FIR Saunas And Science
Saunas were first popularized by the Finns, and many people often forget that there were other cultures that made saunas an integral part of their lives, such as the Native American use of sweat lodges. Although these two cultures were quite different from each other, they both came to use what we today call a sauna.
In the first part of the twentieth century, Germans developed the infrared sauna, and continue today to use them as a regular part of their lives. Over half a century later in Japan, Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical received the very first patent for a ceramic infrared heater. Currently, top of the line infrared saunas use carbon coated ceramic heaters, which had their beginnings in the patent obtained by Dr. Ishikawa in Japan.
Infrared saunas erupted out of Japan in the 1980’s, and from that point on their popularity around the world has continued to grow. All the many ways infrared saunas can improve one’s health have made them a favorite of health practitioners, as well every-day people. The amount of research that has gone into far infrared ray (FIR) saunas is considerable, which has been instrumental in showcasing all the ways that these can saunas heal.
A large body of eye-catching research findings have come out of Japan over the years. The data collected from the extensive research into infrared treatments has yielded many positive results, some of which are listed below: – Promotes regeneration and fast healing. – Increases metabolism between blood and tissue. – Enhances white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products. – Removes accumulated toxins by improving lymph circulation which are often at the core of many health problems. – Stimulate the hypothalamus, which controls the production of neurochemicals involved in such biological processes as sleep, mood, pain sensations, and blood pressure. – Enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the blood cell to the body’s soft tissue areas.
Much of the data coming out of Japan is as a result of the “infrared society” that is thriving with support from medical doctors and physical therapists. Their experience motivates them to work to proliferate greater understanding and acceptance of infrared saunas as a powerful tool for healing. In her book “The Scientific Basis and Therapeutic Benefits of Far Infrared Ray Therapy,” Dr Sasaki Kyuo, M.D., details her research into the medical benefits of using FIR saunas for therapy. Included in Dr. Kyuo’s book is a list of illnesses that were successfully treated with an infrared sauna. Some of the included illnesses were: shoulder, back, and knee pain; weight loss; lower blood pressure; shoulder, back, and knee pain; weight loss; lower blood pressure; and facial numbness.
In the 2001 book, “Far Infrared, Technologies that Harness the Sun,” Valerie Free explained that the sweat from people who used a non-infrared sauna was 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using an infrared system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid. Dr. Kyuo of Japan also explained that “one of the reasons FIR has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins, which are often at the core of many health problems. One study done by American researchers showed that the sweat released by users of a FIR sauna was different than the sweat of people using a conventional sauna or doing normal exercise. The non water portion of sweat released in a FIR sauna was cholesterol, fat soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.”
After researching infrared saunas, G. E. Poesnecker, N.D., D.C. shared his opinion that “photobiotherapy (far infrared therapy) will become one of the premier healing tools of our future. It will eliminate the need for many of today’s common surgical procedures. I can see the day when every household in the country will have a (FIR) unit on hand. When used properly, it is a safe, effective, natural tool that can enhance, rather than oppose, the body’s own innate healing powers.”
The ease with which infrared saunas can be obtained and used in our daily lives allows us to enjoy many of the same benefits that ancient cultures did before us. At the same time we can continue to watch for additional research to come out of our medical laboratories.
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