Toxic World Puts Us at Risk
Our bodies are exposed to hundreds of thousands of toxic compounds that invade our air, water, and the soil we grow our food. There are more than 3,000 chemicals found in our food supply.

Research shows that there are over 20,000 chemicals that our bodies cannot metabolize or excrete. These toxic substances are stored in fat cells to protect the body (called lipophillic toxins) where they accumulate. Most of us have 400 – 800 types of chemical residue stored in our fat cells.

These chemicals together with heavy metals create a state of chronic toxic overload. As the toxins build up in our cells, they can cause nutritional deficiencies, enzyme dysfunction, create hormonal imbalances, damage brain chemistry, and can even lead to cancer and other debilitating chronic diseases.

How Does Far Infrared Work?
Far infrared is a band of natural light that cannot be seen by the human eye, but can be felt as heat. Unlike the high heat of traditional saunas, far infrared heat is able to penetrate the body to a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches. This stimulates the body’s cellular detoxification process more effectively than traditional saunas.

Our cells normally produce infrared energy, which the body uses for a number of healing processes. While delivering penetrating warmth to the body, the far infrared sauna increases the body’s own infrared energy levels, encouraging a slight rise in the body temperature that boosts natural detoxification systems.

The Far infrared sauna duplicates these healthy frequencies and the tissue selectively absorbs these rays as the water in the cell reacts in a process call ‘resonant absorption’. Resonance absorption occurs when the frequency of the far infrared matches the frequency of the water in the cell causing toxins to drop off in the blood stream and be excreted in sweat, feces, and urine.

What is infrared energy?
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into three segments by wavelength, which is measured in microns (1/1,000,000 of a meter).

1. 0.76 to 1.5 microns = near infrared
2. 1.5 to 5.6 microns = middle infrared
3. 5.6 to 1000 microns = far infrared

This wavelength of light warms objects without warming the air between the source and the object (known as conversion). This radiant heat can also be called Infrared Energy (IR).

Do not confuse this with UV radiation (sunburn) or atomic radiation (nuclear) - see the diagram above for where these types of light fall on the spectrum. Infrared waves are not visible to human eyes but can be seen by special instruments that translate infrared into colors that are visible to our eyes.

The best example is the sun (80% of the sun’s rays are infrared). Our atmosphere allows infrared rays in the 7 to 14 micron range to safely reach the earth’s surface.

When warmed, the earth radiates infrared rays with its peak output at 10 microns. The human body radiates infrared energy out through the skin at 3 to50 microns, with most around 9.4 microns.

How do I use the sauna?

What is sauna etiquette?

• Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any sauna.
• Drink around12 ounces of water for every 15 minutes you are in the sauna (drink lots of fluid!).
• Start with 20 minutes per day and gradually increase. After a few weeks, may increase to 30-40 minutes up to twice per day. If you suffer from serious medical problems, start with 15 minutes.
• The number of sessions and amount of time spent in the sauna should be discussed with your physician. This should be individualized.
• Use twice per week up to twice per day.
• The best time for sauna is first thing in the morning or last thing before bed.
• Showering prior to using the sauna can increase the amount you sweat.
• Bathing attire is suggested but shorts and a t-shirt are fine.
• Relax! Time spent in a sauna should be enjoyable - forget all your worries.
• You can sit, lay, stand or meditate, whatever is comfortable for you.
• Rest for at least 15 minutes after the sauna session with a shower or relaxation techniques.
• At any point during your sauna if you do not feel well, leave immediately, especially if you feel weak, lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous. If symptoms do not resolve, seek medical attention!
• You may experience “healing reactions,” which are temporary symptoms that occur as toxic substances leave the body – these may be odors, rashes, tastes, fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal changes. This may be normal, but if symptoms are severe, medical attention should be sought.

Probable Benefits of Sauna

The following information is supported by randomized, controlled trials in peer-reviewed, medically respected journals. None of these trials specifically refer to infrared saunas.

Improvement in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

• In the Journal of Cardiac Failure, researchers reported statistical improvements in blood pressure, strength of heart (ejection fraction on echocardiogram), and exercise tolerance while reducing number of hospital admissions for this condition in patients treated with sauna. Sauna may be an effective adjunctive treatment in these patients with this condition.

Miyamoto, H. et al. Safety and efficacy in repeated sauna bathing in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: a preliminary report. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2005; 11(6): 432-6.

These claims also supported by Michalsen A, et al. Thermal hydrotherapy improves quality of life and hemodynamic function in patients with chronic heart failure. American Heart Journal. 2003; 146(4): 728-33

• A study in Circulation Journal studied 30 patients with congestive heart failure and pre-ventricular contractions (PVC’s), delegating half to 60 degree C sauna treatment for 15 minutes followed by bed rest and the other half to 45 minutes of bed rest once a day for two weeks. The researchers found statistical difference in the number of PVC’s as well as a statistical improvement in the subjective functional status of the patients. More research is needed for long-term benefits.

Kihara, Takashi, et al. Effects of repeated saune treatment on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure. Circulation Journal. 2004, 68: 1146-1151.

Possible Improvement in Risk for Heart Disease

• A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggested that repeated use of a sauna improves the function of the impaired vascular endothelial cells in patients who are at risk for coronary artery disease. The mechanism of this is not fully understood and more research needs to be done in order to assess the role of sauna in prevention of heart disease.

Imamura, M, et al. Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2001, 38 (4): 1983-88.

Improvement in Patients with Mild Depression

• A study out of Psychosomatic Medicine looked at a group of 28 mildly depressed patients with appetite loss and subjective symptoms and treated half of the patients with sauna once a day for 4 weeks and half with just bed rest for 4 weeks. They showed a significant improvement in somatic complaints, hunger and relaxation scores in the group treated with sauna compared to the control group. In addition, the plasma ghrelin and daily caloric intake improved in the sauna group significantly more than controls. More research is needed on long-term effects.

Masuda A, et al. Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2005 67 (4): 643-47.

Improvements in Patients with Chronic Pain

A study in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics tested 46 patients with chronic pain using a variety of treatment modalities with and without far-infrared sauna. They found a decrease in pain score, pain behavior, self-rating depression and anger score in both groups of patients, but a more significant drop was noted in the sauna group. Two years after treatment, more of the patients in the sauna group had returned to work than those without sauna treatment. This may be a very promising method for the treatment of chronic pain.

Masuda, A, et al. The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 2005; 74 (5): 288-94.

Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna

The following claims are not supported by medical evidence. These are claims from far infrared sauna manufacturers and customers.

Detoxification
Claimed to stimulate the body to release fat-soluble toxins, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals in sweat via pores more effectively than any other form of heat therapy or exercise.

Sweating via exercise is said not be as effective because it works with the sympathetic nervous system which is said to inhibit toxin elimination.
Reported to be “the method of choice” for chronically ill patients as well as those that are well and wish to stay that way by reducing their ‘toxic burden’.
This is the only way to remove the noxious substances that silicon beast implants put out.

Reports have been made that it can relieve the symptoms of drug-induced Lupus.
The list of chemicals claimed to be removed from the body includes: Mercury, lead, copper, cadmium, manganese, sodium, chloride, arsenic, nickel, benzenes, street drugs, prescription drugs, anesthetics, cholesterol, urea, nicotine, sulfuric acid, and more.

Immune System Enhancement
A typical sauna session will cause a brief 1 to 3 degree F increase in body temperature. Fever is the body’s defense against bacteria, microbes, and consequent infection. This side effect is said to trigger the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow and killer T cells by the thymus. The overall result is claimed to be immune system enhancement as well as the killing of microorganisms.

Stress
Continuous strain on the autonomic nervous system leads to a high level of stress, one of the elusive causes of many chronic diseases. Allowing the capillaries to dilate may improve circulation, thus stress levels are reduced.

Weight Control
Although weight loss from perspiration is quickly regained, sending more blood to the capillaries and converting fats results in as much as 600 calories during one session. If heavy metals are reduced; this will correct metabolic imbalances that were causing poor digestion and weight gain. Also, toxins stored in fat are decreased making it easier for weight loss.

Some proponents claim that a 15-minute sauna session is as effective for weight loss as rowing or jogging for 30 minutes.

The improved blood flow to organs and endocrine glands speeds up their metabolic process, increasing caloric burn.

Because fat becomes water soluble at 110 degrees F, subcutaneous fat can be released along with the sweat and toxins.

Cardiovascular Conditioning
The body responds to the deep heating effect via a hypothalamic-induced increase in both heart volume and rate.

This beneficial heart stress leads to a sought after cardiovascular training and conditioning effect, including lowering blood pressure.

The human body will naturally try and cool itself as temperature increases. It does this by diverting blood from internal organs to the extremities and skin by vasodilatation. This increases heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate.

Claims are made that it can take the place of exercise for patients undergoing cardiac rehab, with arthritis, allergies, skin conditions, and other painful conditions.
Claims to sweat the equivalent of running 2 – 6 miles.

Cellulite
Cellulite is a gel-like substance made up of fat, water, and wastes, which are trapped in pockets below the skin. Profuse sweating is reported to clear this form of unwanted debris.

Claims to be effective in cellulite removal when used in conjunction with a program that includes diet and massage.

Pain Relief and Control
Claims to eliminate or reduce pain of arthritis, muscle spasms, shoulder pain, neck and back pain, sprains of any area, and reduce scar tissue and adhesions. Will rapidly increase the healing process in any non-acute injury.

Skin Cleansing and Rejuvenation
Claims to open clogged pores allowing for removal of dirt, oil, and makeup. In addition, there are improvements in skin problems such as acne, rashes, burns, eczema, and psoriasis. Scars, even keloids, may be gradually softened.

Increased secretions of the following:

• ACTH
• GH
• Endorphins
• LH / FSH
• Prolactin
• Renin-Angiotensin, Aldosterone

Musculoskeletal Benefits
Claims to have seen improvement in the following:

• Arthritis (gouty, rheumatoid, and DJD)
• Shoulder pain
• Bursitis
• Post-exercise muscle pain
• Muscle tension
• Healing of sprains and strains more quickly
• Spinal Cord Shock
• Adhesions
• Low Back Pain
• Muscle Spasms

Cancer Therapy
Some supporters of sauna therapy state, “Hyperthermia is a well-researched therapy for cancer.” They state that the high temperature can ‘select’ for abnormal cells and that tumors are unable to handle the high heat.

Advantages of Far Infrared vs. Conventional Sauna

• Far Infrared Saunas operate at temperatures of 100 to 130 degrees F. Conventional saunas operate at temperatures of 180 to 220 F degrees, temperatures that are not as well tolerated.
• Far infrared is claimed to heart tissue three times as much as conventional saunas.
• Far infrared’s resonant absorption causes more toxins expelled through the kidney, liver, and hair.
• Far infrared saunas are safer as there are no hot surfaces or high temperatures.
• Far infrared’s lower temperatures do not dry out the mucous membranes like conventional saunas.
• Warms the user to a much greater depth (up to three inches) and more efficiently that the conventional saunas.
• Induces 2 –3 times the sweat volume as conventional saunas, increasing many of the health benefits, including detoxification, cardiovascular conditioning, and calorie burning.
• The lower heat ranges may be safer for those with cardiovascular risks.
• The air is more pleasant and easier to breathe, making the far infrared sauna more comfortable to use.

Sauna Precautions

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SELF-TREAT ANY DISEASE WITH FAR INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY WITH FIRST CONSULTING A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

IF YOU HAVE ANY DISEASE OR TAKE ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION CONSULT WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING A SAUNA.

Do not use sauna if you have a history of:

• Adrenal suppression (body does not respond to heat)
• SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematous)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hemophilia