Things you should know before using a infra red sauna

[cynical]

Dangers of Infrared Saunas: Important things to know about safe fir sauna use

[cynical]

A User Guide to Thremotex Far Infrared Therapy Products

Interesting says do not use while sleeping
Maybe because it could be dangerous?

[cynical]

For all you brilliant people comparing detox symptoms!

Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Warning Signs, and Treatment Information on MedicineNet.com

[tcmgpt13]

It certainly could deplete the body of electrolytes if used excessively. More is not necessarily better.

Originally Posted by cynical

A User Guide to Thremotex Far Infrared Therapy Products

Interesting says do not use while sleeping
Maybe because it could be dangerous?

[livewell]

Cynical or Cynicals husband,

This statement is a little vague.

Originally Posted by cynical

For all you brilliant people comparing detox symptoms!

Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Warning Signs, and Treatment Information on MedicineNet.com

There is a fair amount of motherly, need to protect, instinct going on here.
That's all well and good. I really hope common sense and in-depth research plays a part in decision making for EVERYONE. This is your health, this is your life.

If anyone is interested in some BASICS about infrared technology let me know and I will put out (share) some here in this thread. That is, if it is safe to share something I believe in or help without being called a con.

Livewell

[Steve Frey]

Cynical wasn't making a statement livewell so I fail to see how one could deem it as vague, in the post you refer to, Cynical provided a link to an article at MedicineNet.com about heat exhaustion, nothing vague about it. As far as being called a con, as long as your not selling anything or working for someone that is selling something, feel free to share all the info you like, but if your a spade I'm going to call you a spade.

[tcmgpt13]

Probable Benefits of Sauna

The following information is supported by randomized, controlled trials in peer-reviewed, medically respected journals. None of these trials specifically refer to infrared saunas.

Improvement in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

• In the Journal of Cardiac Failure, researchers reported statistical improvements in blood pressure, strength of heart (ejection fraction on echocardiogram), and exercise tolerance while reducing number of hospital admissions for this condition in patients treated with sauna. Sauna may be an effective adjunctive treatment in this patients with this condition.

Miyamoto, H. et al. Safety and efficacy in repeated sauna bathing in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: a preliminary report. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2005; 11(6): 432-6.
These claims also supported by Michalsen A, et al. Thermal hydrotherapy improves quality of life and hemodynamic function in patients with chronic heart failure. American Heart Journal. 2003; 146(4): 728-33

• A study in Circulation Journal studied 30 patients with congestive heart failure and preventricular contractions (PVCs), delegating half to 60 degree C sauna treatment for 15 minutes followed by bedrest and the other half to 45 minutes of bed rest once a day for two weeks. The researchers found statistical difference in the number of PVCs as well as a statistical improvement in the subjective functional status of the patients. More research is needed for long-term benefits.

Kihara, Takashi, et al. Effects of repeated saune treatment on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure. Circulation Journal. 2004, 68: 1146-1151.
Possible Improvement in Risk for Heart Disease

• A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggested that repeated use of a sauna improves the function of the impaired vascular endothelial cells in patients who are at risk for coronary artery disease. The mechanism of this is not fully understood and more research needs to be done in order to assess the role of sauna in prevention of heart disease.

Imamura, M, et al. Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2001, 38 (4): 1983-88.
Improvement in Patients with Mild Depression

• A study out of Psychosomatic Medicine looked at a group of 28 mildly depressed patients with appetite loss and subjective symptoms and treated half of the patients with sauna once a day for 4 weeks and half with just bed rest for 4 weeks. They showed a significant improvement in somatic complaints, hunger and relaxation scores in the group treated with sauna compared to the control group. In addition, the plasma ghrelin and daily caloric intake improved in the sauna group significantly more than controls. More research is needed on long-term effects.

Masuda A, et al. Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2005 67 (4): 643-47.
Improvements in Patients with Chronic Pain

• A study in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics tested 46 patients with chronic pain using a variety of treatment modalities with and without far-infrared sauna. They found a decrease in pain score, pain behavior, self-rating depression and anger score in both groups of patients, but a more significant drop was noted in the sauna group. Two years after treatment, more of the patients in the sauna group had returned to work than those without sauna treatment. This may be a very promising method for the treatment of chronic pain.

Masuda, A, et al. The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 2005; 74 (5): 288-94.

http://altmed.creighton.edu/sauna/research_supported_benefits.htm

[tcmgpt13]

Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna

The following claims are not supported by medical evidence. These are claims from far-infrared sauna manufacturers and marketers, and customers.

Detoxification

* Claimed to stimulate the body to release fat-soluble toxins, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals in sweat via pores more effectively than any other form of heat therapy or exercise.

* Sweating via exercise is said not to be as effective because it works via the sympathetic nervous system which is said to inhibit toxin elimination.

* 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.”

* This is the only way to remove the noxious substances that silicon breast implants put out.

* Reports have been made that it can relieve the symptoms of drug-induced lupus.

* The list of chemicals claimed to be removed from the body includes: Mercury, lead, copper, cadmium, manganese, sodium, chloride, arsenic, nickel, benzenes, street drugs, prescription drugs, anesthetics, cholesterol, urea, nicotine, sulfuric acid

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 as well as the killing of microorganisms.

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.

* Some proponents claim that a 15 minute sauna session is as effective for weight loss as rowing or jogging for 30 minutes.

* The improved blood flow to organs and endocrine glands speeds up their metabolic process, increasing caloric burn.

* 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, including lowering blood pressure.

* 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.

* Claims are made that it can take the place of exercise for patients undergoing cardiac rehab, with arthritis, allergies, skin conditions, and other painful conditions.

* 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 and Rejuvenation

* Claims to open clogged pores allowing for removal of dirt, oil, and makeup. In addition, there are 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

Healing of sprains and strains more quickly

Spinal cord shock

Adhesions

Low back pain

Muscle spasms

Cancer Therapy

* Some supporters of sauna therapy state that “hyperthermia is a well-researched therapy for cancer.” They state that the high temperatures can “select” for abnormal cells and that tumors are unable to handle the high heat.
http://altmed.creighton.edu/sauna/new_page_1.htm

[cynical]

livewell,

Never called anyone on this board a Con so unless you are Dr. S I would not be getting your feelings hurt if I were you.

Might want to click on my vague link as well as the others one I have posted on this thread. There are some legit concerns I feel.

Anyone actually sleeping with one of these under yours heads I really hope you are careful. Your head is where your body releases heat you add heat to that over a long period of time you increase your risk for a heat stroke

Not arguing that there are no benefits but there are also conditions that this can make worse.

Thanks Tcm for the list of supposed benefits!

[tcmgpt13]

Manufacturers Claim the Major Advantages of Far Infrared Saunas Over Conventional Saunas Are:

• Far infrared saunas operate at temperatures of 100 degrees F to 130 degrees F. Conventional saunas operate at temperatures of 180 degrees F to 220 degrees F, temperatures are not as well tolerated.
• Far infrared is claimed to heat tissue three times as much as conventional saunas.
• Far infrared's resonant absorption causes more toxins expelled through the kidney, liver, and hair.
• Far infrared saunas are safer as there are no hot surfaces or high temperatures.
• Far infrared saunas are portable and easy to assemble.
• Far infrared saunas' lower temperatures do not dry out the mucous membranes like conventional saunas.
• Infrared energy requires 90% less electrical energy (thus a lower electrical bill).
• Less than 20% of the infrared energy heats the air, leaving 80% available to be directly converted to heat within the body.
• Warms the user to a much greater depth (up to three inches) and more efficiently than the conventional sauna.
• Induces 2-3 times the sweat volume as conventional saunas, increasing many of the health benefits, including detoxification, cardiovascular conditioning, and calorie burning.
• The lower heat ranges may be safer for those with cardiovascular risks.
• The air is more pleasant and easier to breathe, making the sauna more comfortable to use. Many models pump in fresh air.
• Warm up only takes 5-10 minutes compared to 30-90 minutes for conventional saunas.
• Uses no water, thus no plumbing costs, bacterial growth, or cleanup.

Infrared vs. High Heat