Far Infrared Sauna & Lyme
The Far-Infrared Sauna, Fibromyalgia, & Lyme Disease
New technology with an age-old tradition.
By Rahim B. Habib BSc, ND – Naturopathic Doctor
Many cultures from around the world have recognized the value of heating the body for better health, healing, and greater vitality. Native Americans, the Inuit, and Europeans all developed their own methods of using saunas and ‘sweat lodges.’ Japanese research and technology makes the sauna experience much more comfortable, and even more profound in its ability to promote a healthy sweat, releasing toxic chemicals, improving circulation, skin tone, and relieving pain.
Conventional saunas operate at much higher temperatures, which are restrictive to many people (180-220 degrees Fahrenheit), especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular health concerns. Conventional saunas heat the air, which then heats the skin superficially. However, far-infrared emitting saunas heat the body directly, allowing more penetration, at a much lower and comfortable temperature (110-130 degrees Fahrenheit). Far-infrared energy is also emitted by the sun (though is not to be confused with potentially harmful ultraviolet energy), and is the same energy that hospitals use to warm premature infants.
Our environment is increasingly toxic – with declining indoor and outdoor air quality, questionable water standards, and many chemicals used in food production. Many of these chemicals persist in the body, and are often lodged in various human tissues. There is mounting research on the therapeutic benefit of saunas as promoting depuration/detoxification (the removal of toxic agents from the body, eg: solvents, pesticides, toxic metals). The far-infrared system is a comfortable and safe method of enhancing our ability to perspire and mobilize built up toxic burden – it is an excellent adjunct to a comprehensive detoxification program. The far-infrared sauna promotes blood flow, improving circulation, blood pressure, healing ability, and overall energy and health.
Many people benefit from the use of the far infrared sauna, but in particular, those who suffer with Lyme Disease. These patients often suffer with muscle and joint pains, cold body temperature, being susceptible to co-infections due to poor immune function, and toxic burdens since their liver and kidney function may be more compromised. When incorporating the use of a far-infrared sauna, people who suffer from Lyme Disease can improve their body’s ability to function, remove toxic chemicals, and support their immune system. It is an excellent adjunctive treatment among other treatments for those with Lyme Disease.
Another common finding in people who use the far infrared sauna is an overall improvement in skin quality. Skin tone and elasticity improve over the course of far-infrared sauna treatments. People with skin ailments including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and cellulite often show noticeable improvement. The penetrating heat of far-infrared energy commonly helps relieve chronic pain, such as those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, Lyme Disease, etc. With improved circulation, healing factors are drawn to hard to reach areas, including the joints, and pain relief is experienced.
Before a program is commenced, an assessment is performed and can involve quantifying pain or toxicity levels through various methods. The far-infrared sauna sessions last up to 60 minutes each, and programs often consist of 5-30 sessions. Adequate water and nutrient replacement is also important. Book your assessment and treatment program today by calling 905-597-7201. Note: shower and towel services are provided with your treatment. Visit www.familynaturopath.ca for more information, or to sign up for our newsletters.