The health benefits of saunas. Detox your body

Everyone today is exposed to heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Particularly for slow metabolizers, a very good method to detoxify the body is the infrared sauna. Its dry, warming energy is highly compatible with the human body and it heats the tissues deeply, stimulating lymph and blood flow.

Sauna Benefits

Heating of the tissues also enhances metabolic processes. Greater cellular energy production facilitates healing. Viruses, tumors and toxin-laden cells are weaker than normal cells. They tolerate heat poorly. Raising the body temperature causes infections to heal more quickly. Hyperthermia, or fever therapy, helps combat infections and even cancer. Our bodies develop fever when ill to enhance metabolism and help kill germs.

Saunas enhance circulation and oxygenate the tissues. They open the nasal passages and assist the sinuses to drain. A major eliminative organ, most people's skin is very inactive. Many do not sweat. This may be due to synthetic or tight clothing that does not breathe. Sedentary living and sun damage also inactivate the skin. Hundreds of chemicals affect the skin from lotions, soaps, and creams to deodorants. Others are cleaning solvents, detergent residues and chemicals from bathing water.

Repeated use of the sauna slowly restores skin elimination. Toxic chemicals and metals can be removed faster than with any other method. It is a daily habit that pays many dividends. Steam baths, sweat lodges, vigorous exercise and hot tubs are more extreme and less effective.

Types of Saunas

The traditional sauna is electric, wood or gas fired. Preheating to 150–200 degrees is required for copious sweating. The intense heat is difficult for many to tolerate, especially when ill.

Infrared energy heats the body, the air remaining cool. Sweating begins quickly and the experience is rather pleasant. Preheating is unnecessary which saves electricity. Infrared saunas are of two types. Some use ceramic or metallic elements to generate far infrared. Others use infrared electric light bulbs, which peak in the near infrared range. The latter also provide warming and stimulating color therapy.

Many researchers believe that infrared saunas provide better detoxification than traditional saunas. The deep penetration of the infrared energy allows the cells to eliminate better.

The Sauna Experience

Supervision and Safety. Saunas are safe for most people providing one follows a few simple rules. Begin with only 20-minute sessions and less if you are ill or debilitated. After several weeks, as you acclimate, you may be able to increase the length of sauna sessions up to an hour. Shower after a session and rest lying or sitting down for 10 minutes afterwards. Drink 2 glasses of mineralized water before and at least 3 glasses of water after a sauna session. Also be sure to include sea salt and at least 1 tablespoon of kelp granules or 6 tablets daily of kelp to replace minerals lost during sweating. Make sure the bowels move regularly, as sauna therapy will mobilize toxic metals and chemicals that must be eliminated.

Use the sauna with supervision if you have a chronic condition. If debilitated or very heat-sensitive, begin with a shorter time. The presence of an attendant or friend is also most helpful. Those with multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, hypertension or serious heart conditions should consult a health professional.

Slow metabolizers may use the sauna up to twice a day. Upon arising and at bedtime are excellent if time permits. Evening is probably best if you use it once a day. If ill, however, the morning is better when energy levels are higher. Less often is also acceptable if beginning or to maintain your health. If you are very debilitated, begin with once a week. Work up to daily use, as you feel able. Fast metabolizers should use the sauna once or twice a week.

Taking the Sauna. Drink two glasses of mineralized water before entering the sauna. Add minerals to your water if it is mineral-free. The infrared sauna will not work through clothing. Men, position yourselves so the testicles are not directly exposed to infrared energy. Pass the time meditating or review your day.

Use a small towel to wipe off the sweat. Not recommended are talking or working in the sauna.

Ventilate the sauna whenever you use it. This may be built into the design. This avoids breathing toxic gases. If you use a bathroom or closet, leave the door slightly ajar.

Bulb Saunas. Turn every few minutes if your sauna uses heat bulbs. Sit on a stool or a chair without a back. Face the bulbs, turn to the side and around to the back. Avoid touching the hot bulbs, though looking at them is fine. Do not let water, a towel or clothing touch the bulbs when they are on.

Finishing Up. Remain in the sauna no more than one hour at a time. Use your judgment regarding the time. The temperature should not exceed 120° F. for electric light saunas or 130° F. for far infrared saunas. Traditional saunas can be at 160°–190° F. Some days you will sweat more than others.

When finished, take a shower, warm or cool but not hot. Avoid using soap as you will be clean. Soap leaves a film and clogs the pores. Wash off the sweat with a skin brush or loofa. Brush all over, even face and hair. Painful at first, it soon feels wonderful. Brushing enhances the cleansing effect. Shampoo and conditioner use only if needed. Most contain chemicals toxic to the body. Also skip most lotions and creams. These also contain harmful chemicals.

After the sauna drink 3 glasses of water. Sit or lie down for at least 10 minutes. These simple steps allow your body to reap the full benefit of the sauna experience.

An Integrated Health Program

Results are much better when saunas are part of an integrated program. To your diet add extra sea salt or kelp granules to replace minerals lost through sweating. Eat natural foods grown on mineral-rich soil. Rest and sleep plenty, and exercise a little each day. Breathe deeply of clean, fresh air. Reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Create and maintain a positive environment. Stay happy and bright regardless of what others may say and do.