A student recently asked whether the panels at our West End studio provide red light therapy.
It’s a great question. With growing interest in light-based wellness treatments, it’s easy to assume that infrared panels and red light therapy work the same way.
Our West End studio uses far infrared heat panels. They deliver invisible radiant energy that produces warmth—a different technology and experience from red light therapy.
Here’s what makes far infrared distinctive and how it fits into your Southern Om practice.
What Does “Far Infrared” Mean?
Infrared is a broad category of electromagnetic radiation beyond the red end of visible light. It includes near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths.
“Far” identifies a particular region of that spectrum, with longer wavelengths than near infrared. These waves are invisible to our eyes, but we can experience their energy as heat.
Our West End panels, sourced from an infrared sauna manufacturer, use far infrared radiant heat to help warm the practice space and the people within it.
How Do the Waves Work?
Far infrared panels transfer energy through electromagnetic waves. When that energy reaches your skin and is absorbed, it becomes heat.
This radiant transfer allows the panels to warm people and surfaces in their path, rather than relying entirely on heated air circulating around the room. Cleveland Clinic describes infrared heating panels as a source of radiant warmth and distinguishes them from red light therapy devices.
The warmth also prompts a response within your body. Blood vessels near the skin widen, blood flow toward the skin increases, and you sweat as your body works to regulate its temperature. These circulatory and temperature-regulating responses help explain why researchers are interested in the potential therapeutic applications of heat.
Far infrared’s primary action is thermal: its absorbed energy produces heat. Longer wavelengths do not automatically mean deeper penetration into the body.
How Is This Different From Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses visible red light, sometimes combined with near-infrared light, at specific doses. This approach is called photobiomodulation and has been studied for concerns including fine lines and certain forms of hair loss. Its effects depend on the device, treatment schedule, and condition being addressed.
Our far infrared panels serve a different purpose: they provide radiant heat for your practice.
Although both technologies involve electromagnetic energy, they use different wavelengths and work differently. Benefits demonstrated with red or near-infrared treatment devices cannot automatically be attributed to far infrared heating panels.
At West End, you’re experiencing far infrared heated yoga rather than a red light therapy session.
What Are the Potential Therapeutic Benefits?
Research into infrared heat—particularly infrared sauna use—has explored potential benefits for pain, arthritis, circulation, and cardiovascular conditions.
Mayo Clinic notes that some studies have found promising results. Some research also involves traditional saunas, making it important to distinguish the equipment and conditions being studied.
A yoga class involves movement as well as heat, and its temperature, duration, and exposure differ from a clinical treatment or seated sauna session. We therefore describe our panels as part of a heated wellness experience, rather than a treatment for disease.
Why Pair Far Infrared Heat With Yoga?
At Southern Om, radiant warmth is part of an experience that also includes purposeful movement, focused breathing, and instruction.
As the panels warm the room, your teacher guides you through opportunities to explore strength, balance, mobility, and awareness. For students who enjoy heated practice, that warmth can be a comforting and engaging part of their time on the mat.
The combination gives you several reasons to show up: a physical practice, a place to focus, and a community to share it with.
Throughout class, your body’s signals remain your guide. Feeling warm is never a reason to force a stretch, and taking a break is always a valid choice.
Experience Far Infrared Heat at West End
The next time you step into our West End studio, you’ll know more about the warmth surrounding your practice.
Those panels provide far infrared radiant heat: invisible energy that becomes the warmth you feel as you move, breathe, and settle into class.
Arrive hydrated, take breaks when needed, and move somewhere cooler if you feel dizzy, nauseated, or unwell. If you’re pregnant or have a health condition or medication that affects heat tolerance, ask your healthcare professional about heated exercise.
Visit southernom.com to explore our West End schedule and experience far infrared heated yoga for yourself.