Methods and devices for thermoregulation of core body temperature through application of near infrared radiation and localized thermal transfer on skin surfaces

Abstract

The invention presents methods and devices for controlling and modifying the core body temperature of a human or other mammal. The apparatus contains an element to be placed in contact with an individual's skin, such as the palm of a hand or sole of a foot; the element emits radiation, preferably within the red to infrared range of 550 nm to 950 nm, inducing vasodilation and increased blood flow in the region beneath the contacting area. A heat exchange element is concurrently in contact with the skin, capable of transferring heat into or removing heat from the circulatory vasculature, through the skin surface. The circulatory system carries the increase or decrease in thermal energy to the body's core organs. As such the method and devices are capable of increasing or decreasing the core body temperature, or maintaining current core body temperature in the presence of external thermal elements.