There’s a lot of great information out there and a lot of junk. Here is some of the better information. Keep in mind, the most important aspect in using near infrared is the specific wavelengths. This is much more important than the light source. Whether LED’s, laser or heat lamps, the spectrum is critical. Of all the choices, only heat lamps provide the entire near infrared spectrum. Others only provide 1 single wavelength at a time.
In addition, I should point out the common sense fact that far infrared websites are not great resources for information about near infrared. Think about it. What do you expect them to say, "We sell far infrared but near infrared is better?" Likewise, I am not a great resource for far infrared because I love near infrared. So, I encourage you do do a little digging yourself in places that do not sell saunas.
1. This link is to NASA studies on using Near Infrared LED's for wound healing. It is important to note that sauna uses all of these relevant wavelengths and more.
http://www.emersonww.com/NASAinfo.htm
2. This is a site for a particular NIR product with some good information
http://www.nomorevertigo.com/nir-therapy.html
3. This article is about absorption and nitric oxide production. In particular, it mentions the effective tissue penetration of certain near infrared wavelengths, how near infrared increases nitric oxide production (boost to heart health and circulation) and how near infrared enhances tissue healing and regeneration.
4. This link is to a copy of another NASA study where they measured near infrared photons traveling 23 cm through the body. It's referenced in the first paragraph.
http://www.lumenphoton.com/studies/nasalight.html
5. Here's a link to the Budwig Center. They are an excellent alternative cancer treatment program. The best thing about Budwig is that it's not in the U.S. and therefore not restricted by the FDA (they are in Spain). If you are dealing with cancer, I highly recommend checking out this site. Additionally, they have incorporated near infrared therapy for its ability to energize and repair damaged cells.
http://www.budwigcenter.com/about.php
If you are looking for more information, try typing "near infrared LED therapy" into your search engine. At this time, there is very little information on near infrared saunas, but tons of information on near infrared therapies in general. The more you read, the more impressed you will be. In addition, when you see the prices of some of these items, you'll begin to realize what a bargain the saunas are! They give you health benefits above and beyond any hand held LED device because fof the sauna effect and detoxification.
Near Infrared Benefits Diabetic Neuropathy
Check out what other people are doing with near infrared light!
Skin Regeneration
http://electricraystanning.com/FullBodySkinRejuvenation.aspx
http://www.light4beauty.com/index.html
Now, here's a great example of misleading information
There is a reference site out that that has lots of information about infrared saunas. It claims that all you will ever need to know is presented on this site. I'm sure you've seen these sites. They are basically vehicles for google addwords. This one is a great example of why you need to dig deeper to find the truth. Here are some of the confusing statements from this infrared sauna reference website about near infrared.
Claim #1. "Near infrared waves don't produce heat and is what is used in television remote controls and other infrared communication technology."
Claim #2. "The short wave (near) infrared will heat up our body faster. But, they have a major drawback : they almost totally bypass the receptors in our body. "
Claim #3. " [LED is an] FDA-cleared therapy that has been successfully used many times to treat hard healing wounds and foot ulcers...The infrared energy causes molecules of nitric oxide to be released from hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Nitric oxide increases blood flow and helps deliver healing cells and nutrients to the treatment area...over a thousand hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, universities, physician offices and therapy clinics offer anodyne infrared therapy."
The website fails to mention that LED therapy is NEAR INFRARED or SHORT WAVE INFRARED. Web sites like this are part of the problem. First they say it has no heat, then they say it has too much heat and his bad, then they say it's FDA approved and used all across the country. Due yourself a favor, ignore this stuff and dig a little deeper! My personal favorite is a site that claims near infrared will heat up your eyeballs and make you go blind because, and I quote, " that's just what near infrared does." UNBELIEVABLE!