Far Infrared?

[Kim P]

Hey folks,

So my grandma asked me about the products a company in her town is selling... the "chi machines" and such are obvious snake oil, but I'm curious about this far infrared product: http://www.highlevelwellness.com/hothouse.htm

Any experience with far infrared products like this? Thoughts?

 

[Chris]

Far Infrared?

What does the product claim to do? I LOVE a far infrared sauna!!

 

[Mehul]

Far Infrared?

Far IR saunas are great. The spot treatment "dome" styles are effective as well. I use a TDP lamp style far IR for spot work with Tui Na.

FWIW

Darren

 

[mit endorI]

Far Infrared?

I've been told (by a naturopathic doc who is very hip on FIR saunas), that the domes, lamps and floppy boxes don't give you much of a "medicinal" effect (sorry, but can't think of the right word just this moment -- I hope you understand what I mean).

I have been told that the actual sauna boxes will provide the effect if you get the right wavelengths.

Now, where did I have that list of numbers on those wavelengths that could help you?

*goes off to search*

 

[cheznight]

Far Infrared?

I so want one of these!

 

[ericalynn429]

Far Infrared?

Ego,

Here is the info that the naturopathic doc gave me as to the "therapeutic" benefit zone:

You want the output to be evenly spread around the 9.4-micron pivot point of peak human output.

 

[Heidi D]

Far Infrared?

http://www.sunlightsaunas.com/carbon-surround.htm
Here is the brand we had at our spa.

 

[Flooffy Panda Bear]

Far Infrared?

Someone just informed me that on June 30th, Oprah's Dr. Oz will be talking about this subject.

 

[maisie]

Far Infrared?

The one time I would have tried a far-infrared device, it wasn't working. :irked:

There has been a fair bit of research on the topic and it is still ongoing... but I have seen many conflicting reports. Some say it is of limited use except for certain applications while others claim it is good for nearly anything. Some reports say it should be used only occasionally while others claim it can be used daily. There is a lot of debate on the various wavelengths and methods of application as well.

So do some real product research before investing in a device. Test it out for yourself, if possible. See if it actually makes a difference. If it does make a difference, remember that any therapeutic intervention also has the potential of causing injury if used inappropriately... so learn to use it well and safely. Read the instructions and keep up to date on any contraindications or new research relevant to the equipment you are using.

And don't take anything on Oprah too seriously. It's a talk show designed to entertain, and guests are chosen with that purpose in mind.

 

[Mrs. Arnold]

Far Infrared?

Thanks Jason...I agree. The bit on the Oprah show wasn't even up to the standard of a good commercial..totally useless.

 

[Namibnat]

Far Infrared?

the "chi machines" and such are obvious snake oil...

"Obvious" snake oil? Have you tried it? Know anyone who has?

Don't knock things you haven't ever tried. Just because YOU don't understand something doesn't make it untrue.
Just because no one has ever done a "scientific" study on it doesn't mean it doesn't work.

 

[dark_angel]

Far Infrared?

I have tried a "chi machine" - it was interesting.

First off, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the TCM concept of chi. So, if that's what you are looking for, it is complete snake oil.

In practice, the client lays supine with their heels/ankles resting on the top of the chi machine. The feet are close together and the legs are somewhat elevated. When activated, the chi machine begins to move the client's ankles from side to side. It's a fairly smooth action with a limited ROM. The rhythmic side-to-side motion provides a gentle "whipping" undulation of the legs, hips, and torso. It is an extremely odd sensation, but I didn't find it terribly uncomfortable. (Then again, I am comfortable with neck cranks, being choked, having my joints locked, being thrown onto hard surfaces, hit in the face, kicked in the groin, etc.... so my perspective may be skewed.)

After a minute or so, I was feeling oddly "rubbery" - but not in a particularly good or bad way. The therapist then switched off the machine, stating that she never lets first-timers start with more than a minute, as many people feel extremely ill and a few have had to throw up. However, she said, over time people develop a greater tolerance and can spend much more time. The only people she uses it with are those with impaired lymphatic flow, and she stated that it can be helpful in reducing edema if not too progressed. However, she usually starts with manual lymphatic drainage to make sure the client will be able to handle the machine before introducing it into the treatment process.

I'm not eager to retry the experiment, but it was interesting.

 

[Beckster]

Far Infrared?

Actually, the Chi machine is a copy of an old treatment done in China. A servant would hold the legs and provide the movement. This was of course only available to the very wealthy. It was founded from the way fish move. It was observed that fish flow from side to side, and when people walk correctly, their hips move side to side. It was believed to improve the flow of energy.

If you ever have the opportunity to try it, you might as well. I don't know why that lady said to do it for only one minute. 5 minutes is fine to start, and that's how we've always promoted it. But it is true that, if your energy is extremely low, it might make you feel a bit nauseated. No one that I know of has ever thrown up, but it can make you feel sick to your stomach. Then you work up to 15 or 20 minutes, although some people like to do it even longer.

The purpose is to increase energy. It is very useful for people who are suffering from a chronic condition, but it is beneficial for healthy people, too. It gives you a very interesting feel (when you do it for more than one minute), you can literally feel the energy in your body.