Using Light to Heal
Light is a powerful tool for healing the body. On the electromagnetic spectrum, light waves ranging from visible light to infrared rays can be used to warm the body, relax muscles, and detoxify bodily systems. Infrared saunas and medical-grade heating pads serve to provide heat through infrared and far infrared rays, while chromotherapy uses the visible light spectrum to balance the body’s energy systems and provide stability.
The BioMat
At PALM, we offer a product called the BioMat, which is a medical-grade FDA-approved heating pad made of superconducting amethyst crystals that deliver far infrared rays and negative ions to the body, which are integral to healthy cellular function. The conductive properties of the mineral amethyst allow the far infrared rays of the BioMat to help promote healing and restore balance at the cellular level. The BioMat can be used to relieve muscle and joint pain, soothe minor strains and sprains, alleviate minor muscular back pain, reduce stress and fatigue, support the immune system, reduce inflammation, relax the body, and promote restful sleep. The BioMat is safe to use every day, and it is safe to sleep on, even for the duration of a full night’s rest. Many people experience immediate relief from use of the BioMat, while others may experience relief after a few weeks of continued use. If you are interested in purchasing a BioMat, call us at 314-801-8898 or stop by the front desk to see a sample.
Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna, such as the one in the thermal suites at PALM, uses light to warm the body internally, whereas a traditional sauna uses heat to warm the body externally via the air. Radiant energy in the form of a band of light penetrates the skin to a depth of at least one and one-half inches. Infrared saunas are much like traditional saunas in that they are designed to relax, de-stress, and detoxify. They differ in mode of action (heating the body rather than just the air), and offer enhanced efficacy with greater detoxification at lower temperatures. Sessions have been reported to boost the immune system, prevent viral and bacterial infections, speed recovery from viral and bacterial infections, support treatment of depression, and support treatment of high blood pressure, obesity, congestive heart failure, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Light Therapy
Chromotherapy uses the visible light spectrum to balance the body’s systems and hormones. Many people who experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to the lack of sunlight in the winter months use a full spectrum lamp to mimic the sun’s rays. Light therapy treatments have been shown to improve the immune system, repair and restore cells, increase circulation, regulate hormones, and promote detoxification. In addition, exposing oneself to natural sunlight at sunrise is crucial. The sleep-wake cycle is dependent on morning sunlight to start the body’s wakeful phase and ensure proper sleep at night. Setting a regular bedtime and getting sunlight first thing in the morning helps cue the body when it is time to sleep and when it is time to be awake. At PALM, we offer a Restorative Sleep Consult as well as a Sleep Starter Package for those interested in restoring their quality of sleep.
The variety of ways that light can be used to heal the body shows just how essential it is for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
