The Relax Far Infrared Journey

Of course there’s always a question as to whether the differences observed are due to sauna use or other factors but the fact that the benefits show a clear dose-dependent pattern (less risk with more frequent and longer sauna sessions) is highly suggestive of a causal link.

There is strong evidence that the powerful protective effects observed with frequent use of Finnish saunas are mediated by elevation of core body temperature and boosting of protective substances called heat shock proteins. FIR saunas can also efficiently raise core body temperature, boost heat shock protein levels and in addition offer some advantages over traditional saunas.

One key benefit of FIR saunas is that they can achieve a similar rise in core temperature while operating at a lower ambient temperature, as they heat the body’s tissues directly rather than the surrounding air. This makes for a more comfortable and tolerable sauna experience.

Additionally, pure far infrared resonates with the natural frequency of biologic tissues and causes water and other molecules to vibrate in a manner which effectively generates heat, releases toxins and offers a myriad of beneficial effects.

Moreover, FIR’s deeper tissue penetration compared to the surface-level heating of traditional saunas further enhances detoxification, provides greater relief from muscle and joint pain, improves circulation, and even aids in fat loss, specifically dangerous levels of visceral fat. Many users report feeling more rejuvenated and energized from the gentler heat of FIR saunas.

From a practical standpoint, FIR saunas are generally more affordable to purchase and operate, easier to install and avoid problems related to excessive environmental humidity.

How is this achieved?

FIR therapy has been successfully applied in a wide range of clinical disorders due to its many beneficial actions.

Pain Relief

Far infrared (FIR) therapy reduces pain through several key mechanisms, including:

1. Enhanced Blood Circulation

• FIR waves penetrate the skin and heat tissues deeply, dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow.

• Increased circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to injured or inflamed areas, accelerating healing and reducing pain caused by poor blood supply.

2. Reduction of Inflammation

• FIR therapy promotes the removal of metabolic waste products and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• This alleviates inflammation, which is a common source of chronic pain.

3. Relaxation of Muscles and Tissues

• FIR heat reduces muscle tension and stiffness, improving flexibility and alleviating pain associated with muscle spasms or tension.

4. Activation of Endorphin Release

• The gentle heating effect stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which reduce the perception of pain.

5. Modulation of Nerve Activity

• FIR may reduce the excitability of pain-sensitive nerves, lowering the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

6. Improved Lymphatic Drainage

• By promoting lymphatic circulation, FIR helps remove excess fluids and toxins from inflamed tissues, reducing swelling and associated discomfort.

7. Cellular Repair and Regeneration

• FIR waves stimulate mitochondrial activity, increasing ATP (energy) production in cells. This boosts cellular repair processes, aiding tissue recovery and reducing pain over time.

8. Stress and Tension Reduction

• FIR therapy often promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can contribute to the overall perception of pain.

By combining these mechanisms, FIR therapy effectively addresses both the physical and biochemical sources of pain, offering relief for conditions like arthritis, muscle soreness, and chronic pain disorders.

Sauna Mimics Moderate Exercise

Sauna results in many changes which normally follow moderate intensity exercise. These changes are known to promote significant health benefits including

• Temporary increase in heart rate

• Increase heart rate variability after a session

• Lowered blood pressure after

• Increased heat shock proteins (highly protective)

• Improved blood flow

It is therefore no surprise that improvements in cardiovascular health, cognitive health, immunity, glucose control, weight management and athletic performance are closely associated with regular sauna use. A study in long distance runners confirmed that regular sauna use increased their run time to exhaustion by 32%!

Metabolic Health / Weight Loss

A study in persons with type 2 diabetes confirmed improvements in many metabolic indicators which were attributed to increased levels of heat shock proteins and nitric oxide which results from sauna use:

• Fasting blood glucose (provides a snapshot of glucose control)

• Reduced HbA1c (estimates average control over 3 months)

• Reduced blood pressure

• Reduced body weight, specifically visceral fat loss (major predictor of chronic disease and death)

Detox

It is very clear that saunas - and far infrared sauna in particular - are a very effective method of ridding the body of toxins which can cause significant damage and chronic symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, rashes and many other ill effects.

The brain and hormonal systems appear to be the most vulnerable to the effects of various toxins. These include heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium); pesticides, microbial toxins (mold, Lyme, spike protein); household chemicals, occupational exposure and air pollution.

A major detox study concluded that “induced sweating seems to be a potential method for elimination of many toxic elements from the human body…”

Cardiovascular Disease

Regular sauna use is strongly associated with a reduced risk of illness and death due to cardiovascular disease. This may be due to a number of changes documented with regular sauna use:

• Reduced hypertension

• Increased heart rate variability (very important to resist any strain on the heart)

• Reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation (e.g. C-reactive protein)

• Reduced arterial stiffness

• Metabolic optimization: lipid profiles, glucose, HBA1c other markers associated with increased cardiovascular risk

• Improved endothelial function (reduced plaque formation and clotting)

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

The strong correlation between sauna and reduced Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may be due to the many beneficial effects documented with regular sauna use:

• Improved endothelial function

• Improved blood flow

• Reduced hypertension

• Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation

• Increased heat shock proteins which reduce plaque formation

• Reduced levels of toxins

Immune Defense

A controlled study demonstrated a 50% reduction in frequency of colds after 3 months of regular sauna use. This is very likely related to the following changes observed:

• Increased numbers of circulating immune cells

• Ten-fold increase in interferon production by lymphocytes

Interferon is a crucial mediator particularly in the defense against viral infections and activates other critically important immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages.

Depression

Elevation in mood is almost universally reported with sauna use. From an objective perspective, a well designed randomized control study documented a significant reduction in depression for 6  weeks following a single sauna session. More studies are being carried out over longer periods to confirm this effect. Reduction in depression in association with sauna use is multifactorial:

• Sauna mimics the effects of exercise (increased heat shock proteins and endorphins)

• Reduced neuro-inflammation

• stabilization of the autonomic nervous system (calmer mood)

Longevity

Seeing that sauna use is strongly linked to improved outcomes in the major causes of chronic disease and death, it is very likely that it can improve lifespan, and more importantly, health span. There are a number of positive findings resulting from sauna use which may promote longevity:

• Improved cardiovascular health

• Reduced dementia risk

• Reduced all cause mortality

• Reduced susceptibility to infection

• Reduced levels of chronic inflammation - a driver of virtually all chronic diseases

Heat shock proteins appear to play a central role in many of the documented improvements above. The mechanisms include protection against misfolding of critically important proteins including DNA and regulation of immune function. Heat shock proteins can be boosted several fold by increasing the core temperature and these increased levels and their protective effect can last for 48 hours.

Luminnova Health is the exclusive provider of Relax Infrared Saunas and Lamps in the Bahamas Contact us if you would like to book a treatment session or purchase a sauna for home use.