Detox in the Sauna

[Guest guest]

Detox in the Sauna

_http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/08/14/sauna.aspx_

(http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/08/14/sauna.aspx)

 

By Lawrence Wilson, MD

Everyone today is exposed to heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Particularly

for slow metabolizers, a very good method to detoxify the body is the

far-infrared sauna. Its dry, warming energy is highly compatible with the human

body. It heats the tissues several inches deep, enhancing metabolic processes.

One can construct an excellent home sauna for under $75.00.

Sauna Benefits

Heating of the tissues enhances metabolic processes. Greater cellular energy

production facilitates healing. Viruses, tumors and toxin-laden cells are

weaker than normal cells. They tolerate heat poorly. Raising the body

temperature causes infections to heal more quickly. Hyperthermia or fever

therapy help

combat infections and even cancer. Our bodies develop fever when ill to

enhance metabolism and help kill germs.

Saunas enhance circulation and oxygenate the tissues. They open the nasal

passages and assist the sinuses to drain. A major eliminative organ, most

people's skin is very inactive. Many do not sweat. This may be due to synthetic

or

tight clothing that does not breathe. Sedentary living and sun damage also

inactivate the skin. Hundreds of chemicals affect the skin from lotions,

soaps, creams and deodorants. Other are cleaning solvents, detergent residues

and

chemicals from bathing water.

Repeated use of the sauna slowly restores skin elimination. Toxic chemicals

and metals can be removed faster than with any other method. It is a daily

habit that pays many dividends. Steam baths, sweat lodges, vigorous exercise

and hot tubs are more extreme and less effective.

Types of Saunas

The traditional sauna is electric, wood or gas fired. Preheating to 150-200

degrees is required for copious sweating. The intense heat is difficult for

many to tolerate, especially when ill.

Far-infrared heats the body, the air remaining cool. Sweating begins quickly

and the experience is rather pleasant. Preheating is unnecessary which saves

electricity. Most use ceramic elements to generate gentle heat. Excellent,

but costly, another option is to use infrared bulbs. The latter also provide

warming and stimulating color therapy.

According to research, far-infrared is more cleansing than traditional

saunas. The deep penetration of the infrared energy allows the cells to

eliminate

better.

The Sauna Experience

Supervision and Safety. Saunas are safe for most people providing one

follows a few simple rules. Remain inside no longer than 30 minutes at a time.

Rest

lying or sitting for 10 minutes afterwards. This allows time to eliminate

dead cells and other debris. Drink mineralized water before and after the

sauna. Make sure the bowels move regularly, as sauna therapy will increase

elimination.

Use the sauna with supervision if you have a chronic condition. If

debilitated or very heat-sensitive, begin with a shorter time. The presence of

an

attendant or friend is also most helpful. Those with multiple sclerosis,

hyperthyroidism, hypertension or serious heart conditions should consult a

health

professional.

Slow metabolizers may use the sauna up to twice a day. Upon arising and at

bedtime are excellent if time permits. Evening is probably best if you use it

once a day. If ill, however, the morning is better when energy levels are

higher. Less often is also acceptable if beginning or to maintain your health.

If you are very debilitated, begin with once a week. Work up to daily use as

you feel able. Fast metabolizers should use the sauna once or twice a week.

Taking the Sauna. Drink two glasses of mineralized water before entering the

sauna. Add juice or minerals to your water if it is mineral-free. The

infrared sauna will not work through clothing. Men, position yourselves so the

testicles are not directly exposed to infrared energy. Pass the time meditating

or review your day.

Use a small towel to wipe off the sweat. Not recommended are talking or

working in the sauna.

Ventilate the sauna whenever you use it. This may be built into the design.

This avoids breathing toxic gases. If you use a bathroom or closet, leave the

door slightly ajar.

Bulb Saunas. Turn every few minutes if your sauna uses heat bulbs. Sit on a

stool or a chair without a back. Face the bulbs, turn to the side and around

to the back.

Avoid touching the hot bulbs, though looking at them is fine. Do not let

water, a towel or clothing touch the bulbs when they are on.

Finishing Up. Remain in the sauna no more than 30 minutes. Use your

judgement regarding the time. The temperature should not exceed 110. Some days

you

will sweat more than others.

When finished, take a shower, warm or cool but not hot. Avoid using soap as

you will be clean. Soap leaves a film and clogs the pores. Wash off the sweat

with a skin brush or loofa. Brush all over, even face and hair. Painful at

first, it soon feels wonderful. Brushing enhances the cleansing effect.

Shampoo and conditioner use only if needed. Most contain chemicals toxic to the

body. Also skip most lotions and creams. These also contain harmful chemicals.

After the sauna drink a glass of water. Sit or lie down for at least 10

minutes. These simple steps allow your body to reap the full benefit of the

sauna

experience. As you become healthier, you will sweat more easily. Also, to

heat up the sauna will take longer. The body dissipates heat more efficiently

and fewer cellular toxins are there to be removed.

An Integrated Health Program

Results are much better when saunas are part of an integrated program. To

your diet add extra sea salt or kelp granules to replace minerals lost through

sweating. Eat natural foods grown on mineral-rich soil. Rest and sleep

plenty, and exercise a little each day. Breathe deeply clean, fresh air. Reduce

your exposure to toxic chemicals. Create and maintain a positive environment.

Stay happy and bright regardless of what others may say and do.

Constructing a Sauna at Home

Four, red heat bulbs from the hardware store are mounted on a piece of 1/2 "

plywood, 40 " high and 15 " wide. The unit is placed in a small bathroom or

closet at least 4' long, 3' wide and 6' high. In addition to the wood and

bulbs,

you will need four flush-mount bulb sockets, fifteen feet of heavy lamp

cord, a medium-heavy duty male wall plug and 8 wood screws to fasten the

sockets

to the plywood. An on-off switch and a thermometer are optional, but

recommended.

Mount the sockets on the plywood in a diamond shape. The bottom socket is in

the center, 1' from the bottom of the plywood. Two sockets are 28 " from the

bottom of the plywood and 10 " apart. The top socket is centered on the

plywood and 3' from the bottom. This should form a narrow diamond shape.

Large sockets sold as fixtures can only be wired from the back. Drilling the

holes will be more work. You may find smaller flush mount sockets that can

be wired from the front. Wire the sockets together in parallel so one bad bulb

won't disable the unit.

With each use, instead of plugging the unit in, it is easier to have a

switch. The best is probably a wall switch that can handle 1000 watts. This

requires an outlet box screwed to the plywood. Keep sweaty hands off the switch

as

they could cause a short.

The bulbs must be the red type, of 250 watts each. Do not use the clear ones

as their spectrum is not correct. You must not touch the bulbs during use,

or let water or anything touch them. Observe all cautions as with any

appliance exposed to heat and moisture. If children or the disabled will use

the

unit, consider a protective screen. Bend some chicken or stucco wire around the

bulbs and staple it to the wood. Another way is to recess the bulbs or place

them in reflectors. If building an enclosure, you could place the bulbs

behind.

Lean the unit against a bathroom or closet wall. Secure it so it won't fall

over. The enclosure needs be small enough to hold the heat, and large enough

to turn around. The other option is to build an enclosure of wood, glass or

cardboard. Build the unit at least 4' by 3' by 6' high. Siding made of cedar

or fir is a popular option. The siding slides into a frame and no nails are

needed. Walls can be built as modules, then screwed together.

Plywood will also work, since the enclosure stays relatively cool. Some

sauna companies use glass for at least one wall. Glass reflects far infrared

energy but is not a good insulator. Cardboard is the least expensive. Tape or

staple together two refrigerator boxes. Ventilating the sauna is a good idea.

To

allow gases to escape, leave a crack around the door or somewhere else high

up.