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Beneficial Effects of Infrared Saunas

Infrared rays have many medical uses. Infrared lasers are used in some surgeries and cosmetic procedures, and infrared light therapy is used to rejuvenate the skin, reducing the appearance of the signs of aging and scars. Infrared saunas are a form of infrared light therapy. All of the following benefits of infrared saunas have been claimed as such by the alternative medicine department of Creighton University Medical Center and have not yet been scientifically proven.

  1. Technology

    • In an infrared sauna, infrared light is projected from all sides at the body, penetrating up to 2 inches under the skin and causing a warming sensation in the muscles and skin. This is because infrared light targets the cells under the skin and causes them to expand, which warms them.

    Detoxification

    • The alternative medicine department of Creighton University Medical Center claims that the infrared rays that hit the body in an infrared sauna cause the cells under the skin to expand, releasing unwanted chemicals held within. These chemicals are then ejected from the body through the sweat. Chemicals that may be sweated out during this process include anesthetics, prescription drugs, street drugs, lead, urea, copper, sulfuric acid, cadmium, cholesterol, manganese, benzenes, sodium, chloride, arsenic, nickel and nicotine.

    Immune System

    • The alternative medicine department of Creighton University Medical Center also claims that when an infrared sauna raises the body temperature by one to three degrees Fahrenheit, this simulates a fever and the immune system triggers the production of white blood cells and killer T cells, reinforcing the immune system. A reinforced immune system can help to protect against minor illnesses and viruses.

    Weight Loss

    • The alternative medicine department of Creighton University medical center claims that an infrared sauna may increase blood flow and fat conversion by heating up the blood and fat cells, causing weight loss. The increased blood flow may also increase the activity of the organs that the blood flows to, increasing the amount of calories used.

    Cellulite

    • The alternative medicine department of Creighton University Medical Center claims that the infrared light used in an infrared sauna heats and then breaks down the pockets of waste debris that lie just below the skin, known as cellulite. This use of infrared saunas is recommended in conjunction with dieting and massage.

    Pain Relief

    • By heating damaged cells, the alternative medicine department of Creighton University Medical Center claims that the rays from a infrared sauna may relieve pain caused by arthritis, among other conditions. This is done by heating the affected area, which can encourage the painful cells to begin healing.

    Considerations

    • It is important to discuss any treatments that you are considering with your doctor in order to go over any potential complications. There have not been any scientific tests to confirm or deny the claimed benefits of infrared saunas.

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