How does a far infrared sauna work?
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into three segments by wavelength measured in microns (1/1,000,000 of a meter).
| 1. 0.76 to 1.5 microns = near infrared |
| 2. 1.5 to 5.6 microns = middle infrared |
| 3. 5.6 to 1000 microns = far infrared |
This invisible band of light warms objects without warming the air between the source and the object (known as conversion).
Do not confuse this with UV radiation (sunburn) or atomic radiation (nuclear)
This radiant heat can also be called Infrared Energy (IR).
This band of light is not visible to human eyes but can be seen by special instruments that translate infrared into colors that are visible to our eyes.
The best example is the sun (80% of the sun’s rays are infrared).
Our atmosphere allows IR rays in the 7 to 14 micron range to safely reach the earth’s surface.
When warmed, the earth radiates infrared rays with its peak output at 10 microns.
The human body radiates infrared energy out through the skin at 3 to50 microns, with most around 9.4 microns.
What is the theory behind how this product 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 thate 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.
The following claims are not supported by medical evidence. These are claims from far-infrared sauna manufacturers and marketers.
Detoxification
Claimed to stimulate the body to release fat-soluble toxins, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals through the pores more effectively than any other form of heat therapy.
Reported to be “method of choice” for chronically ill patients as well as those that are well and wish to stay that way by reducing their “toxic burden”.
The list of chemicals claimed to be removed from the body includes:
mercury lead cadium arsenic benzenes street drugs prescription drugs anesthetics cholesterol urea
Immune System Enhancement
A typical sauna session will cause a brief 1 to 3 degree F increase in body temperature. Fever is the body's defense against bacteria, microbes and consequent infection. This side effect is said to trigger the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow and killer T cells by the thymus. The overall result is claimed to be immune system enhancement.
Stress
Continuous strain on the autonomic nervous system leads to a high level of stress, one of the elusive causes of many chronic diseases. Allowing the capillaries to dilate may improve circulation, thus stress levels are reduced.
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.
Increased secretions of:
| ACTH |
| GH |
| Endorphins |
| LH/FSH |
| Prolactin |
| Renin-Angiotensin |
| Aldosterone |
| Musculoskeletal |
Claim to have seen improvements in:
| Arthritis (gouty, rheumatoid and DJD). |
| Shoulder pain |
| Bursitis |
| Post-exercise muscle pain |
| Muscle tension |
| Spinal cord shock |
| Muscle spasms |
| Adhesions Low back pain |
