Feeling sluggish?

There are ways to change all that. Fatigue, environmental pollution and poor eating habits can slow you down. That’s where the therapeutic benefits of detoxifying come in.

Detoxification focuses on the use of heat to remove toxins in the body, promote circulation and healing, decrease pain, stiffness and fatigue, and improve skin tone and elasticity. There is mounting research on the therapeutic benefits of saunas, and many naturopathic doctors recommend ten 30-minute sessions over 2-3 weeks, twice a year.

Infrared (IR) and conventional saunas heat the body in different ways with varying degrees of efficiency. Common saunas heat the air first, by convection. Then the air heats the skin by conduction. Traditional saunas often operate from 180 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit and many people cannot tolerate the high temperatures required to attain health benefits.

IR saunas promote increased sweating at a much lower and more tolerable temperature (approximately 110-140 degrees Fahrenheit.) And because IR is said to duplicate the healthy frequencies of our own cells the IR rays penetrate the body to a greater extent – to a depth of 1.5 to 3 inches.

This means that besides excreting chemicals from the skin, IR saunas more effectively help body tissues release large amounts of toxins. In fact, researchers have found that up to four times the amount of toxic chemicals are “sweated” from the body during a one half hour infrared sauna session as compared to other eliminative methods such as exercise.

Infrared therapy is excellent for healthy glowing skin because it helps open clogged pores, allowing for removal of dirt, oil and makeup. One can expect improvements in skin problems such as acne, rashes, burns, eczema and psoriasis.

Infrared therapy is also excellent for improving circulation and reducing stress levels. As tissues are warmed, blood vessels dilate and the heart rate increases, which provides cardiovascular benefits.

Infrared therapies are also beneficial in cellulite removal (a gel-like substance made up of fat, water and wastes, which are trapped in pockets below the skin) when used in conjunction with a program that includes diet and massage.

Lowers Blood Pressure
Infrared Saunas have been proven to lower blood pressure with repeated use

Enhances Circulation
Heating of muscles produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during exercise

Relieves Pain
Infrared heat therapy may be used to relieve back, neck and arthritis pain

In all situations, hydration is a requirement for sauna use. Drinking water is recommended before and after sauna use. Certain medication, cardiovascular conditions and chronic conditions, age, pregnancy, fever, joint injuries, insensitivity to heat, implants, pacemakers and defibrillators are contraindications for infrared and any other sauna use. Consult your physician.