Pure Far Infrared Therapy

Therapies which produce a significant elevation in core body temperature have been shown to improve some of the most common and challenging health issues. Many long term health benefits have been documented with frequent use of traditional Finnish saunas. However  there is a solid evidence base of published studies confirming that far infrared (FIR)  offers similar benefits and in some instances distinct advantages.

The wide array of health benefits seen with effective thermal-based therapies include:

REDUCED:


IMPROVED:

Beyond the wide range of conditions noted above, the scale of protective effects is highly encouraging. Long-term studies from Finland, where sauna use is nearly universal, reveal a substantial reduction in the risk of many common chronic diseases and major causes of death among frequent sauna users.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

Morevover, 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.

The infrared spectrum includes near infrared (NIR), mid infrared (MIR) and far infrared (FIR).  Many saunas today are marketed as full-spectrum saunas, offering all three wavelengths. However, while NIR at low energy levels can be highly beneficial, the higher energy levels of NIR and MIR required by saunas to elevate body temperature may actually be harmful.

It’s also important to recognize that the research demonstrating the extensive health benefits of infrared saunas was conducted using FIR, not NIR or MIR. These NIR sauna benefits mirror those seen with traditional saunas. Many infrared saunas on the market emit little or no far infrared rays, so it’s crucial to verify that the sauna you choose provides pure FIR, supported by independent third-party testing.

Relax Far Infrared Technology

Luminnova Health has partnered with Relax Sauna, the only company in the region that offers independent third-party test reports verifying that their emission falls purely within the highly therapeutic FIR range.

Relax Sauna offers unique benefits distinguishable from other infrared saunas due to fact that it emits a significantly higher level of pure FIR - the “active ingredient”. The result is a far greater therapeutic effect with:

  • Instant heat (no wait time to pre-heat the sauna)

  • Greater release of toxins

  • More robust cardiovascular effects

  • Greater improvement in heart rate variability

  • Higher oxygen levels

  • EMF safe

  • Two modes: non-heat therapeutic and robust detox

  • Head outside (optional) : Avoids re-breathing toxins | Head can remain cool | Maintains hairstyles!

While the scientific data strongly supports the therapeutic benefits of FIR therapy provided by Relax Sauna, the most compelling evidence comes from the hundreds of authentic testimonials shared by users:

 

Interested in a Greater understanding?

For those who want to understand more about why this technology offers such dramatic health benefits, more detailed information is provided below:

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.

If you would like more information or to book a treatment session at our Harbour Bay office or purchase a sauna for home use.