Why a Radiant Heating Pad Beats an Electric Heating Pad

Pain. This four-letter word is among the most used by society and the most neglected by Western Medicine.

Whether from the acute pain of injuries and sudden illnesses all the way to long-term, chronic pain suffered many times in silence by victims of cancer, arthritis, and other myriad diseases and conditions.

Having been trained in health care, I saw so many people in pain. It always devastated me and I did whatever I could to help:  comfy pillows, physical assistance, a massage, and medications. Now though, after learning about far infrared therapy, I know this is what I should have been recommending.  And I didn’t learn about far infrared in training, or in my career.  I learned about it from a pain sufferer.

Thermotex Universal Platinum Radiant Energy Pain Relief Heating Pad

To me, the proof far infrared pain relief began when it helped my brother’s back and hip pain.  He suffers from arthritis resulting from a car accident several years ago.  He is lucky to be alive, but has had to deal with daily pain.  Exasperated by doctor visits that were long on prices but short on help, physical therapy that did help but wasn’t covered well by his insurance, and chronic heartburn from NSAIDs, he reluctantly agreed to try a Thermotex infrared heating pad his girlfriend brought him.

“I was really, really, surprised,” he related to me over the phone last fall.  “I have used electric heating pads lots of times, but this wasn’t at all the same.  After I read about what ‘far infrared’ is and how it was actually in my body all along…it just makes sense.  I haven’t had relief like this since , well, years.”

So I decided to investigate it myself.

Western Medicine is slow to acknowledge what Eastern traditions teach.  We are slowly getting there:  yoga has been accepted as beneficial for the body and spirit, prenatal classes teach breathing and relaxation techniques that no pharmaceutical company ever supported, and the thoughts on spiritual powers of healing are much more agreeable. It is because the disbelievers have seen ‘proof’.  When it is proven, then it is so…Now, it is time to see the proof of infrared heat and why it works.

Thermotex Universal Platinum Radiant Energy Pain Relief Heating Pad

What is Far Infrared Radiation?

Far infrared is part of a centuries-old healing art using body warmth; in the early times healers practiced as ‘palm healers’ and helped the sick with massage. The energy they transmitted was FIR. They knew it helped but could not yet describe the mechanism, so without ‘proof’ FIR was not readily adapted by Western culture.

Now, there is a lot we do know about FIR. There are different types of radiation and many are unhealthy for humans, but FIR is not only safe, it can relieve pain and promote tissue healing.This form of energy is in our bodies, and is transmitted from the sun.  FIR is natural and safe; infrared light is used in hospitals to warm its tiniest patients in neonatal intensive care units. Astronauts are given FIR to keep their muscles healthy during long periods of inactivity.

How does FIR Relieve Pain?

Our bodies need oxygen in every cell of our beings. When ill or injured, less oxygen is available to the tissue.  FIR radiant heat increases blood flow, thus increasing the delivery of oxygen.  Healing is enhanced.  See these images of infrared radiant heat in the body:

Heat is known to cause dilation of blood vessels which allows more oxygen to be delivered to an area.  But there is a big difference between electric heat and radiant heat.

Electric heat is ‘conductive’.  Conductive heat needs to also heat the air space nearby.  Radiant heat, like that produced naturally by the sun, doesn’t need any medium to work.  It is absorbed by the body naturally.  We have all felt the warmth of the sun penetrating the body; not the same as touching a hot iron, right?

Increased pain can cause tension and muscle spasms; infrared heat allows oxygen to the affected area, increasing blood flow and interrupting the pain cycle.  Radiant heat can also act directly on the nerves and alter their response.  Thermotex is able to relieve pain for several hours without medication.

Electric heating pads only heat the body surface; it would only be able to penetrate the body after reaching such a high degree the skin would burn.  Infrared heat is deep-penetrating and comfortable at the same time. Our bodies are able to take in over 90% of FIR and much deeper than electric heat.

Thermotex Universal Platinum Radiant Energy Pain Relief Heating Pad

I investigated further and studied some test results from medical facilities.  The results were reported honestly; the results for chronic pain sufferers were not AS good, but 87% is a very very good result.  Several of the test patients did not want to return the Thermotex heating pads!

Radiant Heat for Athletes

Studies show that heated tissues are able to stretch without damage, up to 18% more, and a percentage of elongation lasts after the athlete is finished stretching.  This is crucial for athletes in training as it prevents injuries.

What Users Are Saying

“…Since I’ve been using my Thermotex,  I can ski and golf without pain without being dependent on constant therapy or medication of any kind. You owe it to yourself and those close to you to try this amazing product!”

“…I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and when I have flare ups with pain and muscle tightness I turn the pad on low, lay down on it and just let the heat work through my muscles. I have this by my bed I use it every evening for daily heat therpy(sic). I love it worth ever penny would not be with out it. “

“As a tennis player and runner, I get a lot of sprains and strains. I start with ice when I get off the court, and then use this heating pad for an hour or two at night when I read. It is amazing how much quicker my “old age” injuries heal with the increased circulation that deep heat provides.

Additionally, and I had plantar fasciitis for many years prior to getting this heating pad. Now I put it under my feet when I eat breakfast, and viola’! After a few months, no more foot pain! (I also massage and stretch my feet at night, but that never healed them until I added the infrared heat. I do NOT ice my feet!)”

Who Should NOT Use Thermotex

People with bleeding disorders (hemophiliacs)
Pregnant women
Kidney disorder (suppressed adrenal glands)

This is real infrared heat therapy and as such, there are circumstances where heat therapy is not warranted or you should check with your physician:

Silicone implants; also be alert with a metal implant because it will heat too
Malignancy
Chronic, long-term swollen area
Circulatory disease
Recent acute injury
Circulation disease
Certain prescription medications (again, check with your doctor)

Where can I buy the Thermotex Radiant Energy Pain Relief Heating Pad?

It is available at Amazon.com Thermotex has a 45-day money back guarantee, plus they offer telephone support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week .  That is impressive.

I have a sciatic nerve problem the pain is in my lower back, my bum and my thigh feels like its been punched. Vicodin doesn’t help I also have tried Motrin. The doc gave me Valium and I have xanax. I just would prefer something that isn’t going to zonk me out. Any sugestions? I just got back from an MRI but don’t have results.

Stretch your upper body muscles to relieve your back aches. Learn how to do rotator stretch to ease lower back pain in this free back pain relief video from a fitness expert.

Expert: Kristie latray Contact: www.fitandfabuloustraining.com Bio: Kristie latray is the founder of Fit and Fabulous Personal Training. She is a certified personal trainer through World Instructor Training and a member of IDEA Health and Fitness Association. Filmmaker: Nili Nathan

For centuries, Eastern cultures have achieved pain relief through the use of all-natural products and alternative methods. Americans are now starting to adopt the same products and methods as they come to realize that pain relief does not have to come in the form of a chemical laden pill that can have dangerous side effects and that merely masks the pain instead of eliminating it. They are finding that these natural alternatives are much safer and more effective at eliminating pain.

Americans have become accustomed to taking both over-the-counter and prescription painkillers for pain relief. In doing so, they are subjecting their bodies to chemicals that can have nasty side effects or worse yet, that can cause serious damage to internal organs. In addition, many chronic pain sufferers become addicted to these medications, which can and often do destroy their lives. For these reasons, many prescription drugs have been classified as controlled substances that are strictly scrutinized by the government. This has also caused many to search for safer alternatives.

Herbs and essential oils have been found to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of many ailments, not just pain relief. They have very few, if any, side effects and they are much safer than prescription drugs. Herbs in particular have become commonplace in many American homes. Studies have also shown that they work with the body to help strengthen its natural healing process, which addresses the underlying cause of pain rather than just the pain itself. The list of herbs that can be used for natural pain relief is extensive and includes Valerian, Tumeric, Cannabis, Willow Bark, Kava Kava, and St. Johns Wort.

Essential oils have analgesic agents that are responsible for alleviating pain. Some of the better-known essential oils are Peppermint, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Ginger, Pine, Lavender, and Birch. They are often used in conjunction with herbs to create an effective remedy for pain. One thing to keep in mind, not only with essential oils but with any type of natural pain relief, is that it may take several days or even several weeks before you see a marked improvement.

Another form of natural pain relief that is becoming popular in America is Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a method that inserts needles into specific parts of the body, usually those associated with the peripheral nerves. Inserting these needles into the body releases a natural anesthesia that relieves the pain that can be associated with certain ailments such as migraines and arthritis. Some have found that it is extremely beneficial in the treatment of stress and depression. It can also help alleviate sleeplessness or insomnia.

While there is still much research to be conducted on natural pain relief options, the results that we have thus far are promising. Many people are finding that they prefer natural pain relief to other options, such as prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers. They no longer have to deal with dangerous side effects and the cost is significantly lower. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may want to consider giving natural pain relief a try. Many people swear by it.

How to relieve arthritis pain in the hip and knee with strengthening exercisetreatments; get expert tips and advice on treating pain caused by arthritis in this free personal health video.

Expert: Monica Paradise Bio: Monica Paradise teaches physical therapy and massage at Industrial Hand and Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ. She will receive a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University. Filmmaker: Eric Johnston

Here is a quick 50 second back pain relief technique for anyone who travels… (or doesn’t!) From Kevin Gianni and www.liveawesome.com.

These are just a few of the arthritis home remedies and treatments that arthritis sufferers have sworn worked for them. Most have an anti-inflammatory effect. There are many ways to achieve arthritis pain relief. Before you take any supplements, you may want to check with your doctor. I found that the best arthritis pain relief is a permanent radical change in the diet to all living foods. Eating a raw food diet will eliminate all osteoarthritis pain. This is the best and fastest short-term and long term approach to get rid of arthritis pain.

Remember that supplements contain isolated chemicals that are not working in conjunction with other chemicals and nutrients as they are in their natural state. So the degree of absorption, if any is questionable and different supplements from different manufacturers may have varying degrees of absorbability.

But here are the tips that others have reported working for them with my comments.

1. MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane), take 1,000 mg. twice a day to reduce the inflammation which causes the pain some report.

2. Fish oil or cod liver oil which contains the omega 3′s. Use a good brand that contains no mercury – 1,000 mg. one to three times per day is supposed to help lubricate the joints and thus relieve the pain.

3. Many people report that glucosamine sulfate is good for supporting the joints, 500 mg. twice a day. However there are many different brands with many different absorbability reports. And many people have reported it not working for them. There also may be an elevation of blood pressure some reports say.

4. Drink one quarter cup of black cherry juice a day or take one tablespoon of concentrate in water have had excellent report say many. The best juice would be raw not pasteurized but that is difficult to get. This may take awhile to work but good for the health. Some report that it irritates their stomachs so take with plenty of water and perhaps with food. Make sure the cherry juice is unsweetened. Some people eat dried unsweetened tart Montmorency cherries and achieve the same effect.

5. To reduce arthritis pain, make sure to get plenty of minerals in the diet naturally. Eat plenty of fruits and raw veggies, several servings of day. Make huge green salads, with good greens, not iceberg lettuce.

6. Eat coconut anything. Of course, opening a fresh raw coconut you can get from the Asian groceries is the best. Put the coconut meat in a smoothie and drink the coconut water. Second best is eating coconut anything. Coconut in any form when heated will not destroy the good nutrients. It is from a tropical climate and made to endure hot temperatures.

7. Some say to drink radish juice.

8. Helpful foods that have been reported include avocados, bananas, cherries, greens, and raw nuts soaked overnight to remove the enzyme inhibitors, such as walnuts and pecans, however all living foods, not cooked foods will help. All cooked foods are acidic and inflammatory and can aggravate the joints. Most all, living or raw foods are alkaline and anti-inflammatory.

9. Some swear by apple cider vinegar. The vinegar should only be a RAW apple cider vinegar like Bragg’s. And be careful using apple cider vinegar as it is an irritant to some stomachs.

10. A fad arthritis home remedy is the gin-soaked raisins method. Soak the raisins in gin for a week. Eat six raisins at bed time. Maybe the alcohol is absorbed into the air by then. Alcohol is a neurotoxin and is inflammatory and should not be ingested.

11. Some say the old remedy of Edgar Cayce‘s works for them – rubbing the affected joint with castor oil each morning and at bedtime. Make take a few days to work.

12. Keep moving. Moderate exercise will reduce stiffness.

13. Some report they take burdock and yucca for inflammation and swelling.

14. Some report lobelia extract, halibut oil, or cayenne extract (cayenne cream) can help alleviate pain and speed healing when applied to the affected area. Be careful about any supplement or cream you don’t fully understand.

15. For severe pains in joints some have reported they have used garlic externally – warm up the affected area with a hot towel and then rub the juice of the garlic very slowly on the area. The juice of the garlic can be extracted in a clean coffee grinder or other kitchen appliance.

These are just a few of the many osteoarthritis and arthritis home remedies and arthritis treatments and arthritis diet suggestions floating around the Internet. Use your best judgment before trying any, that may be harmful, for arthritis pain relief, and get the advice of your doctor or naturopathic doctor.

Author: Helen Hecker

require_once '/home/wwwheal/carp/carp.php';
// Add any desired configuration settings before CarpCacheShow
// using "CarpConf" and other functions
CarpConf('cborder','');
CarpConf('caorder','');
CarpConf('iorder','image,link,desc');
CarpConf('biimage','

‘);
CarpConf(‘defiimagew’,60);
CarpConf(‘maxiimagew’,60);
CarpConf(‘descriptiontags’,'a href|a class|a|/a|br|ol|/ol|li|/li|ul|/ul|i|/i|img|strike|/strike’);
CarpConf(‘maxidesc’,500);
CarpConf(‘maxitems’,5);
CarpConf(‘aidesc’,’
‘);
CarpConf(‘linktarget’,1);
CarpConf(‘encodingout’,'iso-8859-1′);
CarpConf(‘poweredby’,”);
CarpCacheShow(‘http://naturalpainreliefblog.com/feed/’);
?>