What is an infrared sauna?

Infrared light is part of the sun's invisible spectrum.  The far-infrared light used in infrared saunas can penetrate human tissue up to three inches deep to bring several health benefits.  Infrared saunas are safe because they do not require as high a temperature as hot rock and steam saunas.  In fact, all humans send and receive far infrared waves with a wavelength of 6 to 20 microns and an optimal range of 7 to 14 microns.  Water molecules resonate within this range at 9.4 microns, which makes sense as we are almost 70% water.  The 7-14 micron wavelength appears to have special regenerative effects on the body, allowing for a release of cellular toxins including mercury, aluminum, cholesterol, and other toxic gases. For more info:



What are the health benefits?

The benefits of a far-infrared sauna are many. 

DETOXIFICATION 

One of the most well-recognized benefits is its ability to assist the body in detoxification.  We encounter thousands of toxins daily and when they cannot be expelled immediately, our bodies store them, surrounding them by water molecules and fat in an effort to protect us.  When these toxins accumulate, blood circulation and cellular energy are impaired.  The 7 to 14 micron far-infrared waves make these water molecules vibrate and break the bonds that hold them together, allowing encapsulated gases and other toxic materials to be released.  Your body can then sweat them out.  Up to 20% of sweat from a far-infrared sauna session consists of toxins, versus only about 3% from a regular hot rock or steam sauna.

PAIN RELIEF 

Studies have also found a great reduction in pain from far-infrared sauna use.  While heat has been used for centuries to treat pain, research has confirmed its benefits.  A six-month study involving 371 patients were given either the maximum recommended dosage of ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) and acetominophen (Tylenol) or low level heat therapy for two days to treat low back pain.  The low level heat was found to be more effective at relieving pain during the first day of treatment and to continue to relieve pain for more than 48 hours after the completion of treatment than the oral analgesics.  Medical research has found success in using infrared saunas for the following pain conditions:

• TMJ arthritis
• disc protrusion-related neuralgia
• brain contusion
• tight shoulders
• spinal cord shock
• muscle tension
• shoulder pain
• bursitis
• muscle spasms
• low back pain
• compression fracture
• post-exercise muscle pain
• arthritis: gouty, rheumatoid, traumatic
• adhesions
• joint stiffness

WEIGHT LOSS
 
You can burn about  600 calories in a 30 minutes session of far-infrared sauna!  The weight loss is more than just water, and because your heartrate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate also increase, your cardiovascular fitness will also improve.  Studies by NASA have found that the "passive exercise" of far-infrared saunas can help keep astronauts fit during space flight.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
 
Infrared saunas have been found to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce blood cholesterol. Study


ENHANCED IMMUNE FUNCTION
 
An increase in core body temperature can assist the body in fighting off colds and flus, by enhancing the body's natural action of increasing temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.  In addition, the far-infrared sauna boosts the levels of nitric oxide in the body which inhibits the enzymes (reverse transcriptase and proteases) used by viruses such as herpes to stay alive, grow and spread inside us (reference: Dr. Sherry Rogers in her health newsletter Total Wellness, November 2004).

HEALTHIER SKIN
 
Sweating allows toxins, dead skin cells, and impurities to be released from the skin, leaving it fresher-looking and healthier.


CELLULITE REDUCTION
 
Cellulite consists of an accumulation of fat, water, and toxins trapped in a hardened network of collagen and elastin in the deeper levels of your skin.  About 95% of women say that they have some cellulite.  European beauty specialist routinely use daily saunas to reduce cellulite as the far-infrared sauna warms three times deeper than conventional saunas and allows the body to sweat out the toxins and break up the water molecules that hold the toxins.

RELAXATION

Lying down in the far-infrared sauna dome, your muscles will relax and stress will melt away.

Is it safe?

Because the temperature of a far-infrared sauna is only 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit versus 180 to 235 in a conventional sauna, the far-infrared sauna is much more comfortable. You can be exposed to far-infrared heat for hours without risk of burning.  In fact, far-infrared heat is so safe that it is even used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.  While the panels inside the far-infrared sauna dome does get very warm, it will not burn you if you touch it.  Do make sure that you properly hydrate (ideally a proper electrolyte replacement beverage) both before and after sauna use as you will be sweating. 

Are there contraindications?

- Do not use during pregnancy
- Alcohol or drug use
- Inquire about use if you are using prescription medications
- Diseases associated with a reduced ability to sweat: Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, central nervous system tumours, lupus, diabetes with neuropathy
- Hemophiliacs or anyone who is predisposed to bleeding
- Fever
- Insensitivity to heat
- Acute joint injury: within 48 hours of an injury or when the joint is hot and swollen

Other cautions:
- Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow.  Some women endure this process to gain the pain relief commonly associated with their cycle, whereas others simply choose to avoid sauna use during that time of the month
- Those with cardiovascular conditions or problems should be monitored during infrared sauna use.  The Solo System sauna that we use allows the head to be outside of the heating unit, allowing for greater comfort, and the heat of the far-infrared sauna does not heat as high as a conventional sauna, but heartrate does increase with heat, so shorter periods of time are used to start.
- Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect far-infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system, nevertheless you should consult your surgeon prior to using an infrared sauna. The usage of an infrared sauna must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. Silicone does absorb far infrared energy. Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed by the far infrared waves. Since silicone melts at over 200°C (392°F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of an infrared sauna. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be certain.

In the rare event, you experience pain and/or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.

What do I do during an infrared sauna session?

Be prepared to sweat.  You will disrobe in our private room and lie comfortably within the far-infrared sauna dome (we can assist you if you need help).  The temperature and timer are set and you can relax to peaceful music for 15-30 minutes.  When the timer turns off the sauna, you can ring for assistance to have the dome removed or simply get up on your own.  Bring your own towels or for a small cost of $2 we will provide towels.  A refreshing water spray bottle will be provided for you to wipe off the sweat.  You may choose to purchase your own microfibre cloth for greater cleansing and drying action.  Optional to go home and shower (simply rinse with water first).  Want to see what it looks like?  Check it out here: www.soleilsaunas.com/solo.htm

Advantages to using the Solo System

The far-infrared sauna that we have chosen for the clinic is called the Solo System and it has several advantages over the full-size saunas.

• You are lying down and fully relaxed
• The Solocarbon panels are closer to the body and cover a larger surface area
• You can have your head outside of the far-infrared sauna, for greater comfort

One 30-minute session is $25 + GST
One 15-minute session is $14 + GST
Package of six 30-minute sessions is $150 + GST (can be used over 3 months from date of purchase; sharing allowed)
Package of ten 30-minute sessions is $200 +GST (can be used over 4 months from date of purchase; sharing allowed)

Want one of your own?

Contact us with your questions and we can guide you: drcarr@activetcm.com