Infrared therapy is being talked about more and more as a way to support cancer treatments.

While it’s not a treatment for cancer itself, many believe it could help ease some of the side effects that come with traditional therapies like chemotherapy or radiation.

People are curious if it’s safe, what benefits it might offer, and how it fits into a treatment plan.

Let’s break it down and see how infrared therapy could play a supportive role.

What is Infrared Therapy and How Does It Support Cancer Treatment?

Infrared therapy uses light to create heat that goes deep into your body, targeting muscles, tissues, and even organs. Unlike regular heat, which only warms your skin, infrared therapy works from the inside out.

This can help with circulation, relaxation, and detoxification—important factors when your body is dealing with the stress of cancer treatments.

Infrared therapy is often available in different types: near, mid, and far-infrared. Each type penetrates the body at different depths, offering specific benefits.

1. Near-infrared works closer to the surface, ideal for skin health.
2. Mid-infrared reaches deeper and is useful for pain relief and reducing inflammation, which can be valuable for cancer patients.
3. Far-infrared goes the deepest and is known for its detoxifying effects and ability to promote relaxation.

There’s also full-spectrum infrared therapy, which combines all three types—near, mid, and far—in one session. This gives you the benefit of targeting multiple areas of your body, which could be especially helpful if you’re dealing with a variety of symptoms during cancer treatment.

Can Infrared Therapy Treat Cancer?

Infrared therapy might not treat cancer directly, but it can help support your body during cancer treatments. One of the key ways it does this is by improving circulation, which may assist with healing and reduce inflammation.

For cancer patients, this means that infrared therapy could help manage some of the physical discomfort that comes with chemotherapy or radiation, like pain and fatigue.

Another potential benefit is detoxification. Far-infrared therapy, in particular, helps your body sweat, which may support your body in eliminating toxins that build up from cancer treatments.

Additionally, infrared heat is known to help with stress reduction, which is crucial when dealing with the mental and emotional strain that often comes with cancer care.

While it’s not a replacement for traditional cancer treatments, many believe that infrared therapy can be a complementary option to help ease some of the burden your body faces during treatment.

Is Infrared Therapy Safe for Cancer Patients?

Yes, infrared therapy is generally considered safe for cancer patients, but it’s important to consult your doctor before starting.

While many people use it to ease pain, reduce inflammation, or improve circulation, cancer patients have specific concerns that need to be addressed. For instance, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation may have sensitive skin or weakened immune systems, so extra caution is necessary.

The heat from infrared therapy can sometimes cause overheating or dehydration, especially if the sessions are too long or the temperature is set too high. Cancer patients are often more vulnerable to these issues, so starting slow and keeping sessions short is essential.

Additionally, patients with certain conditions, like tumors close to the skin, should be particularly careful, as infrared heat could potentially affect these areas.

Also read: How long you should use infrared saunas

Conclusion

Infrared therapy can be a helpful addition to your cancer care routine, offering benefits like pain relief, relaxation, and detoxification.

While it’s not a substitute for traditional cancer treatments, many patients find it useful for managing side effects and improving their overall well-being. As always, safety comes first—make sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting, and choose a reliable device with the right features for your needs.

With the proper guidance, infrared therapy could provide some much-needed support during your cancer treatment journey.