20 Dec 09 FIR Saunas And Science

Although saunas were first popularized by the Finns, there is another group that made saunas a frequent part of their culture. The Native Americans are well known for their use of sweat lodges. The basics of both the Native American and Finnish saunas are quite similar.

The highly efficient and powerful infrared rays heaters used today trace their roots back to the early 1900’s in Germany, were the far infrared ray sauna was first pioneered. Decades later, advances were made in Japan by Dr. Ishikawa of the Fuji Medical Research and Development Department. Today’s carbon coated ceramic infrared saunas are a result of these early advances.

Infrared ray saunas have gained popularity over the years since they first exploded out of Japan in the 1980’s. Their healing properties have made them very popular among health practitioners and private users alike. Considerable research has gone into demonstrating the effectiveness of FIR (far infrared ray) saunas over the years.

Clinicians and researchers have been studying and using infrared saunas in Japan for many years. Many of the results of these studies are jaw dropping. Here is a quick sampling of some of the findings: - Removes accumulated toxins by improving lymph circulation which are often at the core of many health problems. - Stimulate the hypothalamus, which controls the production of neurochemicals involved in such biological processes as sleep, mood, pain sensations, and blood pressure. - Enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the blood cell to the body’s soft tissue areas. - Promotes regeneration and fast healing. - Increases metabolism between blood and tissue. - Enhances white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products.

The infrared society of Japan, which is composed mostly of medical doctors and physical therapists, is largely responsible for furthering infrared sauna research. The acceptance of infrared saunas as a useful medical tool is a direct result of many of the data that has come from their research. One of the researchers, Dr. Kyuo, has written a book called, “The Scientific Basis and Therapeutic Benefits of Far Infrared Therapy.” Dr. Kyuo’s findings are that many illnesses have been successfully treated with infrared therapy. Some of the illnesses listed in her book were: weight loss; lower blood pressure; facial numbness; and shoulder, back, and knee pain.

Dr. Kyuo also explained how research done in the US supports her findings. “One of the reasons FIR has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins, which are often at the core of many health problems. One study done by American researchers showed that the sweat released by users of a FIR sauna was different than the sweat of people using a conventional sauna or doing normal exercise. The non water portion of sweat released in a FIR sauna was cholesterol, fat soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.” The sweat of people using a conventional sauna was found to be 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using an Far-infrared thermal system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid. Far-Infrared, Technologies that Harness the Sun, Valerie Free, 2001.

After researching infrared saunas, G. E. Poesnecker, N.D., D.C. shared his opinion that “photobiotherapy (far infrared therapy) will become one of the premier healing tools of our future. It will eliminate the need for many of today’s common surgical procedures. I can see the day when every household in the country will have a (FIR) unit on hand. When used properly, it is a safe, effective, natural tool that can enhance, rather than oppose, the body’s own innate healing powers.”

In the same way that cultures before us have enjoyed relaxing in their saunas, so also do we get many of the same health benefits. As labs around the world continue to discover additional uses for infrared saunas, we should keep our eyes peeled.

For more information regarding the many benefits of infrared saunas, visit manyandMED.com

Tags: health and fitness