Far-infrared rays (FIR), first explored by NASA scientists, have since captured the interest of the medical community. In clinics and laboratories all over the world, medical practitioners and researchers have tested the effects of FIR on a wide range of conditions. These clinical cases reveal very promising results, suggesting that FIR therapy can be successfully used to accelerate healing, improve sleep patterns, alleviate depression, improve cardiovascular health, treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and help prevent atheroscleriosis.

These powerful rays are part of the electro-magnetic light spectrum, closest in frequency to natural sunlight. The advantage of far-infrared rays over sunlight is that they contain no harmful UV/UVB radiation.

FIR as an accelerant for wound healing

The Journal of Experimental Biology and Medicine published a study that explored the accelerating effects of FIR on wound healing. The study found that would healing was significantly more rapid when FIR treatment was administered, and that greater collagen regeneration was also noted.

Another study, published in Mycoses Journal, found that far infrared therapy could be used successfully to treat sporotrichosis, a long-term, chronic fungal skin infection.

Far infrared therapy as a sleep regulator

The International Journal of Biometeorology published a study that explored the effects of FIR on sleep modulation. Testing FIR on rats and later on an insomniac patient, FIR therapy was found to enhance blood circulation and sleep patterns. The effects were recorded to be triggered by an exposure to far-infrared rays, which induced an increase in the temperature of the body tissues and an elevated motility of body fluids. A total of 542 subjects reported an improvement in their health.

FIR as a treatment for depression

In an issue of Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Behavioral Medicine, a study explored the effects of FIR on mildly depressed patients. Twenty-eight in-patients with mild depression, general fatigue and appetite loss were treated for a total of 45 minutes per day, with an improvement noted after four weeks. The findings suggested that repeated thermal therapy may be useful for mildly depressed patients.

FIR as a treatment for cardiovascular disease

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers sought to determine whether FIR improved endothelial function (blood flow) in patients with coronary risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking. The study found that FIR treatment improved vascular endothelial function among patients with coronary (atherosclerosis) risk factors.
Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology and Medicine looked at FIR as a way to induce systemic vasodilation (decreased blood pressure). Results suggested that FIR (at 60°C for 15 min) improved cardiac function and vascular endothelial function in patients with congestive heart failure. Interestingly, this study also noted a weight-loss and body-fat loss effect, further compounding the positive effects of treatment.

Far infrared therapy as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research explored the use of FIR as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Two patients who had been treated unsuccessfully with prednisolone (PSL), a corticosteroid used in the treatment of inflammatory and auto-immune diseases, were subjected to FIR therapy once a day for 35 consecutive days. They were then treated twice a week for one year. Both patients reported a dramatic improvement in symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever, with no relapse during the first year of discharge.

The remarkable results of these studies and many others like them being reported around the world further confirm the broad healing properties of FIR therapy. For many patients, even those with hard-to-treat and resistant symptoms, regular far infrared therapy treatment can provide relief and remission.

Learn more about the powerful FIR technology delivered by BioMat products.

As more people focus on improving health and wellness, a number of new devices are in the market that are claiming to do everything from boosting energy to curing diseases, and everything in between.

While in the past people relied solely on the information and education of their doctor, today’s consumers hold the power of the internet to educate themselves and access beneficial information outside of their doctors scope of knowledge. Today’s health-focused consumers now have the ability to empower themselves with accurate, up-to-date information so they can determine which health devices are worthwhile and helpful, and which ones are expensive wastes of money and time.

One health device in particular that is clearly in the worthwhile and helpful category is a pulsed electromagnetic field mat, more commonly known as a PEMF Mat.

A PEMF Mat is a portable mat that produces pulsed electromagnetic fields around an individual’s body. This field then delivers healing energy to the body by producing negative ions and far infrared waves.

Specifically, negative ions directly change cellular signalling and open cell channels, which improve cellular functionality (i.e. more nutrients enter, more waste is removed). Far infrared waves stimulate and strengthen the body’s nervous, endocrine, circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Widely used in Europe, and growing in popularity across North America, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has been used for decades by doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths and even veterinarians. In the past, PEMF devices were quite large and prohibitively expensive for most of the general public. Today, however, PEMF devices are used in many homes, and costs have fallen considerably.

In terms of specific health benefits, to date, PEMF therapy has been used to:

• Decrease pain
• Improve post-surgery healing
• Treat psychological disorders
• Improve sleep
• Improve blood circulation
• Provide chronic pain relief
• Regenerate nerves
• Improve wound healing
• Improve immunity
• Increase bone density
• Improve energy and vitality
• Enable relaxation and reduce stress
• Eliminate bodily toxins
• Help burn calories, improve muscle tone and control weight
• Reduce stress and fatigue
• Relieve anxiety and promotes relaxation

New studies also point to the possibility that PEMF therapy can help diseases, positively affect cartilage homeostasis, and even increase nitric oxide activity, which is linked to a number of benefits such as: improved memory, stronger immune system, reduced inflammation, increased endurance and strength, improved gastric motility, and more.

So, how does a PEMF mat differ from the BioMat?

Although they are both mats and share some of the same health benefits, they are actually quite different... a PEMF device uses an electromagnetic pulse to administer healing.  The BioMat combines far infrared light, negative ion technology and the healing properties of amethyst crystal to deliver its.  The list of health benefit bullets above all apply to BioMat use, but there is a key feature that the PEMF device cannot list:

Amethyst Crystals actually elongate and amplify the natural wavelength of a key component to the treatments, the far infrared rays, allowing them to penetrate up to 7 inches deep into the body. By comparison, other far infrared technologies may only penetrate less than half that depth. Amethyst’s healing properties have been acknowledged and celebrated for centuries by ancient scientists and healers.  Now, modern science has confirmed the highly conductive properties of this remarkable mineral.  Amethyst crystals offer the most consistent and powerful delivery of far infrared light waves, and ionic effects to the human body.

Another factor to be aware of is expense.  PEMF devices cost at least twice what the BioMat professional does and four times more than the BioMat mini.  If you are in the market for such a healing device, it is a good idea to understand all your options before making a decision.

To learn more about the technology and healing benefits of the BioMat, please click here.

Sources used in this article:

Dr. Oz: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ask-your-doctor-about-pulsed-electromagnetic-field-therapy

Dr Pawluck: http://www.drpawluk.com/

Dr Nelson et al: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22451021

Jason Clark BSc, MsC: http://www.nutritionexpress.com/showarticle.aspx?articleid=286

EXPERIENCE

Richway & Fuji Bio created the BioMat® in 1996. Through research, development, and feedback from health professionals, we designed an FDA 510K Class II Medical Device and wellness tool used by hundreds of thousands worldwide. The BioMat® continues to be the leader in Far Infrared and Negative Ion therapy. Some textile factories have been producing heating pads designed to look like the BioMat®. Importers buy these pads in bulk and stick their own “brand names” on them. Some importers mislead customers into believing their heating pads are made in the USA. In reality, their products are imported from China.

USED BY PROFESSIONALS

Thousands of health and wellness professionals are using the BioMat® in their practices. The BioMat® is used by medical doctors, physical therapists, Integrative medical doctors, holistic practitioners, yoga teachers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and naturopaths around the world.

No health and wellness professionals use imitation pads in their practice. Customers have informed us that the build of these pads is not consistent, and they do not hold up over time.

RESEARCH

Independent studies have been done using the BioMat® over the years. The BioMat® has also been featured in books and other publications.

Manufacturers of imitation pads reference studies found online; however, none of these studies were done using their actual product.

There is no proof that their heating pads have the same effectiveness as the BioMat®.

PRODUCTION

The BioMat® is produced in our Korean medical supply facility under strict quality control and environmental standards. We do it all, from research and development, design, and manufacturing. Every step of the way, our products are inspected, 3rd Party Tested and exceed safety standards.  It is only because of the extensive testing and certifications the BioMat has that it meets the qualifications as an FDA 510 Class II Medical Device.  No other Infrared mat has this designation. 

The importers of cheap heating pads are not involved in the research and development or the design of the final product. Textile factories copy our BioMat® and persuade the customer into thinking they are getting something similar, however they emit harmful EMF radiation, mislabel their products in order to avoid having to pass standard safety requirements, and the products do not last.

TOP SURFACE

Since contact with skin is inevitable, the BioMat®'s top layer is constructed using thick natural cotton fibers, not vinyl. The outer surface is durable and can withstand wear and tear. No glues are used on our Amethyst. The natural, breathable fibers allow Far Infrared heat to easily penetrate the body.

Imitation pads are made using various materials. Many tops contain synthetic fabrics, some wrinkle because of their low tolerance to heat. Others contain mesh, which can snag and rip over time. Another style of pad uses stone discs glued onto the surface. Users have told us the discs fall off as the glue is affected by heat and leach fumes.

CONTROLLER

The BioMat® comes with a sleek and modern controller. It is simple and easy to understand. Temperatures are displayed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. The controller features an auto step-down timer for safety and a shutdown timer for convenience. Heating pad companies use confusing, dated-looking controllers. Many of them only display temperatures in Celsius. Many do not have clearly labeled buttons and settings, leaving the user confused about the pad's temperature setting. Most do not have a step-down temperature function for safety.

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

The BioMat® has a dense thermal protection layer to maximize the Far Infrared and Negative Ions that reach the user and protect the surface. 

Many knockoffs are flimsy. Some even have a hazardous two-sided design (different stones on both sides of the pad). This design causes wasted heat and Negative Ions to travel downward onto the surface the pad is on, away from the body. This can also be a safety issue and cause damage to the surface it is on (bed, couch, chair, floor, etc).

CRYSTALS

We only use natural Amethyst and black Tourmaline in the BioMat®. After over 25 years of research, development, and studies, we have concluded these are provide the best therapeutic results, and delivery of Infrared Rays and Negative Ions to the body.  Early versions of the Biomat® used to contain Jade. Over time, the Biomat® has evolved and the research confirms that Amethyst and Tourmaline crystals deliver the highest quality emissions of Infrared and Negation Ions, and therefore, the best results. Early versions of the BioMat® contained other gemstones and materials. Over time, the BioMat® evolved through research and now includes the finest materials for the best results.

Imitators use a wide variety of inferior stones to reduce costs. They claim the efficacy of having a variety of stones, but materials like ceramic tourmaline are cheaper than natural black Tourmaline, and other stones are less effective and cheaper than Amethyst.

AMETHYST AND TOURMALINE

We use natural, untreated Amethyst and black Tourmaline. We don't use ceramic fillers, and all our Tourmaline is carefully inspected before being used.

Imitation heating pads may contain synthetically produced or chemically treated stones. This treatment enhances the color but not the effectiveness. To reduce costs, textile factories use inexpensive “bio-ceramic tourmaline” balls with diminished Negative Ion output. Some importers of pads “certify” their stones, hoping users will believe this improves their mats' efficacy.

PROPRIETARY

The BioMat® contains two patented layers. The Peach and Grape Seed Layer provides additional natural Infrared output. The TOCA Layer is a black Tourmaline fabric layer, emitting an abundance of Negative Ions. The BioMat® emits almost 2X as many Negative Ions as other mats at 3236 ions per cubic centimeter.

Imitation heating pads use generic materials available from fabric suppliers.

LICENSES

The BioMat® is electrically certified in all the countries we sell to. It can be shipped to Canada and is licensed as a medical device.

Many companies flaunt their multitude of certificates. Many of these are worthless certificates that can be purchased by imitators for show. If the licenses are valid, they are for the textile factory and not the importer. Most are not licensed medical devices permitted for sale in countries like Canada and Australia.

We are US FDA registered and fully compliant with all required safety and electrical testing as a Class II Medical Device. The BioMat® has a 510(k). Richway & Fuji Bio employs consultants and maintains a full-time staff to ensure compliance with FDA law. All our products are registered with the proper authorities in the countries we operate.

The fly-by-night companies flaunt FDA registration when all that means is that they have registered their address with the FDA. As importers, they import their mats as "mattresses" as they do not qualify as a Medical Device.  How they continue to sell their products remains a mystery.

Buyer beware: Check if the importer is registered with the FDA.  Any legitimate FDA Medical Devices will be found on the FDA's searchable database.

These companies purchase from overseas textile factories that do not specialize in medical devices. The manufacturer might be registered, but they may not be compliant, and the importer is usually unregistered.

• They deliver amazing, scientifically proven therapeutic results
• They are affordable for most people to incorporate into their every day lifestyle

What Are The Benefits Of Far Infrared Therapy?

Scientists have always been interested in the area of heat and how it can be used to enhance the wellness of the human body. To put it in simple terms, the discovery of far infrared thermal technology has been revolutionary – it’s an effective, safe, and efficient approach to thermal treatment that medical professionals globally use.

Here are some of the benefits that come with it:

1. Relaxation And Pain Management

Far infrared increases circulation in the body and relaxes muscles.  With healthy circulation you bring more oxygen, and white and red blood cells to your tissue, allowing the body to maximize its intended healing abilities. As a result, pain is reduced, nerve endings benefit and muscle spasms are relieved.  When you feel good in your body, have less pain, and better sleep your stress levels naturally come down and allow a more joy-filled life!

2. Improvement Of Blood Circulation

This kind of heat therapy expands capillaries, promoting increased blood flow and regeneration, which are essential for a healthy body and on-going vitality.  Movement and blood flow is a hallmark of health in the body, stagnation is the opposite.  Healthy circulation also provides a boost of energy and a sense of well being.

3. Cleansing and Immune Boosting Properties