Warmth has always accompanied us as one of the most natural forms of relief, yet modern infrared light therapy allows you to benefit from healing radiation without having to expose yourself to the harmful effects of UV rays. This solution, which in recent years has moved from rehabilitation clinics to wellness areas, offers support in the fight against pain and chronic fatigue.
Many of us associate warmth only with momentary relaxation, while infrared therapy works much deeper, affecting the body's cellular processes. In this article we will look at how this phenomenon works exactly and why it is worth including it in your regeneration plan.
What is infrared light therapy?
Infrared is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength located just below visible light for the human eye. Although we do not see it, we feel it very clearly as heat. The key difference between traditional heating and the action of infrared is the way energy penetrates. In a Finnish sauna or during a hot bath we mainly heat the skin and the air around us. Infrared light therapy, on the other hand, involves converting light energy into heat directly within tissues.
IR (Infrared) rays are usually divided into three ranges: near (IR-A), mid (IR-B) and far (IR-C) infrared. IR-A penetrates the deepest, even up to 3–4 centimeters into the body, which allows it to affect muscles, joints and even blood vessels located under the skin. It is precisely this mechanism that makes infrared therapy so valued in physiotherapy.
When tissues absorb heat, blood vessels dilate. Increased blood flow means faster transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells and more efficient removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid. That is why athletes often use irradiation after intense training to accelerate the regeneration of microinjuries. This process also stimulates the immune system and can bring relief in inflammatory conditions, back pain or rheumatic ailments.
Infrared sauna, therapeutic lounger and even a mask — applications of infrared
There are many ways to deliver therapeutic heat to the body, and the choice of method depends on whether you are aiming for systemic effects or targeted treatment of a specific area.
The most popular form is the infrared sauna. Unlike a traditional sauna, where temperatures reach 90–100 degrees Celsius, infrared cabins operate in the 40–60 degree range. As a result, the session is much less taxing on the circulatory and respiratory systems, making it accessible to people who tolerate extremely high temperatures poorly. In such a sauna the body sweats from the inside, which promotes intensive detoxification, but this process is milder and can be continued for 20–30 minutes.
In physiotherapy clinics, Sollux-type lamps are standard. They emit a concentrated beam of light, often using filters (red or blue), which allows precise heating of the sinuses, a painful ear or a bruised joint. Here infrared therapy works locally, providing almost immediate pain relief and reducing muscle tension in the selected area.
Applications in cosmetology are also becoming increasingly common. LED masks with an infrared function or light tunnels are used to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Heat improves blood circulation in the facial skin, which facilitates the absorption of active ingredients from cosmetics and helps combat signs of aging.
On the border of medicine and wellness are specialized mats and loungers. They allow comfortable positioning of the body and subjecting large muscle groups to radiation for a longer time in a spine-relieving position. This solution combines the advantages of a sauna (acting on a large surface) with the precision of therapeutic lamps.
Nire SALUS-25 chair — therapeutic infrared lounger at Villa Park Med & SPA
An interesting example of a modern approach to rehabilitation is the use of advanced devices that combine ergonomics with IR technology. At Villa Park Med & SPA guests can use the Nire SALUS-25. This is not an ordinary chair, but a specialist therapeutic lounger designed to maximize the benefits of heat.
The device's construction is based on a profile matched to the anatomical curves of the spine. A key element is the infrared emitter built into the backrest and seat. Because the body adheres directly to the heat source, infrared therapy in this case is very effective — the rays do not disperse in the air but go straight to the tense paraspinal muscles and the lumbar area.
A session on such a lounger allows reaching a state of deep relaxation, often difficult to achieve while simply lying down. The combination of a spine-relieving position with penetrating heat makes infrared light therapy in this form work in two ways: it reduces back pain resulting from overloads and calms the nervous system. It is a hygienic and safe solution, making it an excellent complement to manual treatments or brine baths.
Villa Park Med & SPA — why choose this hotel?
People looking for a place that combines professional medical facilities with a relaxing atmosphere often head to Ciechocinek. Located by the Park Zdrojowy, the four-star property stands out among traditional sanatoriums with its modern architecture and medical-wellness approach.
Guests have at their disposal the Saltaris SPA zone. At its heart is an indoor brine graduation tower that creates a unique microclimate and a brine pool. The offer is complemented by an extensive sauna area, including a salt-steam bath and laconium. The facility also houses the Structural Rehabilitation Clinic, and it is here that the NIRE lounger described above is located.
Infrared light therapy — summary
Heat is one of the oldest therapeutic remedies, and technology today allows us to draw the best from it while eliminating the risk of burns or harmful UV radiation. Whether you choose a session in a sauna, point irradiation with a lamp, or a session on a professional lounger, your body will surely reward you with less tension and better well-being.
It is worth planning some time for yourself and checking available dates at places that offer professional wellness infrastructure. Regular sessions with infrared can become the key to maintaining vitality all year round.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often can you use an infrared sauna?
Thanks to the lower temperatures, an infrared sauna can be used more often than a Finnish one — even 2–3 times a week. Sessions usually last from 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Does infrared help with weight loss?
The treatment itself does not directly burn fat tissue, but it speeds up metabolism and supports the removal of toxins and excess water from the body, which can be a valuable aid in the weight loss process.
3. How should you dress for a therapy lounger session?
A light, breathable outfit works best (e.g., a cotton T-shirt and leggings). It is important that the material is not too thick so that heat can freely reach the body.
