, which further exacerbates the original pain. It is important to take measures to try to break this cycle and alleviate some of the pain from sore muscles, so that extra energy is freed up to start healing the brain. —- One of my favorite methods of relaxation involves the infrared sauna. Sweating helps detoxify the body, which can be very helpful in stressful times. They are believed to help alleviate pain and inflammation, relax your muscles and joints, and promote parasympathetic, or “rest and digest”, firing. —- However, stay aware of your heart rate and if your symptoms increase alongside it. Also, the dysautonomia that can result from TBI can affect temperature regulation and can make extreme heat problematic.
Write up by Kellie Pokrifka
One of my favorite places for infrared sauna and cold plunges is the Russian Spa (Voda Spa in Los Angeles). Such a good detox and helps reduce inflammation.
I've recently gotten a Joovv Red and Infared Light. This has been an awesome tool that helps me reduce inflammation. I also notice that I'm sharper after doing it. I do it every morning and night, it's been awesome to have it. I would look into one of these.
The Vielight uses low level visible red to near infrared light to promote energy production (ATP) and improve blood circulation in the brain. It can be used at home or in a clinical setting. It's meant be warn for 20 minutes per day up to 6 days a week. Vielight Alpha is the unit designed for brain injury recovery, however, evidence for this unit is anecdotal. While there is promising research for the Gamma unit (used in Alzhiemers) brain injury research on the Alpha is limited. They do offer an 80% return policy for up to 6 months. Results will vary. There are numerous devices claiming to be effective for brain injury recovery. However, they should NOT BE USED IN PLACE OF EVIDENCE-BASED REHAB BUT RATHER TO SUPPORT IT.
I used this for 5 months. I did notice some benefit when used prior to my exercises, but not enough to keep it given the price. If you are short on money I would put it into guided rehab with a healthcare professional over this. However, it can be used to support your recovery. *My system responded best to gradual use of this device. If I did more then 2 days in a row, it was too much. Part of creating neuroplasticity is dosage (how much/how often)... realize this is going to vary for everyone.