"The people who say they
don’t have time to take care of themselves will soon discover
they’re spending all their time being sick."
-- Patricia Alexander, "Book of Comforts"
|
THE POWER OF THE SUN
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
INCREASED ENERGY AND ENHANCED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
 As your body becomes less toxic, you will find higher levels of energy
throughout your day. Athletes find faster post-workout
recovery as lactic acid buildup is released by using the infrared sauna
after workouts. Pre- and post-workout use of the sauna can
warm the muscles and allow for better flexibility and reduced risk of
injury.
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
How much does it cost?
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)
Bring your own towels (2-3 large bath towels) or pay $2 for us to supply the towels.
Want one of your own?
Contact us with your questions and we can guide you: melissa@activetcm.com
|
