I can’t believe it took me so long to figure this out. Far infrared lamps rock!
Through visits to my acupuncturist, I was introduced to the far infrared lamp. I didn’t know that’s what it was. I thought it was a plain old run of the mill heating lamp. Boy was I wrong.
All I know is that every time my acupuncturist shone the lamp on the affected area, not only did that area feel better but my entire body would slowly and deeply go into a state of total relaxation.
There were times when I actually would fall asleep in the short 15-minute session.
Far Infrared Technology
I knew the heat from the lamp felt good but I didn’t realize its health benefits. After doing some research I found these lamps not only help reduce inflammation, but they help to alleviate arthritis pain, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow, decrease joint stiffness, help in weight loss and much more.
I won’t go into the technical reasons why it works. I’m just happy to know that it works and it feels great while it’s working.
I Want That Lamp!
I uttered those four words after my first acupuncture visit. My acupuncturist smiled. It was my first visit and we didn’t quite know each other well so she thought I was kidding when I said it. With each visit, my affection for the lamp grew.
Imagine how happy I was when bouncing around Amazon the other day I came across the very same lamp that my acupuncturist uses. The lamp itself costs a little less than $200. Realizing that for $200 I can keep my sciatica at bay and help my husband with his aching knees, my research went into overdrive.
Lamps, Saunas and Devices
During my research, I found small lamps, large lamps, full saunas and far infrared devices that you can strap on your back. I figured why fix what ain’t broken. The lamp my acupuncturist uses works just fine so I’ll stick to the original plan.
Because I’ve developed a frugal personality, I don’t purchase anything on a whim anymore. I make sure I research and then set up a cash fund for purchases. When I consider the cost of the lamp, shipping, tax and ancillary items such as the mineral plate and replacement bulbs, I’m guestimating it will cost about $300 when it’s all said and done.
When I have $300 in my lamp fund, I’ll get it. In the meanwhile, I’ll have to use the one at my acupuncturist’s office.
April 2016 Update: It cost far less than $300 for my lamp. I paid less than $150 for the lamp I purchased from Amazon.
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I love my TENS. My son has the same problem with his insurance. He is only 32 and pays a ton and can only have three visits a year with a copay. Any visits after that have to go towards his deductible. They don’t mind taking your money.
I still don’t have insurance yet. I’m suppose to be able to get Medicare in Nov. You have to wait 2 years after your disability starts to get it. It’s rough, so I will do what I can to help myself.
Take Care,
Joni
There’s another thing we have in common. When I had a job and insurance my pain specialist gave me a script for a TENS unit. If you don’t know, they produce electrical stimulation where it hurts (esp. my neck and back). In the beginning you had to have a script so that they could charge my insurance company $700 for it (INSANE). Well I have been without ins. for 2 years and only have pain meds for relief.
While researching last year I found all kinds of TENS untils online. They ranged from $25.00 to about $150.00. My pain has been bad lately so I finally ordered one for $45.00 and I got it last week. It is a life saver!!! It keeps me from having to take a narcotic and works by battery. From my experience in using them in the past you need to be very careful with the wires so you won’t strip them out. However, I can’t begin to tell you how much better my neck and back feels when I use it. You can also use it on knees and arms.
In the “old days” people had their hands tied b/c you had to have a doctor tell you it was ok to get one and you had to have insurance. I may have to check into your lamp.
Take Care,
Joni
You gave me food for thought. My chiropractor and acupuncturist both use electronic stimulation. I can’t believe I never thought of purchasing a unit. My husband especially likes electronic stim. Personally, I like the lamp better, but my acupuncturist uses them both.
I’d much rather use the machine than take pain meds. Joni, you’ve given me something else to investigate.
On a side note, insurance…ugh! Last year we spent an arm and a leg for insurance. My only “medical visits” were to the chiropractor and acupuncturist. Those visits weren’t covered under our plan. So, we paid the premiums and I didn’t use it. Of course, it’s good to have for the kids and my hubby had one or two surgical procedures so I guess I shouldn’t complain. It’s just that so far the insurance has not suited my needs.