Ancient Wisdom: Jade, Tourmaline, and the Dawn of Infrared Therapy
Long before the age of science, the Chinese understood that certain materials held special powers. Jade, for instance, was more than just a beautiful stone. Healers in ancient China discovered that when jade was heated, it emitted a comforting warmth that penetrated deep into the body. This wasn’t just superstition; modern science now knows that jade naturally emits far-infrared (FIR) waves, making it one of the few natural materials that can emit FIR. Along with other rare minerals like tourmaline and certain ceramics, jade was the original far-infrared emitter—a precursor to the high-tech therapies we use today.
Royal Luxuries: Infrared Heat in the Palaces of Europe
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and infrared heat was making its mark in Europe, but this time in the palaces of kings. King Edward VII of England and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, both early adopters of technology at the time using their Light Baths and Lichtbad. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg recounts in his 1910 publication "Light Therapeutics": "King Edward of England was cured of a distressing gout at Hamburg by means of a series of light baths. He had the bath installed at Windsor and Buckingham palaces. Emperor William soon after followed his example, as did several other of the crowned heads and titled families of Europe"
At a time when the science of infrared was still in its infancy, these monarchs recognized its therapeutic value, because they felt relaxed and refreshed. The technology they used emitted far-infrared light at around 10 micrometers, a wavelength perfect for deep, penetrating heat that warmed the body without heating the surrounding air — a stark contrast to the stifling heat of traditional saunas.
Unlike the sweltering temperatures of a typical sauna (often between 70–90 °C or 158–194 °F), the far-infrared saunas in royal settings were much cooler, averaging 40–60 °C (104–140 °F). The difference? Far-infrared light doesn’t need to heat the air first. Instead, it directly heats the core temperature of the body, penetrating up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) beneath the skin, stimulating a deep sweat that helps flush out toxins, relax muscles, and even delay the onset of fatigue. It’s no wonder these monarchs felt so rejuvenated after their sessions.
Modern Marvels: Far Infrared Therapy for the 21st Century
Today, we understand why these early experiments with infrared heat were so effective. Far-infrared waves work by penetrating deep into the body, reaching the muscles, tendons, and even ligaments and cartilage, where they promote cellular repair and speed up recovery. This deep penetration is key to its effectiveness, especially for athletes who use far-infrared therapy to delay muscle fatigue and enhance endurance during intense workouts.
The materials that emit these healing waves are still quite limited, even in modern times. Besides jade, we now also use tourmaline, carbon fiber, and advanced ceramics to create far-infrared heaters. These materials emit FIR waves at the optimal wavelength, ensuring that the heat reaches deep into the tissues where it’s needed most. But it’s not just about physical recovery — regular use of far-infrared saunas has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, detoxify the body, and even boost mood by releasing endorphins, our natural feel-good hormones.
Deep Heat with a Rich Legacy
The beauty of far-infrared therapy lies in its unique combination of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science. From the jade stones of ancient China to the lavish palaces of Europe’s monarchs, to the advanced therapeutic devices of today, FIR therapy has always been about one thing: harnessing the deep, penetrating power of heat to heal, restore, and rejuvenate. Today, you can enjoy all the benefits of deep heat therapy, from the comfort of your own home.
