Saunas Review and Research

Why Choose Far Infrared Heat?

The infrared energy applied in high quality far infrared saunas may induce up to 2-3 times the sweat volume of a traditional hot-air sauna while operating at a significantly cooler air temperature range of 110F to 130F vs. 180F to 235F for hot-air saunas.

It is also distinctly more pleasant to breathe in infrared saunas with air temperatures about 50F to 125F cooler than in traditional hot-air saunas. Due to its user-friendly nature, people naturally prefer to use these dry saunas and will continue to do so on a regular basis because of the ease of breathing the much cooler air while feeling as warm as they choose, and the distinctive feeling of well-being reported by users as an after-effect.

These saunas may even be used with the door fully open if the only effect desired is infrared penetration, or if a very cool, minimal-sweating experience is desired as a pre-activity warm-up while fully clothed. This approach might be used in warming up prior to stretching, working out, running, or exposure to cold weather.

Significantly lower operating costs make this therapy desirable as a 20 minute session, including a 5 minute warm-up, costs about 10 cents of electricity.

What About Bed-Ridden or Wheel-Chair Bound Users?

Far infrared saunas make it possible for people in wheelchairs, or those who are otherwise unable to exert themselves, or who won't follow through on an exercising and conditioning program to help improve blood circulation. This also allows for more variety in any ongoing training program.

The Smarty organic carbon sauna uses two domes that can easily be fitted over a person in bed or another horizontal position.


                     How Does Far Infrared Heat Penetrate?

Due to the deep penetration, over 1.5" into the skin, of the infrared rays generated by these saunas, there is a heating effect deep in the muscular tissues and the internal organs. The body responds to this deep-heating effect via a hypothalamic-induced increase in both heart volume and rate.

Far Infrared Heat May Help:

• Decrease joint stiffness directly
• Increase extensibility of collagen tissues
• Minimize "down" time from injuries
• Relieve muscles spasms
• Reduce pain of various kinds and increase endorphin production
• Increase blood flow
• Improve skin tone and health, unclogging pores
• Ease joint pain and stiffness (without toxic side-effects)
• Burn calories
• Relax muscles and increase flexibility
• Improve immune system
• Reduce stress and fatigue
• Much more

A Winning Combination Of Infrared Sauna 
and Anti-Oxidants For Possible Deep Toxin 
and Heavy Metal Release

If we provide our bodies with a proper balance of anti-oxidants and other nutrients, we help prevent disease and also the aging process.  But, if our food is contaminated with chemicals and is of poor quality, a "balanced" diet alone will do little to help prevent toxin accumulation.

Thus, many see the need to supplement their diet.  Dosages, of course, depend on the individual and the degree of toxemia.  Even so, supplements of anti-oxidants do little, if anything, for the up to five grams of stored toxins in the average adult.

So, what can you do to rid the body of these chemicals?  Some have advocated colonic irrigation, fasting, chelation therapy and proper food combining.  Although testimonials abound for the sense of well-being these methods bring, they have little effect on the stored xenobiotics (foreign substances).  

Over the past decade, some studies have hinted at the effectiveness of a combination of supplemental anti-oxidants, daily exercise and sauna.

The exercise and supplemental anti-oxidants help stimulate the circulation and mobilize the stored chemicals while the sauna allows the individual to expel toxins through the skin.  

Many claim that the sauna, exercise and megavitamin program is the only effective method of detoxification of stored pesticides. 

For centuries, cultures throughout the world have benefited from the healthy pleasures of perspiration baths.  Now you and I both can create our own luxury health spa and enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of infrared therapy anytime we wish - in the comfort and privacy of our own home.

         And that's just the beginning.  There is much more:

Sweating Therapy:  Far infrared sauna heat allows your body to produce a great deal more perspiration through your pores.  Why is that good?  Because sweating therapy is excellent for overall purification and balancing and can effectively be combined with other cleansing therapies.  

The skin is the largest eliminative organ in the body and the elimination through sweating is more passive and requires less expenditure of energy than elimination via the kidneys and bowels.

Sweats were and still are practiced by many Native American people.  By adding herbal teas such as yarrow, elder or peppermint, the process of releasing emotional and physical toxins is enhanced.  

Dr. John R. Christopher, one of America's foremost naturopaths, understood the importance of toxin release through available means of sauna procedures.  Here is one of his comments:  "One of the most important procedures  . . . are the sweat baths.  These will bring the poisons out of the body, wonderfully.  There are various types of {sweat} baths, and these are all very valuable, very invigorating and health-giving." 

But, How Safe is Infrared Radiation?

Okay, I know what you're thinking. Is this thing going to give me skin cancer?  Is it safe?  This may bore you, but let's get technical for a while.  Please bear with me, as these facts must be stated in order to grasp the impact of beneficial infrared therapy.

Let's begin by explaining what exactly radiant heat is.  No need to worry.  It has nothing to do with either ultraviolet radiation (which gives you a sunburn and damages your skin) or atomic radiation (the kind from a nuclear bomb).

Radiant heat is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Radiant heat is also called Infrared Energy (IR). 

The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum occurs just below or infra to red light as the next lowest energy band of light. This band of light is not visible to human eyes but can be seen by special cameras that translate infrared into colors visible to our eyes. We can, however, feel this type of light that we perceive as heat. 

What can infrared technology do for you? 

First of all, infrared or radiant heat warms your body directly and provides a healthy purifying sweat at much lower temperatures than the standard steam saunas and steam sauna rooms.

Portability is also a factor.  Quality far infrared saunas nowadays come in very convenient sections to hide away in a closet or in the corner of a room if necessary.  The cabin models do well in the basement, too as long as there isn't too much dampness.

          Didn't You Mention Improved Skin Appearance As a Benefit?

Yes, perspiration purges clogged pores of deeply imbedded impurities and dead skin cells leaving you with glowing radiant skin. An increase in blood circulation encourages a healthy flow of nutrients to your skin.

 What About Toxin Removal?

The process of perspiration is nature's way of detoxifying your body of waste materials accumulated in your daily life. The Smarty and TheraSauna models we offer do this in an exaggerated but healthful way - thus helping to stimulate this natural process at comfortable, low temperatures.

                      How Does Far Infrared Heat Help Relieve Pain?

Far infrared heat expands and dilates peripheral blood vessels. This action may bring relief to muscles and soft tissues. In addition, increased blood circulation delivers oxygen-rich blood to injured muscles which helps to speed up the body's natural recovery process.  

This type of heat therapy is also good for all-around blood circulation - including the brain for better overall health.

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