Many studies have shown remarkable results of far infrared for many health conditions
Study of far infrared's effects at a cellular level finds that far infrared resonates with the cells more than near infrared. (Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications)
Detoxing Heavy Metals and other Toxins
Heavy metals can be detoxed/released from the body via the sweat and urine. Far infrared can help in breaking down the toxins stored in the fat tissue.
"In individuals with higher exposure or body burden, sweat generally exceeded plasma or urine concentrations, and dermal could match or surpass urinary daily excretion. Arsenic dermal excretion was several-fold higher in arsenic-exposed individuals than in unexposed controls. Cadmium was more concentrated in sweat than in blood plasma. Sweat lead was associated with high-molecular-weight molecules, and in an interventional study, levels were higher with endurance compared with intensive exercise. Mercury levels normalized with repeated saunas in a case report. Sweating deserves consideration for toxic element detoxification. Research including appropriately sized trials is needed to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols." (Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review)
Study shows benefit for chronic pain and also for illness related to environmental toxin exposure;
"Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and for post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefit. Existing evidence supports the use of saunas as a component of depuration (purification or cleansing) protocols for environmentally-induced illness." (Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced and other chronic health problems)
Firefighters use infrared saunas to detox after being exposed to toxins in smoke
Firefighters are exposed to many toxins from smoke and debris. Using an infrared sauna is one important way they can eliminate these toxins. (IFD firefighters sweat out dangerous toxins to fight back against growing cancer epidemic)
Sauna detoxing has been used on people who were exposed to toxins on 9/11. Here is a report about detoxing which includes dioxins.(Health Status of Rescue Workers Improved by Sauna Detoxification)
"In individuals with higher exposure or body burden, sweat generally exceeded plasma or urine concentrations, and dermal could match or surpass urinary daily excretion. Arsenic dermal excretion was several-fold higher in arsenic-exposed individuals than in unexposed controls. Cadmium was more concentrated in sweat than in blood plasma. Sweat lead was associated with high-molecular-weight molecules, and in an interventional study, levels were higher with endurance compared with intensive exercise. Mercury levels normalized with repeated saunas in a case report. Sweating deserves consideration for toxic element detoxification. Research including appropriately sized trials is needed to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols." (Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review)
Study shows benefit for chronic pain and also for illness related to environmental toxin exposure;
"Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and for post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefit. Existing evidence supports the use of saunas as a component of depuration (purification or cleansing) protocols for environmentally-induced illness." (Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced and other chronic health problems)
Firefighters use infrared saunas to detox after being exposed to toxins in smoke
Firefighters are exposed to many toxins from smoke and debris. Using an infrared sauna is one important way they can eliminate these toxins. (IFD firefighters sweat out dangerous toxins to fight back against growing cancer epidemic)
Sauna detoxing has been used on people who were exposed to toxins on 9/11. Here is a report about detoxing which includes dioxins.(Health Status of Rescue Workers Improved by Sauna Detoxification)
Pain Relief, Healing Wounds and Arthritis
Study shows far infrared reduces pain and increases tissue repair in wounds. (The Application of Far-Infrared in the Treatment of Wound Healing)
Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology. 2009 January 01. vol. 28 issue 1, pages 29-34 doi10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y. Fredrikus G. J. Oosterveld, Johannes J. Rasker, Mark Floors, Robert Landkroon, Bob van Rennes, Jan Zwijnenberg, Mart A. F. J. van de Laar, Gerard J. Koel.
Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology. 2009 January 01. vol. 28 issue 1, pages 29-34 doi10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y. Fredrikus G. J. Oosterveld, Johannes J. Rasker, Mark Floors, Robert Landkroon, Bob van Rennes, Jan Zwijnenberg, Mart A. F. J. van de Laar, Gerard J. Koel.
Improving Mood/Depression and Increasing Energy
Japanese study shows increases in patient's mood after sauna use. They also found detoxing of heavy metals. (Psychological Characteristics after Far-infrared Hyperthermia Evaluated Using the Profile of Mood State (POMS)
"Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever were dramatically improved after 15 to 25 sessions of thermal therapy."(The effects of repeated thermal therapy for two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome)
"Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever were dramatically improved after 15 to 25 sessions of thermal therapy."(The effects of repeated thermal therapy for two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome)
Improving Circulation
Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Kihara T, Biro S, Imamura M, et alJ Am Coll Cardiol. 2002 March. 39(5):754-759. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(01)01824-1.
Far-infrared therapy: a novel treatment to improve access blood flow and unassisted patency of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. Lin CC, Chang CF, Lai MY, Chen TW, Lee PC, Yang WC. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):985-92. Epub 2007 Jan 31.
Far-infrared therapy: a novel treatment to improve access blood flow and unassisted patency of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. Lin CC, Chang CF, Lai MY, Chen TW, Lee PC, Yang WC. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):985-92. Epub 2007 Jan 31.