The word “radiation” gets a bad rap sometimes. Indeed, there are very harmful forms of radiation that we all should avoid, but there are “good” forms of radiation too. Infrared is one of those good forms of radiation.
First of all, what is radiation. I have had a fascination with the evolution of words since I can remember. One college course I took at Ole Miss was the history of the English language (which was also one of the most difficult college courses that I have taken) that expanded my passion for the history of words even further. So, to better understand radiation, it is important to study the etymology:
It derives from the Latin word radius meaning "beam of light” and “spoke of a wheel” and then evolving to radiare, representing "to beam, shine, gleam; make beaming,”and then to radiatio "a shining,” and then adopted into English in the late-15th century to form the word we have today, radiation, which is the "act or process of emitting light.”
Our word, radiation, is defined today as waves of light that emit from a source of origin. We know that waves travel in different lengths that are measured from crest to crest, like that of waves in the ocean. Human exposure to some wavelengths can be harmful while exposure to other wavelengths is not harmful. Infrared wavelengths are of the non-harmful variety and are actually very beneficial to humans when they penetrate the skin. Generally, the longer the wavelength, the less harmful to the skin and other organs.
The sun, like all stars, emits enormous levels of radiation including massive amounts of infrared.
Have you ever wondered why you feel warmth from the sun? The warmth that you feel is infrared radiation (IR). This radiation is why a vacation to the beach is so beneficial to your body and mind. When you lay out in the sun, you are exposed to IR. Maybe it’s time to plan a trip to the beach. Make sure you find a resort that offers yoga at the beach! Add exercise therapy to that of IR exposure therapy and you will get a 2 for 1 special with your time at the beach.
If I could offer up a recommendation, I would suggest any number of hotels on the beach in Tulum, Mexico. Tulum is a beach yoga paradise. Of course there are other such destinations, but since I have been to Tulum I can recommend it as my first choice for a beach/exercise destination.
Seek out the good radiation.
The reason IR is not harmful is because exposure to it poses no risk of altering your DNA. It is a non-ionizing form of radiation. While at the beach you can lotion up to block out the UV and still soak up the IR.
Of course, you can find exposure to IR without having to go to the beach and without any UV to worry about. At HOTWORX you can do IR yoga and many other IR workout types including isometrics such as Pilates, glute workouts, band sessions, barre, and HIIT with cycles, rowers and total body trainers.
The good radiation with exercise can do wonders for your health…
“In fact, infrared wavelengths can penetrate the skin up to 1.5 inches or more and can provide many positive benefits to the human body. Some of these benefits include:
Detoxification
Improved blood circulation
Lowered blood pressure
Suppressed sunburn cell formation
Treatment for arteriovenous fistula
Improved sleep
Reduced pain and stiffness
Lowered side effects of diabetes
Improved mood
Inhibited growth of some types of cancer cells
Improved motor functions
Lowered nasal inflammation (allergic rhinitis)
Increased rate of caloric burn
Accelerated injury recovery
Improved immunity functions
Lowered stress (1)
Seek out the therapeutic goodness of infrared with exercise and begin to experience the benefits today!
