Naturopathic Advice
INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY AND DETOXIFICATION
By Dr. David W. Lescheid BSc, PhD, ND & Dr.
Kristy Lewis RHN, ND
There are many toxic chemicals and heavy metals in our environment that we
are exposed to on a daily basis. For example, recent toxins that
have received much attention in the last few months because of their
link to different diseases are bisphenol A and phthalates that are
found in many types of plastics. If these toxins are not efficiently
processed and regularly removed, they can accumulate and cause
disease.
Infrared
sauna therapy is a safe,
effective
way to remove these toxins and regain optimal health.
Infrared saunas that use carbon fiber panels for heating are
an especially effective means of detoxification because they provide
a more penetrating heat source that helps remove toxins stored deep
within fat cells and other tissues.
In
addition to effective detoxification, infrared sauna therapy also
increases circulation and therefore, helps treat disorders of the
circulatory system.
Furthermore, the soft, gentle heat generated from a carbon fiber
infrared sauna safely speeds up your metabolic rate and increases
energy production and therefore, can be an important component of
successful weight management. Infrared sauna therapy also has been
shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect and therefore, can
facilitate healing of chronic muscle aches and joint pains. Finally,
there are some studies that have shown that repeated infrared sauna
therapy helps in the treatment of mood disorders.
Our infrared sauna is equipped with a CD player to assist in
providing a relaxing, calming, healing environment.
Infrared saunas that use carbon fiber panels for heating provide a
relatively large surface area for heating as well as an even heat
distribution. This results in
increased core body temperatures and therefore, healthful benefits
even while maintaining a cooler external air temperature.
Traditional electric saunas, steam saunas and infrared saunas
that use ceramic heaters generate a higher, more superficial heat
that many people find difficult to tolerate. However, sweating and
increased metabolism begins more quickly, at a lower temperature, in
carbon fiber infrared saunas and therefore, the healthful
environment is safer and more pleasant to most people.
Jumping
(or rebounding) on a small trampoline for 10-15 minutes before
infrared sauna therapy will increase metabolism and blood flow even
before entering the sauna and therefore, improve the benefits of the
overall treatment. It is
recommended that a minimum of 30 minutes is spent in the sauna on a
regular basis to have the maximal health benefits.
However, persons who are significantly ill should gradually
increase their time in the sauna until they reach this optimal time.
It usually takes a number of regular sauna treatments to
produce optimal health benefits but many people experience a
positive difference even after the first treatment. Drinking
adequate amounts of water before, during and after the sauna
treatment ensures that the experience is safe and pleasant.
A warm or cool water rinse immediately following the sauna
enhances the full healthful benefits of the infrared sauna
experience.
Optimizing
your health using detoxification is more effective when infrared
saunas are used part of a total integrated health program.
It is highly recommended that you speak with a Naturopathic
doctor before beginning any detoxification to ensure that you use a
safe program that will provide you with the best results.
Pure Med
Naturopathic Centre has extensively researched infrared sauna
technology so that we could bring you the highest quality infrared
sauna and therefore, the maximum healing benefits.
Our infrared sauna is made of a hypoallergenic wood
(basswood), uses carbon fiber heating technology and is large enough
for three people to enjoy together.
Call today to book your total sauna experience that includes
rebounding, sauna treatment and a shower rinse. Infrared saunas are
a great way to relax and warm up during these cold winter months in
an environment that provides many healing benefits.
The opinions and advice expressed in this articles are those of the
authors. These do not necessarily represent the views of
CanadianNaturopaths.com (please read the terms of use for further
clarification)