Infrared Healing Technology
Sauna Blanket and PEMF Mat
We really do live in an amazing time for healing technologies and the benefits of bio-hacking. After reading 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferris years ago, I was most struck by how information flows down to the masses. I believe he mentioned that information first reaches the wealthiest, then sports medicine, and eventually the general public.
I have been observing this trend over the years. After all, didn't we watch sports figures in ice baths in movies and TV long before cold plunging became a health trend for the average person? Suddenly, it's "look at all of these health benefits! Who knew?" It was obviously sports medicine doctors that were advising athletes to plunge for recovery.
On the opposite side of that trend we have infrared technology. What is infrared? According to Google AI, "Infrared is a type of radiant energy on the light spectrum invisible to the human eye but felt as heat, penetrating skin to warm the body directly rather than the surrounding air". And according to the Cleveland Health Clinic Infrared saunas improve heart health, soothing sore muscles, pain relief, relaxation, sleep, and improved immunity.
But what if you can't afford or don't have space for a sauna in your own home? There are lots of different options available today for the public. One option I love, is the sauna blanket from Higher Dose. There are several options available for sauna blankets these days, but again my brother-in-law was the one who gave us the inside scoop on this new technology. I can't speak to the other brands, just the one that I have actually used. I don't have any affiliation with Higher Dose, other than being a customer.
In 2023, I purchased a sauna blanket, PEMF mat and a red light therapy mask. I have only used the mask a handful of times. It is really interesting sitting with a bright light inundating your face. But after reading some of the benefits of the red light therapy, I might start using it regularly and report back with my results.
The sauna blanket itself uses far infrared that promotes detox, recovery, and glowing skin. I know that I use it when I can't make it to the sauna, and need to stay in bed. My son also uses it when he has aching legs. My son was diagnosed with hypermobility a few years ago, and the sauna blanket has been a dream for helping him with aches and pains he sometimes gets.
When I was a child, the solution to sleepless nights was aggressive stretching, until the pain released. Apparently, that is the worst thing you can do. I am very grateful for this option and hopefully with help him age gracefully without chronic pain. Or at least a healthier way to ease his discomfort. He is definitely a fan of the sauna blanket.
The PEMF mat is also a great addition. It is a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, as well as infrared for full-body recovery. It promotes accelerated post-workout recovery, increased energy, reduction in stress and chronic pain. With all that it boasts, I was ready to jump right in.
Living with chronic pain in an anti-opiate world is challenging. I am willing to try anything for relief. My doctors are of the opinion that pain is a mindset. And that my body had become so good at detecting pain, that it was basically throwing tantrums, and I had to recalibrate my brain to seek relief. If that isn't a fancy way of saying "it's all in your head" I don't know what is. But to a degree, I agree. That is also why I continued on this path of bio-hacking and looking for ways promote my body's natural healing capabilities.
It is also great for meditation. On days that it is very cold outside, I can use the grounding setting and meditate inside, with the similar benefits to meditating outside on the ground. It is also great for calming down in the evening on the lowest Delta setting to help your body calm down and settle for bed.
I had a friend with a migraine sit on the mat for a while, and she said that her migraine eased after about 5 minutes on the mat. It has also been great to help me relax and focus when my anxiety is high. I personally don't use the highest setting of alpha level 4 very often, it gets my brain going too fast, and usually my life goal is too slow all the chatter down. It is a great setting for brainstorming and waking up my brain on days I'm struggling to focus.
As with any product I review on this page, please consult your doctor before trying anything new.
I acknowledge that I am quick to drink the cool-aid on anything that offers pain relief and a calm mind. But this is also why I am not quick to review something within 2 months. Apparently, I like to wait years, to see if this is a true product that I continuely use. And for the last 3 years, the sauna blanet and PEMF mat have been regularly used and become a staple in my self-care routine.