In any thermogram, the brighter colors (red, orange, and yellow) indicate warmer temperatures (more heat and infrared radiation emitted) while the purples and dark blue/black indicate cooler temperatures (less heat and infrared radiation emitted).
When examining a thermograph, blue is cold. Green is roughly room temperature. Shades of red and white display areas of inflammation.
At our Naturopathic clinics, detecting inflammation with thermography helps our practitioners locate potential problem areas in the body. It detects and monitors a number of diseases and physical injuries by showing thermal abnormalities. Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling that the immune system is busy fighting.
When inflammation is present in the body, it reacts in several ways. In general, a person may feel tired, have a fever or feel ill. Untreated inflammation can cause chronic conditions. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease , Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis, Lupus.
Thermography imaging, employs digital infrared thermal imaging technology to detect heat markers. These infrared markers create a thermogram, or heat map, that shows our practitioners areas of the body that may be inflamed and problematic. Detecting inflammation with thermography works well because one of the signs of inflammation is heat. Other indications that a person has acute inflammation are swelling, pain and redness. The problem occurs when inflammation symptoms are silent or more subtle. In addition, often the area of the body that’s inflamed is not apparent, making problems difficult to diagnose.
Many of the patients who come to our naturopathic clinics are frustrated by months or years of chronic illness. Detecting inflammation with thermography can help us find the source of their chronic symptoms. We look at the thermographic image, identify the areas of inflammation and continue investigating until we diagnose the problem that is causing a patient’s illness. Once we identify the problem, patients can get the treatment they need to get back to a normal quality of life.
X-ray, C.T. Ultrasound and MRI are all tests of anatomy that measure the structure of the body. In contrast, thermography is unique in its capacity to show physiological change and metabolic processes. You can actually see if your leg pain is caused by a herniated disc or by your hip arthritis. White indicates the most severe inflammation, followed by red. Black is the coldest, indicating nerve impingement.
Our practitioners employ several diagnostic tools and exams, including detecting inflammation with thermography, to determine a patient’s medical issues. From undiagnosed lyme disease to illnesses caused by toxic mold, we are here to help patients achieve optimal wellness. Contact us for an appointment.
