Far Infrared Saunas - Detoxify, Heal And De-stress

What is Far Infrared? 

It is the penetrating heat that you feel on an open fire on a cold night or the heat from the sun's rays. This penetrating heat that you feel is Far Infrared.

An Infrared Sauna uses a heater technology that emits a band of light we perceive as heat called Far Infrared. We cannot see this band of light with the naked eye, but we can feel this type of light in the form of heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Infrared rays heat your body without having to heat the air in between, through a process called conversion.

The infrared (IR) is divided into 3 segments by wavelength, measured in microns; near-infrared: 0.75-1.5 microns; middle infrared: 1.5-4.0 microns; and far infrared: 4.0-1,000 microns. Among these segments, only far infrared penetrates organic substances such as the human body to 4-5cm so that the warming effect is very uniform.

Are Far Infrared Saunas Safe?

Yes, being exposed to Far Infrared is safe. You must not confuse Far Infrared with Ultraviolet (UV) Light. Ultraviolet (UV) Light is part of the sun's rays that causes sunburn and skin damage when exposed to it for longer than the recommended time.

Whereas, Far Infrared rays are the part of the sun's rays that make you feel warm when you sit in the sun and it will never cause your skin to burn. In addition, it is also safe and healthy for all living things. 

So, Far Infrared is not only safe but it is also highly beneficial to our bodies on a cellular level. Health professionals have used infrared heat lamps for decades to treat muscle and joint problems. In hospital baby care units, incubators are often equipped with infrared heating systems to keep newborn babies warm.

What are the health benefits of Far Infrared Saunas?

Almost everyone that has tried Infrared Saunas is convinced of its health benefits. It may seem that Far Infrared (FIR) treatments are something new as it's gaining lots of attention lately but FIR treatments are nothing new. Over the last 25 years, extensive research has been carried out worldwide on the medical benefits of far infrared particularly from countries like Japan and China. Japan even have their own “Infrared Society” consisting of a team of highly qualified medical professionals doctors and therapists who are dedicated to FIR research.

There are eight main health benefits of Infrared Saunas and they are:

*Detoxification

“One of the reasons why FIR has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins which are often at the core of many health problems. Toxins in our bodies appear in water as clumps or globules. Blood circulation becomes blocked and cellular energy impaired where these toxins accumulate." This is a quote taken from “The Science of Far Infrared Therapies” by Dr Toshiko Yamazaki, MD

However, when the energy from FIR is applied to water molecules containing toxins, the water begins to vibrate, releasing the encapsulated gases and other toxic materials back into the bloodstream where they are removed naturally by the body’s normal detoxification process.

The sweating process gently and safely helps eliminate all heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Medical studies demonstrate that most toxins can be eliminated through the skin, relieving the burden on the kidneys and liver.

*Relieve Aches, Pains, Arthritis and More

The infrared energy released by an infrared sauna can penetrate up to 1.5 inches deep into muscle tissue. 93% of this energy is absorbed through our skin. By heating these tissues, we experience a vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels which can be beneficial in reducing muscle spasms, joint stiffness as well as general aches and pains due to conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

There is also evidence that when used 24 – 48 hours post-injury, far infrared energy can reduce the time it takes for your body to heal sprains and strains.

According to Dr Jeffrey Spencer, a sports medicine expert from the University of Southern California, “Infrared wavelengths penetrate the body to create heat, which creates profound therapeutic benefits. They increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more concentrated oxygen, which creates more energy to heal.”

*Fever therapy for Colds & Flu's and Improved Immune System

Raising body temperature powerfully assists the body to kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Many people cannot get rid of chronic infections because they have a low body temperature. Common sites of infections are the sinuses, ears, eyes, bladder, throat and intestines.

By creating an “Artificial Fever”, FIR heat has a positive effect on the immune system. Often misunderstood, fever is a natural healing response of the body. The function of the immune system is increased naturally during a fever, while virus and bacterial growth are slowed, weakening its hold. This helps the body ward off invading organisms. A FIR heat treatment in the early stages of a cold or flu has been known to stop the disease before the symptoms occur. Further studies into the benefits of FIR heat therapy are creating a new avenue of hope for those suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer, which explains why the majority of FIR Sauna heat clientele base is affiliated with the medical industry.

*Improved Blood Circulation

Having a sauna treatment increases heart rate and blood circulation, both crucial to maintaining one’s health. The heart rate increases as more blood flow is diverted from the inner organs towards the extremities of the skin without heightening blood pressure.

Subsequently, this also helps bring more oxygen to tired, strained and painful joints and muscles. For injuries, heat stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels, bringing oxygen to joints and extremities, speeding the healing of sprains and strains, thus relieving pain.

This is evident in the fact that we all feel instantly better when we undergo an infrared sauna treatment. The increased blood helps aching and injured muscles recover faster because the stronger the flow of blood, the quicker metabolic and toxic waste products are purged from the body, through the skin during perspiration. The skin is often known as the third kidney because it is believed to be responsible for eliminating up to 30% of body waste.

*Heart Health And Blood Pressure

Research has shown that sauna therapy reduces systolic blood pressure because the heat dilates blood vessels and reduces the volume of the inner lining of the vessels, thus promoting healthy blood pressure.

A Japanese study published in the October 2008 issue of The Journal of Cardiology examined the clinical effectiveness and safety of infrared blood pressure therapy, as compared to standard therapies for patients with chronic heart failure. The report concluded that far-infrared sauna therapy is both safe and effective at improving clinical symptoms and cardiac function as well as decreasing cardiac size in chronic heart failure patients. Repeated infrared sauna treatments improved impaired blood vessel functions in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. This suggests a preventive role for infrared sauna use for arteriosclerosis.

*Weight Loss

FIR Sauna heat therapy can aid in weight loss by speeding up the metabolic process of vital organs and endocrine glands resulting in a substantial caloric loss in a sauna heat session.

Because you are sweating, fat deposits are burned. Instead of undergoing extreme physical activities, you just have to sit down and get the same great results. Infrared units also help reduce the formation and appearance of cellulite. You can burn up to 600 calories in 1 hour in the infrared sauna, provided you sweat profusely.

Producing sweat requires a lot of energy (i.e. uses up a lot of calories).

• Producing 1 g of sweat requires nearly 0.6 calories.
• A profuse sweat can produce 1 litre of sweat in an hour.
• Since sweat weighs 1 g/ml, to produce 1 litre (1000 ml) of sweat requires 600 calories (0.6 cal x 1000 ml = 600 cal)!

*Skin Rejuvenation

Sauna use slowly restores elimination through the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and a major eliminative channel. However, in most people, it is inactive, congested and toxic. Sun exposure, use of synthetic clothing, bathing in chlorinated water and exposure to hundreds of chemicals damage the skin. Excessive sympathetic nervous system activity and emotions such as fear, anger and guilt cause blood to be withdrawn from the skin, contributing to the inactivity of the skin.

For that sought-after healthy glow, FIR Sauna therapy allows increased blood circulation to carry great amounts of nutrients to the skin, thus promoting healthy tone and texture. A FIR Sauna heat also provides a mild cleansing of the skin.

*Muscle Pain Relief

The warmth of your infrared sauna will relax your muscles, increase flexibility and range of motion. Studies show, tissues heated to 130 degrees and then stretched have exhibited an elastic elongation that persists long after the stretch is removed.

This was not the case when the same tissues were stretched at normal tissue temperatures. Therapeutic benefits were also seen in working with ligaments, tendons, fascia, joint capsules and symposiums that have become scarred, thickened or contracted.

Disclaimer:

This information is not intended to prescribe a particular health issue or course of action. We are not medical professionals, so please contact your GP or health practitioner for medical advise.

References & Citations:

• org: The History of Saunas
• National Library of Medicine: Correlations between Repeated Use of Dry Sauna for 4 x 10 Minutes, Physiological Parameters, Anthropometric Features, and Body Composition in Young Sedentary and Overweight Men: Health Implications
• National Library of Medicine: Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men
• Psychreg: What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Saunas
• National Library of Medicine: The effect of sauna bathing on lipid profile in young, physically active, male subjects
• National Library of Medicine: Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review
• National Library of Medicine: Effect of a Single Finnish Sauna Session on White Blood Cell Profile and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Non-Athletes
• com: Sauna To Lose Weight: 5 Tips To Use Sauna Effectively In 2022