ELS 18 Infra red rays are electromagnetic radiations and have a superior wavelength to that of visible light, hence they are to be found at the opposite end of the spectrum from ultraviolet light. Such radiation is emitted by all bodies, but only that emitted by incandescent bodies may have a biological effect on living tissue. Over the last few decades physio-therapists have been using infrared rays, since they are aware of the healing properties of the heat which acts as an analgesic and aids the process of muscle relaxing and tissues self-healing. This is because the heat relaxes all of the muscles including the muscle tunic and arterial vessels so that as they relax there is subsequent vaso-dilatation. What is new, however, is the use of this treatment in the world of beauty therapy. Of course, it is not enough simply to turn on the infrared lamp in order to obtain results with the adipose tissue. Research has recently shown that in addition to the heating effect, infrared rays have an important biological effect on the mitochondria, which are the energy giving organs found in cells, for the infrared rays help these to produce adenosine triphosphate which is the real source of energy in our cells. At this point it must be remembered that the most efficient way to alter the shape of the adipose tissue is to ensure that there is an increase in the demand for calories. The physical activity may be either active (direct physical muscular activity) or passive (using …