For tanning salons, spas and wellness clinics looking to add a new source of revenue, infrared body wraps are an easy sell. Far infrared rays (FIR) have long been used to treat a variety of ailments and because they are incorporated in a body wrap system, they provide the same weight loss benefits as a sauna without the associated risks. In addition to weight loss, here are just some of the myriad ways in which FIR, in the form of a body wrap, can help your clients become healthier and more fit.
Repair Tissues, Joints and Muscles
Because FIR therapy increases circulation of blood and the supply of oxygen to damaged tissues, it can actually help repair and reduce chronic joint and muscle pain. It is a very effective and relaxing form of therapy for sports injuries to tissues, muscles and joints. In addition, many physicians have used infrared heat therapy to successfully treat sprains, strains, bursitis and arthritis.
Reduces Blood Pressure
FIR therapy is appropriate for treating peripheral vascular diseases. Increased blood circulation dilates the peripheral blood vessels and improves blood viscosity. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure. In fact, a study by German medical researchers (1989. “Dermatol Monatsschrift”) found a one-hour infrared therapy session not only decreases blood pressure, it supplies cardiac ejection resistance to improve the left ventricle ejection fraction. In other words, the heart works more efficiently and heart rate and cardiac output increase. According to Dr. Aaron Flickstein, regular one-hour sessions also improve cardiovascular conditioning to an extent similar to running. This is especially useful for people with limited mobility.
Acne and Skin Conditions
FIR is useful in treating acne because direct application shrinks the sebaceous glands that produce oil and can become infected, showing up as pimples and whiteheads. A number of other skin conditions are also positively affected by infrared therapy. Because the body sweats profusely in an infrared wrap, detoxification occurs. Toxins are whisked away with sweat, leaving behind soft skin with increased extensibility of collagen tissue. Research from Japan (1993, “Electromagnetic wave emitting products and ‘Kikoh’ potentiate human leukocyte functions”, International Journal of Bio-Meteorology) shows that FIR treatment can actually remove the negative effects of electromagnetic toxins, such as EMF from power lines, cell phones and computers.
Additional Medical Uses for FIR
The medical and therapeutic uses of FIR technology such as that found in body wrap systems are nearly limitless. Japanese doctors have long used infrared to treat a variety of ailments, including:
- Tooth pain and gum inflammation
- Ear diseases
- Gastroenteric maladies
- Insomnia
- Symptoms of menopause
- Sciatica
- Adhesions, trauma and repetitive stress injuries
- TMJ and rheumatoid arthritis
- Brain contusions
- Compression fractures
- Spinal cord shock
Whether or not your business deals directly with medical treatments, the therapeutic effects of an infrared body wrap system can be beneficial for nearly any customer. Even if they just want to improve overall health or have a specific goal in mind, such as pain relief or weight loss, the self-administered infrared body wrap system is an excellent tool. Offered as an adjunct to other services in your salon, spa or clinic, body wraps help your business increase sales and enjoy a higher profit margin while providing a real benefit to your clients.