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Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna
The following
claims are not supported by medical evidence. These are claims from
far-infrared sauna manufacturers and marketers, 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 to be as effective because it works via the sympathetic
nervous system which is said to inhibit toxin elimination.
Reported to be
“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 breast 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
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 purported 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 the 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:
ACTH
GH
Endorphins
LH/FSH
Prolactin
Renin-Angiotensin, Aldosterone
Musculoskeletal
Claim to have
seen improvements in:
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 that “hyperthermia is a well-researched therapy for
cancer.” They state that the high
temperatures can “select” for abnormal cells and that tumors are unable to
handle the high heat.
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