Far infrared saunas have proven to help and reduce the chemotherapy process of cancer patients
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Excerpts from international reports and published accounts of the health benefits attributed to Infrared Rays.
During the past 25 years researchers and clinicians in Japan and China have carried out extensive research of IR ray treatments and some findings may be seen as provocative. In Japan the รขโฌหInfrared Society` among whose members are medical doctors and physiotherapists, was established to further research and to support the health benefits obtained from IR treatment as a healing method.
Over 700.000 IR thermal systems has been sold in Asia for รขโฌหwhole-body` treatments, and a further estimated 30 million people have received localized IR treatment in Europe, Australia and New Zealand using lamps tuned to the same waveband as employed in the ?whole-body? thermal system such as the unique portable FIR Sauna.
About weight control:
[From Dr. Arthur C. Guyton`s textbook of Medical Physiology] รขโฌหTo produce 1 gram of perspiration requires 0.568kcal.`
[From the Journal of American Medical Association: JAMA]: รขโฌหA moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grammes in a sauna, consuming nearly 300kcal., which is equivalent to running 2 to 3 miles. While the weight of the water loss can be regained by drinking water, the calories consumed will not be.`
Since an IR sauna helps to generate 2 to 3 times the perspiration produced in a hot-air/steam sauna, the implications for increased caloric consumption are quite impressive. Assuming รขโฌหa sauna` as mentioned in the JAMA to last for 30 minutes, then some interesting comparisons may be drawn.
Two of the highest calorie consuming forms of exercises are Rowing and Marathon running. The Peak output on a rowing machine or during marathon runs burn about 600 calories in 30 minutes. The FIR Sauna may enhance the loss by burning about 900 to 2400 calories in a 30-minute session (in other words up to as much as 250% more). Or consume energy equal to that expended in 6 to 9 mile run.
For those who do not exercise or who cannot exercise this is a very valuable and effective way to achieve weight control, or maintain a fitness programme and the benefits of a regular exercise.
This may also apply to the elderly, or those who are otherwise unable to exert themselves to achieve a cardiovascular training effect.
Many of us who run do so to place a demand on our cardiovascular system, not to build big leg muscles. Regular use of a sauna may impact a similar stress on the cardiovascular system, and its regular use may be as effective, as a means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories, as regular exercise. – Journal of the American Medical Association 8/7/81.
Owing to the deep penetration, between 4 ~ 5 cm into the skin, of the infrared rays generated by the Infrared Thermal System, there is a heating effect deep in the muscular tissues and the internal organs. This beneficial heart stress leads to a sought-after cardiovascular training and conditioning effect. Medical researches confirm the use of a sauna provides cardiovascular conditioning as the body works to cool itself and involves substantial increases in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. As a confirmation of the validity of this form of cardiovascular conditioning, extensive research by NASA in the early 1980`s led to the conclusion that infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during long space flights.
In the 1980s it was the decade of aerobics classes and high-mileage training. Such strictures insured that most รขโฌหreal` exercisers were youths and in good shape to begin with. Many Americans got caught up in the fitness boom, but probably just as many fell by the wayside. As we`ve reported, recent research shows that you don`t have to run marathons to become fit – that burning just 1,000 calories a week is enough. Anything goes, as long as it burns these calories. – Wellness Letter, 10/90, University of California, Berkeley.
It should be mentioned here that as our bodies are made of cells of which the water in it is most important. FIR vibrating at a frequency mentioned before is able to activate the cells. This in turn regulates the blood flow and blood vessels which may have been blocked due to cells being trapped by plasma blood proteins – (trapped plasma blood proteins explained in the Medical Textbook on Physiology by Dr. Arthur C Guyton).
About therapeutic effects: According to Professor Zhang Jian Dong the human body and bodies of animals as well soil and minerals are able to give off FIR rays under specific conditions. A knowledge known to many Chinese Qi-Gong masters who use their own body emissions of FIR rays to ease ailments of others.
The intensity of emission vary with health so that the human body become less able to defend against attacks by ailments and diseases as health status declines, and may accelerate as one`s state of health is reduced. When we reach a terminal condition (death) the FIR radiation will also be close to zero.
For that reason the human body needs a continuous supply of FIR radiation from Mother Nature to boost the powers of FIR rays in our bodies. Sunlight exposure makes us feel healthier owing to the Natural Energy contained in the segment of the spectrum that is Far Infrared rays.
It is important to note that FIR in the FAR Infrared segment [6-14 microns] is the right wavelength needed by the human body to activate various biological functions without any harmful effects. To the contrary these rays strengthen the body and help prevent disease. Another effect is the therapeutic effect on the body, increasing the body`s resistance and rendering it capable of assisting in the treatment of various ailments thus reducing suffering and accelerating recuperation.
Doctors in various hospitals use FIR as a form of physiotherapy and FIR is a therapy based on maintaining good health.
To be a bit more specific the generally accepted therapeutics effects resulting from the heat of the FIR rays include:
1. Increases in the extensibility of collagen tissues.
Tissues heated to 45ยฐC and then stretched exhibit a non-elastic residual elongation of about 0.5 to 0.9% that persists after the stretch is removed. It does not occur in these same tissues when stretched at normal tissue temperatures. Thus 20 stretching sessions can produce around a 10 to 18% increase in length in tissues heated and stretched. This effect would be especially valuable in working with ligaments, joint capsules, tendons and fascia.
The cited experiment clearly shows that low-impact stretching can produce a significant residual elongation when heat is applied together with stretching or range-of-motion exercises, which is also safer than stretching tissues at normal tissue temperatures.
This safer stretching effect is crucial in properly training competitive athletes so as to minimize their down- time from injuries.
2. A decreases of joint stiffness directly.
There was a 20% decrease in stiffness at 45ยฐC as compared with 33ยฐC in rheumatoid finger joints, which correlated perfectly to both subjective and objective observation of stiffness.
Any stiffened joint and thickened connective tissues should respond in a similar fashion.
3. Relief of muscle spasms.
Muscle spasms have long been observed to be reduced through the use of heat, be they secondary to underlying skeletal, joint, or neuro-pathological conditions.
This result is possibly produced by the combined effect of heat on both primary and secondary afferent from spindle cells and from its effects on Gogli tendon organs. The effects produced by each of these mechanisms demonstrated their peak effect within the therapeutic temperature range obtainable with radiant heat.
4. Pain relief.
Pain may be relieved via the reduction of attendant or secondary muscle spasms. Pain is also at times related to tension or spasm, which can be improved by the hyperaemia that heat-induced vasodilatation produces. Heat has been shown to reduce pain sensation by direct action on both free-nerve endings in tissues and on peripheral nerves. In one dental study, repeated heat applications eventually led to abolishment of the whole nerve response responsible for pain arising from dental pulp.
5. Increase of blood flow.
Heating of one area of the body produces reflex-modulated vasodilatation in distant-body areas, even in the absence of a change in core body temperature; i.e. heat one extremity and the contra lateral extremity also dilates; heat a forearm and both lower extremities dilate; heat the front of the trunk and the hand dilates. Heating of muscles produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during an exercise.
Temperature elevation produces an increase in blood flow and dilation directly in capillaries, arterioles, and venous, probably through direct action on their smooth muscles.
6. Assists in resolution of inflammatory infiltrates, oedema and exudes.
The increased peripheral circulation provides the transportation needed to help evacuate the oedema, which can help stop inflammation, decrease pain and help speed healing.
7. More recently, it has been used in cancer therapy.
This is a new and experimental procedure. It shows great promise in some cases, when used properly.
American researchers favour careful monitoring of the tumour temperature; whereas the successes reported in Japan make no mention of such precaution.
Cancer Pain: relieved pain in later stages of cancer extremely well.
8. Burns relief.
Relieves pain and decreases healing time, with less scarring.
9. High Blood Pressure
Reported safe in 40 to 50?C range and regular use helps to lower hypertension. A Case of a diabetic is reported with a systolic decrease from 180 to 125, and a concurrent 10 lbs. weight loss after infrared treatment.
10. Low Blood Pressure
Regular FIR Sauna use assists the body to raise blood pressure to normal levels.
11. Short-term memory
Use is reported to improve short-term memory retention.
12. Cerebral Haemorrhages
Recovery appears to be both sped up and significantly enhanced.
13. Auto Accident: related soft tissue injury
Daily sessions with FIR treatment were used until best healing was attained; then Infrared systems were used to deal with permanent residuals. The pain control effect on the chronic residuals from such injuries lasted three days before another treatment was necessary.
Infrared healing is now becoming the leading edge in the care of soft tissue injuries to promote both relief in chronic or intractable permanent cases, and accelerated healing in newer injuries.
14. Arthritis, acute and chronic
Both are reported to be greatly relieved.
15. Gouty Arthritis:
Similar relief reported.
16. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
FIR treatment successfully relieved discomfort.
A Swedish case study reports on the case of a 70-year-old man with Rheumatoid Arthritis secondary to acute rheumatic fever. He had reached his toxic limit on Gold injections and his Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate was still at 125. Within 5 months of undergoing an infrared treatment, his ESR was down to only 11.
In another case of rheumatic arthritis, that of a 14-year old Swedish girl who couldn`t walk comfortably downstairs due to knee pain since an eight year old, her Rheumatologist told her mother that her child would be in a wheelchair within 2 years if she refused gold corticosteroid therapy. However, after 3 infrared sauna treatments, she became more agile, and subsequently took up folk dancing, without the aid of the conventional approach in her recovery.
A clinical trial in Japan reported the successful solution in seven out of seven cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with whole-body infrared therapy. These case studies and clinical trials indicate that further study is warranted on the usage of whole-body infrared therapy in the care of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
17. Menopause Symptoms
Treatment relieved chills, nervousness, depression, dizziness, head and stomach aches.
18. Weight Loss
As previously discussed the initial loss occurred through perspiration and the energy use needed to produce the perspiration. Secondly, weight reduction occurred through direct excretion of fat.
19. Radiation Sickness
Relieved signs and symptoms.
BLOOD CIRCULATION
All of the following ailments may be associated to some degree with poor circulation and, thus, may respond well to the increased peripheral dilation associated with Infrared application: Arthritis, Sciatica, Backaches, Haemorrhoids, Nervous Tension, Diabetes, Varicose Veins, Children`s Over-tired Muscles, Neuritis, Rheumatism, Strained Muscles, Upset Stomachs, Fatigue, Stretch Marks, Menstrual Cramps and Ulcers [failed to heal using conventional approaches].
Post-Operative Oedema: treatment with infrared has been so successful that hospital stays were reported to have been reduced by 25%.
MUSCULOSKELETAL CASES
From Japan researchers report success with infrared treatments:
รขโฌหMedical practitioners make use of Infrared Radiant Heat to treat sprains, strains, bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis and muscle painรขโฌยฆ` – McGraw/Hill Encyclopaedia of Science and Technology, Dr. Masao Nakamura of the O & P.
A Medical Clinic in Japan has reported great success with the use of infrared treatment for Whiplash, Sciatica, Menopause, Arthritis, Shoulder Stiffness, Rheumatism, Acne, Gastro enteric Problem, Ear Diseases and Insomnia, Muscle Spasms and Tension, Low Back Pain, trauma and repetitive stress syndromes, Post-exercise Muscle Pain, Gouty, Rheumatoid ailments, and the list goes on.
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE, ARTERIOSCLEROSIS AND HYPERTENSION
Finnish researchers, talking about the regular use of conventional saunas state that there are abundant evidences to suggest that blood vessels of regular sauna users remain elastic and pliable longer due to the regular dilation and contraction of blood vessels induced by sauna use.
German medical researchers reported in Dermatol Monats schr,? in 1989 that a group of hypertension patients was studied under the identical conditions of infrared-induced hypothermia, with an eye toward more carefully evaluating the circulatory system effects induced by this type of whole-body heating. During each infrared session, there was a significant decrease of blood pressure, cardiac ejection resistance, and total peripheral resistance in every subject.
There was also a significant increase during each session of the subjects` heart rates, stroke volumes, cardiac outputs and ejection fractions. The researchers cite these last three effects as evidences that the stimulation of the heart during infrared-induced hypothermia is well compensated, while the prior list of effects clearly show the micro-circulatory changes that lead to the desired result of a lowering of blood pressure.
AGEING
Problems often accompanying Ageing have been reported to be reduced by Infrared Therapy in Japan including Menopause and Cold hands and feet. A physiotherapist reported 20 to 50% improvement was maintained.
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis
7 out of 7 cases successfully resolved in one clinical trial.
2. Sequelae of Strokes
Hemiparaesis relieved over time.
3. Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Reduced.
4. Duodenal Ulcers
Eliminated.
5. Pain
Prevented sleep and/or limited useable sleeping positions: Were relieved.
6. Compression Fracture Pain
Pain gone for 3 days after each treatment in steoporotic compression fractures.
7. Haemorrhoids
Reduced
8. Cystitis
Gone
9.Cirrhoses of Liver
Reversed.
10. Gastritis
Relieved.
11. Hepatitis
Gone
12. Asthma & Bronchitis
Cleared up (like moving to Arizona`s dry air)
13. Chron`s Disease
Gone.
14. Post Surgical Adhesions
Reduced.
15. Leg ulcers
Healed when previously static and resistant to other care.
16. Keloids
Significantly softened and, in some cases, completely gone.
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Conditions relieved with Infrared treatments in Japan:
Chronic middle-ear inflammation or infection.
Sore throats: chronic severe case cleared with 10 Infrared treatments.
SKIN
Conditions benefited by Infrared treatments in Japan and China:
1. Nettle rash
Clogged pores are unplugged of cosmetics creating a skin texture and tone of unexcelled quality.
2. Michael Aaland`s book: รขโฌหSweat` (Capra Press, 1978) quotes a Finnish doctor to the effect that: รขโฌหAs a result of the sauna, the skin of any Finnish worker is supple and healthy. Poor skin tone is restored to a more youthful level. Scars and pain from burns or wounds are decreased in severity and extent.`
Infrared therapy is also used routinely in burn units throughout Asia.
3. Lacerations
Heal quicker and with less pain and scarring.
4. Acne
Three or four infrared treatments may open pores that have not been functioning in years, forcing out clogging cosmetics and loosening dead outer skin. The sauna is thus a boon to teenage skin, clearing acne and blackheads.
5. Body odour
By improving the function of the skin, the infrared treatments may eliminate the cause of offensive body odour. It definitely reduces body adder induced by occupational exposure to odorous chemicals.
6. Eczema and Psoriasis
Reported to have responded extremely well to infrared treatments
7. Sunburn
According to the 9th edition of Clayton`s Electrotherapy: infrared is the only antidote to excessive ultraviolet radiation.
PROSTATE GLAND SWELLING
It is common for men to suffer from a swollen Prostate Gland, especially in men in their forties and above. It has become an inconvenience to them and common symptoms include weakness and difficulty in the excretion of urine, nutria and in serious cases, inability to urinate. At the same time, it may lead to a decline in sexual functions.
Those who suffer from inflammation or swelling of the Prostate Gland may also suffer from cancer of the Prostate Gland, one of the common killers of men.
The prostate gland is the organ responsible for the production of male hormones and sperm and is very important to men. When the swollen Prostate Gland presses against the urethra, various symptoms of difficulty in urination will occur.
The use of FIR can provide therapeutic effects.
Disclaimer/Contraindications
As may be noted the segment of the infrared spectrum emitted by the Infrared Thermal System is reputed to offer an astounding range of possible therapeutic benefits and effects in research conducted around the world. The data presented is offered for reference purposes only and to stimulate further observation. Infrared Thermal Systems creating a cure for, or treating of, any disease is neither implied nor should be inferred.
If you are suffering from a disease be certain to consult with a primary-care physician concerning it.
If you are using any prescription drugs check with your physician or pharmacist for any possible change in the drug`s effect likely to result from any interaction with infrared energy.
If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury or until the hot and swollen symptoms subside. If you have a joint or joints that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed infections, be they dental, in joints, or in any other tissues.
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