Sauna
WHAT IS AN INFRARED SAUNA?
Infrared saunas use ‘far’ infrared light to penetrate deep within body tissue, muscle and bones.
Unlike traditional saunas (like a Finnish sauna) that use heated rocks to increase your body temperature, making it difficult to breathe, an infrared sauna uses invisible infrared light, which makes for a much more comfortable experience. By penetrating deep into the body, this allows your core temperature to slowly rise allowing your body to gently detoxify and remove the build up of unwanted toxins in your system. 80% of the heat is directed toward your body’s core, and the other 20% will heat the surrounding air.
Our infrared sauna is heated between 120-170 degrees, heating your core first, providing you with even greater health benefits, while also being more comfortable.
When your core body temperature increases, your lymphatic system, immune system, and cardiovascular system start to benefit.
Your body’s response to the heat is to sweat, releasing heavy metals and other toxins through the skin, the largest detox organ of the body. The water in your body also resonates with far-infrared heat, which supports the detoxification process.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE AN INFRARED SAUNA?
Well, with exposure to pesticides, toxic metals, environmental pollution, and GMOs to name a few, we need a lifestyle of daily detoxification.
Our body has organs and pathways focused on the tasks of eliminating toxins and sweating, is one of the major, and underutilized pathways for elimination of toxins. Studies indicate sweating is a major method of excreting pesticides1, toxic metals,2 (including cadmium, lead, and aluminum), Bisphenol A (BPA),3 and mycotoxins associated with mold exposure.4
This happens as infrared heat energy penetrates tissues, triggering mobilization of chemicals from subcutaneous fat storage, directly into the sweat. Sauna is by far the safest form of detoxification with added benefits for heart disease, enhanced immunity, increased longevity, and even weight loss. Detox programs built around infrared sauna therapy are the most effective and efficient methods of whole body detox.
Weight Loss
Research indicates you can burn up to 600 calories in one 30-minute sauna session, as published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 5
Saunas increase blood flow and heart rate much like exercise. In other research conducted by Binghamton University they found that participants who spent 45-minute sessions in an infrared sauna 3 times a week, lost 4% body fat in just 16 weeks. 6
Immunity
The heat from an infrared sauna increases the body’s production of white blood cells, and induces an artificial fever, which when combined, are the immune system’s first line of defense when infection strikes. Fever is the body’s natural mechanism to strengthen and accelerate the immune response, so it can take the appropriate action against infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria. In studies, heat has been shown to destroy harmful germs and bacteria, while a 1% increase in body temperature results in a 40% increase in immunity, according to Nobuhiro Yoshimizu, MD, PhD. 7,8
Additional effects of infrared sauna therapy include the increase in heat shock proteins leading to improved immunity, and 30% reduced risk of getting a cold or flu with regular sauna use. 9,10,11
Longevity
Regular sauna therapy appears to extend the life span. In one study, 2,315 Finnish men, who used sauna 4 to 7 times per week, had a 40% reduction in mortality from all causes. 14 Another study that supports the observation in extended lifespan from sauna use, relates to increased activity of the FOXO3 gene, a master regulator gene linked to increased longevity. 14,15
FOXO3 gene activation has also been linked to Stem Cell activation, DNA repair, and improved immune function. 14,15,16
Pain & Inflammation
Sauna therapy also shows benefit in reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain.17
In one promising study chronic pain patients experienced a nearly 70% reduction in pain after just one session of infrared sauna therapy.18
Skin and beauty
Far infrared exposure has been shown to impact two essential ingredients of healthy skin by increasing production of collagen and elastin.19,20
Far infrared wavelengths also improve the delivery of nutrients to the skin by increasing blood flow. Saunas may be able to help purify skin, reduce wrinkles, improve stretch marks and cellulite, treat and prevent acne and blackheads.
WHAT BRAND OF SAUNAS DO WE USE?
We use Sunlighten saunas which are extremely low EMF and built with 100% toxin free wood and materials.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND?
You can definitely bring a friend. The saunas are built to fit 2 people, though the seating arrangements are cozy. We charge an extra $5 per session per person.
DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
Yes. We have a strict 24 hour cancelation policy. If you do miss or cancel your appointment with less that 24 hours notice, you will be responsible for payment.
ARE THE SAUNA ROOMS PRIVATE?
Yes, the sauna room is 100% private. We are a busy office however, and you may hear noises from the bustling.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR DURING YOUR SESSION?
The sauna room is private so we welcome you to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in – which can be nothing at all. Please remember to sit on a towel during your session.
SHOULD I SHOWER DURING THE SESSION IF I GET HOT?
No, we do not recommend showering mid-way through an infrared sauna session as this will immediately reduce your core body temperature and halt the detoxification process. If you don’t mind being a little sweaty, we recommend waiting 30 minutes after a session to shower. Your body may continue to sweat for at least 30 minutes after a sauna session so best to wait.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING (and not bring) TO YOUR SESSION?
Bring a change of clothing and a water bottle with electrolytes. We supply towels. Do not bring or apply body lotions or oils before you enter the sauna, as these stain the untreated wood.
WHO SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN USING AN INFRARED SAUNA?
Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity, or Diabetes—Individuals with obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician before use. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and the respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.
Medications—Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics, such as amitriptyline, may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heatstroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heatstroke.
Elderly—The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes to maintain core body temperature. If you are elderly, operate your sauna at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Children—Children’s core body temperature rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using your sauna with a child, operate it at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Reduced Ability To Sweat Or Perspire—Multiple sclerosis, central nervous system tumors, and diabetes with neuropathy are associated with impaired sweating. Consult a physician before using a sauna.
Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone To Bleeding—The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
Fever and Insensitivity to Heat—Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the sauna until the fever subsides.
Pregnancy—Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.
Menstruation—Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. We ask that you do not use the sauna when menstruating.
Joint Injury—Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.
Implants—Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician before using a sauna.
Pacemakers / Defibrillators—Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.
In the rare event that you experience pain or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.
If you are unsure about using an infrared sauna, always consult with your doctor or physician first.
HOW ARE THE SAUNAS CLEANED?
We clean the saunas after each use with organic and natural based products.
HOW OFTEN and how long SHOULD YOU USE THE INFRARED SAUNA?
We recommend at least upwards of twice a week. It can depend on your goal or condition and you can use it daily if you wish. We recommend starting with a 30 minute sauna, cooling off just for a bit, every 10 minutes. As you become a more seasoned sauna-ist, sessions can last up to 60 minutes.
PRICING AND PACKAGES:
30 minute sauna: $25.00 (if you bring a guest, there is an extra charge of $5.00, or the guest can come for free, as long as they bring their own towel)
45 minutes: $30
60 minutes: $35
Purchase 10 visits, and receive a 10% savings.
Infrared Sauna References
1. Stephen J. Genuis, et al. (2016). Human Elimination of Organochlorine Pesticides: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study. BioMed Research International, vol. 2016, Article ID 1624643, 10 pages. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2016/1624643
2. Genuis, S.J.,et al. (2011). Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 61: 344–357. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21057782
3. Genuis, Stephen J et al. (2012). Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. Journal of environmental and public healthvol. 2012 (2012): 185731. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/185731
4. Rea, W.J. (2018). A large case-series of successful treatment of patients exposed to mold and mycotoxin. Clin Ther. 2018; 40: 889–893. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/298611911. W. Dean. Effect of Sweating. (1981). Journal of the American Medical Association. 246: 623. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/360118
5. W. Dean. Effect of Sweating. (1981). Journal of the American Medical Association. 246: 623. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/360118
6. https://infraredsauna.com/weightlossstudy.pdf
7. Soszyński, Dariusz. (2003). The pathogenesis and adaptive value of fever. Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej. 57. 531-54. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14737969
8. Yoshimizu, Nakamachi Nobuhiro, M.D., Ph.D. The Fourth Treatment for Medical Refugees. https://www.bio-mats.com/infrared/the-fourth-treatment-for-medical-refugees
9. Multhoff, G. (2006) Heat Shock Proteins in Immunity. In: Starke K., Gaestel M. (eds) Molecular Chaperones in Health and Disease. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 172. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16610364
10. E. Ernst, E. et al. (1990) Regular Sauna Bathing and the Incidence of Common Colds. Annals of Medicine, 22:4, 225-227. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2248758
11. W. Dean. Effect of Sweating. (1981). Journal of the American Medical Association. 246: 623. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/360118
12. Setor K. K., et al. (2018). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke in Finnish men and women. Neurology. May 2018, 90 (22) e1937-e1944; https://n.neurology.org/content/90/22/e1937
13. Laukkanen, Tanjaniina, et al. (April 2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine 175, no. 4: 542. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25705824
14. Flachsbart, F. et al. Association of FOXO3A variation with human longevity confirmed in German centenarians. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Feb 2009, pnas.0809594106. https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/02/05/0809594106
15. Willcox, B et al. FOXO3A genotype is strongly associated with human longevity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Sep 2008. https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2008/09/02/0801030105
16. Tsai, W. >et al. (2008). Functional interaction between FOXO3a and ATM regulates DNA damage response. Nat Cell Biol 10, 460–467, 2008. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncb1709
17. Masuda A, et al. (2205). The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 2005 ;74(5):288-294. https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/16088266
18. Matsushita K, et al. (2008). Internal Medicine (Tokyo) Aug 15, 2008. The First Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18703857
19. Lee, Ju Hee et al. (2006). “Effects of infrared radiation on skin photo-aging and pigmentation.” Yonsei Medical Journal vol. 47,4 2006: 485-90. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687728
20. LLidija Kandolf-Sekulovic, et al. (2003). Immunomodulatory Effects of Low-Intensity Near-Infrared Laser Irradiation on Contact Hypersensitivity Reaction. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2003; 19: pp 203–212, Blackwell Munksgaard. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12925192
