Relief From Neuropathy

Several years ago my uncle was diagnosed with cancer. He progressed through the usual treatments, chemo and radiation, exited with an all-clear sign and today, remains cancer free. However, he was left with being constantly plagued with peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to your peripheral nerves and often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet.

It can also affect other areas of your body. People with peripheral neuropathy describe the pain as stabbing, burning, or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable underlying condition. 

Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy. However, in my uncle’s case he began a daily session in a Far Infrared Sauna and his symptoms are so improved he rarely complains. There are several reasons that Far Infrared Therapy, or FIR, improves neuropathy symptoms.

When a cancer patient endures chemotherapy the body is infused with toxins. These are necessary and potentially kill the cancer cells. However, these toxins remain in some sense to aggravate the body for months and possibly even years later. One of the first things FIR accomplishes is a thorough detoxification. 

Far infrared light/heat leeches toxins from the body and eliminates them through excessive sweat. This process may take a bit of time depending upon the severity and location of the toxins however, along with removal of neuropathy symptoms, it also aids in the underlying cause of neuritis and neuralgia. It is well worth the time spent to rid the body of it’s neuropathy, and accompanying neuritis and neuralgia.

Far Infrared therapy is also an excellent treatment for many kinds of pain. Infrared heat improves circulation, relaxes muscles, tissues and nerves and even aids in the rebuilding of damaged nerve tissue. FIR therapy utilizes light to create heat, directly heating the body, whereas traditional saunas use heat to warm the air, which in turn warms the body. 

The benefit of infrared heat is the body is heated directly without warming the surrounding air. This heat is far more comfortable than steamed heat as it is not required to be as hot. Thus you can remain inside the sauna longer gaining all the benefits from the warm and gentle infrared heat. 

The relief can be felt for so many conditions however, the main pain reduction occurs due to this comfortable infrared heat penetrating joints, muscles, tissues and nerve endings, while also producing additional white blood cells which alleviates inflammation. 

Inflammation has currently been identified as the leading cause of most ailments and health conditions. Infrared sauna use increases blood flow, bringing healthy, oxygenated blood to whatever area is in need.

The appeal of FIR in general revolves around it’s lowered temperature. Many cannot tolerate the heated air of the traditional sauna. Infrared light/heat produces vigorous perspiration which in turn accelerates heart rate as when involved in moderate exercise. 

There is serious evidence, sited by many studies, that validate these results in terms of successfully treating various painful and also silent health conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis.

• From USC, Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, sports medicine expert, “Infrared wavelengths penetrate the body to create heat, which creates profound therapeutic benefits. They increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more concentrated oxygen, which creates more energy to heal”.

• From NASA, Dr. Whelan, determined that infrared heat allows for deep penetration of muscle and tissue, increasing cell growth from the inside, allowing the body to reduce pain and heal more quickly.

• From Japan, published in the Internal Medicine journal, it was discovered that, after even only one FIR session, chronic pain sufferers experienced significant reductions in pain, by up to 70%. These pain level scores decreased even further and remained low throughout the entire observation period. The conclusion was FIR is effective for chronic pain treatment.

Honestly, infrared heat will not necessarily cure all neuropathy pain, but when combined with FIR sauna therapy as part of an ongoing health regimen much of the pain does disappear and the body experiences all of the benefits from that along with an improved quality of life. When utilizing FIR not only is neuropathy pain decreased but neuralgia and neuritis pain is diminished. 

Mobility is increased and thus the person experiencing neuropathy is encouraged to pursue a more active lifestyle boosting mood, better mental health and improved well-being. I know it was definitely a lifesaver for my uncle!