Back Pain Articles

Are you thinking about buying a home sauna? There are several companies selling home saunas, with nearly endless choices. You could depend on the opinion of a friend or colleague for your choice but with the diverse and ever changing technology within the marketplace, how do you know if you are arriving at the right decision?

Many Types of Saunas with So Many Differences!
Essentially, we can divide home saunas into two main classes: the traditional style that features a heating element with “hot lava rocks” and the “newer” type which features infrared technology. Traditional (old) style saunas are adequate for shorter sessions but unfortunately, the traditional sauna lacks many of the health and wellness benefits that one could receive from using an infrared sauna.

A disadvantage that traditional saunas present is that their temperatures must reach upper heat levels (150-180 degrees) in order for the body to actually start sweating. This temperature is way too high to safely manage, for any extended length of time, especially if a person has cardiovascular disease or hypertension. Physicians agree that anything longer than 20 minutes at those high temperatures could have a detrimental effect upon your health. In fact, it could actually be putting excessive strain on your heart as your body attempts to counter the effects of the high heat.

Infrared saunas have a totally unique way of “heating up the body”. The heat rendered from infrared saunas permeates the body much deeper (up to 1 3/4 inches compared to the traditional sauna, which only penetrates approximately 1/8 of an inch). Because of this greater heat permeation, your body can create a healthful detoxifying sweat at a much lower sauna temperature–about 120 degrees. Thus, with lower heat, you have greater safety and tremendous added health benefits.

Many doctors are beginning to add infrared sauna therapy into their patient’s treatment programs. These include those with inflammation, necessitated weight loss, cholesterol control, and blood pressure control! An additional impressive advantage of infrared therapy is that the deep penetrating heat is able to allow detoxifying effects on the body. The infrared heat aids the body by drawing out toxins deep below the skin and exfoliating them through the skin. Since we are exposed to several toxins on a daily basis, infrared therapy can assist in secreting these toxins fortifying our immune system and improving our health and well being.

Are All Infrared Saunas Alike?
There are essentially two types of infrared saunas that are currently in the market place today. The differences are based upon by the type of heaters used-ceramic vs. carbon based. In the past, ceramic heaters were the industry standard, but as the technology evolved, carbon based heaters were introduced and now are the industry’s gold standard for infrared sauna therapy.

Ceramic based heaters in infrared saunas are less effective than carbon based heaters. This is because the ceramic rods can only make a limited amount of heat and must work at very high temperatures. This produces a spotty dispersion of the heat, creating “hot spots” (which could burn the user!) and “cold spots”, where there is no heat at all!

Carbon based technology will bring forth an even and uniform heat throughout the sauna and not have the uneven distribution of heat that you get with ceramic heaters. In comparing, a typical two person ceramic infrared sauna, the rods produce approximately 56 square inches of infrared heat, whereas the carbon based infrared saunas produce approximately 572 square inches of heat, in the equivalent size sauna! The research advises that the entire body should be surrounded by the infrared heat to have the best chance to absorb as many rays as possible in order to optimize the health benefits of the therapy.

Is An Infrared Sauna Safe?
As stated above, the medical profession has recognized and attested the numerous benefits of infrared saunas. Infrared therapy and treatment includes: detoxification of the body, weight loss and burning extra calories, blood pressure control, pain easement, diminishing inflammation, alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms and improvements in overall health and well being.

Where Can I Purchase A Carbon Based Infrared Sauna?
There are several company’s specializing in carbon based infrared sauna technology. I suggest that you look for the established companies that are Better Business Bureau accredited and ETL certified and have Carbon Wave 360 Technology. This combination will ensure a safe and high quality purchase.

Looking to find the best deal on home saunas? Then visit Bruce Lipsky, MS’s site to find the best advice on home infrared sauna for you.

The good news is that FIR Saunas have a good amount of clinical research to prove their safety and effectiveness. The bulk of the research is coming out of Japan. It turns out that controlled hyperthermia (raising the temperature of the body) through FIR Sauna therapy helps all of the body’s tissues to get activated and function better. To understand how FIR-Saunas benefit our health see the list below.

Asthma: May be cleared up (like moving to Arizona’s dry air). A case study was reported in which a 41 year old male suffered from toxic occupational asthma, headaches, depression and other complaints. Serum analysis revealed an extremely high level of toluene (a toxin) and antibodies to isocyanate, TMA and formaldehyde (toxins). He was placed on a FIR therapy program and his lungs cleared up within 3 days. After 52 days, his health had improved by 85%. Post treatment analysis revealed no detectable levels of any volatile compounds.

Blood Pressure (High): 1. Finnish researchers state that there is abundant evidence to suggest that blood vessels of regular sauna-goers remain elastic and pliable longer due to the regular dilation and contraction of blood vessels induced by sauna use. German medical researchers reported in “Dermatol Monatsschr” in 1989 that a single whole-body session of infrared-induced hyperthermia lasting over one hour had only beneficial effects on subjects with stage I-II essential hypertension. Each subject experienced a rise in core body temperature to a maximum level of 38.5C (101.3F). All of the subjects in one experiment had significant decrease in arterial, venous and mean blood pressure that lasted for at least 24 hours and was linked, according to the researchers, to a persistent peripheral dilation effect. An improvement in plasma viscosity was also noted. 2. Another group of similar hypertension patients was also studied under the same conditions of infrared-induced hyperthermia, with an eye toward more carefully evaluating the circulatory system effects induced by this type of whole-body heating. During each infrared session, there was a significant decrease of blood pressure, cardiac ejection resistance, and total peripheral resistance in every subject. There was also a significant increase during each session of the subjects’ heart rates, stroke volumes, cardiac outputs and ejection fractions. The researchers cite these last three effects as evidences that the stimulation of the heart during infrared-induced hyperthermia is well compensated, while the prior list of effects clearly show the microcirculatory changes that lead to the desired result of a lowering of blood pressure. 3. See more information under Heart Disease

Cellulite: Cellulite is a gel-like substance made up of fat, water and wastes, which are trapped in pockets below the skin. FIR sauna therapy can assist this condition, as profuse sweating helps clear this form of unwanted debris from the body. European beauty specialists confirm that a sauna will greatly speed any anti-cellulite program. Because FIR saunas have at least twice the depth of heat penetration into cellulite combined with up to 10 times the level of heating in these tissues, they are significantly more effective than any conventional sauna at removing cellulite.

Detoxification: Hyperthermia (fever) is the body’s natural way to eliminate bacteria, viruses and toxic organisms by sweating them out through the skin. Infrared sauna use is perhaps the most effective method of prompting hyperthermia (rise in body temperature) for the purpose of detoxification. Increased blood circulation stimulates the sweat glands, quickly expunging built-up toxins and waste, through the skin, the body’s largest organ. Daily sweating can help detoxify the body as it rids itself of an accumulation of potentially carcinogenic heavy metals (lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium, aluminum) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid, arsenic, cholesterol, ammonia, uric acid, hydrocarbon residues, narcotic drugs and hormone disrupting chemicals (dioxins, PCBs, formaldehyde, agricultural chemicals, industrial chemicals, gasoline, pesticides, food additives, etc.). These toxins may be deposited deep beneath the skin in the body fat and internal organs. Infrared is able to penetrate deep into the body and cause a resonance in the water molecules that surrounds the cells. Because the far infrared frequency matches that of the body, this resonance allows the water molecules to move more freely in and out through the membrane of the cells. As sweat and oils and secreted, the toxins dissolved in them are secreted as well.

Flexibility: A FIR Sauna is perfect as a “heat therapy room” for athletes looking for a pre-workout warm-up to warm up muscles and increase flexibility, helping to prevent injury. It’s also ideal for pre-warm-up for physical therapy and massage therapy, or for a relaxing, wind-down at the end of a stress-filled day.

In 12 patient study of neonates with congestive heart failure due to ventricular septal defect, clinical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure decreased, urine nitrate levels decreased and 75% of patients avoided surgical repair.

Immune System: The deep heat from the FIR sauna raises your body temperature, inducing an artificial fever. Our bodies normally develop fever when ill to enhance metabolism and help to kill germs; the physiology is very similar for artificially induced fever. As the body works to combat the artificial “fever,” the body’s immune system is strengthened. FIR Saunas increase overall health and resistance to disease as heating of the tissues enhances metabolic processes. The leukocyte, macrophage, NK cells and T cells are activated (the immune power is multiplied by 200 times by raising the body core temperature up 3.5 degrees). Greater cellular energy production facilitates healing. The stimulated immune system helps the body to fight off any invasive organisms like bacteria or virus in the early stages of cold, cough, or flu, preventing disease from occurring. Viruses, tumors and toxin-laden cells which are weaker than normal cells are excreted as they tolerate heat poorly. Raising the body temperature causes infections to heal more quickly. Hyperthermia even helps to combat cancer.

Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms have long been observed to be reduced through the use of heat, whether they be secondary to underlying skeletal, joint, or neuro-pathological conditions. This result is possibly produced by the combined effect of heat on both primary and secondary afferent nerves from spindle cells and from its effects on Golgi tendon organs. The results produced demonstrated their peak effect within the therapeutic temperature range obtainable with FIR heat.

Skin/Beauty: 1. The profuse sweating achieved after just a few minutes in far infrared sauna unclogs the skin pores and carries off deeply embedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing, youthful, baby smooth, soft, immaculately clean and free of accumulated dirt and dry skin cells. Increased circulation and dilation of the body’s capillary network draws the skin’s own natural nutrients to the surface. It improves complexion, tone, elasticity, texture and fresh color of the skin. 2. Increased blood circulation has also been shown to relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, lesions and cuts. In addition, open wounds may heal more quickly, reducing scarring and even burns.

Hopefully this list of health benefits will be useful. More positive results keep coming in from users and researches around the world so we will have to keep an eye on incoming information.

Visit HEALTHandMED.com in order to know more regarding the benefits of regularly using far infrared ray (FIR) saunas

Finally, portable infrared ray saunas are available and at a price we can all live with. In the few years since portable infrared ray saunas have been available to purchase they have topped the wish lists of people around the globe.

All of this infrared ray sauna buzz is a direct result of two important and unique features of these portable saunas. First, they are portable, so you can take them everywhere you travel. All you need is a duffel bag, or anything really, as long as its roughly the size of a suitcase. Second, they are very efficient at what they do. The average person can burn as many calories sitting in their portable infrared sauna reading a magazine for 30 minutes that they can running 2-3 miles.

Just a short session in the sauna lessens pain in muscles and joints. Sitting in a sauna for 30 minutes releases endorphins into the blood according to a study by Czech Scientists. Endorphins are the bodies natural method for relieving pain and also contribute to the euphoric feeling that often follows a healthy aerobic workout.

As a result of everyday living we accumulate toxins in our bodies. Experts are saying that we have over 400 new toxins today that didn’t even exist 45 years ago (Dr. Steve Nugent, 2003.) This is a trend that portable infrared saunas have been proven to be a major contributor in reversing this trend and removing many of the toxins in our bodies’ cells.

When toxins such as mercury, lead, chlorine, etc. enter our systems, they are absorbed by water molecules with-in our cells. Where ever these toxins are found, cellular energy is lessened and blood circulation is blocked. Deep penetrating infrared heat causes the water molecules to vibrate which reduces the ion bonds that hold together the molecules of water. Encapsulated gases and other toxic materials are released as the breakdown of the water molecules takes place.

Water molecules vibrate at roughly 9400 micrometers. Portable infrared saunas emit rays at that same level, which is beneficial for humans. Our bodies are 60% water which makes these infrared saunas very efficient for detox and relaxation.

One of the major effects of the deep penetrating infrared heat is a relaxing of internal muscles and organs. There are few better ways to escape the stresses of daily life than with a session in one of these portable saunas.

It is a wonder no one came up with these sooner. They are so effective at what they do and are easy to bring everywhere you go. At around three-hundred dollars apiece they are a steal.

Fibromyalgia is an progressively epidemic ailment which results in enduring pain all over and including aching joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia leaves its suffers with extreme fatigue, limited mobility upon rising in the morning, insomnia, migraines, insensibility to touch in hands and feet, low spirits, and anguish.

The most commonplace medical care for fibromyalgia is pain relief meds to combat the never ending complaints. It is widely publicized that there are also bad after effects related to habitual use of analgesic medications. Up to date research on extended use of over the counter painkillers like Advil, Motrin and Aleve have demonstrated that the likelihood of contracting oral cancer dropped by nearly 50%. Conversely, the danger of dying from coronary illness among ibuprofen users went up over three times as much.

In addition, the press has rather a lot to report recently about Bextra, Vioxx and Celebrex (pharmaceuticals) which have left many folks in serious health situations with horrendous complications. The Food and Drug Administration in the US publicly warns against the use of all pain abating drugs over the long term.

Over the counter medications are not the only way to find relief from aches and pains. People may also get some symptomatic relief from many different natural cures that not only treat inflammation and pain, but also shield your heart from the damaging effects of prescription medications.

Using infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief is becoming a more and more recognized effective treatment. Research has demonstrated that treating the discomfort of fibromyalgia with deep heat is better than pain alleviation medicines. Infrared saunas emit heat that penetrates below the surface of the skin and can positively affect the whole body.

In addition, the detox side affects of using an infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief motivate the body to return to its natural disposition of well being.

Moreover, when you use an infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief , you can also relieve the fatigue and depression symptoms that from time to time accompany the physical pain of this malady. When one gets going with infrared sauna sessions, the quantity and quality of one’s rest tend to improve. Also, infrared heat may reduce depression by stimulating the pituitary.

Regular infrared sauna sessions for fibromyalgia can markedly reduce fibromyalgia symptoms without medicines. When mixed with the myriad of other health advantages related to infrared sauna, undergoing these treatments is a reasonable plan.

Finally, portable infrared ray saunas are available and at a price we can all live with. In the few years since portable infrared ray saunas have been available to purchase they have topped the wish lists of people around the globe.

The reasons behind the popularity of the portable infrared ray saunas are pretty obvious, and two fold. On the one hand you can bring them along with you no matter the destination due to their portability. On the other hand they have a huge bang for their buck. Studies show that a thirty minute session in a portable infrared ray sauna is roughly equivalent to a 2-3 mile run.

Just a short session in the sauna lessens pain in muscles and joints. Sitting in a sauna for 30 minutes releases endorphins into the blood according to a study by Czech Scientists. Endorphins are the bodies natural method for relieving pain and also contribute to the euphoric feeling that often follows a healthy aerobic workout.

There is an ever worsening problem among people today. Some researchers have found in our bodies over 400 new toxins today that didn’t even exist 45 years ago (Dr. Steve Nugent, 2003.) Our bodies are continually storing more toxic materials. It has been proven that the extraction of these toxins is greatly improved by regular infrared sauna use.

The list of toxins we are continually accumulating is long with things like chlorine or lead being high on the chart. Water molecules absorb these toxins and move throughout the body causing worsened blood flow and lessened energy. Infrared heat functions to break the water molecules apart. This frees the toxins and allows the body to remove them.

The human body is very compatible with infrared ray saunas. Water molecules vibrate at about 9400 micrometers which is where the sauna rays vibrate. Since we are roughly 60% percent water we are able to absorb the infrared heat very well. All the while we enjoy a comfortable and warm sauna environment.

These portable saunas really make it easy to slip away from the rough and tumble of your day and relax. The penetrating infrared rays really get at the internal organs and muscles and help to sooth them.

With so many health benefits, the ease of portability and a price tag of around only $300 for an entire spa, it is no wonder the portable infrared saunas are popular. What took so long for someone to come up with the idea?