Unlocking Natural Healing: The Benefits of Far-Infrared for Your Body
Your body has an incredible capacity to heal itself. Yet in our modern world, we often reach for quick fixes that mask symptoms rather than supporting our natural healing processes. What if there was a way to work with your body’s innate wisdom rather than against it?
Enter far-infrared (FIR) therapy—a gentle, scientifically-backed approach that’s transforming how we think about natural healing and pain management.
Understanding Far-Infrared: Nature’s Healing Energy
Far infrared (FIR) radiation (λ = 3–100 μm) is a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been investigated for biological effects (1). Think of it as the invisible part of sunlight that creates that deep, penetrating warmth you feel on a cool morning—except without the harmful UV rays.
Unlike traditional heating methods that only warm your skin’s surface, FIR wavelength is too long to be perceived by the eyes, however, the body experiences its energy as a gentle radiant heat which can penetrate up to 1.5 inches (almost 4 cm) beneath the skin (2).
As Joel Phillips, Director of Occupational Therapy at Family Health Center, explains: “The fact that infrared is more of an energy that is utilized. Often people will pair it with light but also it’s the transfer of energy whether its heat also can be light... having that ability to put in a patch was really effective.”
This unique penetration ability allows FIR to interact directly with your muscles, tissues, and circulatory system where healing actually happens.
The Science Behind the Healing: How Far-Infrared Works
Enhanced Circulation: Your Body’s Delivery System
One of the most remarkable benefits of FIR therapy is its ability to improve circulation without raising skin temperature. Several studies have demonstrated that infrared-emitting bioceramics can increase blood flow without increasing skin temperature (3).
Why does this matter? The degradation of microcirculation is linked to the chronification of pain and can increase the risk of neck/shoulder and low back pain. The increase of microcirculation supplies oxygen and nutrients to the tissue and helps to remove metabolism byproducts (3).
Clinical research from Ollos demonstrates these effects with impressive precision. After just 20 minutes of FIR exposure, participants experienced:
19.7% increase in blood flow volume
18.5% improvement in blood flow rate
0.9% boost in blood oxygen levels
0.7°C increase in skin surface temperature, indicating deeper tissue warming
Cellular Regeneration and Tissue Repair
After constant exposure to FIR, wound healing was significantly quickened and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 expressing myofibroblasts and collagen content were increased (1). This means FIR doesn’t just provide temporary relief—it actually supports your body’s natural repair mechanisms.
Research shows that healing can occur even after a few days instead of a few weeks or months (4) with FIR therapy, making it a powerful tool for both acute and chronic conditions.
Proven Benefits for Pain Management and Recovery
Musculoskeletal Pain Relief
Positive effects on muscular cells, muscular recovery, and reduced inflammation and pain have been reported both in preclinical and clinical studies (5). The research is particularly compelling for common pain conditions.
Joel Phillips has identified specific patient populations who see the most dramatic improvements: “musculoskeletal patients that have increased inflammation, tendonitises, tendinosises, and patients with chronic and acute pain.”
Chronic Lower Back Pain: A randomised controlled trial found FIR effective in reducing chronic low back pain (2).
Post-Surgical Recovery: Another clinical prospective randomized comparative study showed FIR after arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs effectively and safely reduced postoperative pain, thereby facilitating rehabilitation and better ROM in the early postoperative period (2).
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Research on FIR patches for myofascial pain syndrome showed significant improvement in pain levels and skin sensitivity, demonstrating the therapy’s effectiveness for complex pain conditions (6).
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Based on the current evidence, the following pathways have been considered: upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increase in nitric oxide bioavailability, anti-inflammatory effects, and reduction in oxidative stress (5).
Studies have shown that FIR therapy can:
Reduce inflammatory markers in the blood
Decrease oxidative stress
Support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory pathways
Fibromyalgia Relief
In a groundbreaking study on fibromyalgia patients, regular use of garments impregnated with a bioceramic solution (1%) can be beneficial in reducing pain and the impact of FM for patients. The low cost and comfort of the clothing make the therapy easy to be applied as a complementary tool in the treatment of FM (7).
Real People, Real Results: Customer Testimonials
The experiences shared by Ollos users consistently reflect the clinical observations of healthcare professionals:
Immediate Relief That Lasts
“Literally after 5 minutes of wearing two patches around my hip joint, the discomfort went from an 8 to a 2. As I went through the day, I forgot about my hip entirely.” - Patti S.
“I was skeptical but these patches really work! Arthritic knee pain kept from doing things I needed to do as well as keeping me from doing things I wanted to do! Two patches on my knee and I’m ready to go.” - Kate B.
Long-term Pain Management
“These patches are a game changer! I’ve had chronic hip pain for a very long time and have tried a variety of different things with minimal relief. I use these patches daily and get instant, sustained relief.” - Karen G.
“I suffer from shoulder neck and knee pain. These patches offer immediate relief that lasts. I’ll never be without them!!” - Dara L.
Post-Surgery Support
“After 2 back surgeries... the patches seem to work well to reduce the pain.” - Gregory N.
“2.5 yrs ago I had 3 rods and 8 screws put in my back. I have spinal stenosis. At the end of the day my back aches. These patches alleviate most of the pain and actually last overnight.” - June C.
Professional and Active Lifestyle Support
“These patches are a great help for neck and shoulder pain from years working at a desk in front of a computer. I apply the patches in the morning and they are still proving relief at the end of a long work day.” - Jamie S.
“I’m a stay at home mom and these are great when I wake up with a sore knee or stiff lower back and need a boost to get my day going when coffee isn’t enough.” - Melissa M.
Modern Applications: From Lab to Life
Bioceramic Technology Revolution
Today’s FIR therapy has evolved far beyond traditional heating methods. Bioceramics are mineral materials that emit IR-C (far infrared) radiation after absorbing body heat and can produce positive biological effects on tissues (3).
Joel Phillips appreciates the scientific foundation behind this technology: “What struck me as interesting in the Ollos patch and feeling it can be an effective tool was the fact that the science behind it with the ceramic powder and the carrier oils on how it works, how it’s set up, and the purpose for which it is designed is a great tool.”
This technology offers several advantages:
No external power required - works with your natural body heat
Portable and convenient - can be worn during daily activities
Safe and natural - no risk of burns or overheating
Long-lasting effects - benefits continue after removal
The Ollos Innovation
At Ollos, we’ve taken this technology to the next level with our patented bioceramic formulation. Our patches combine:
Essential Oils: Including peppermint for natural cooling relief, lavender for calming effects, and thyme for warming circulation support.
Advanced Bioceramics: Our nano-refined powder contains:
Silica for structural strength
Zinc oxide for skin protection
Zirconia for optimal FIR emission
This combination creates a unique therapeutic experience that works on multiple levels—providing immediate relief while supporting long-term healing.
Clinical Integration: Enhancement, Not Replacement
What makes FIR therapy particularly valuable in clinical settings is its ability to complement existing treatments. Joel Phillips perfectly captures this philosophy:
“Look at the Ollos patch as more as a component, as an adjunct to treatment, not necessarily something that’s taking away, but only it can improve. And it can improve from a standpoint of making their treatment program that they’ve already been doing more effective, more compliant, while also improving what’s happening outside of the clinic through a new tool that is not addictive, it’s noninvasive, it’s easy to use, obtainable, and it works.”
This approach provides:
For Healthcare Professionals:
Evidence-based tools that enhance existing treatments
Noninvasive solutions that improve patient compliance
Scientific backing that supports clinical decision-making
Enhanced patient outcomes that build practice reputation
For Patients:
Natural alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions
Continued support between clinical appointments
Improved quality of life through simple, effective solutions
Restored confidence in daily activities
What the Research Tells Us
The evidence for FIR therapy continues to grow. A systematic review suggests that FIR therapy may be a beneficial complementary treatment for some chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease (8).
Key findings from recent research include:
Safety Profile: FIR therapy may yield none of the side effects of traditional thermal therapy, such as infection or burn injury (8)
Versatile Applications: Studies show benefits for everything from wound healing to chronic pain management
Non-Thermal Effects: Recent studies revealed that the biological effects of FIR are independent of thermal effects (9)
Athletic Recovery: Research in elite athletes shows FIR treatments with small far-infrared radiators (e.g., lamps, ceramic disks, plaster, and pads) have shown positive effects (10)
The Future of Natural Healing
In future regenerative medicine, far-infrared radiation (FIR) may be an essential component of optical therapy (11). As we continue to understand more about how FIR works at the cellular level, its applications in healthcare are expanding.
What makes FIR therapy particularly exciting is its alignment with the body’s natural processes. Rather than forcing change through pharmaceutical intervention, it supports and enhances the healing mechanisms already present in your body.
Making the Right Choice for Your Health
When considering FIR therapy, it’s important to understand that not all products are created equal. Look for:
Clinical testing - Products backed by rigorous research
Quality materials - Advanced bioceramic formulations
Safety certifications - FDA-registered manufacturing
Transparent information - Clear data about effectiveness
Healthcare professional endorsement - Products trusted by clinical practitioners
Conclusion: A Natural Path Forward
Far-infrared therapy represents a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern science. For thousands of years, humans have recognized the healing power of gentle warmth. Today, we understand the mechanisms behind these benefits and can deliver them more effectively than ever before.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to support your body’s natural healing processes, FIR therapy offers a safe, effective, and natural approach to wellness.
The stories of Gloria choosing patches over pills, Creed rediscovering the confidence to tie his shoes, and countless others finding relief demonstrate that the future of healthcare isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about supporting the remarkable healing capacity already present within your body.
Far-infrared therapy is helping to unlock that potential, one person at a time.
Ready to experience the benefits of far-infrared therapy for yourself? Discover how Ollos infrared therapy patches combine cutting-edge bioceramic technology with essential oils to provide natural, effective relief that fits seamlessly into your daily life.
References
Vatansever, F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). Far infrared radiation (FIR): Its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics & Lasers in Medicine, 4, 255-266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699878/
Physiopedia. (2024). Infrared therapy. Physiopedia. Retrieved from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Infrared_Therapy
Kyselovic, J., Masarik, J., Kechemir, H., Koscova, E., Igracki Turudic, I., & Hamblin, M. R. (2023). Bioceramic materials emitting infrared radiation for musculoskeletal pain relief. European Federation of Sports Medicine. https://www.efsm.online/int_en/article-overview/101/2023/bioceramic-materials-emitting-infrared-radiation-for-musculoskeletal-pain-relief
Gladiator Therapeutics. (2024). Wound healing far infrared: Top 5 powerful benefits in 2024. Retrieved from https://gladiatortherapeutics.com/wound-healing-far-infrared/
Kyselovic, J., Masarik, J., Kechemir, H., Koscova, E., Igracki Turudic, I., & Hamblin, M. R. (2023). Physical properties and biological effects of ceramic materials emitting infrared radiation for pain, muscular activity, and musculoskeletal conditions. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 39(3), 207-221. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10084378/
Lin, Y. T., Choong, M. Y., Huang, K. F., Chang, H. E., Kuo, C. D., Hsu, C. C., ... & Huang, H. Y. (2017). Far-infrared ray patches relieve pain and improve skin sensitivity in myofascial pain syndrome: A double-blind randomized controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 35, 127-132. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229917306441
Conrado, L. A. L., Holanda, G., Luz, J. G. D. C., Ciconelli, R. M., & Arnot, M. (2017). Reduction in pain after use of bioceramic undershirt for patients with fibromyalgia. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 23(6), 8-15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28987039/
Shui, S., Wang, X., Chiang, J. Y., & Zheng, L. (2015). Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems: A systematic review. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 240(10), 1257-1265. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935255/
Chen, L. W., Liu, Y. F., Chen, C. L., Hou, W. H., Chung, K. C., Hsu, C. C., ... & Kuo, C. D. (2019). Detecting the limits of the biological effects of far-infrared radiation on epithelial cells. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 11586. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48187-0
Nunes, R. F. H., Dittrich, N., Duffield, R., Serpa, M. C., Coelho, T. M., Martins, D. F., & Guglielmo, L. G. A. (2019). Effects of far‐infrared emitting ceramic material clothing on recovery after maximal eccentric exercise. Journal of Human Kinetics, 70, 139-154. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6942487/
Zhou, Y., Huang, Y., Liang, S., Li, S., Wei, S., Wu, S., ... & Chen, M. (2024). Far-infrared radiation and its therapeutic parameters: A superior alternative for future regenerative medicine? Pharmacological Research, 207, 107324. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661824002949