FAR-INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY

From the native civilizations across North America to the Scandinavian cultures of northern Europe, people worldwide have recognized the health benefits of increasing one’s body temperature. Unfortunately, sweat lodges are not as common as they once were but modern technology has helped bring the benefits of heat to us in the form of products using far-infrared radiation (FIR). Today, you will find heat lamps, quilts, and even hair dryers that deliver therapeutic heat to our bodies. However, my favourite form of far-infrared radiation technology for the purpose of detoxification is the sauna.

Radiation, you say? Yes, I know radiation has negative connotations in modern society and we avoid all things radioactive (if we know what they are). What most of us do not realize is that radiation comes in many forms. There is the lethal atomic radiation from a nuclear bomb blast. Ultraviolet radiation, such as the harmful rays from the sun, can burn and damage the skin when it penetrates the ozone layers. But the sun also delivers healing, warm rays or radiant heat. This is infrared radiation, a form of energy that heats objects directly. In other words, it does not heat the air in between.

A short science lesson helps to explain the heat/radiation/energy relationship. Infrared radiation is measured as light along the electromagnetic spectrum. It falls below (“infra”) the red light segment along this spectrum—hence the name infrared. While it is not visible to the human eye, this light penetrates our skin surface and is absorbed by our cells. Visible light simply bounces off our skin.

Near-infrared light is absorbed at the skin level and will cause the surface skin temperature to increase moderately. Far-infrared light can penetrate our bodies up to an estimated four centimetres and works energetically at the cellular level. Research has demonstrated that this penetrating radiant heat can increase metabolism and blood circulation in addition to raising our core body temperature. And what do all of these things have in common? You guessed it: they promote detoxification and help to heal the body.

Please do not confuse FIR saunas with the traditional idea of a sauna. You won’t be pouring water over hot rocks to create steam and moist heat. These steam saunas can be beneficial but the high temperatures and humidity can create a cardiovascular risk. FIR saunas mimic nature by delivering radiant heat through ceramic infrared heaters. No hot stones, no water, no humidity, but plenty of sweat. The energy delivered from a FIR sauna creates a “sweat volume” that is two to three times greater than a conventional steam sauna. This is also accomplished at a lower (and therefore less risky) temperature. FIR saunas typically operate in the 43°C to 55°C range, while steam saunas can reach 82°C to 113°C. Consequently, heart rate and blood pressure concerns are greatly reduced while you sweat out those toxins. The most important thing to remember is to replace that fluid and mineral loss with pure water to prevent dehydration. In addition to your usual eight to ten cups of water daily, add at least two more cups for each sauna session.

If you can find a health practitioner who offers FIR sauna as a therapy, I urge you to consider adding it to the detoxification program. If you can afford to purchase one (about $5,000 and up), it is a great lifestyle addition. These units often look like small cabins constructed of various wood species such as cedar or oak. FIR saunas vary in dimensions but can typically accommodate one to six people.