Infrared light promotes the production of serotonin. Higher levels of serotonin helps to improve your mood. Serotonin is a chemical found in the human body, a neurotransmitter that carries signals alongside the nerves.
Serotonin is thought to be especially active in constricting smooth muscles, transmitting impulses between nerve cells, regulating cyclic body processes and contributing to wellbeing and happiness. (1)
Most research agrees that serotonin is responsible for mood balance. Higher levels of serotonin lead to better moods and a deficit in serotonin can lead to depression.
Infrared light, exercise and diet are proven ways to increase levels of serotonin.
“Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the U.S. saw a clear improvement in the mental health of patients suffering from depression when they were exposed to heat from infrared lamps. This could help explain the natural anti-depressant effects of the sun.” (2)
According to a recent article in WebMD written by Charles Raison, MD, two new studies using an infrared heating device on individuals with depression have shown positive outcomes for depressive symptoms. “In the first study of 16 individuals with major depression, a single hyperthermia treatment reduced their depression scores almost by 50% five days later.” (3)
Hot yoga and other hot workout forms are gaining tremendous popularity, and for good reason. One of those reasons is the positive effect on a client’s mood from the heat during those workouts. Workouts in general are good for your mood, and hot workouts are even better… but when infrared is added to the equation your mood and sense of wellbeing is elevated even more!
