The History of Infrared

For years, the average consumer's familiarity with far-infrared came from the use of infrared heat lamps which produce radiant heat. Then, in the mid 1960's NASA discovered that a number of mineral oxides were also capable of generating FIR waves. After using various FIR products in the space program, no further developments occurred at NASA using this technology. However, according to Sang Wang, author of Reverse Aging, the Japanese saw other uses.

Today, over 150 patents have been granted to the Japanese and around the world for different FIR products such as: Far infrared saunas or heat therapy rooms, infrared hair dryers, infrared foot massagers, infrared underwear, infrared pillows, and even infrared leg wraps for horses. There are far infrared ray-emitting paints and wallpaper that combat mold as well as fast-cooking far infrared ovens that replace microwave ovens and are said to kill E. coli bacteria. Far infrared rays are being used to promote growth in plants, purify polluted air, keep newborn babies warm in hospitals, treat injured athletes, and even encourage new hair growth.