Medical Benefits Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas warm the body instead of heating the surrounding air. Traditional steam saunas heat the air and require temperatures ranging from 150 - 200 degrees Fahrenheit to promote perspiration, whereas a heat range of 110 - 140 degrees in infrared saunas produces the same results. The cooler air temperature is more tolerable to heat-sensitive individuals and allows for sessions of up to forty-five minutes, nearly twice as long as in a typical steam sauna session.
The softer heat of infrared saunas also penetrates deeper into the skin - as much as 1 ½ inches - and draws out more toxins than a steam sauna, according to Dr. Aundrea Adams of the International Institute of Holistic Healing, who compared the detoxification findings of the two sauna types.
Dr. Adams summarizes a report which concludes that sweat from a traditional sauna was up to 97% water, while the sweat released in infrared saunas was only 80 - 85% water. The remaining 15 - 20% was comprised of heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble toxins.
The deep penetration of heat, in infrared saunas, activates and releases debris from the subcutaneous fat just beneath the skin. It also allows the body to gradually free stored toxins from organs and tissues, which eventually make their way to the fat tissue under the skin, finally to be purged through perspiration.
Clearly the therapeutic advantages of infrared saunas are considerable. In her book Detoxify Or Die, Sherry Rogers, M.D. extols the benefits of far infrared saunas. She cites a study done by specialists at the Mayo Clinic which proves the effectiveness of therapeutic infrared saunas used by patients of end-stage congestive heart failure.
The individuals in this three-week study tolerated the heat of infrared saunas without side effects, and experienced significant chemical detoxification. The toxic load was the underlying cause of their condition and the heart function of each of these patients improved as a result of the therapeutic cleansing. They were also able to eliminate some of their medications.
New technology has brought to light the detoxification benefits of using far infrared saunas. Whether you use the personal, portable sauna, a multi-person pre-manufactured sauna or you build your own custom sauna; research has shown that there are extended health benefits from the use of this device. Read more for information on how infrared saunas can help you.
The sauna is nothing new, in fact it has been around for generations and is known for relaxing muscles, and even easing tension. Taking a sauna is an enjoyable experience for most, but it appears as though saunas can actually do away with excess fat and toxins in the body to accelerate weight loss. Read more for information on how infrared saunas can help you.
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