Infrared (FIR/IR) is a part of the natural light spectrum of sunlight, minus the skin damaging UV.
FIR has the ability to penetrate, refract, radiate and reflect. The human body can absorb FIR because of its deep penetrating ability. When Infrared penetrates through the skin to the subcutaneous tissues, it transforms from light energy into heat energy. The thermal effect within the deep layers of tissues cause blood vessels in capillaries to dilate, promoting better blood circulation, and the heat produced helps to get rid of body toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating.
Some of the most frequently asked questions about Infrared Sauna.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
Here at Detox for Life, we have a self-contained unit that emits infrared light directed at a client from multiple directions that allow for a complete reaction. The IR sauna works by having the infrared light penetrate the body and react with the person on multiple biological levels which result in several key responses within the 20-30 minute session. The sauna is set between 80°-1200F the session that is accompanied by calming music to ease people into the serene feeling.
Why use Infrared (IR) Sauna?
With the use of infrared light and the elevated heat, the body is able to activate several key systems of the body. Some of the widely seen responses are the following:
- Stress reduction
- Muscle alleviation/Uptake in exercise results- The increased blood flow helps aching and injured muscles recover faster because of the stronger blood flow and the quicker metabolic and toxic waste productions purged from the body through the skin during perspiration. Sweating during exercise is not nearly as effective for detoxification because exercise activates the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nervous activity inhibits toxin elimination.
- Immune strengthening- The sweating process gently and safely helps eliminate all heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Medical studies demonstrate that most toxins can be eliminated through the skin, relieving the burden on the kidneys and liver
- Better sleep
- Brighter skin– IR Sauna allows increased blood circulation to carry great amounts of nutrients to the skin, thus promoting healthy tone, texture and mild cleansing of the skin. Skin rejuvenation. The skin is the largest organ of the body and a major eliminative channel. In most people, it is inactive, congested and toxic. Sun exposure. Use of synthetic clothing that does not breathe damages the skin. Hundreds of chemicals affect the skin, from lotions and soaps to deodorants. Cleaning solvents, detergent residues and chemicals from bathing water also affect the skin, Repeated use of the sauna slowly restores skin elimination. Excessive sympathetic nervous system activity and emotions such as fear, anger and guilt cause blood to be withdrawn from the skin, contributing to inactivity of the skin.
- Saunas enhance circulation and oxygenate– the tissues. Energy production increases, facilitating healing. Heating the tissues speeds up metabolism. Cells are more able to eliminate toxins.
- Incorporating Himalayan salt slabs to the sauna– adds an additional layer to detoxing, the chunks of salt produce negative IONs which balance Electromagnetic Radiation. Salt is great for cleansing, deodorizing and purifying the air in the sauna. Additionally it calms allergies, raises energy level all while sweating your booty off!!
- Weight loss– by speeding metabolic processes of vital organs and endocrine glands resulting in a substantial caloric loss in a IR Sauna session. Weight loss can come through the energy use needed to produce sweating. Direct excretion of fat Burns calories Increases metabolism and burns cellulite (a gel-like substance made up of fat, water and wastes, which are trapped in pockets below the skin)
How does Infrared (IR) Sauna work?
The reaction that the body performs is multi-faceted that involves most of its biological systems, primarily the lymphatic, immune, and endocrine systems. The human body can absorb IR sauna because of its deep penetrating ability. When FIR penetrates through the skin to the subcutaneous tissues, it transforms from light energy into heat energy. The thermal effect within the deep layers of tissues cause blood vessels in capillaries to dilate, promoting better blood circulation, and the heat produced helps to get rid of body toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating. The skin is known in Chinese medicine as the third kidney because it is believed to be responsible for eliminating up to 30% of body waste.
Sweat also has the function of being a judicious garbage collector. During a 15-minute sauna, sweating can perform the heavy metal excretion that would take the kidneys 24 working hours. Ninety-nine percent of what sweat brings to the surface of the skin is water, but the remaining one percent is mostly undesirable wastes. Excessive salt carried by sweat is generally believed to be beneficial for cases of mild hypertension.
A metabolic by-product, urea, if not disposed of regularly, can cause headaches, nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting, coma and even death. Sweating is such an effective detoxifier. Sweat also draws out lactic acid which causes stiff muscles and contributes to general fatigue. Sweat flushes out toxic metals such as copper, lead, zinc and mercury which the body absorbs in polluted environments.
HOW THE PROCESS EVOLVES
- FIR waves reach into the cell and create water molecule resonance
- The waves then produce atomic molecule resonance
- Energy conversion occurs through absorption
- It forms an effect on the heart
- It enters to the subcutaneous cell layer
- Temperature is elevated
- Capillary dilation takes place
- Extravasated blood and congested toxins are excreted
- Cells are activated
- Organ cells are repaired and protected
- The formation of enzymes is promoted
What are the differences between infrared and wet saunas?
Where the wet sauna uses moisture to transmit the heat to the user on a surface level, infrared utilizes panels that direct the heat and is able to penetrate deep into the tissue. The penetrability ability of the infrared allows the beneficial beams to reach users even in instances where they are wearing clothes. Counter to this, wet saunas require the user to wear a minimal amount of clothing for its full potential to be met.
Who should NOT use Infrared Sauna?
While the infrared sauna is a safe tool, there are some who should take precaution when considering using one:
- Those with heat sensitivity- It is considered inadvisable to raise the core temperature too high in someone with adrenal suppression and systemic lupus or multiple sclerosis, by some authorities. Individuals with total Heat Insensitivity or who lack the ability to perspire or sweat or to emit body heat should probably refrain from IR sauna use. As always, check with your doctor first.
- Recent injuries/ Joint injury- If a person has suffered a recent joint injury that is considered acute, it should not be heated for at least 48 hours or until the hot and swollen symptoms diminish. Enthusiastic heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed infections in any of your tissue including dental.
- Pregnant women
- Cardiac issues (stents, pacemakers, history of cardiac arrest) People with advanced symptomatic heart disease or unstable angina should not use an infrared sauna unless supervised by a doctor.
- Prescription drugs– During IR sauna therapy, it is common for the body to eliminate residues of prescription and “over the counter” medications… even those ingested many years past. Such residues can include ingredients found in antibiotics, narcotics, sedatives, stimulants, chemotherapy, cold medicines, sleep and allergy aids, etc. Occasionally, the release of these substances can result in temporary effects similar to the action of the drug when first taken. As some toxins are mobilized from storage sites throughout the body, they are transported by the blood to the liver, primarily. Toxins must be processed by the organs of elimination, including the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and skin. The metabolic process of expelling toxins sometimes results in mild and short lived “flare ups” or experienced symptoms of a previous illness, virus or physical trauma.
- Exercise-Wait 20-30 minutes, following strenuous exercise, to use your infrared sauna. Allow your body to cool down completely before entering the unit. You are activating a different branch of your involuntary nervous system; The IR sauna is supplying your body heat passively, instead of actively, as in a physical workout.
- Elderly
- Young children under 16
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure-. You may use a blood pressure monitor during your session to observe BP rates. Although the heart rate is increased during use, vasodilation of all the blood vessels in the body and increased blood circulation actually allows for a lowering of blood pressure in many users, both short and long term. Regular infrared sauna use is a highly effective, passive cardiovascular activity for folks with limited physical exercise capability.
- Recently eaten-Wait for an hour or two after a meal before engaging in infrared sauna therapy. Therapy right after a meal may interfere with proper digestion and cause mild stomach cramps.
- Alcohol– Alcohol consumption during, or prior to, an IR sauna session, is prohibited!
- Pneumonia or other acute respiratory diseases.
- Lupus, erythematosis
- Predisposition to hemorrhage
- Multiple sclerosis
- Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or other surgical or silicone implants, consult your surgeon prior to using IR sauna. Must be discontinued if you experience pain near any implants.
- DANGER SIGNALS-include a rapid increase of body temperature, a noticeable “racing” of the heartbeat, extreme redness of the skin and feeling light headed or extremely faint. If you notice any of these symptoms, end your session immediately. Occurrences of this nature are very rare.
Always consult with your physician before using the Sauna Heat Therapy!
What to do prior and after your Infrared (IF) Sauna
In all situations, proper hydration is a primary requirement for IR sauna use. Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended before, during and after infrared sauna use. Replacing the body’s electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium is very important, since these minerals are depleted during sweating. Regular vitamin supplements are an inexpensive way to accomplish electrolyte replenishment. Coconut water and sports drinks that replace electrolytes are also acceptable.
Results are much better when saunas are part of an integrated program. Add to your diet extra sea salt or kelp granules to replace minerals lost through sweating. Eat natural foods grown on mineral-rich soil. Rest and sleep enough, and exercise a little each day. Breathe deeply clean, fresh air. Reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Create and maintain a positive environment. Stay happy and bright regardless of what others may say or do.
Treatments generally last 20-30 minutes
COST $45 for 20-30 min session
To schedule an appointment with Detox for Life please contact us directly at 480.949.6570.
Cancellation policy is as follows: All cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to your appointment. If you must cancel the day of your appointment for any reason, you will be responsible for a $45 cancellation charge on your next visit.
For more information, visit our website at www.detoxforlife.com or call us directly at 480.949.6570 to schedule your session and be sure to check our blog frequently for up to date information, recipes and products.
“You are not what you eat, but what you absorb.”
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