DR Oz, On Benifits of Infrared Therapy FAR infrared saunas are finally getting the main stream media attention they deserve. Last month, medical expert Dr. Mehmet Oz introduced Americans to infrared saunas on The Oprah Winfrey Show. In a special segment titled “Extreme Life Extension,” Dr. Oz unveiled several technologicalmarvels designed to enhance and extendlife—one of which was a Sunlight Sauna. He andMs. Winfrey actually sat in the sauna while he talkedvery specifically about the unique health benefits farinfrared saunas provide. In case you missed it, wewant to fill you in on the highlights. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE Dr. Oz first pointed out that far infrared saunas are different than regular saunas. “Here’s the key: This infrared sauna works a little differently than a normal sauna because it makes the same rays that come from the sun and filters out the UV radiation leaving only infrared radiation, which is lightly absorbed into your skin. So without heating you upin the external environment too much, it heats thebody up,” he explained. Dr. Oz noted why this feature of heating the body is significant, “The reasonthat’s important is that we’ve actually shown that people who take saunas a couple times a week actually drop their blood pressure.” The environmentis much more comfortable too. “The reasonthat infrared saunas work reasonably well is because they don’t hurt your lungs if you take adeep breath. People can be comfortable here,” Dr.Oz said. This is important news for anyone with blood pressure issues or who has trouble with traditional saunas.But there’s more… DETOXIFICATION Saunas are an excellent tool for detoxificationin addition to being a great support to those who are not able to get the benefit of exercise—those with a disability, injury or difficulty being mobile. “So folks who can’t exercise, for example,can at least do saunas to raise their metabolism a little bit. And, of course, when they sweat, they sweat out toxins through the skin. So one thing you always want to do after you’ve been in an infrared sauna is to wash yourself to get whatever toxins are on your skin off, “ Dr. Oz said. WEIGHT LOSS After sitting for a short while in the Sunlight Sauna unit, Ms. Winfrey was ready to get out—that was—until Dr. Oz told her and the audience about the potential weight loss benefits with regular use of an infrared sauna. Dr. Oz said, “It increases blood circulation.The reason that’s important is that it gets your heart to beat faster and it burns calories.” Ms.Winfrey smiled as she suddenly decided to stay seated, and playfully said, “Oh, so THIS is what you mean? You can burn 700 calories just by sitting here?” Yes, sitting and enjoying an infrared sauna can actually support your weight loss efforts. EXTEND YOUR LIFE DPHL has been reporting on the health benefits of far infrared sauna therapy for a long time. In addition to the life extension features Dr. Oz discussed on The Oprah Winfrey Show, we’ve covered how it helps support those who suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis,chronic fatigue syndrome, and even autism. The circuclatoryand blood pressure lowering benefits arewell documented. In fact, Sunlight Saunas is a partner with the American Heart Association. And let’snot forget that one of the best benefits of regular useof a Sauna is relaxation. In today’s world with so many demands on the individual, stress reduction is more important than ever. Incorporating far infrared heat therapy into your health routine may not only extend your life, it can enhance its quality today. Dr. Oz is vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University. He directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital. His research interests include heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and healthcare policy. He has authored more than 400 original publications, book chapters and medical books and has received several patents
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/contributor/dr-mehmet-oz#ixzz1ZxFwTR1x |
FAR INFRARED HEAT—Hot News for Fibromyalgia Sufferers Natural health practitioners and researchers are finding that far infrared heat significantly helps fibromyalgia sufferer swith their pain—and provides a host of other health benefits at the same time. fibromyalgia affects an estimated 5 million Americans. Characterized by widespread musculoskeletalaches, pains and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, mild to incapacitating fatigue, and disturbed sleep, it is an often agonizing disorder in which the thin film or tissue holding muscles together becomes thickened or tightened. While there is no cure for this debilitating condition, medical doctors treat the illness by managing symptoms.The conventional approach relies upon prescription medication to reduce body pain and help with sleep. However, for those who wish to supportthe body’s health in a safer, more natural way,far infrared heat therapy might be your solution.We spoke to Jordan Hunter, community relations director for the Fibromyalgia Coalition Internationaland owner of Advanced Alternatives Wellness Center in Merriam, Kansas. Also a licensed massage therapist, she uses far infrared heat therapy in the form of a infrared Sauna in her business as well as for personal use. We asked how far infrared heat therapy can help fibromyalgia sufferers as well as those who suffer from the related illness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).She told us, “Far infrared therapy increases cardiovascular activity and helps enhance circulation.This increases waste removal, raises the metabolism and promotes the elimination of toxins, which reduces inflammation and soreness. Proper infrared sauna use can be very beneficial for people with these illnesses.Actually, there are very few health problems that cannot be helped with infrared sauna, but as always it is advised to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning sauna therapy.”Getting exercise and the needed benefit from itis difficult for those who have these illnesses because body pain and extreme fatigue limit activity.As Hunter explained, far infrared heat is uniquely helpful. “For those who are unable to exercise sufficiently,the radiant heat of the infrared sauna is an excellent way to get the benefits of exercisewithout undue stress on the joints, muscles andfibrous tissues,”she said.Studies confirm what Hunter has observed at her wellness center. A recent Japanese study published in the journal Internal Medicine examined the applicability of far infrared heat therapy as a newmethod of pain treatment in patients with fibromyalgia.Patients received one 15-minute sitting of far infrared heat therapy two to five times a week forthe course of the study. Virtually all of the patients experienced a significant reduction in pain by about half after the first session of far infrared heattherapy (11 to 70 percent)! Pain scores were significantly(p<0.01) decreased and remained low throughout the observation period. The researchers concluded that far infrared heat therapy is effectivefor the treatment of fibromyalgia.Far infrared heat therapy provides health health benefitsto more than fibromyalgia sufferers; it’s a fantastic general health tool. And on a personal level, Hunter cannot say enough about infrared Saunas. “I find it to be very effective at reducing body aches and pains after a long day. I also use it when I don’t feel up to a workout but need to get the cardio going,” she says.Hunter uses her Sauna once or twice a week on a regular basis and more frequently if she becomes ill. Many patients at her wellness center take advantage of the infrared Sauna. Those with sports injuries, sprains, muscle spasms, joint stiffness and general aches and pains find soothing relief from regular use. “It detoxifies heavy metals, hydrocarbon residues, alcohol, nicotine, sodium and cholesterol and dramatically improves pain conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, it helps with weight los sefforts and cellulite,” Hunter adds.Whether you are suffering from fibromyalgia or are just serious about your health and wanting to feel your best, regular use of a Infrared Sauna is worth your consideration. Jordan Hunter is a licensed massage therapistand owner of Advanced Alternatives Wellness Center in Merriam, Kansas. She uses sunlight Sauna in her business as well as for personal use. Jordan is also Community Relations Director for the Fibromyalgia Coalition International . |
