Far Infrared Saunas, a Health Game-Changer
The average person has upwards of 1,000x more toxins stored in the fat compartments of their body than what can be found in the blood. This is why so many people are sick, but their blood work says they are fine, and doctors say there is nothing wrong with the person, or more tragic, tell them it is all in their head.
Toxins in the body are lipophilic, which means toxins stored in fat cells. Toxins can be extracted from fat through heat then flushed out via sweat or carried by the blood to the liver, kidneys, and bowels. The term “detoxification” is simply the act of mobilizing and eliminating toxic substances from the human body. This is why exercise is so strongly encouraged for everyone. There are a few methods of mobilizing toxins such as oxygen, herbs, vitamins, and minerals, but heat is one of the most powerful!
The sun is God’s far infrared sauna!
One of the most healing gifts God has given us is the sun. It sustains life on earth and provides healing energy through light rays. Infrared light is part of the sun’s invisible spectrum of light that can penetrate and warm human tissue. When heat is generated in the body and raises our core body temperature, the body’s detoxification pathways open, infections are eradicated, and cellular regeneration is initiated. This is the same reason the body produces a fever when battling sickness. Heat always wins.
What is infrared heat therapy and how does it work?
Infrared heat therapy uses these infrared light characteristics to heat the body rather than just heating the air. The experience of a far infrared sauna is similar to sunbathing (again, remember exposure to the sun and sunbathing is good for you when done in moderation to prevent burning). The infrared heat penetrates your skin, giving you a wonderful natural warmth. When any tissue in the body is exposed to infrared waves, whether radiated by sunlight or reflected by specially coated fabrics or panels, there is a rapid increase in warmth which can be shown by thermography. This heat plus the activation of several other response mechanisms stimulates the healing processes. Because there is no UV light emitted, you can relax in the sauna, and it will never cause your skin to burn.
Infrared saunas use soothing dry infrared heat that is well ventilated and extremely comfortable and relaxing. Infrared saunas increase the body’s core temperature thus resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat from the cellular level of the skin where many toxins are stored. Conventional hot rock or steam saunas heat the air with steam, which is unbearably hot and causes you to only sweat at the surface of your skin. Steam saunas harbor mold and can also make it difficult to breathe.
Are all far infrared saunas the same?
Certainly not. There are many good quality saunas available and just as many that can be quite dangerous. We recommend using a far infrared sauna with a ceramic heater, or even better, a carbon heater. We do not recommend using saunas with the bulb lights. One thing to consider is any emission of EMF’s (Electro Magnetic Frequencies). EMF’s are very dangerous to human health. We use Sunlighten Saunas that utilize Solocarbon® heaters which are 95-99% efficient at emitting infrared heat with virtually zero levels of EMF’s. A claim verified by third-party testing.
What are the health benefits of a far infrared sauna?
The health benefits of the far infrared sauna exceed what we can write in one short blog. Here are just a few of the dozens of benefits:
1. Increases core body temperature
The dangers of low body temperature are many. People with poor circulation, thyroid disorders, and weak immune systems often have low body temperatures. This makes them more prone to infections since the body must maintain 98.6 degrees to stay healthy. Increasing heat increases circulation, which increases blood flow, which increases health and healing.
2. Thermogenesis
This is a fancy word for heat production in an organism. Increasing heat will increase metabolism in the cells. This promotes detoxification of the cells while also increasing nutrient absorption. The attractive benefit of thermogenesis is weight loss.
3. Weight Loss
Remember toxins are stored in the fat cells of the body. Heat dislodges toxins out the cells. Heat causes sweating which helps open up the kidneys and lymphatic system. Heat increases core body temperature which helps metabolism and thermogenesis. Think of it this way. Heat speeds things up, and cold slows things down. We want to speed up metabolism and blood flow in the body!
4. Detoxification
Our world and its people are toxic. There are thousands of healing testimonials with far infrared sauna usage from Alzheimer’s, cancer, autism, arthritis, diabetes, and practically every illness known. I know parents of autistic children who began seeing immediate improvement as their child’s body detoxified from the poisons causing their disease. War veterans exposed to chemicals have healed using a far infrared sauna. Whether the toxin is a chemical, heavy metal, infection, or another pollutant, far infrared sauna is guaranteed to help.
5. Pain Relief
Many know how effective heat application can be to pain conditions. Increasing heat brings blood flow to an area that needs healing. All pain conditions can be improved.
6. Kills infections
Why does the body get a fever? It heats up to kill the infection. Far infrared saunas are mimicking this by almost creating an “artificial fever” so to speak. By increasing core body temperature, all harmful organisms are killed (viruses, mold, candida, fungus, yeast, etc.). Regularly doing this will strengthen your immune system and keep you from getting sick.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure
A study done at UMKC in 2005 showed blood pressure dropped with just a 30-minute sauna session 3x weekly. Continuing sauna treatments improves blood vessel function for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This would suggest a preventative role against heart disease such as arteriosclerosis.
8. Skin Purification
Heals wounds and improves skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more. Skin conditions are the attempt of the body to eliminate toxins when the body is congested and overwhelmed. The far infrared sauna works through the detoxification of the body, whereas the prescribed creams and steroids work AGAINST the healing of the body. The far infrared sauna also reduces wrinkles, makes the skin look more radiant, and firms and improves skin tone and elasticity. Regular usage can remove trapped cellulite under the skin.
Are there studies or research showing the benefits of a far infrared sauna?
Absolutely! There are plenty of published studies you can research related to the benefits of far infrared saunas. Here are just a few of our favorites:
1. A Harvard study showing lower risk of cardiovascular disease related to far infrared sauna usage
2. A PubMed study showing protection against oxidative stress and prevention of atherosclerosis
3. An article by Dr. Mercola with links to other articles and research
Are there risks or dangers associated with using a far infrared sauna?
There are precautions with any therapy. Like all professional equipment, you may put yourself at risk if you do not fully understand how to use the sauna. Understanding your body and particular health issues are important to getting the most out of your session. We always recommend drinking an electrolyte replacing water, coconut water, or a sports drink before and after use.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns before using a sauna. Some conditions that could require more intentional observation with sauna use include:
Cardiovascular Issues
Obesity
Diabetes
Prescription drugs that affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation or impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Elderly & Children
Chronic Conditions/Diseases associated with reduced ability to sweat
Hemophiliacs/Individuals prone to bleeding
Fever & Insensitivity to heat
Pregnancy
Menstruation
Recent (acute) joint injury
Metal Implants
Pacemakers/Defibrillators
Is it “natural” to use a far infrared sauna?
Yes and no. Don’t you love that answer? Our perspective is always God, creation, and original design. Obviously, God did not create us to need a big wooden box that heats up so we can heal our bodies. Our world has changed. We aren’t in the Garden of Eden any longer. We barely go outside. What we need is natural sunlight, yet we don’t understand the sun, we fear it and are misinformed about its benefits. Sadly we have weakened our body’s natural ability to embrace its powerful healing properties due to our poor choices of diet and lifestyle. Ideally, you would be in the sun and lay in the sun as much as possible without getting sunburned of course. Tan is healthy. But that’s a whole other blog topic that you can read here. The technology of far infrared saunas is simply a way to bring the healing power of infrared rays that is convenient to our modern lifestyles, 365 days a year wherever you live. However, we always encourage you to take advantage of the healing power of the sun as much as possible without getting burned.
How do you use the far infrared sauna for maximum benefit?
You want to get the maximum benefit from your far infrared sauna sessions; there are a few keys to your success. Make sure you are eating a clean, healing diet of lots of fruits, veggies, greens, and water. Reducing or eliminating dairy, meats, grains, sugars, and heavy fats will increase your benefits. Stay hydrated: drink water before a session and coconut water or electrolyte mineral drink afterward.
Always wear natural clothing that can breathe such as cotton or linen. Do not wear synthetics that doesn't allow your skin to breathe or sweat.
We recommend you make the far infrared sauna part of a smart detoxification program. At Spirit of Health, we have programs that incorporate the far infrared sauna with exercise, supplements, and other therapies to increase your detoxification and healing efforts.
Many people are struggling with their health today and are looking for answers. Many others want to stay healthy and prevent illness long-term. I have seen thousands of people struggle with infections (yeast, fungus, mold, bacteria, viruses, parasites), chemical toxicity (herbicides, pesticides, food additives, aspartame, etc.), heavy metal poisoning (mercury, lead, arsenic, etc.), and the list goes on. Our world has gone astray from God’s design, and with it, our health has gone as well.
What I love about the far infrared sauna is that it works for all of the above issues! In other words, a far infrared sauna can help anyone heal from almost any illness or toxicity known to man. That might sound like a bold statement, but we have an amazing Designer who has given us all we need for health and wellness. As you can tell from this article, we are believers in heat therapy! We believe in God’s creation and design. The sun is the best sauna session you could get. When that isn’t possible, we hope you try the far infrared sauna and enjoy its benefits. Now go get your sweat on!