Sauna comparisons, tips, and contradictions.... (details inside)

January 1, 2014 David Fredrickson

Which saunas are best? Detoxification is a life-long process and Kasia Organics provides health services and products to support your lifestyle, void the chemicals. Take an additional look at the many benefits of using a sauna, the comparisons, tips, and contradictions.

Scientific Proof

Scientific evidence shows that thousands of drugs, food additives, pesticides, and other pollutants remain stored in the body long after exposure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, everyone has 700 chemicals on average in our bodies, while babies have 70 on average. When toxins are not excreted from our body, they accumulate in our fat tissue and do ongoing damage. It’s one of our body’s defense mechanisms to keep toxins away from the vital organs. The heat stress of a sauna is an effective method of removing fat-stored toxins from the body.

SAUNA COMPARISON

There are many types of saunas, including the conventional Swedish or Finnish sauna, far infrared, and near infrared. Let’s do a comparison:

Traditional saunas consist of a small room that is heated with a heater powered by electricity, gas, wood or other fuel. Heat from conventional saunas penetrates only a few millimeters even though the temperature can range from 180-220 degrees Fahrenheit. With traditional saunas, your sweat is 2-3% toxins.
Far infrared saunas use ceramic, metallic rods, or carbon (the best) for heating that mainly emit in the far infrared range. Infrared heats you, rather than the air, with penetration 1.5 inches or more. Air temperature ranges from 120-150 degrees normally. With infrared saunas, your sweat is 15-20% toxins.
Near Infrared saunas use incandescent infrared heat lamps or carbon for heating. They emit mainly near infrared, some middle infrared and perhaps a tiny amount of far infrared energy. Again, the rays penetrate about 3 inches. The air temperature can be kept at a comfortable 110-140 degrees, allowing people to sauna who are sick or sensitive to heat. With infrared saunas, your sweat is 15-20% toxins.
Steam rooms can be very hot and may not allow many to stay in for very long. While you do sweat in a steam room, you won’t enjoy the benefit of deep penetrating infrared rays. The steam room heat will penetrate a few millimeters like a traditional sauna.

Far and near infrared have many of the same benefits, but clinical research shows that different parts of the infrared spectrum are more effective than others at targeting various health benefits. Below is a chart so you can seek out the part of the spectrum that meets your needs.

Infrared Wavelength	Benefits
Near Infrared	Cell health/immunity, Wound healing, Skin purification, Pain relief
Mid Infrared	Pain relief, Improved circulation, Weight loss
Far Infrared	Weight loss, Detoxification, Blood pressure reduction, Relaxation

NEAR INFRARED

New research on near infrared therapy (NIR) proves the following health benefits, though many of these benefits are also enjoyed with far infrared therapy.

BOOSTS METABOLISM – The mitochondria (power plants of the cells) produce more ATP (energy currency of the cells) when NIR (near infrared rays) is introduced.
WOUND HEALING – Physicians from NASA and the Medical College of Wisconsin found that NIR LED light significantly promotes faster cell regeneration, wound healing and human tissue growth. Human cell growth increased by 155%-171% in some cases and wound size decreased by 36%.
INCREASES ENERGY – NIR activates the color sensitive chemicals (chromophores & cytochrome systems) to depths of 23 centimeters (or about 10 inches), stimulating the energy processes in cells.
IMPROVES CIRCULATION TO THE MUSCLES – NIR causes the release of nitric oxide. This stimulates vasodilatation of the microcirculatory system, bringing more blood to the muscles.
BETTER ENDURANCE – Muscle fatigue was reduced by up to 42.2% when exposing muscle to NIR.
INCREASES STRENGTH – Growth hormone release is induced by an increase in body temperature and not by exercise itself. Growth hormone increases muscle mass, calcium retention, and lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat).
FASTER RECOVERY TIME – Certain tissue regenerating genes including integrins, laminin, gap junction proteins and kinesin proteins have shown a two- to five-fold increase upon exposure to NIR.
REDUCES VISIBLE CELLULITE – Cellulite is fat mixed with toxins that are trapped, in part due to an underactive circulatory system. Cellulite is so visible, in part due to weakened connective tissue. NIR helps rebuild connective tissue, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
REJUVENATES SKIN – DNA synthesis of fibroblasts, which affects the elasticity of skin, increased five-fold with NIR. The result is younger-looking, more beautiful skin.
PAIN RELIEF – Penetrating heat from NIR has long been proven to reduce pain in joints and muscles by reducing inflammation and increasing circulation to areas of discomfort. NIR has also been shown to significantly increase the range of flexibility.
HEALS INFECTIONS - Raising body temperature powerfully assists the body to kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Many people have a low body temperature and, for this reason, cannot get rid of chronic infections. Common sites of infections are the sinuses, ears, eyes, bladder, throat and intestines.
HEALS CANCER – NIR helps kill many types of abnormal cells mutated by radiation or damaged by other toxins, including tumors. Tumors, for example, tolerate heat poorly. Raising body temperature hastens their death. Though not a conventional method, hyperthermia is a well-researched therapy for cancer.

FAR INFRARED

Research from Japan and other countries prove the many, many benefits of far infrared therapy (FIR).

WEIGHT LOSS – FIR burns 200-600 calories an hour! It is the perfect complement to a weight loss regimen.
INCREASED HEALING – FIR increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to damaged tissues aiding reduction of chronic joint and muscle pain or sport injuries.
REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE – German medical researchers concluded one session of FIR for over 1 hour can have significant reduction of blood pressure thanks to persistent peripheral vessel dilation. They also noted that blood viscosity was improved.
IMPROVES SKIN – FIR opens pores that have been malfunctioning for years, forcing out clogging cosmetics, and loosening dry outer skin, healing acne and scars.
PROMOTES HEALTHY ARTERIES - When the normally smooth, firm lining of the arteries become thickened and roughened by deposits of fat, fibrin, calcium and cellular debris, it reduces their ability to expand and contract, slowing the movement of blood through narrowed channels. These conditions make it easier for blood clots to form. FIR is able to neutralize blood toxicity and smooth the walls of arteries, capillaries and veins.
HEALS UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS - FIR has proven to be outstanding for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, flu, sinusitis and congestion as it clears inflammation, swelling and mucus clogged passages. FIR kills viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections.
DETOXIFICATION – FIR enhances white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products.  It also removes accumulated toxins by improving lymph circulation.

Far infrared therapy is being used all over the world to treat a wide array of diseases and conditions. There have been hundreds of clinical trials reporting success with the use of FIR treatment for the following:

Acne (clears acne and blackheads).
Adhesions (common in competitive athletes, trauma, and repetitive stress syndromes).
Arthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis (relieved or improved).
Asthma, bronchitis.
Body odor.
Brain contusion (accelerated healing).
Bursitis (eliminated).
Cancer pain (greatly relieved pain in later stages).
Cardiovascular health (improved).
Carpel tunnel syndrome (positive results in 70% of patients).
Crohn’s disease.
Chronic middle-ear inflammation or infection.
Cirrhosis of the liver (reversed).
Compression fractures (pain eliminated or reduced).
Dandruff (increased blood flow through the scalp).
Disc-protrusion related neuralgia.
Duodenal ulcers (eliminated).
Ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Eczema and psoriasis (respond well).
Exercise recovery and muscle pain.
Gastritis (relieved).
Gastroenteric problems.
Hemorrhoids (reduced).
Hepatitis (eliminated).
High blood pressure (reduced).
Insomnia.
Keloid scars (significantly softened and, in some cases, completely gone).
Lacerations (healed quicker with less pain and scarring).
Leg ulcers (healed when previously static and resistant to other care).
Low-back pain (relieved).
Menopause.
Muscle spasms (reduced or eliminated).
Nose bleeding (reduced).
Post-surgical adhesions (reduced).
Scars and pain from burns or wounds (decreased in severity and extent).
Sciatica.
Sore throats.
Spinal chord shock (reversed post traumatic shock).
Tinnitus (chronic severe case cleared with 10 infrared treatments).
TMJ arthritis.
Whiplash.

SAUNA TIPS

Here are a few tips to turn you into a sauna pro!

HOW LONG – Begin with only 10-20 minutes in the sauna. After a few weeks, if you feel well enough to do so, you may increase to between 30-60 minutes. Never begin with sessions longer than 20-minutes once a day because this can cause massive healing reactions that are unpleasant and even dangerous.
HOW OFTEN – Work up to regular use over time. It will take you one year to completely detox when using the sauna every day to every other day. After this, you can maintain your clean, healthy body by using the sauna twice a week.
HYDRATE – Be sure to properly hydrate with fresh, pure water before and after taking a sauna. After all that sweating, I recommend you replace your electrolytes with coconut water, nature’s Gatorade, or sea salt in your food.
GET NAKED – Infrared emitters do not work through clothing. Disrobe as much as possible to optimize the heating and sweating effects. A bathing suit is fine.
ASK – Always consult a health professional if you have a chronic illness and are not sure about sauna use. Keep in mind that many mainstream doctors may not be aware of a sauna’s benefits and may be skeptical about its benefits. Most people who have diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses have found no problems in using a sauna. Infrared sauna sessions are a must for those with cancer.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Seek permission from your doctor prior to use for the following conditions:

Under 12 years old
The Elderly
Cardiovascular Conditions
Chronic Conditions
Silicone Breast Implants. Sauna makers tend to suggest avoiding saunas if you have implants, however, after doing some research it seems it is safe to use saunas with breast implants. The general consensus seems to be that saunas can contribute to the demise of the implants, but there is no proof of this. If you experience pain in your breasts while in a sauna, get out immediately and see your doctor.

Infrared sauna use is contraindicated for people with the following conditions:

Pregnancy
Hemophilia
Hyperthyroidism
Fever
Insensitivity to Heat
Alcohol Abuse
Hip replacements
Metal implants
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis

Contact Kasia Organic Salon today to schedule your INFRARED SAUNA SESSION!

A big THANK YOU (blog post guest) to Wendy from Liveto110.com

Which saunas are best? Detoxification is a life-long process and Kasia Organics provides health services and products to support your lifestyle, void the chemicals. Take an additional look at the many benefits of using a sauna, the comparisons, tips, and contradictions.

Scientific Proof

SAUNA COMPARISON

There are many types of saunas, including the conventional Swedish or Finnish sauna, far infrared, and near infrared. Let’s do a comparison:

Steam rooms can be very hot and may not allow many to stay in for very long. While you do sweat in a steam room, you won’t enjoy the benefit of deep penetrating infrared rays. The steam room heat will penetrate a few millimeters like a traditional sauna.

Far and near infrared have many of the same benefits, but clinical research shows that different parts of the infrared spectrum are more effective than others at targeting various health benefits. Below is a chart so you can seek out the part of the spectrum that meets your needs.

Infrared Wavelength

Benefits

Near Infrared

Cell health/immunity, Wound healing, Skin purification, Pain relief

Mid Infrared

Pain relief, Improved circulation, Weight loss

Far Infrared

Weight loss, Detoxification, Blood pressure reduction, Relaxation

NEAR INFRARED

New research on near infrared therapy (NIR) proves the following health benefits, though many of these benefits are also enjoyed with far infrared therapy.

BOOSTS METABOLISM – The mitochondria (power plants of the cells) produce more ATP (energy currency of the cells) when NIR (near infrared rays) is introduced.

WOUND HEALING – Physicians from NASA and the Medical College of Wisconsin found that NIR LED light significantly promotes faster cell regeneration, wound healing and human tissue growth. Human cell growth increased by 155%-171% in some cases and wound size decreased by 36%.

INCREASES ENERGY – NIR activates the color sensitive chemicals (chromophores & cytochrome systems) to depths of 23 centimeters (or about 10 inches), stimulating the energy processes in cells.

IMPROVES CIRCULATION TO THE MUSCLES – NIR causes the release of nitric oxide. This stimulates vasodilatation of the microcirculatory system, bringing more blood to the muscles.

BETTER ENDURANCE – Muscle fatigue was reduced by up to 42.2% when exposing muscle to NIR.

INCREASES STRENGTH – Growth hormone release is induced by an increase in body temperature and not by exercise itself. Growth hormone increases muscle mass, calcium retention, and lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat).

FASTER RECOVERY TIME – Certain tissue regenerating genes including integrins, laminin, gap junction proteins and kinesin proteins have shown a two- to five-fold increase upon exposure to NIR.

REDUCES VISIBLE CELLULITE – Cellulite is fat mixed with toxins that are trapped, in part due to an underactive circulatory system. Cellulite is so visible, in part due to weakened connective tissue. NIR helps rebuild connective tissue, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

REJUVENATES SKIN – DNA synthesis of fibroblasts, which affects the elasticity of skin, increased five-fold with NIR. The result is younger-looking, more beautiful skin.

PAIN RELIEF – Penetrating heat from NIR has long been proven to reduce pain in joints and muscles by reducing inflammation and increasing circulation to areas of discomfort. NIR has also been shown to significantly increase the range of flexibility.

FAR INFRARED

Research from Japan and other countries prove the many, many benefits of far infrared therapy (FIR).

WEIGHT LOSS – FIR burns 200-600 calories an hour! It is the perfect complement to a weight loss regimen.

INCREASED HEALING – FIR increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to damaged tissues aiding reduction of chronic joint and muscle pain or sport injuries.

REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE – German medical researchers concluded one session of FIR for over 1 hour can have significant reduction of blood pressure thanks to persistent peripheral vessel dilation. They also noted that blood viscosity was improved.

IMPROVES SKIN – FIR opens pores that have been malfunctioning for years, forcing out clogging cosmetics, and loosening dry outer skin, healing acne and scars.

HEALS UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS - FIR has proven to be outstanding for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, flu, sinusitis and congestion as it clears inflammation, swelling and mucus clogged passages. FIR kills viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections.

DETOXIFICATION – FIR enhances white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products. It also removes accumulated toxins by improving lymph circulation.

Far infrared therapy is being used all over the world to treat a wide array of diseases and conditions. There have been hundreds of clinical trials reporting success with the use of FIR treatment for the following:

Acne (clears acne and blackheads).

Adhesions (common in competitive athletes, trauma, and repetitive stress syndromes).

Arthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis (relieved or improved).

Asthma, bronchitis.

Body odor.

Brain contusion (accelerated healing).

Bursitis (eliminated).

Cancer pain (greatly relieved pain in later stages).

Cardiovascular health (improved).

Carpel tunnel syndrome (positive results in 70% of patients).

Crohn’s disease.

Chronic middle-ear inflammation or infection.

Cirrhosis of the liver (reversed).

Compression fractures (pain eliminated or reduced).

Dandruff (increased blood flow through the scalp).

Disc-protrusion related neuralgia.

Duodenal ulcers (eliminated).

Ear, nose, and throat conditions.

Eczema and psoriasis (respond well).

Exercise recovery and muscle pain.

Gastritis (relieved).

Gastroenteric problems.

Hemorrhoids (reduced).

Hepatitis (eliminated).

High blood pressure (reduced).

Insomnia.

Keloid scars (significantly softened and, in some cases, completely gone).

Lacerations (healed quicker with less pain and scarring).

Leg ulcers (healed when previously static and resistant to other care).

Low-back pain (relieved).

Menopause.

Muscle spasms (reduced or eliminated).

Nose bleeding (reduced).

Post-surgical adhesions (reduced).

Scars and pain from burns or wounds (decreased in severity and extent).

Sciatica.

Sore throats.

Spinal chord shock (reversed post traumatic shock).

Tinnitus (chronic severe case cleared with 10 infrared treatments).

TMJ arthritis.

Whiplash.

SAUNA TIPS

Here are a few tips to turn you into a sauna pro!

HOW OFTEN – Work up to regular use over time. It will take you one year to completely detox when using the sauna every day to every other day. After this, you can maintain your clean, healthy body by using the sauna twice a week.

HYDRATE – Be sure to properly hydrate with fresh, pure water before and after taking a sauna. After all that sweating, I recommend you replace your electrolytes with coconut water, nature’s Gatorade, or sea salt in your food.

HEALS UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS - FIR has proven to be outstanding for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, flu, sinusitis and congestion as it clears inflammation, swelling and mucus clogged passages. FIR kills viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections.

DETOXIFICATION – FIR enhances white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products.  It also removes accumulated toxins by improving lymph circulation.