Gemstone Heat Therapy For Healing, Deep Relaxation & Self-Care

The combination of infrared therapy and PEMF technology with gemstones such as Amethyst, Jade and Tourmaline can help you on your healing and wellness journey, and has made at home self-care accessible.

From the tombs of pharaohs to the spas of today - people have always loved gemstones for their beauty and healing powers. Modern gemstone heat therapy combines such crystals with cutting-edge technology like infrared PEMF mats and sauna blankets, to support the body’s natural healing processes.

In this blog post we peel back the layers of these advanced therapy devices, uncovering a range of health benefits contained within each gemstone.

A quick tour of the blogpost

CULTURAL HISTORY OF HEALING GEMSTONES

Historically, cultures across the world have turned various gemstones into jewelry, believing that they can influence health and well-being.

Ancient Greece

The Greeks valued Amber for its supposed ability to heal and protect. Amber was thought to bring balance and well-being, and it was often used in jewelry and amulets to activate its protective powers.

Baltic Region

In the Baltic, Amber has been treasured since Neolithic times for its decorative and therapeutic properties. Rich in succinic acid, which is believed to have pain-relieving effects when warmed by the body, Amber's medicinal uses were recognized and expanded through trade along the famous Amber Road established by the Romans.

Ancient China

Jade, among other stones, has been used in China for over 2,000 years. Jade is believed to help energize the body’s chi, or lifeforce, and is used both heated and at room temperature. The warmth from the body is considered to enhance the effectiveness of Jade when it's worn directly on the skin or utilized in massage tools.

Ayurvedic Medicine

In traditional Indian medicine, certain gemstones (Ruby, Pearl, Coral) are utilized to balance the body’s energy centers (chakras). They assume the warmth of the body triggers the stone’s healing properties, which are transferred to the body. This practice dates back thousands of years and is still in use today.

Ancient Egypt and the Middle East

Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise were not only ornamental but were also believed to have protective and health-promoting qualities. They were therefore used in jewelry and burial artifacts to secure health and protection in life and beyond.

Native American Tribes

Turquoise and other stones played important roles in spiritual and healing practices among Native American tribes, used in amulets and ceremonial items to provide healing, protection, and strength.

BLENDING GEMSTONES IN WESTERN SOCIETY

The rise of gemstones for their healing properties in Western society surged during the 1970s and 1980s, along with the growth of the holistic health and New Age movements. This reawakened the interest in natural health solutions, mixing Eastern and indigenous healing practices with Western wellness routines.

Amethyst and Jade for example, became part of various products, from decorative lamps to functional jewelry, for beauty and their influence on physical and spiritual well-being.

GEMSTONE HEAT THERAPY

The late 20th century saw a renaissance in holistic therapies, with ancient gemstone therapy being reexamined within the context of modern wellness practices. Innovations such as infrared heating and PEMF technology were combined with gemstones such as Amethyst, Jade and Tourmaline to amplify natural therapeutic effects.

Today, heated gemstone therapy mats and sauna blankets are a sophisticated blend of age-old knowledge and cutting-edge technology, widely used to increase blood circulation, relax muscles, reduce stress and boost overall well-being, reinforcing their established role in today's wellness culture.

PEMF MATS AND SAUNA BLANKETS

Sauna Blankets

Sauna blankets* are portable infrared therapy devices, weighing between 15 to 20 pounds, making them easy to move and store. Sauna blankets wrap around the body, delivering heat directly and ideal for short sessions, generally up to 45 minutes.

The concentrated heat is intense and a perfect fit for quick, deep heat therapy sessions that induce sweating and support blood circulation. The blanket gives you the benefits of a traditional sauna in the comfort of your own home, affordably and without the need for a lot of space.

* Not all sauna blankets include healing gemstones

higherdose-review-infrared-sauna-blanket

The HigherDOSE sauna blanket contains Amethyst and Tourmaline

PEMF Mats

The full body PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) mats are heavier, weighing between 25 to 40 pounds, which makes them better suited for permanent setups in locations like a couch or a bed.

Most PEMF mats* can be used for extended periods, up to 12 hours, supporting activities like a full night's rest. The temperature settings for long sessions are typically lower compared to sauna blankets. This milder heat is beneficial when you do want the therapeutic effects of infrared but are sensitive to high temperatures.

* Not all PEMF mats include healing gemstones

Healthyline Jet Chair Mat contains Amethyst, Tourmaline, Jade and Obsedian

HOT GEMSTONEs

When gemstones are heated, they generate several beneficial outputs that boost the therapeutic effects:

Far-Infrared Radiation

Far-Infrared Radiation (FIR) is a subdivision of the infrared band in the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths between 3-100 micrometers. It is known for its deep penetrating heat, which feels like a gentle warmth to the human body. FIR can penetrate up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin, elevate blood circulation, oxygen flow, relax deeply and detoxify.

This type of infrared is particularly effective because it's absorbed by the body and helps to increase the internal body temperature without heating the surrounding air. This characteristic makes FIR beneficial for therapies like infrared saunas, which provide heat treatment without the discomfort of high ambient temperatures.

FIR helps to expand blood capillaries, which can amplify blood flow and regeneration of tissues. It is also supports cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and decreasing blood pressure. FIR heat advances detox processes through profound perspiration and lymphatic drainage, removing toxins from the body. [1]

Negative Ions

Negative ions are atoms or molecules that have gained an electron and are predominantly found in natural environments such as forests, mountains, and near waterfalls.

When gemstones are heated, they release these ions, which improves air quality by neutralizing pollutants. Negative ions are believed to support the body’s electromagnetic field, which can lead to reduced stress and fatigue, creating an environment of mental clarity and relaxation [2].

The ions have a reputation for balancing the body’s electromagnetic field, impacting the serotonin levels in the brain, which regulates mood and stress levels. Their presence is associated with feelings of psychological well-being, suggesting they can play a role in alleviating symptoms of depression and boosting daytime energy.

1love Health Sauna Blanket contains Jade and Tourmalin

INTRODUCING THE GEMSTONES

Each gemstone adds its own specific therapeutic properties, such as the calming effects of Jade or the mood-enhancing properties of Tourmaline. Let’s walk through them

Amethyst (Purple quartz)

Calming and purifying, when Amethyst is heated it emits a steady stream of far-infrared radiation and negative ions. It's believed to help with stress relief, detoxification, and restful sleep. Its ability to elevate mood and soothe the nervous system makes it a popular choice for therapeutic use. This healing crystal is predominantly mined in Brazil, Uruguay, and Siberia.

Jade

Traditionally used to promote healing and balance, Jade is reputed for its ability to stabilize and harmonize the body’s natural energies. It retains heat effectively, alleviating pain in muscles and joints. Jade is also said to aid in fertility and detoxification treatments. Jade is mainly sourced from China, Russia, and Guatemala.

Tourmaline

This gemstone is particularly known for its ability to emit a high level of negative ions and far-infrared rays, making it beneficial for circulation, detoxification, and stress reduction. Tourmaline can also strengthen the body’s resilience, minimizing recovery times from physical activities. It comes from regions like Brazil, Africa, and Afghanistan.

Obsidian

Sometimes used for its properties of grounding and protection. Obsidian is thought to help with digestion and detoxify, and to absorb and disperse negativity. Obsidian is primarily found in volcanic areas, with notable deposits in the United States (especially in Oregon), Mexico, Italy, Armenia, Turkey, and Ethiopia.

HealthyLine Taj Mat contains Amethyst, Tourmaline and Jade

STUDIES INTO GEMSTONE HEAT THERAPY

While gemstone therapy has been practiced for centuries and is believed to have various health benefits, scientific research specifically focused on gemstone therapy is relatively limited. However, there are studies and theories related to the potential mechanisms through which gemstones might exert therapeutic effects. Here are some key points:

Far-Infrared Radiation

Far-infrared radiation has been studied for its potential health benefits, including enhanced blood circulation, increased metabolism, pain relief, and relaxation.

Research suggests that FIR penetrates deeply into tissues, supporting cellular repair and regeneration. While there's ongoing research on FIR therapy, more studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and efficacy in the context of gemstone therapy.

Negative Ions

Certain gemstones, particularly Tourmaline, are believed to release negative ions when heated. Negative ions are abundant in natural environments such as forests, waterfalls, and beaches, and have been associated with various health benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, and aiding overall well-being.

Some studies suggest that negative ions may help to neutralize free radicals, balance serotonin levels, and better respiratory function [3,4]. More research might determine the specific effects of negative ions released from gemstones.

Higherdose PEMF mat contains Amethyst and Tourmaline

Placebo Effect

When evaluating the impact of gemstone therapy,let’s not forget the ‘placebo effect’ - health improvements from the belief in a treatment's potency, regardless of its actual therapeutic value.

Although the placebo effect is often viewed skeptically, it can trigger real physiological responses, such as neurotransmitter changes and the activation of natural healing processes [4]. The benefits perceived from gemstone therapy might well stem from both the physical properties of the gemstones and psychological impacts of belief.

Scientific research does provide some support for gemstone therapy’s potential benefits, but further studies might lead to a better understanding of how these effects work and their reliability.

Responses to gemstone therapy vary among people as well. It should be seen as a supplementary option, not a replacement for conventional medical treatments.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GEMSTONE HEAT THERAPY

Whether it's relaxation, pain relief, or detox you're after, sauna blankets and PEMF mats pave the way to improved health and vitality.

If you're just starting with this transformative therapy and need to find the ideal blanket or therapeutic mat tailored to your health requirements, our detailed reviews are your go-to resource.

Learn everything about these portable infrared mini saunas. From the variety of stones to the specifics of design and material used for construction. Their temperature settings and focus on essential safety features. With our expert insights, discovering the ideal gemstone heat therapy for your wellness journey is straightforward.

Sam Everhart

References

1. Fatma Vatansever and Michael R. Hamblin, Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications, PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699878/

2. Denise Mann, Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes

3. Jiang SY, Ma A and Ramachandran S. Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement. PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213340/

4. Xiao S et al., Biological effects of negative air ions on human health and integrated multiomics to identify biomarkers: a literature review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10175061/

4. Harvard Health Publishing, The power of the placebo effect, Harvard Medical School, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect

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