Winters get cold here in Utah. Lucky for me, my far infrared heating pad has made the season extra comfy and cozy. I’ve been reluctant to use heating pads because of the harmful EMFs they emit. The reason I decided on the pad made by UTK is that it emits a negligible amount of electromagnetic fields, plus I love that it’s big and is made with both jade and tourmaline, therapeutic stones found in nature.
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What Is Infrared Heat?
Infrared heat is a deep, penetrating, comforting heat. It can penetrate up to six inches below the skin, and two to three inches into ligaments and muscles, providing a beneficial thermal effect to tissues in the body. This effect causes dilation of capillaries, which improves circulation and promotes health.
This is one reason infrared saunas are so therapeutic and detoxifying. Infrared heat is a form of radiant heat that warms an object directly, rather than heating the surrounding area. It is the invisible band of light (780 nm to 1 mm) that is felt as heat by the primary source of radiant energy, the sun.
This delicious, penetrating heat is what you feel when basking on the beach after a cold swim. The jade stones within the heating pad are responsible for the far infrared heat it emits. Jade is highly effective at absorbing heat in the infrared spectrum, which can then be distributed into tissues.
The tourmaline stones emit negative ions, which are known for their grounding and aligning properties. Of interest, some natural health practitioners purport that tourmaline stimulates creativity and increases empathy.
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Negative Ions
What’s the big deal about negative ions? Well, these invisible molecules, which are plentiful in the mountains, by lakes, and at the beach, are responsible for biochemical reactions that boost the happy neurotransmitter, serotonin.
This is one reason going on vacation to a beach resort can be so rejuvenating. Optimal levels of serotonin reduce stress and depression, promote healthy energy levels and feelings of happiness, while regulating digestion, appetite, and sleep.
Health-promoting negative ions increase the permeability of cell membranes, stimulate the production of collagen, balance the autonomic nervous system, promote detoxification, and strengthen both the immune and lymphatic systems.
Tourmaline is beneficial for intestinal and liver health, alleviates insomnia, improves circulation, and optimizes endocrine function. It’s also good for the skin and supports oxygen exchange in the blood.
Dangers Of EMFS
EMFs (electromagnetic fields) have been the center of attention the last few years, and with good reason. They’re literally everywhere since they are emitted by electronic devices, and there is certainly no shortage of electronic devices. This means we are swimming in a sea of EMFs.
These ever-present fields interfere with mitochondrial function, the energy-producing organelles within each cell, and decrease the detoxifying capacity of the liver. The last thing you want to do is expose yourself to even more EMFS than you’re already engulfed in.
An increase in calcium signaling is responsible for the majority of the biological effects of EMFs. Electromagnetic frequencies activate voltage-gated calcium channels in the outer cell membranes, which are highly sensitive to EMFs.
This enables tremendous amounts of calcium to enter the cell, which results in a cascade of negative effects, including generating excessive amounts of nitric oxide and free radicals. This leads to dysfunction in the mitochondria, DNA breakages, and cellular damage.(1) These dysfunctions are a setup for cancer and other diseases.
EMFs and Disease
Exposure to EMFs has been linked with decreased fertility in men who use electronic devices on their laps, and an elevated risk of breast cancer in women who tuck their cell phones in their bras. Chronic exposure to EMFs has been found to correlate with depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, and autism.
Cell phone use is linked with brain cancer, which makes me think of John McCain and Ted Kennedy. It’s not coincidental that these brain disorders have become epidemic with the pervasiveness of EMFs. If that weren’t enough, EMFs are also associated with cardiovascular problems, including arrhythmias, heart palpitations, and atrial fibrillation.
Features Of UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad
The UTK far infrared heating pad is not just a simple device to keep you warm, but an FDA licensed medical device that uses negative ion therapy and far infrared heat, in conjunction with the therapeutic properties of tourmaline and jade.
- Constructed of soft PU leather on both sides and non-toxic PP cotton
- Weight: 9.35 pounds
- The matrix of the pad includes 132 natural jade stones and 54 tourmaline stones
- Emits negative ions / Low EMF
- Smart controller with timer (ranging from 0-240 minutes, in 15-minute increments)
- Temperature settings with memory function (103 -159°)
- Full-back size measuring 21″ by 38″
- Flexible design allows you to wrap pad around specific body parts
- 160 watt fast heat-up
- 4-hour automatic shut-off
- 10-foot extra long cord for convenience
- Comes with premium travel bag and velcro body strap
- FDA registered and produced
- Tested under a GMP quality control system
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Free shipping
Pros
- The pad is large ( will cover the entire torso and upper legs)
- “MEM” function locks in your favorite time and heat settings
- 4-hour shut-off prevents burns and conserves energy
- Travel bag makes for convenient carrying
- Heats up quickly
- Relieves muscle pain and tension, while increasing circulation
- Is low-EMF
One of my favorite features of the pad is that it heats up quickly, which is amazing on frigid, winter nights where all you can think about is getting warm. You can set the temperature according to how long you want to use the pad.
For instance, temps of 103-109° are safe for overnight use, whereas, temps of 150-159° should be used for 30-minutes sessions only. Temperatures in between can be used anywhere from one to four hours.
The mat is designed so that you can lie down on it, sit on it, use it like a blanket, or wrap it around a body part that hurts. Use it while sleeping, watching a movie, or driving in the car. Although, the mat is heavy, weighing in at almost 10 pounds, it’s flexible enough to use on ailing arms, legs, shoulders, or ankles.
Not only does infrared heat reduce pain and inflammation, it improves circulation, and is extremely relaxing. And since the tourmaline stones emit negative ions, the pad is consider low-EMF.
Cons
- Price may be prohibitive for some people
- One person complained of outgassing (I did not experience this problem). If you do find this to be an issue, simply let the pad air out outside for a couple of hours.
- Two customers mentioned they wished the automatic shut-off function lasted eight hours instead of four, which may be an impossibility due to safety factors.
Honestly, I can’t think of any other cons – that’s how much I love my heating pad. Read the reviews here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does UTK make heating pads in other sizes?
Answer: Yes, the company makes a wide assortment of pads in various sizes, including a heating pad wrap and a neck heating pad. Check them out here.
2. I have back spasms. Can infrared heat reduce the pain?
Answer: Yes, infrared heat is good for any type of pain or discomfort because it penetrates deeply into the tissues. This is why massage therapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractors use heating pads made by UTK in their practices.
3. Can the heating pad be used in other countries with 240v?
Answer: The user manual states that a AC220v plug outlet should be used in European countries. The company has a live chat on their website if you’d like to learn more: www.utktechnology.com.
4. Is the mat registered by the FDA?
Answer: Yes, it is. It’s also tested under a GMP quality-control system
5. How many temperature settings are there?
Answer: Here is a breakdown of the settings:
1. Warm (F103-109°)
2. Low (F110-119°)
3. Medium (F120-129°)
4. Medium-high (F130-139°)
5. High (F140-149°)
6. Very-high (F150-159°)
Key Points
UTK’s commitment to make a healthy lifestyle accessible to everyone is demonstrated by the quality and affordability of their heating pads. Enjoy the comfort and relaxing warmth the pad delivers without worrying about harmful EMFs.
You’ll pay more than you would buying a regular heating pad, but the benefits are far superior, and well worth the extra cost. The first night I used the pad, I knew it would most definitely be one of my most prized possessions.
Does this pad sound like something you would like? Let me know in the comments:)
UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad
Check Price on Amazon
Pros
- Relieves muscle pain and tension
- Low-EMF / Emits negative ions
- Full-back size
- Memory function
- Smart controller with timer
Cons
- Price may be prohibitive
- Possible outgassing
Fist time hearing about the infrared heating pad. It would have been very useful for me during the holidays, which were relatively cold. I think it’s very cool to see that we can actually get buy this on Amazon. I am happy that UTK is really concerned with our health and they put this into consideration when making this pad. I would still like to get it. I don’t see any cons with the heating pad.
The heating pad was wonderful during the holidays. Yes, UTK is a health-conscious company, in fact the pad is not your typical heating pad, but more of a medical device. The only con would be that it costs more than your run-of-the-mill pad, but then again, it isn’t your every-day heating pad. Thanks so much for reading my review:)
This is a very good product. Especially for me who often feels muscle pain.
To be honest, I am very interested in what you share about this product especially the acceptable health benefits. Price issue? I don’t think it’s too expensive, because for example when I’m in insomnia, I need to see a doctor to buy a drug that is “quite expensive” and it can only be used for a while. In contrast with the product that can be use for so many times!
In addition, this product does not have EMF which is harmful to health.
This is a cool product!
It really is an amazing product that incorporates many health benefits, including being low-EMF. I listed the price as a potential con, which for some people may initially seem quite steep, however in light of how much a doctor’s visit would be or the amount of money people spend each month on prescription meds, it’s a drop in the bucket. The price is actually affordable when you consider the benefits. Money spent on health is always money well spent, in my opinion. Thanks for taking the time to comment:)