Healing Spark: Myth Buster

If you've ever taken an interest in infrared therapies for pain relief, you've probably tripped over the latest fad, these "far infrared" fabrics that are "impregnated with a special patented formula of bio-ceramics." Most important to know is that none of these fabrics emit anything. Unlike infrared devices that plug in, fabrics don't plug in, which is what they would have to do to get infrared rays (heat) out of them.

So where are the healing far infrared (FIR) rays coming from that these fabrics claim? The infrared heat comes from your own body. YOU emit infrared waves (heat). These "infrared" fabrics are solely insulation to keep heat from escaping. Sound familiar, like everyday warm clothing? Take aim before the next marketing dork starts selling wool sweaters for their far infrared healing benefits.

There is nothing except a funky little logo that makes these knee wraps, gloves, socks, belts, etc. any more special than a pair of ski socks, oven mitts, a rain poncho, or aluminum foil for that matter. They all trap heat and make your body warmer. They're just a bit more portable than a steam sauna. The special bio-ceramics are nothing more than insulation, just like bricks (ceramic) insulate a fireplace, only on a small scale.

As for claims "increasing your blood circulation at the molecular level," well, blood cells are the smallest components of circulation, and a single red blood cell contains not one, but over 300 million molecules per blood cell. These fabrics aren't doing anything at the molecular level, that's just senseless hype. Busted!