6 Ways Saunas Help Fight Cancer

BeatCancer.org posted this great blog post on their health and wellness blog. We thank them for allowing us to share it with you:

Saunas and sweat baths have been used by various cultures throughout history to flush out toxins and disease and maintain optimal physical and mental health. Saunas, and particularly infrared saunas, can also play a big role in preventing or reversing cancer.

In a 2004 article in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Lawrence Wilson, MD, wrote, “If I were to single out one method to combat cancer, it is the sauna. It assists removal of chemical toxins and heavy metals, increases oxygenation, enhances the immune system, and reduces the radiation burden in the body.”

Using heat to treat illness is not new. Over 2,000 years ago, the famous Greek physician Parmenides said, “Give me the power to create fever, and I will cure any disease.” Modern medicine has also noted that cancer patients who developed a fever sometimes went into remission. Such an observation prompted New York Memorial Hospital physician Dr. William Coley in 1891 to publish a paper on how inducing a fever in the body of a cancer patient might stimulate the immune response and cause cancer remission. Cancer clinics in Germany and Mexico routinely apply this principle by using both infrared hyperthermia and infrared saunas with their patients. Hospitals in more than 20 of the United States are offering some form of hyperthermia treatment for cancer – either locally, regionally or systemically.

While saunas are not nearly as potent as hyperthermia treatments (which can expose the body to up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit), infrared saunas can heat the body a few degrees and cause a fever. This is a much gentler and slower method, but it is much safer and easier to tolerate and control.

Infrared saunas provide a form of whole-body hyperthermia that boosts health in many ways. Dr. Wilson noted that infrared sauna therapy for cancer offers a combination of healing mechanisms that act simultaneously and synergistically to support the fight against cancer.

1 – Direct Cancer Cell Death: The principle of hyperthermia is that cancer cells are much more sensitive to and intolerant of the effects of excessive heat than normal cells. Tumors have an impaired ability to adapt their blood circulation to the effects of high temperatures. Said simply, because cancer cells are weaker than normal cells, they are more susceptible to damage from heat. In fact, high temperatures can actually kill cancer cells, usually without damage to healthy cells.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Hyperthermia (also called thermal therapy or thermotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures. Research has shown that high temperatures can damage and kill cancer cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissues. Many studies have shown a significant reduction in tumor size when hyperthermia is combined with other treatments.”

In a clinical study published in 2009 in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy, scientists studied far infrared’s effects on human cancer cells in vitro and on cancer cells in mice. Far infrared therapy reduced tumor volumes 86% in just 30 days.

In another study, researchers in Japan discovered that whole-body hyperthermia with far infrared strongly inhibited the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice without deleterious side effects. Researchers believe this therapy is a promising noninvasive treatment for breast cancer.

2 – Improved Circulation: Infrared saunas boost circulation, which helps to bring essential nutrients, oxygen and other substances to the cells of the body. Since cancer often grows in tissues with poor circulation – and thus poor nutrition and oxygenation — and since cancer cells do not thrive in a high oxygen environment, improving circulation can help reverse the cancer process.

During a sauna, the pulse rate jumps by 30% or more, allowing the heart to greatly increase the amount of blood it pumps each minute. Most of the extra blood flow is directed to the skin. Saunas powerfully shunt the blood from the internal organs to the periphery of the body in an attempt to get rid of the heat. They also increase circulation to the lungs, improving oxygenation. This combination can be of great benefit for cancer patients, many of whom cannot or should not exercise much, especially older or physically impaired patients.

3 – Elimination of Toxins: Without efficient circulation, not only do health-promoting nutrients and oxygen not get into our cells, but also waste materials cannot get out. Saunas help purge the body of hundreds of toxins, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides. Sauna treatments can help remove lead, copper, mercury, arsenic and cyanide and help to balance the body’s pH by neutralizing excessively acid body chemistry.

The heat that saunas produce creates perspiration which cleanses the skin from the inside out. Although the skin is designed to be a major organ for eliminating body wastes, in most people, it’s inactive because they don’t sweat enough. The deep penetration of infrared heat releases toxins from the fat layers just beneath the skin and flushes out those toxins through the sweat. The dry heat of a sauna can cause skin temperature to rise to about 104° F, and many persons – especially those who drink several glasses of water before entering the sauna — will pour out a pint of toxic sweat during a short stint in a sauna.

In addition to cleansing the skin, infrared saunas also help decongest and eliminate toxins from the internal organs. The liver, kidneys and other internal organs can become burdened with estrogen, chemicals, and toxic metals. Overload, sluggishness, and congestion of these eliminatory organs greatly inhibits the detoxification of all toxic substances in our bodies. This is a very critical problem for cancer patients. Saunas move blood away from the center of the body toward the extremities to get rid of the heat. By causing blood to move toward the body surface, infrared saunas help to decongest the body’s internal organs as well.

To see how this works, researchers analyzed the sweat from both traditional and infrared saunas. Sweat from traditional saunas was about 97% water and 3% toxins. Infrared saunas produced a sweat that was only 80-85% water. The remaining 15-20% was made up of heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble toxins.

4 – Weight Loss: According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, obesity is a known risk factor, not only for cancer, but also for cancer death. There are many reasons for this, among them the fact that cancer-promoting hormones and carcinogens are lipophylic – they hang around in fatty tissue and have a tough time metabolizing out.

Infrared saunas have been clinically shown to help burn fat and dramatically aid in weight loss. A 2009 study showed that infrared saunas provide significant results in lowering weight and waist circumference in just three months. And for those who are sedentary due to medical conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory problems, results were even more profound. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a well-known integrative cardiologist, states in his article on the many benefits of far-infrared saunas: Their penetrating infrared rays increase blood circulation, which helps speed up your metabolism and burn calories — up to a few hundred calories per session. During a 30-minute sauna session, core temperature increases, and the body works hard to cool itself, often burning 300-500 calories in the process.

5 – Immunity Activation: While conventional cancer treatments often suppress immune function, hyperthermia can actually enhance it — through a whole cascade of immune cell responses. According to German professor Rolf Issels, MD, PhD, of the University of Munich, hyperthermia produces ´heat shock´ proteins on the surface of the cancer cells, making them more prone to attack by the immune system.

Doctor Gurdev Parmar, of the Integrated Health Clinic in Fort Langley, British Columbia, agrees. He explains that heat makes cancer cells look distinct from healthy cells, thereby generating an immune response that is both immediate and long-lasting. Because the damaged proteins on the surfaces of tumor cells look very different from healthy cells, the immune system is alarmed, and natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages are immediately sent to the tumor. These cells then activate dendritic cells (DC), which in turn present the heat-damaged proteins to T cells. Hyperthermia promotes the maturing and migration of the DCs to the lymph nodes, where T cells become activated against the cancer cell proteins. The activated T cells, called Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes, then attack and kill tumor cells.

Doctors at Clifford Hospital Hyperthermia Center in Guangzhou, China — possibly the largest hyperthermia center in the world – concur that heat treatments, in particular whole body hyperthermia, “can stimulate and reinforce the function of the body’s immune system.” At a core temperature of 41.8 ℃ (about 107 degrees Fahrenheit) it can activate long-acting T-lymphocytes. At body temperature of 39.8 ℃ (about 104 degrees Fahrenheit) maintained for a period of six hours, whole body hyperthermia “can increase the activity of T- and B-lymphocytes and the anti-tumor activity of…NK cells, and can facilitate the redistribution of the body’s white blood cells to improve the monitoring function of the body’s immune system.”

Although there are many techniques for generating hyperthermia, infrared sauna is definitely one of the easiest and safest. In an article published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, the authors conclude that “materials emitting electromagnetic radiation in the far infrared range, which are widely used in Japan for cosmetic [and] therapeutic… purposes, appear capable of potentiating leukocyte functions without promoting oxidative injury.”

6 – Stress Reduction: Inside a sauna, there is peacefulness. One can easily shut out daily cares and interruptions from the world outside. One can read, listen to music, meditate or pray without interruption. But saunas do more for your nerve system than make you feel good.

Saunas have the ability to powerfully reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerve system. Excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system is a contributing factor in many cancer cases. The sympathetic branch of the body’s autonomic nervous system activates the brain, muscles, thyroid and adrenal glands in its fright – fight – flight response to stress. However, it also strongly inhibits digestion, immune response and eliminative organ function. Cancer patients desperately need more immune, digestive and eliminative activity.

Therefore therapies such as infrared sauna that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system are helpful for cancer recovery. The body heals when it is in parasympathetic dominance, the part of the nerve system that promotes rest, relaxation and recovery.

Saunas can support parasympathetic activity in several ways. Sauna heat greatly slows normal heat production, a sympathetic function. To dissipate heat, saunas draw blood from the center to the periphery of the body. This opposes an important sympathetic nervous system activity, which is to draw blood to the central part of the body as a protection against attack. Furthermore, saunas eliminate toxins that irritate the body’s tissues and keep it in a sympathetic state. Inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system can also promote cancer healing by helping to reduce excess acidity in the body. Cancer, as we know, thrives in an acid environment.

The effect of saunas on the nerve system can also potentially impact appetite loss, pain and depression, all of which are common among patients with cancer. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine looked at a group of 28 mildly depressed patients. Half of the patients utilized an infrared sauna once a day for four weeks and the other half had just bed rest for four weeks. The sauna group showed a significant improvement compared with the control group.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment with Saunas

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was officially named in 1984 by Norman E. Rosenthal and his contemporaries at the National Institute for Mental Health. Since then, the condition has transformed from an easily-discarded mood issue to a commonly accepted disorder that now resides in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It tends to affect those that reside in areas that have more pronounced seasons. Only about 1.4% of Florida residents report a prevalence of SAD where Alaskans are diagnosed with SAD at a rate of 9.9%. As winter approaches, it’s important to know Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment options.

The simple math shows that as you stray farther from the equator you see increased cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Knowing this, individuals who want to improve their mood and overall sense of wellbeing should consider infrared saunas as an effective and healthy way of treating Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What Causes SAD?

Most researchers point to several causes for Seasonal Affective Disorder, but even after 30+ years of research, most theories are still just theoretical. There is a lot of research on the topic, but most of them point to a disruption in our circadian rhythms due to changes in atmospheric lighting. When the winter months arrive, the days tend to get shorter, sunlight is in shorter supply, the environment is colder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms arise. These natural habitat changes reinforce the correlation between location and Seasonal Affective Disorder prevalence.

Some researchers point to the fact that we may be hard-wired to experience the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder due to early human’s need to conserve energy during the food-scarce winter months. A lack of food and substantially colder temperatures may have caused our ancient relatives to go into a sort of hibernation mode, where a low mood and lack of desire to complete tasks may have been a life-saving temperament.

Other researchers talk about the depression that comes from the amount of serotonin in our systems. Melatonin production is essentially regulated by our circadian clocks, but it can be affected by exposure to bright light. Seasonal Affective Disorder is, by most accounts, a direct correlation to the amount of light we’re exposed to, and at what specific duration.

What are Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatments?

Most therapists agree that the safest and most effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder is light therapy. While there are drug-based options and cognitive-behavioral therapy steps that can be taken, light therapy for SAD is often considered to be the safest and quickest way to shake the symptoms of this seasonal depression.

So you may be asking yourself, how exactly does light therapy work? Can I simply stand outside and increase my exposure to the sun? Or, do I need to go to a doctor’s office to receive treatment? While standing outside in the sun can increase levels of Vitamin-D production, mainly due to exposure to UVB rays, employing this method increases your risk of skin cancer. As a result, this should be done in moderation. Going to a doctor’s office isn’t really a viable option unless you have a lot of time on your hands and have no access to light therapy equipment. A great option for most people is to spend time in a sauna that has chromotherapy lighting. This is generally considered to be a great way to address Seasonal Affective Disorder and its related side effects.

Have the Blues? Consider Red or Green!

Toward the end of December each year, our days get to their shortest point and some major cities in the US see only 9-10 hours of sunlight per day. Barrow, Alaska sees none! This is the time of year when most symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder develop, and understanding the value of light therapy can truly help to stave off the most debilitating side effects of SAD.

According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, bright light can stimulate cells in the retina that connect directly to the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain that controls circadian rhythms. By using light therapy to stimulate this part of the brain, a normal circadian rhythm can be obtained and Seasonal Affective Disorder will be minimized.

How Can a Sauna Help?

Many of today’s better saunas come equipped with built-in lights that are designed to deliver a calming and therapeutic effect. This process of light therapy for SAD is called chromotherapy, and refers to the use of lights to create changes in mood in the person using the sauna. If you find that Seasonal Affective Disorder is a reality for you or a loved one, try to find time to get in an infrared sauna with LED color lights that can help in a variety of ways. Each color has been shown to help elicit specific changes in the body and mind:

Red: Shown to boost energy and promote faster healing when used in tandem with infrared sauna therapy.
Orange: Sparks greater mental activity and can induce an uplifting sense of cheerful emotions.
Yellow: Shown to create feelings of optimism, good humor, and positivity.
Green: One of the best light therapy hues for combating Seasonal Affective Disorder, as it can calm one down quickly and directly counteract the side effects of SAD.
Blue: Minimizes the feelings of anxiety and depression. Blue light has even been shown to improve the look and health of one’s skin!
Purple: Delivers a calming effect that can even help to overcome feelings of pain. Purple is a tranquil color that stimulates white blood cell production.
White: By combining red, green, and blue, white light delivers a triple-threat of healing power.

If you find that Seasonal Affective Disorder has become a reality in your life, don’t suffer any longer! You’ll discover that the wellness and health benefits of infrared saunas with chromotherapy can help as an effective Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment and improve your quality of life in no time. That, plus the extensive list of other health benefits related to consistent sauna use, makes spending time in the warm, cozy confines of an infrared sauna a practical and intelligent idea.

Beyond Detox: Uncovering Infrared Sauna Health Benefits

Detoxification is a well-known health benefit of infrared saunas, but did you know that you can dramatically improve your overall health, wellness and sleep quality all at the same time. When using your Clearlight Infrared sauna you may experience the following benefits: raising of your core body temperature, increased heart rate, improved blood circulation and profuse sweating. As a result, saunas are quickly gaining in popularity as the health benefits have been proven to make a dramatic difference in the lives of dedicated sauna users. For instance, many people say that stress relief is one of the first benefits they receive. Here are a couple other infrared sauna health benefits you can expect to see with regular infrared sauna use.

Detoxification of the Body

The body naturally accumulates toxins through a process called “toxic bio-accumulation,” and these toxins are generally maintained in fatty tissues where they can re-enter the bloodstream when individuals feel stressed or anxious. Sitting in a heated sauna actually places gentle controlled stress on the body, which then allows for the release of these stored toxins through body sweat. Saunas detoxify incredibly well, and far infrared saunas have been shown to do an exceptional job at removing toxins from the body due to their deep-penetrating infrared waves.

Improving the Immune System

Many experts believe that direct exposure of the skin to the warming heat of a sauna helps stimulate the rapid production of infection-fighting white blood cells that can strengthen the immune system. Medical research in Germany has recently shown that incidents of colds and the flu can be reduced by up to 30% by using a sauna regularly. The benefits to the immune system are significant, and with the number of people we come in contact with each day, it simply makes sense to guard against infection and illness.

Enhanced Sleep

Saunas help you sleep better, producing positive benefits for your overall health and wellness. Your body is relieved of tension or fatigue as sauna use may lower cortisol levels. Also endorphins are released into the body, which create a calming, almost tranquilizing sensation that can lull virtually anyone into sleep. To add to the overall effect, you can use deep nasal breathing techniques to deliver the utmost in relaxation – you’ll be ready for bed in no time. Just make sure to cool down adequately with a lukewarm shower to keep your body prepped for bed.

Stress Relief

Stress relief is another one of the key health benefits of infrared sauna sessions. Studies repeatedly show that hyperthermia, or the higher, safe heat levels endured by the body when in a sauna, can prevent protein degradation and muscle loss when the body is subjected to harmful stress or external stimuli. Heat shock proteins are produced when an individual spends time in a sauna, and these substances are used by your body’s cells to counteract the impact of toxins, extreme heat or cold, or stress brought on by exercise.

Infrared Saunas have also been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) relaxing the body and allowing your body to heal. This is a necessary break from the sympathetic mode (fight or flight) we are all in these stuck in traffic or always connected on your phone.

Heart Health

Heart health is an important concern for many of us, and spending time in an infrared sauna can help virtually anyone strengthen their heart and cardiovascular system. A research study by the University of Eastern Finland that spanned more than 20 years and included thousands of study participants showed a reduction in life-threatening cardiac events among participants who regularly used a sauna. Those who took sauna 2 to 3 times per week showed a 23% lower risk of fatal events, while those who completed 4 to 7 sauna sessions per week indicated a 48% lower risk. The amount of time spent in the sauna was deemed important, too, with longer-duration users seeing increased heart health benefits.

Increased Metabolism and Weight Loss

In a comfortable 35 minute sauna session one’s heart rate can reach an aerobic state. Consistent aerobic cardiovascular workouts lead to a healthier heart and increased metabolism. This boost in metabolism burns calories and can trigger weight loss in individuals who have a little extra weight. Just as jogging increases heart rate and burns calories, infrared sauna use can trigger the same cardiovascular stresses by simply sitting in the sauna. An added plus – we are also seeing infrared saunas the world over as a comfortable effective way to help minimize cellulite.

Minimizing Joint Pain

Another big health benefit of infrared saunas is the minimization of joint pain and inflammation. This type of radiant heat therapy is used around the world to effectively treat patients suffering from bursitis, neuralgia, muscle spasms, stiff joints, and arthritis. From customers of all levels of fitness and health, we hear about lasting relief from soreness, aches, and pains with consistent sauna use.

Athletic Recovery

Athletic recovery is made easier, too. Growth hormone is naturally and safely increased when sauna sessions are combined with consistent exercise routines, and blood flow is boosted. This means the skeletal muscles are better fueled, and are more easily flushed of lactic acids and calcium ions – two fatigue-inducing substances.

There is no doubt that infrared saunas provide serious and lasting wellness boosts. Like with normal exercise, the extent to which these health benefits prevail depends on the time spent per session as well as consistency of use. Whether you’re looking to use infrared saunas for detoxification, weight loss or as a sauna stress relief technique, one thing is certain – your overall health and well being is improved!

How to Build a Sauna: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself First

Adding a sauna to your home can be incredibly beneficial for you and your family. The overall sauna health benefits – long recognized by cultures around the world, can deliver a therapeutic and relaxing way to sweat out the stresses of the world. However, are you knowledgeable in how to build a sauna?

Think long and hard about the pros and cons, if you’re considering building your own sauna as you really need to sweat the details! Ask yourself: Should you buy a pre-assembled sauna? Is a pre-fab kit the way to go? What about a custom builder? Or, should you attempt to build your own sauna to save money? There is no simple or quick answer, but let’s take a look at what to consider before getting started.

To Build or to Buy or Sauna?

Are you a confident builder?

If you’re considering building your own sauna, you can attempt the project by purchasing the lumber and general building materials, or you can opt for one of the better pre-fabricated kits on the market today. If you have a good understanding of common building practices, have access to a range of hand and power tools, and are confident creating something from scratch, you can give it a shot.

If you’re like most of us however, you would be better off buy a sauna kit.

You might be able to save some money by following a set of blueprints and using your own materials and tools, but building a sauna from basic lumber is quite a bit harder than crafting a bookcase or other simple piece. You’ll be working with expensive pieces of cedar, and any mistakes can be costly. If you’re not 100% confident in your building skills, elect a kit – with instructions on how to build your sauna – instead of building from scratch.

What size do you need?

Average custom home saunas measure between 25 and 80 square feet, though some can go significantly bigger if designed for a high number of occupants. If most of your sessions will be solo or with just one other person, try to keep the sauna on the compact side with a one person sauna or two person sauna.

You don’t want a lot of wasted space, as you’re going to spend money heating the entire sauna each time. You’ll also want to be conscious of the height of the unit, since heat lofts up to the ceiling and you don’t want it sitting higher than the occupants. We generally recommend a maximum ceiling height of 7 feet.

In terms of building versus buying, you certainly do have more control over the specific size of the sauna if you build it yourself. That said, there are a wide range of kits available today that can be adapted to an existing space with ease. Most sauna kits are pre-tested, run for a specific amount of time to ensure proper functionality of the unit, and then disassembled for easy shipping. Better kits require nothing more than an allen wrench and screwdriver to assemble. You can also order custom-sized sauna kits that are designed to work within an existing space – using your particular room dimensions. This option enables you to personalize your sauna to your home or commercial facility.

What sauna style are you considering?

While traditional saunas use large amounts of heat and steam to create the sweat-inducing environment within, modern saunas tend to favor an infrared heating system. These radiant heat units are considered superior to standard saunas for three main reasons. First, they offer more therapeutic benefits than a traditional sauna, they are more comfortable to use as they run at lower temperatures, and they are dry saunas so they don’t have the bacteria and upkeep issues related to using water and steam.

If you are considering building your own sauna, an infrared sauna is the preferred choice because it is generally easier to install than a wet-dry sauna system and uses about 1/3 of the energy as compared to a traditional sauna. Infrared heaters simply mount to the wall of the sauna and most plug into a standard 110V/220V outlet.

The better kits on the market today include the wood panels and interior fitments, infrared heating unit, digital keypad (some with a smartphone app controller!) and the power supply, making it easy to get started.

Once assembled, you’re ready to experience a host of important health benefits. Infrared saunas:

Helps to create a stronger immune system
Assist dieters to more easily lose weight
Flush toxins from the body through sweating
Make your hair look incredible
Keep muscles and joints loose to aid recovery from workouts
Keep the skin looking great

Adding a sauna to your home or business isn’t difficult and with the availability of numerous kits on the market today, you’re bound to find the perfect model for your unique needs. By contacting Clearlight Saunas®, you can speak with sauna experts and learn how to build a sauna using a pre-fabricated kit, perfect for transforming your home into a therapeutic spa in no time!

Knowing Your Sauna: Near Infrared vs. Far Infrared Heat

You’ve made the wise decision to add a sauna to your home or business, and now it’s time to consider the details. What size sauna will best fit you? Where should you place the sauna? What style will fit most elegantly with your existing décor? And, what heat source do you want to use for your new sauna. While that last one seems like a no-brainer, this consideration is probably the single most important element to decide upon before purchasing the sauna. Sauna heat sources can take many forms, but we’ll focus on the differences between near infrared and far infrared heating elements, as infrared is truly the new standard in sauna heating systems today.

What Exactly Does Near Infrared Mean?

Near infrared light is contained within the spectrum of natural sunlight. The sun emits nearly half of its total energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum. We are biologically wired to use near infrared energy, much like sunlight is needed to produce vitamin D. Our bodies require this energy from sunlight to survive and to thrive.

Near infrared systems are effective at rejuvenating the skin, help raise core body temperature, improve circulation and can provide pain relief.

What Is a Far Infrared System?

Far infrared, now considered to be one of the leading heat sources for contemporary therapeutic saunas today operates in a similar manner to near infrared but differs in terms of wavelength. Science aside, the tangible benefits of far infrared are significant, as this system heats the body from within and produces the kind of profuse sweating normally only seen with traditional wet-dry sauna systems.

Most clinicians who recommend infrared saunas for healing or wellness purposes will tout the health benefits of a far infrared system. The additional benefits of far infrared saunas are detoxification, increasing your metabolism, weight loss and stress reduction just to name a few.

How Do Benefits Compare for Near vs. Far Infrared?

Detoxification

While both near and far infrared systems can detoxify the body, they go about it quite differently. Near infrared systems provide topical relief for skin issues and shallow body pain. The results are often less dramatic than what one would expect to see when using a far infrared system.

Far infrared systems can detoxify the body as much as seven times more effectively than standard sauna units because they produce heavy natural sweating that moves harmful elements out of the body quite quickly and also mobilizes toxins by inducing a fat based sweat.

Relaxation

Many sauna users report relaxation is one of the biggest reasons they purchased their new unit or visit their local sauna. Infrared sauna therapy, especially far infrared heating units, promote relaxation by balancing the body’s levels of cortisol – an important hormone in the body that regulates stress. The infrared heating units help muscles to relax and loosen, and since far infrared wavelengths mimic the body’s own emissions, they tend to impart a sense of rejuvenation in most individuals.

Weight Loss

According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association entitled Effect of Sweating, researchers discovered a simple half-hour sauna session could burn as many as 600 calories. This study was conducted using an infrared sauna system.

Near infrared saunas effectively raise your core body temperature to help burn calories. Far infrared saunas stimulate your metabolism, lower cortisol levels and slightly raise HGH to help with weight loss as well.

Due to the fact that far infrared sauna units tend to more effectively increase the body’s core temperature and safely increase heart rate, they may burn calories more easily than a near infrared unit or traditional sauna.

Skin Rejuvenation

One of the most exciting benefits of using a sauna is the glowing skin you’ll witness after just a few sessions. Two basic things have to happen in order to rejuvenate the skin – improving the body’s circulation and eliminating toxins from the pores of the skin.

Saunas, especially those using infrared technology, accomplish both of these. A near infrared system will effectively improve the topical surface of the skin, while the far infrared units help to promote toxin release through profuse sweating. Most sauna users will find that the sweating component helps to cleanse the skin quite effectively, thereby improving skin tone from the inside out.

Improved Circulation

While all saunas can therapeutically improve circulation and enhance blood flow to key areas of the body, infrared saunas do an impressive job of boosting circulation, all while keeping the user comfortable. Middle to far infrared heating units penetrate deeply and help to stimulate blood flow, minimize pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance muscle recovery.

Are Near & Far Infrared Saunas Safe?

The answer is – yes! Think about it this way, hospitals use infrared heating lamps to warm newborn babies. Unlike exposing yourself to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed, you cannot burn yourself with infrared heat. There are no known dangers to using an infrared heat source in your sauna.

As always, you’ll want to monitor your body temperature to ensure you don’t overheat. Keep adequately hydrated, too. And, check with your doctor to make sure you are medically cleared to use a sauna and that you don’t have any preexisting conditions that would make sauna use inadvisable. Saunas are incredibly safe, and infrared units provide real therapy without the oppressive heat of a traditional sauna.

Now that you have a good understanding of near infrared vs. far infrared heat, which sauna type do you feel will serve you best? Near infrared units tend to promote topical healing and mild pain relief quite effectively, but far infrared heating units are incredibly effective at removing toxins, improving circulation, and relaxing the muscles. Most experts agree that if you’re really looking to get the maximum therapeutic benefits from your sauna session you’ll want to go for a unit that offers all three spectrum. These are called Full Spectrum saunas and offer near, mid and far infrared.

What are Toxins and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

We often hear a lot about detoxing, but exactly what are toxins? Just the word alone sounds frightening and instantly strikes up worry. According to the dictionary definition, a toxin is a poisonous substance that is the result of metabolic activities. Simply put, a toxin is something harmful to our bodies. The definition of a toxin tends to be vague because of the different types of toxins. Toxins are generally classified as either an internal toxin or an external toxin. It’s important to understand what toxins are so that you know how to identify and get rid of them in your body.

What are Internal Toxins?

Internal toxins are naturally produced by our bodies as part of our daily functions. Our bodies are constantly using energy to rebuild body tissue and replace worn out cells. Throughout this process, they’re also producing waste or internal toxins. These toxins need to be broken down, recycled, and eliminated. While our bodies have automatic processes to carry out these tasks, they can’t always address built-up toxins. Without proper detoxification, these toxins can clog your system and cause damage to surrounding tissue, organs, and cells.

What are External Toxins?

External toxins are the toxins outside of our bodies that can be ingested or absorbed. Whether chemical or microbial, external toxins enter the body through food, water, air, or physical contact with skin. These toxins can affect your overall health and wellness.

What are the most common external toxins?

• Bisphenol A and Phthalates, commonly referred to as BPA, are toxic substances that exist in cheap plastic drinking bottles. While most bottles with BPA have been phased out, some still use them and should be avoided. A 2015 study confirmed that about 44% of canned food producers still use BPA-lined cans.

• Environmental toxins like smog, airborne particulates, and smoke can wreak havoc on our eyes, lungs, and sinuses. They can remain in our bodies for an extended time after exposure.

• Environmental toxins can be transferred to common indoor spaces like homes, offices, or commercial buildings.

• Household chemicals are also guilty of introducing toxins into indoor living spaces. Common surface cleaners can emit dangerous fumes that may concentrate in small, enclosed areas. Even pet products may contain toxic elements that can harm both you and your pet.

Common Signs of Toxins in Your Body

You may want to consider a detoxification routine if you see any of the following indicators:

• You have trouble losing weight especially inches in a particular area. Many toxins naturally gravitate toward the fatty areas of the body. These toxins are called lipophilic and can include PCBs, dioxins, and pesticides.

• You’re tired all the time even though you’re getting enough sleep. Toxin overload can cause problems with the adrenal glands and that often manifests as unexplained exhaustion. A long-term effect of toxin build up is chronic stress, which can trigger feelings of sleepiness and overall fatigue.

• Frequent headaches can also be a sign of toxicity, especially those that are unexplained or don’t stem from a normal source. MSG, artificial sweeteners, and various food preservatives may trigger headaches due to their inherently toxic properties.

• Moodiness can indicate that your body hormones are out of balance. A proven contributor to hormone disruption is toxic chemicals like BPA, PCBs, and phthalates. Minimizing exposure to plastics can help reduce harmful toxic loads.

• Aches and pains can indicate a high toxic load in some individuals. Various toxins act to stimulate pain receptors in the muscles. This can lead to spasms, aches and pains, muscle knots, and general discomfort.

Detoxification – How Does it Work?

In its simplest terms, detoxification is a process that removes poisonous or harmful substances from your body. Impurities are removed from the liver, which is where the body’s toxins are stored and processed prior to elimination. A good detoxification will also cleanse the intestines, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. Detoxification is important because it effectively removes or greatly eliminates the harmful toxins that can accumulate inside our bodies. Whether these toxins are internal, external, or acquired from toxic behavior, better health is often just a few weeks away when an appropriate detox method is used.
Here are several ways to cleanse the body and minimize toxins in your system:
Hydrate
One of the most important ways to minimize harmful elements in the body is to stay hydrated. You should drink at least two quarts of water per day. This amount should increase if you’re exercising a lot or using a sauna on a regular basis.
Eat fiber
Your diet should include plenty of fiber in it. Fiber enables your body to process and move waste products through your system as efficiently as possible. Organically grown fruits and vegetables both introduce fiber into your diet and limit the amount of pesticides in your system.

Exercise regularly
An hour of cardio exercise every day can help detoxify the body. Any physical activity that gets your heart pumping is a great detoxification option. Exercising regularly will help detox and cleanse your system from the inside out.
Sauna
Using a sauna can remove toxins from your body quicker than any other method available. A good sauna session will promote profuse sweating. That sweat acts as a transport vehicle for getting harmful toxins out of the body.

Using a Sauna for Detoxification

Sweating is a natural process for the elimination of toxins in the body. While we can’t avoid all harmful toxins out there, we can encourage the removal of toxins from our systems through our skin – and sweating is a great way to do it! Using an infrared sauna on a regular basis can help to remove heavy metals and toxins quite quickly. To do so, begin by using a sauna at least twice a week for 15-20 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re able to remain in the sauna until you can comfortably complete five 30-minute sessions each week.

Woman using an infrared sauna for detoxification

Research shows that far-infrared saunas work better than traditional saunas because they deliver deep infrared energy into the body. Infrared sauna detoxification helps remove toxins more effectively than traditional steam saunas. IR units are also generally more comfortable to use than steam-based saunas, so you may be more likely to actually detox your system as often as possible.
Just remember, don’t stay in the sauna more than 30 minutes. Take it easy f\or at least 10 minutes after exiting the sauna. And, be sure to drink lots of water after the sauna session.
With everything our bodies go through each day, detoxing should be a top priority for everyone. Using a sauna can make the detoxification process enjoyable and, it offers a variety of other health benefits.

Saunas, Sweat & Summer: Sauna Weight Loss Tips for Summer

With summer in full effect, losing weight is definitely on the top of everyone’s to-do lists. For most people, it always seems to be those last few pounds we just can’t shed off. We all know that diet and exercise are the fundamental keys to losing weight and staying healthy but, did you know that an infrared sauna can help shed those extra pounds? Here are some basic sauna weight loss tips to help you get your summer body in shape.

Saunas = Sweat!

A sauna is designed to make you sweat by heating your body in a safe and controlled manner. Pro athletes and fitness professionals use saunas to quickly lose a few pounds by sweating out water weight. An example is professional boxers or wrestlers who must weigh in at a specific weight on a certain date. They often use saunas to sweat out excess fluids to hit that perfect weight goal. While many of them do rebound and rehydrate their way back up to a slightly higher weight, there’s no denying that saunas promote weight loss. Also, a typical sauna increases circulation and makes you sweat more often. This energizes your metabolism to burn more calories throughout the day. The trick is to combine regular sauna use with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and appropriate levels of hydration.

Infrared saunas, in addition to the water weight loss, help raise your core body temperature, lower cortisol level and slightly increase your HGH. All of these contribute to real and long term weight loss.

Shed Pounds with a Sauna

To ensure the ideal level of detoxification, sweat production, and weight loss, you’ll want to use your sauna 4-7 times per week. Most individuals who are new to sauna use may find this excessive. If you fall into this category, start by using a sauna twice per week. Gradually increase your sauna use until you can tolerate a daily 30-40 minute session. Make sure that you drink water before and after each session so you stay comfortable and hydrated at all times.

Aside from regular sauna use, make sure to also have a comprehensive fitness plan that incorporates diet, exercise, and hydration. Work with your fitness and/or healthcare professional to create a plan that includes these elements as well as your sauna use. Most fitness professionals will suggest that you use the sauna soon after working out. This allows the warm air of the sauna to loosen muscles, relieve aches and pains, and generally shorten the overall recovery time between workouts.

General Sauna Weight Loss Tips

First off, and hopefully we’ve made this quite evident already, you must combine dedicated sauna time with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise to lose weight. But the sauna time will certainly help, and if you’re not familiar with the benefits of a top-quality sauna, you’ll be amazed at how good you feel once you commit to the process.

Keep these tips in mind when trying to losing weight with a sauna:
• Watch your diet. Try to limit your intake of artificial ingredients, caffeine, alcohol and processed food items. This will help trigger even greater weight loss and overall health benefits.
• Always drink more water than usual when using a sauna. You’ll sweat during your sauna session, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day (especially before and after you use a sauna).
• Make it a social exercise. By inviting others into your sauna routine, you’ll make the entire process much more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll have a sense of motivation to continue the routine even if you’re feeling lazy or uninspired.
• Use your sauna after working out to relax your mind and body. Exercise tends to drive the release of endorphins, which trigger happy feelings in the body and perk up the system. A sauna can also lift the spirits, but it does so in a more subdued way than vigorous exercise.

Other Benefits of a Sauna besides Weight Loss

• Detoxification
Saunas do a good job of detoxifying the body by flushing out harmful elements through sweat and your other elimination systems but, the best results are usually seen with infrared saunas. The reason is simple – IR saunas promote a deeper sweat and users often don’t need as much time in the sauna as normal models. Sweating is a natural way to detoxify the body and promote a balanced system.
• Relaxation
There are few things as effective as a sauna when it comes to relaxing the body and spirit. Saunas promote better circulation that stimulates the muscles and joints. This stimulation generally means faster recovery times and less joint aches and pains for those committed to their exercise routines.

• Healthier Skin
The intense yet controlled heat from the sauna stimulates circulation. This helps improve skin tone and flush out toxins that can make us look prematurely old. Sauna treatments also boost collagen production to promote a more even skin tone among frequent users.
• Fewer Colds
Infrared saunas, in particular, have claimed to increase white blood cell counts. This can help minimize the effects and duration of the common cold and flu. Infrared Saunas also raise your core body temperature creating an artificial fever that will help ward off colds and flu.
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to encourage the loss of those last few pounds this summer, consider including a sauna into your weekly diet and exercise routine. With regular sauna use – and these sauna weight loss tips – you’ll feel confident and healthy in no time at all!

Infrared Saunas and Allergies

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), consisting of the sympathetic and parasympathetic components, operates below consciousness to control these systems. The ANS controls heartbeat, digestive function, respiratory rate, salivation, stress and immune response, dilation of pupils, sexual arousal and adrenaline secretions of excitatory hormones. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems balance out each other, working together or sometimes inhibiting specific responses. In allergy patients subpar or hypo-sympathetic inhibiting activity allows for the over response of the immune system. The ANS then over responds in a big way to supress this over response when it may not be necessary.

Allergies include stuffiness, itching and sneezing and can be caused by pollen, dust and animal dander. An inflammation of the nasal airways, allergic rhinitis is linked with a sensitized immune system that overreacts to what should be a benign stimulant. For example, cat hair should not be a cause for concern to your health, right?

Khon Kaen University, Thailand Study

Current medicinal therapeutic options include avoidance, drugs and immunotherapy, but recent investigations suggest that to eliminate allergies an infrared sauna may be used to modify the body’s ANS. The clinical findings from the School of Physical Therapy, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, were published in their June 2013 article in the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology.

The study looked at the impact of six weeks of sauna treatment on the ANS, peak nasal inspiratory flow and lung function in patients suffering allergies. They were looking to see if infrared sauna use shifts the body’s ANS and therefore impacts the underlying cause of the allergic reaction?

The 26 patients were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. Some received health education and otherwise maintained a normal life. The sauna group received sauna treatment over a six-week period, three days per week, totaling 30 minutes. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured to study the autonomic nervous response including the balance of sympathetic to parasympathetic activity; peak nasal inspiratory flow and lung function were measured at the beginning and after three and six weeks of sauna.

There were significant changes in HRV after six weeks of sauna indicating a favorable shift in ANS for treatment of allergic rhinitis. The high frequency or overactive component of the ANS was lower while the low frequency inhibiting component was higher in the sauna treatment group than the control patients. The peak nasal flow and the forced expiratory volume were “significantly higher” in sauna patients. The six weeks of repeated sauna treatment can increase sympathetic activity as well respiratory volume in patients with allergic rhinitis, the article says.

Journal Ter Arkh, Russia Study

In a Russian language journal doctors who used sauna therapy for children with atopic dermatitis, which can be allergy related, found it “improves the condition of their autonomic nervous system.” They noted the “marked clinical response” that could “necessitate long-term sauna treatment to cure this disease.”

In the journal Ter Arkh, the use of an infrared sauna as part of therapy of 107 patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis “resulted in a rapid time course of clinical symptoms of diseases, reduced the adaptation period at a health resort, produced a bronchodilatatory effect and helped to return cardiodynamics to normal…”

Each symptom of rhinitis was rated on a 4-point scale according to severity. During the period of far infrared therapy, the symptoms of eye and nasal itching, stuffiness, rhinorrhea and sneezing were all improved. Smell impairment was not improved until after the last treatment. No obvious adverse effect were observed in the patients during treatment and follow-up. The scientists concluded that FIR therapy “could improve the symptoms of AR” and “might serve as a novel treatment modality.”

Why Sauna Materials Matter

Far infrared or FIR saunas vary in shape, size, material, and construction. Every element that makes up your sauna will have an effect on the level of health benefits (or risks) it provides. Some saunas contain potentially harmful materials as a cheap alternative to more quality sauna materials. These types of shortcuts aren’t worth investing in for the sauna you choose for your home or business.

Sauna Wood

First, consider the wood used in the sauna. FIR saunas are often made of spruce, redwood, hemlock, poplar, basswood or cedar. Cedar has long been the go-to choice and continues to be the top option of infrared saunas today. The best type of cedar is Western Red Canadian Cedar. Be sure the cedar used in the sauna is sustainable sourced and eco-friendly.

Cedar is resistant to cracking and splitting when heated and cooled since it’s a soft wood. It’s also the longest lasting sauna wood available. It naturally eliminates the presence of molds and bacteria – and important consideration as you decide on sauna materials, since the warm and moist area of a sauna is a prime environment for both. Finally, Western Red Canadian cedar is non-aromatic cedar and has a very faint cedar smell so even the most sensitive people will love their cedar infrared sauna.

Sauna Heaters

The heater in your sauna is an important sauna material for obvious reasons, since it will be responsible for the type of experience you receive in your sauna. There are two main types of heaters to consider: carbon and ceramic. Carbon panel heaters are larger in size, distribute infrared heat more evenly, and produce high quality, long wave infrared heat, but typically, at a weaker level.

Ceramic-based heaters emit a greater amount of infrared heat than carbon panels, but create hot spots in the sauna and produce lower quality shorter infrared waves. A combination of the two provides the best of both worlds providing beneficial long wave infrared heat and a lot of it.

Electromagnetic Fields or EMFs

Consider the amount of electromagnetic fields (EMF) when researching the varying factors and sauna materials for your FIR sauna. Continual exposure to high levels of EMFs can be harmful to the health.

In everyday life, we are subject to EMF from the moment we turn on the lights in the morning to our time spent in front of a computer during the day. Fortunately, the level of EMF exposure is relatively low in normal work or home environments, but adding any exposure puts us at risk for reaching a dangerous level. A low EMF infrared sauna ensures exposure rates stay within the threshold of what is considered safe.

Infrared heat has been used as a therapeutic benefit for years with the quality of sauna materials improving over time. As a result, you benefit from a better product and more optimal experience. This makes all the difference when choosing the sauna best suited for you.

Understanding EMF & ELF When Buying an Infrared Sauna

Due to its numerous health benefits, far infrared or FIR saunas continue to rise in popularity. They have been known to help people lose weight, reduce stress, ease chronic pain, and help the body detox. However, not all FIR saunas are created equal when comparing the level of exposure to EMF or electromagnetic fields. For this reason, it’s important to have an understanding of EMF and ELF when purchasing a sauna.

Most people who buy saunas use them multiple times a week for up to 30-40 minutes per session. Repeated exposure to a high level of EMF could be harmful to their health. Not all sauna models conduct the same frequency levels, and the good news is there are low EMF saunas available.

The solution is to ensure the far infrared sauna you are buying or using does not expose you to a high-EMF environment. With updated technology and modernized design, FIR saunas with low EMF and ELF are an option. Understanding how a FIR sauna works and the associated safety information is important to know before purchasing a sauna for your home or business.

What Is EMF?

Radiation is the invisible energy produced by electricity. Also referred to as electric and magnetic fields, these areas move a current through a wire and are all around us. The EMF fields are measured in milligauss (mG) and the ELF fields are measured in volts per meter. People who are highly sensitive to EMF can reduce exposure by eliminating or reducing the use of electrical devices in the home. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are energy waves with frequency levels below 300 hertz or cycles per second.

There are two types of EMFs: higher-frequency and low- to mid-frequency. Someone exposed to a higher-frequency EMF, is subject to possible DNA or cell damage. While the research does not show low-frequency levels to be as harmful as higher frequencies, some people are very sensitive to the low-frequency.

What Is ELF?

Extremely low frequency (ELF) are electric fields with frequencies from 3 to 30 hertz. It is a non-ionizing radiation and sits on the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Although most devices sit on this low frequency field, flat screens that use cathode ray tubes may expose people to a higher level of ELF radiation, but the amount still falls well below the government threshold. People can reduce their exposure to ELFs by turning off electrical devices not in use and immediately repair any faulty wiring which may generate higher ELF levels.

Health Concerns Linked to EMF

Different studies show varying results that increased exposure to high levels of EMF can lead to health problems including cancer, birth defects, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. EMF levels at increased rates have also been linked to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and skin rashes.

Most of what we are exposed to in our typical environments are at such low EMF levels, we are not at risk. However, with the increase of technology and electrical devices we occupy ourselves with on a daily basis, any chance we have to reduce our exposure is best for our health.

Choose a Low EMF Sauna

To receive maximum benefit from your infrared sauna you will want to use your sauna 3-5 times per week. The more you use your infrared sauna, the more important it is to choose a low EMF and low ELF infrared sauna.

Far infrared saunas have a number of health benefits to offer every user. With infrared heating, the air temperature stays low. It is less about heating the air in the sauna itself and more about heating the human body and raising your core body temperature.

With the understanding of EMF, the general recommended use for a FIR sauna is 20-40 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times a week. Also, because the heat of the sauna helps a body sweat out toxins, it’s best to rinse off afterwards so the toxins are not reabsorbed into the skin.

In order to take advantage and not negate any of the therapeutic and wellness benefits a FIR sauna provides, it’s best to choose a low EMF infrared sauna option to limit exposure to harmful rays.