Theory behind how Far Infrared works? Far infrared sauna therapy is said to duplicate the healthy frequencies. The tissues are purported to selectively absorb these rays as the water in the cell reacts in a process called “resonant absorption” . This is said to occur when the frequency of the far infrared matches the frequency of the water in the cell causing toxins to be dropped off into the blood stream and excreted in sweat, feces, and urine. Proponents of this therapy state that the healing response of our tissues may need a boost of infrared to insure the fullest healing response possible in a tissue under repair. Far infrared is claimed to penetrate the body’s tissues to a depth of over 1.5.” Due to the supposed deep penetration into the skin of the infrared rays being emitted from coils within the sauna walls there is a heating effect deep in the muscular tissues and internal organs. This “deep heating” is thought to be responsible the healing effect and the other health benefits associated with these infrared rays. 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. 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. 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. This is great for those who are unable to exercise. 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 Claims to open clogged pores allowing for removal of dirt, oil, and makeup. In addition, there is improvements in skin problems such as acne, rashes, burns, eczema and psoriasis. Scars, even keloids, may be gradually softened. Musculoskeletal Claim to have seen improvements in: Arthritis (gouty, rheumatoid and DJD). Shoulder pain Bursitis Post-exercise muscle pain Muscle tension Spinal cord shock Adhesions Low back pain Muscle spasms Metabolic Changes An increase in temperature will result in an increase in the metabolic activities in the superficial tissues only due to the direct effect of heat on chemical processes. Metabolic rate increases approximately 13% for each 1 degree C increase in temperature. Circulatory There is an increase in circulation due to vasodilatation of the skin vessels. This may be mediated through the direct effect of heat on the vessels themselves or via their vasomotor nerve supply. Body core temperature or blood pressure do NOT rise significantly. Cutaneous vasodilatation, increased skin blood flow and heart rate, and profuse sweating are the most effective mechanisms whereby the body can combat the thermal stress of the sauna. Peripheral vascular resistance decreases by 40% and cardiac output increases by70% (in proportion to heart rate). Mean arterial pressure decreases moderately in response to heat. The change in systolic blood pressure is small. The intense vascular dilation in the skin and the drop in peripheral resistance explain the finding that the load on the heart and the oxygen demand are lower than physical or emotional stress with the same heart rate. Weight Loss Reports say although weight may drop by as much as four pounds during a long session, you are primarily losing fluids and not burning fat. This weight will return as soon as you drink fluids. However, to produce one gram of sweat requires 0.568Kcal. Thus, reports state a conditioned person can easily lose 500 grams of sweat in a sauna, consuming nearly 300Kcal (equivalent to a 2-3 mile run). While the weight of the water will be regained easily by drinking, the calories will not.. Arthritis The heat itself may help control pain and increase joint mobility. However, sauna use alone is not going to affect the outcome of the disease. The joints are more supple through altered properties of joints and tendons. Elderly It is generally safe for the elderly to use a sauna but they should consult with a physician before doing so. Collagen Studies do show that heat does alter the behavior of collagen and therefore may be used prior to applying passive stretch or active exercise in order to facilitate the lengthening of scars or contractures. Heat increases the elasticity and decreases the viscosity of connective tissue. Joint Stiffness Studies show there was a 20% decrease in stiffness at 45 degrees C as compared to 33degrees C in rheumatoid finger joints. Muscle Spasms Muscle spasms are known to be reduced by heat, if they are secondary to underlying skeletal, joint or neuro-pathological conditions. Possible reduction in muscle spindle firing or inhibition of the golgi tendon organ Neurological/Pain Relief There has been documented pain relief with the application of heat. There are two theories associated with this: 1) Vasodilatation brings cells and chemicals to the area to assist healing and remove breakdown products of injury. 2) The pain gate control theory might indicate that the transmission of thermal sensations may take precedence over nocieceptive impulses( pain). Studies do show that when IR was applied to a region of the body, there was an analgesic effect distal to that point. Some researchers are now saying there may be an increase in endorphins. Local superficial heating is recommended in subacute conditions for reducing pain and inflammation through analgesic effects. Superficial heating produces lower tissue temperatures at the site of injury relative to the higher temperatures in the superficial tissues, resulting in analgesia. Endocrine System The endocrine system does respond to thermal changes, mainly through activation of the sympathetic nervous system and activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Wound Healing Research does show that there is a positive effect on wound healing. Thus this product can play a role in treatment of skin ulcers and delayed postoperative wounds. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SELF-TREAT ANY DISEASE WITH SAUNA THERAPY WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING A PHYSICIAN. DO NOT USE IF THERE IS A HISTORY OF: Adrenal suppression (body does not respond to heat). SLE (systemic lupus erythematous) Multiple sclerosis IF YOU HAVE ANY DISEASE, CONSULT WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING. Do not use: If Pregnant or are nursing. You have acute joint injuries. You have enclosed infections (dental, joints, tissue). With artificial joints, metal pins, or any other implants. With Silicone implants (may melt at higher temperatures). During menstrual cycle, may increase menstrual flow. If you are a Hemophiliac or anyone with a predisposition to hemorrhage. If you are taking a prescription drug, check with a physician or pharmacist for any possible change in drug’s effect due to any interaction with infrared energy. If you are heat intolerant and do not sweat even with vigorous exercise. If your skin becomes clammy, you feel weak, tired, or nauseous. STOP use immediately! This could be signs of heat exhaustion. If you stop sweating, get out immediately! This may be the initial stages of heat stroke. |
FAR Infrared Sauna (913) 648-4343 |
