Study finds increase muscle oxygenation after sauna use.
“whole body muscle oxygenation and kcal expended per minute increased 8.1% and 20.1% from baseline, respectively. At the same time, cardiac output (+10.2%), systemic vascular resistance (-13.9%), and heart rate (+12.6%) significantly changed across the measurements
periods compared to baseline. These combined results show that FIR had a measurable positive effects on both cardiovascular function and metabolic thermogenic responses leading to enhanced body oxygenation and regional blood flow to allow whole body thermoregulatory cooling. Not presented in the graphs above was a similar respiratory whole body response showing ventilation increasing 20%, tidal volume increasing 29.6% with a lower respiratory frequency of 13.1%. These data suggest that during the FIR trial intervention, the subject was breathing more deeply and provide an enhance oxygen exchange at lung and pulmonary capillary. Thus, leading to a more efficient breathing and oxygen exchange pattern that would be similar a deeper meditation like breathing response despite the high thermal stress load on the body.” Download the report

Study of far infrared’s effects at a cellular level finds that far infrared resonates with the cells more than near infrared. (1 Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications)

Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced and other chronic health problems.
“Evidence suggests that sauna therapy is an effective and underutilized treatment for a variety of cardiovascular problems. Mechanistically, sauna therapy increases vasodilation, possibly through increased production of nitric oxide, and enhances left ventricular ejection fraction.” (2)

3 Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Kihara T, Biro S, Imamura M, et alJ Am Coll Cardiol. 2002 March. 39(5):754-759. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(01)01824-1.

4 Far-infrared therapy: a novel treatment to improve access blood flow and unassisted patency of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. Lin CC, Chang CF, Lai MY, Chen TW, Lee PC, Yang WC. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):985-92. Epub 2007 Jan 31.

Visit our saunas and cardiovascular health page to learn more heart health benefits of sauna use.

“Finnish saunas decrease pulmonary congestion and increase forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). (11,12) Research indicates sauna therapy can help respiration in patients with asthma and bronchitis; however, saunas should not be used during the acute phase of a respiratory infection. Regular Finnish sauna therapy improved lung function in a group of 12 men from the Netherlands with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These men did not experience adverse effects from the sauna, had significant improvements in FEV1 and FVC, and reported that they did not have to expend as much effort to breathe.” (2)

Study on heat shock proteins(HSP) and viral infections “Thus, HSPs and particularly HSP70 can enhance the development of innate and adaptive immune responses against infecting agents (Oglesbee, Pratt, & Carsillo, 2002).” (5 ​Can the hyperthermia‐mediated heat shock factor/heat shock protein 70 pathway dampen the cytokine storm during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection?)

“Having a Finnish sauna session twice weekly for six months reduced the incidence of the common cold by 50 percent during months 4-6 of the protocol.” (2)

Heavy metals can be detoxed/released from the body via the sweat and urine. Far infrared can help in breaking down the toxins stored in the fat tissue.
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“In individuals with higher exposure or body burden, sweat generally exceeded plasma or urine concentrations, and dermal could match or surpass urinary daily excretion. Arsenic dermal excretion was several-fold higher in arsenic-exposed individuals than in unexposed controls. Cadmium was more concentrated in sweat than in blood plasma. Sweat lead was associated with high-molecular-weight molecules, and in an interventional study, levels were higher with endurance compared with intensive exercise. Mercury levels normalized with repeated saunas in a case report. Sweating deserves consideration for toxic element detoxification. Research including appropriately sized trials is needed to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.” (6 Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review)

Study shows benefit for chronic pain and also for illness related to environmental toxin exposure;
“Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and for post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefit. Existing evidence supports the use of saunas as a component of depuration (purification or cleansing) protocols for environmentally-induced illness.” (7 Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced and other chronic health problems)

Firefighters use infrared saunas to detox after being exposed to toxins in smoke
Firefighters are exposed to many toxins from smoke and debris. Using an infrared sauna is one important way they can eliminate these toxins. (8 IFD firefighters sweat out dangerous toxins to fight back against growing cancer epidemic)

Sauna detoxing has been used on people who were exposed to toxins on 9/11. Here is a report about detoxing which includes dioxins.(9 Health Status of Rescue Workers Improved by Sauna Detoxification)

Study on bisphenol-A(BPA) finds “​Induced sweating appears to be a clinically useful tool to facilitate the release of BPA through the skin in order to eliminate this toxicant from the human body.” (14)

Designed with medical grade craftsmanship, The Relax Sauna implemented by hundreds of doctors and practitioners world wide.

65 years of research provide how The Relax Sauna’s specific frequency wavelength of far-infrared (FIR)  between  4 – 14 microns resonates and vibrates water cells. The far infrared energy creates a dynamic physiological transformation in the body. The body responds with a cascade of physiological benefits that include:

• INCREASING MICRO – CIRCULATION
• INCREASING CORE TEMPERATURE
• REDUCING MUSCLE INFLAMMATION
• ALLEVIATING PAIN CAUSED BY CARPEL TUNNEL AND ARTHRITIS
•  DETOXIFYING METABOLIC WASTES (LACTIC ACID, URIC ACID, HEAVY METALS)
• ALLEVIATING HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BY LYME DISEASE, FIBROMYALGIA, NEUROPATHY

Dr. Donald Chu
+ Ph.D. Certified Physical Therapist for NSCA, Athletic Trainer
+ Founder and Director of Athercare Fitness and Rehab in Dublin, CA
+ Implemented The Relax Sauna at Athercare Rehab as a recovery protocol for NFL players placed on concussion protocol
+ “Athercare incorporates The Relax Sauna into our rehab and training programs that we use with multiple athletes at all levels, in spite of age or condition. The Relax Sauna has a major role in the muscular and mental recovery of our patients.”

2. Dr. Bill Apkinar M.D., B.S., D.D.S., D.AC
+ Medical Director for the United States Karate Team
+ Author of No Sweat? – Know Sweat! – The Definitive Guide to Reclaim Your Health
+ “When you come out of The Relax Sauna, the endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins are flowing… the circulation has been improved, the cardiac output has definitely improved… the choroid plexus comes alive and a lot more oxygenated blood goes to the area of the brain helping to produce a greater degree and more quality degree of cerebrospinal spinal fluid which window has a lot of neurochemicals and neurotransmitters which help maintain and improve immune system function.”

3. Dr. James Onnikian – Naturopathic Doctor
+ World Kickboxing Champion (2001 – 2005)
+ Golden Gloves Boxing Champion
+ Director of Maui Hot Yoga and Kickboxing
+ “The Relax Sauna in my opinion, as a naturopathic physician, is the best on the market today because the generators still emit the same far-infrared energy after 15 years… it is a must-have in life today for muscle soreness, removing lactic acid, purging unknown poisons, and the weight loss.”

4. Dr. Ernest A Earhart – Integrated Medical Doctor. Naturopathic Medical Doctor
+ Focus in correcting chronic energy imbalances – hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, circulatory disorders, cancer, heart disease, and gut-related disturbances
+ “The Relax Sauna really does give a good detoxification. It excretes sodium. It excretes toxins and metals. If the nerve conduction is improved… it’s probably also burning a great deal of fat… The Relax Sauna is hygienically superior… if you want to have a good nervous system… respect your health… maintain a balanced state of energy, this is what you want. “

Recovery protocols are becoming increasingly important to professionals and first responders in an effort to reduce stress and fatigue, prevent cancer, reduce risk of heart disease, prevent long-term injuries, and enhance job performance while promoting continued detoxification. Even more challenging is providing First responders with proper rejuvenation, rest and recovery protocols during seasonal changes and challenges. The first responders must adapt to multiple factors some of which include.

1. Limited physical therapy recovery and medical devices for Military personnel, Firefighters, EMS and Police Officers.
2. Traumatic events on the call of duty leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD and for some substance abuse as a way to cope..
3. Weather changes, severe heat index, extreme cold, storms, catastrophes ext.
4. Long hours away from friends and family.
5. Limited time for self care and focus on health and wellness.

 

Benefits of Far Infrared Light Therapy

1. Immediate reduction of tissue inflammation, swelling and metabolic waste after a call / training sessions.
2. Activating a parasympathetic response for first responders promoting restful sleep the night before and after a major traumatic event.
3. Preventing the spread of illness and disease within the work place by boosting immune system and increasing oxygen rich blood flow.

The Relax Sauna provides healthy, safe and superior solutions to the aforementioned first responders challenges. Most notably, The Relax Sauna is a patented far infrared sauna and is well-documented medically for many restorative health benefits. The following foundational elements of The Relax Sauna advance the ability of efficient and rapid recovery for first responders.

1.  Designed for lightweight travel mobility (17 pounds total)

2.  Efficient 5-minute full assembly and disassembly back into The Relax Sauna travel bag

3.  Integrated medical grade far infrared generators (FDA: 510 (K) KO53376). The only portable sauna in the United States equipped with medical-grade elements

4.  Generate exclusively at 95% – 99% full output of far-infrared wavelength at 4-14 microns for optimal physiological recovery benefits

5.  Compact – 3ft x 3ft footprint of total space

6.  Connects into 110v (20 amp) outlets – Safe for use at home in Fire stations, Police stations, Military base, hotel rooms  and training centers.

7.  Full Sanitation Cycle – The Relax Sauna runs a 5-minute sanitation interval in between sauna sessions. This prevents cross-contamination between multiple athletes

8.  Reliability – The Relax Sauna unit averages 15-20 year full far-infrared output

9.  Exceptional track record among integrative doctors and sports medicine specialists

10.  The  head extends above the sauna tent to prevent overheating and inhaling toxins and metabolic waste excreted in body sweat