2020 is lining up to be a big year for the Neosauna product line. In preparation for our new inventory, and in the spirit of the New Year, we are offering the best deals of the decade!
While supplies last, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of this rare event. As of today end of the decade deals are available online:
Use Coupon Code NEOSAUNA2020 to save an additional $200 off of our already low pricing.
All Neosauna Home Saunas Come Standard with Medical Grade Chromatherapy Lighting
Whether you are suffering from seasonal affective disorder or just want to boost your mood a bit, chromatherapy is a powerful tool to help stimulate your body in to a different state.
Red
The color red has been shown to increase energy and get the body in to a more excited state. If you are looking to be invigorated, this would be an excellent choice alongside your sauna session. Red can also help promote faster healing by stimulating collagen cells.
Yellow
Yellow is associated with increased optimism in the context of light medicine. This color is generally associated with more spritual work, and many looking for a more ‘connected’ feeling will use yellow for its grounding properties.
Green
The color green is well-known to be a healing, calming and relaxing color. Again, for SAD sufferers, this can be a very powerful color in the spectrum to use as a treatment protocol. If you are looking to calm your nervous system and tap in to more clarity, try incorporating green in your next sauna session.
Turquoise
By combining combines the calming properties of green and healing properties of blue, turquoise can be a very powerful color for chromatherapy. Some ancient traditions believe the use and adornment of the color turquoise can enhance your courage and strength – why not give it a try!
Blue
When we think of ‘the blues’ we tend to think of depression, however, the good news is that the color blue is actually known to help relieve depression. The use of blue in light therapy is also being explored in more depth to assist with inflammation, blood pressure, headaches and more! If you’re unsure what to try for your first chromatherapy session, blue is an excellent choice.
Purple
Individuals suffering from chronic pain tend to find they have the most relief with the use of purple light when compared to other colors in the spectrum of healing chromatherapy lighting. Personally, I find purple to be the most calming and soothing of all of the colors, and it is my go-to for most sauna sessions.
Recently, studies suggest that individuals living with chronic cluster headaches, from tension, sinus, and migraines benefit from regular sauna bathing with clinically significant results. Moreover, research suggests that the specific benefits of broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy can greatly reduce the expression of painful and debilitating headaches for individuals who had once experienced episodic chronic cluster headaches.
Everyone at some point in their life will experience some type of pain in the head; at times it can be difficult to describe the discomfort that occurs. There are as many different causes for headaches as there are types of headaches.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, medical professionals are beginning to define the type of headache less, and more recently have begun to diagnose headaches along a continuum:
“Symptoms of headaches fall along a continuum ordered by their characteristics: the occasional tension headache is at one end and the migraine headache is at the other. In between are chronic daily headaches, which can start with features typical of either tension or migraine headache.”
Can Sauna Bathing Really Reduce The Frequency Of Headaches: The Clinical Data
According to a revelatory study conducted by Giresh Kanji and his team of researchers that was published by the US National Institute Of Health (NCBI):
“Regular sauna bathing is a simple, self-directed treatment that is effective for reducing headache pain intensity in CTTH (Chronic tension-like headaches).”
In this study a group of 37 individuals who all suffered with chronic tension headaches, meaning at least 15 episodes of headaches per month, were divided into two groups. The control group was exposed to educational material and advice pertaining to their headaches, while the intervention group received the same advice and attended a sauna regularly over a period of eight weeks.
By the end of the study an assessment was made of both groups, the symptom relief afforded the intervention group was overwhelmingly positive in contrast to the control group that did not participate in regular sauna bathing. The intervention group experienced fewer disturbances in sleep, depression, and painful cluster headaches.
So, what happens in a sauna to create overwhelmingly positive results for individuals living with chronic headaches?
A cascade of biochemical changes flood the body during sauna bathing, affecting the circulatory system, the autonomic nervous system, brain wave expression, and the cardiovascular system. Understanding the transmutation of physiological expression will reveal the impact that regular heat therapy can have for individuals living with chronic headaches.
Why Does Sauna Bathing Bring Relief To Headache Sufferers: The Cascade Of Biochemical Changes
Improved Circulation
Transference Of The Autonomic Nervous System
Endorphin Secretion
Brain Waves Transfer From High Beta To Alpha
The use of over the counter painkillers to numb headaches is effective in reducing the experience of symptoms, ultimately though, this action does not address underlying issues that may be causing the chronic headaches: Namely, states of stress response.
The atmospheric heat rendered within any type of sauna creates an increase in internal temperatures. As with any heat therapy, heart rate is increased, blood vessels expand, and the brain begins to release endorphins similar to those experienced during moderate exercise. All of these factors render the muscular system of the body relaxed, thereby releasing any tension that may be held, particularly through the jaw, neck, and upper back. As tension is released, so too is the primary cause of tension headaches in many individuals.
Expressed states of physical stress can all be linked back to the autonomic nervous system. When the body is in states of survival, either from external threats emanating from contextual life, pathogens in the air, or from ongoing internal infection, both the body and brain are on high alert. This means that all energy is directed and projected outside of the body to survive, rather than inward toward healing and nourishment. Muscles contract and hug close to the skeletal system, over a prolonged period of time, this action evolves into chronic tension that can be a contributing causative factor in chronic headaches.
If individuals can relax, the autonomic nervous system will transfer back to a parasympathetic state where cellular rejuvenation can occur, and where blood flow is improved. Muscles release their grip on the skeletal structure and tension is eased out from significant muscle groups thus rendering both the muscular and skeletal structure relaxed. Moreover, this state of being has hugely positive effects on brain wave activity.
While resting in the atmospheric heat of a sauna, the body will begin naturally, through no effort, to move back to states of relaxation and regeneration. As this occurs there is a significant change in brain wave activity. In general, as individuals move throughout their day at work, or tending to household demands, the brain is in beta waves, higher activity. This means that energy and perception is directed out of the body, and in general this is an effective state for the brain to be in to accomplish tasks and take in new information.
In order to fall asleep brain waves must move from beta, to alpha, to theta, and eventually into delta for deep states of sleep. As the autonomic nervous system relaxes under the influence of heat from the sauna, this influences the brain to drop from beta to alpha waves, as this occurs the muscular system begins to ease into relaxation.
When brain waves are slower, muscles relax, sleep is improved, and headaches begin to express with less and less frequency and intensity. It is imperative for individuals who suffer with chronic headaches to find a means by which to transfer the autonomic nervous system out of stress response back into states of rest and relaxation where full body tension can be released.
Instead of popping over the counter painkillers, individuals who turn to sauna bathing to treat chronic headaches experience, not only temporary symptom relief, but also address the deep underlying issue surrounding headaches: Stress.
Why Choose Broad-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Bathing To Resolve Headaches?
Increased Oxygenation Of The Cells
Improved Neurotransmitter Release (Dopamine, Beta-Endorphins and Serotonin)
Detoxification From Harmful Substances
Release Of Muscular Tension
Deeper States Of Restful Sleep
Natural Opioid
The unique quality and attributes of the infrared spectrum has a strong influence on the workings of the brain and also strongly affects the production of neurotransmitters. The production of dopamine, beta-endorphins, and serotonin is important in treating headaches of all kinds because these neurotransmitters have a natural opioid effect.
With regular exposure to the infrared light spectrum, within the isolated chambers of a sauna, powerfully increases the production of neurotransmitters. Not only, do these mighty brain messengers reduce the experience of pain, they allow for sleep to come with greater ease. Serotonin is necessary for sleep because it is within the pineal gland that serotonin is converted into melatonin. Melatonin allows the body to maintain a natural circadian rhythm. If serotonin levels are low, melatonin levels will be low also and effectively sleep will be disrupted.
Where there is a lack of restful sleep, tension in the body increases and therefore the frequency and intensity of headaches also is augmented.
Toxins existing within the body from heavy metals, lactic acid, to harmful bacterial infection, can cause a stress response that influences the autonomic nervous system. This ultimately keeps the mind on high alert. Infrared sauna therapy increases the internal temperature of the body and this causes a voluminous secretion of perspiration. As pores open up to release sweat, within the sweat is carried many potentially harmful internal toxins. When the body is carrying less of a toxic load, the body will naturally drop back into states of relaxation and therefore headache reduction will follow suit!
Finally, the unique quality of the relationship between the near, mid, and far infrared light serves to activate the mitochondria within every cell of the body, ultimately this serves to oxygenate the blood stream and improve circulation.
With regular infrared sauna bathing, individuals can expect to severely alter their experience of headaches, including the frequency, duration, and intensity.
Regular Infrared Sauna Bathing May Positively Impact Individuals With Chronic Headaches, BUT You Must Hydrate
The positive impact of regular broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy on headaches is truly astounding, however due to the rate of prolific sweating that occurs, these benefits can only be enjoyed if you stay well hydrated.
This means drinking plenty of healthy water before (at least 24 hours prior), during, and after your sauna sessions. It is important to fuel up on water with high mineral content, coconut water, and even some juices lower in sugar.
If the body is not properly hydrated in preparation for sauna bathing, the aim of headache reduction becomes counter intuitive. If you are looking toward sauna bathing as a means to treat chronic headaches be mindful to fuel the body before, during, and after each session with plenty of healthy water.
Find Relief For Chronic Headaches With Regular Infrared Sauna Therapy
Living with chronic headaches are debilitating, painful, and sadly can interfere with the enjoyment of life, as these excruciating symptoms can keep individuals from participating in everyday activities.
Chronic headaches require more than a Band-Aid solution: Headaches occurring regularly are a cry for help from the body. Ultimately finding a solution that addresses the underlying causes of headaches will ensure vitality, health, and well being for individuals over the course of their lifetime.
There is now enough clinically significant data that demonstrates sauna bathing as an effective tool to treat causative factors contributing to chronic headaches.
Take back your life, and bathe yourself in the healing rays of infrared light. Begin to enjoy your career, family, and friends as you carve out a new future unencumbered by the debilitating effects of chronic headaches.
Ground Breaking Evidence Suggests That These Small, Yet Mighty Protein Chaperones May Positively Affect Genetic Coding, Immunity, And Longevity
The nexus point of scientific discovery with ancient tradition gives voice and explanation to what our ancestors have known since before recorded history: Exposing the body to extreme temperatures, both high and low, for specific durations of time positively affects health, longevity, and overall wellness. Clinical research into the fields of microbiology, coupled with the advent of technological instruments that allow for the witnessing of the candid musings of cellular life can now explain why humans have turned to heat therapy for millennia.
The discovery of Heat Shock Proteins in the early 1960s explains at the molecular biological level why humans have turned to thermal therapy to purify the body, cleanse the mind, and to find commune with a higher power across time and lands.
Regular use of broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy capitalizes on the radiant heat from these light waves to enhance the production of Heat Shock Proteins, thereby inducing an intracellular community rich in structured proteins and free from harmful free radicals.
The unique qualities of infrared light, when contained in a cabin like structure, magnifies the impact of the physiological response to intentional increases in atmospheric heat to produce Heat Shock Proteins that, ultimately serve all portions of health and wellbeing. From preventing neurological degenerative disease, increasing cardiovascular health, as well as assisting with longer periodic remission of autoimmune disorders, Heat Shock Proteins, though microscopic, can transform the entire physiological expression of individual organisms.
Simple lifestyle adjustments that incorporate regular broad-spectrum infrared sauna use, can transform the internal atmosphere of your own physiology to ensure balance, health, and wellness for a higher quantity and quality of life.
What Are Heat Shock Proteins And What Purpose Do They Serve?
For anyone unfamiliar with molecular biology the mere expression of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs), may seem a little ‘out there’ and irrelevant to our day to day contextual life. In reality, however, these ‘molecular chaperones’ (as they have been nick-named), play an enticing role in maintaining our physical, as well as our emotional health and wellbeing.
Understanding the basic workings of these microscopic protein chaperones will help individuals take appropriate action in their lives to support the excretion of HSPs into the intercellular climate, where they can begin to work their magic!
When thermal stress (higher or lower temperatures than what the given species is normally habituated to) are placed on organisms from fruit flies, tissues, to human beings, something quite extraordinary happens: All of these observed organic structures begin to produce, something medical clinicians and scientists have called, Heat Shock Proteins. When HSPs are created in response to thermal stress in the external environment they produce groundbreaking benefits to the intercellular atmosphere within both small and large organisms.
HSPs are within the family of macromolecular structures, despite their tiny size, their discovery in the early 1960s has opened up wide the doors in the field of genetics, changing forever how the scientific and medical communities view our genetic mapping. HSPs provide an opportunity for each organism to ‘up-regulate’ gene expression. Results in clinical studies of HSPs over the past five decades have been so substantial, that it begs the question:
Is our environment equally important to our genetic make-up as our predetermined genetic coding in relationship to our expressed health and wellness?
Peer reviewed Neuroscience Letters journal by Dr. Miles S. Lyon, and Dr. Carol Milligan, would suggest that an organism’s ability to produce HSPs in response to thermal stress initiates the adaptive capability of intercellular communities to find homeostasis within, and ultimately find victory over neurologically degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’, ALS, and Parkinson’s Disease:
“As such, the delivery of exogenous HSPs and the in-creased secretion of HSPs by surrounding cells have suggested a therapeutic approach to treating neurodegenerative disease indicating that the availability of HSP 110 may be a necessary and crucial factor in using the HSPs as intracellular therapeutic modulator for neurodegenerative disease”
A seemingly bold observation, however these findings are based on sound clinical database. Known vernacularly as ‘molecular chaperones’, HSPs ensure that proteins maintain the integrity of shape, size, and movement within neurological structures.
So, what exactly is a Heat Shock Protein?
There are many different classifications of HSPs (all of which are classified by their molecular weight and their specific intracellular functions), there are far too many to name for the purposes of this article, however all of them are referred to as ‘molecular chaperones’, because they serve to re-stabilize, re-organize, and rejuvenate intercellular order. Considering HSPs as chaperones makes sense, because in very lay terms, they serve to escort the subcellular translocation of proteins.
HSPs play an essential role in maintaining the efficacy of any system or systems of organisms. An increase in HSPs within human physiology has demonstrated to aid in the prevention of serious neurological conditions, as well as other chronic autoimmune disorders.
With this information in mind the goal, then becomes how can we create more of these small, yet mighty protein escorts?
HSPs are created when organisms are subjected to fluctuations of temperatures extreme enough to move beyond habituated temperature.
While, the term ‘Heat Shock Proteins’ was originally given to these molecular guardians based on the original experiments involving higher external heat in the early 1960s, in fact, cells begin to excrete an increase in this variety of protein escorts while under cold duress as well as heat.
All organisms, humans included, benefit from the increased secretion of HSPs in fascinating and elaborate ways.
Health Benefits From Increased Heat Shock Proteins In The Body:
· Reparation of Mis-folded And Damaged Proteins
· Increased Immune Response
· Reduction Of Free Radicals
· Faster Muscle Recovery
· Reduction Of The Biological Expression Of Age
· Contributing Factor In The Prevention Of Neurological Degenerative Disease
A tall order of potential health benefits results from increasing the cadence and volume of HSP production from within the cellular structure into intercellular communities. The health and well being of human physiology depends upon the maintenance of the three-dimensional quality of proteins. When proteins lose the integrity of their shape or linger between cells without direction, the negative health consequences are extreme.
Consider a bus full of thirty young school age children off on an adventurous field trip on a cold February day. If there is one adult chaperone for the children, some order will be maintained, but ensuring that all the winter coats are zipped up, mittens put on, hats tied and so forth would be difficult. Add three more adults and suddenly many more of the children are specifically cared for and winter garments are secured into position with greater ease and more children protected from the cold. Imagine, then if there was one adult chaperone per child, then all jackets are zipped up, mittens on, and all children protected from the cold! HSPs play a very similar role within human physiology with respect to their function as molecular chaperones: To ensure that proteins and peptides maintain their shape and purpose.
All portions of health and wellness are improved when the quantity of HSP production is increased:
So, what can we do to increase the quantity and regular secretion of HSPs into our body?
Gratefully, today is the best time in history to make lifestyle choices that support the production of HSPs in the body: Among the most effective tools available today is broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy.
Tools To Increase Heat Shock Proteins In The Body: The Ancient Tradition Of Thermal Therapy
Our ancestors have been creating and turning to various forms of thermal therapy throughout the ages. While the structures and type of heat used for the purposes of thermal therapy units have varied throughout history, their basic innate purpose has remained the same. From Native American sweat lodges, Turkish Hammans, traditional Finnish saunas, Japanese hot spring baths and to the most recent evolution in heat therapy, the infrared sauna, all provide an opportunity to expose the body to increased external heat for specific periods of time. The regular use of any of the above mentioned models of thermal therapy would enhance the production of HSPs.
With a variety of tools available to intentionally increase external heat and therefore the production of HSPs, why choose broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy?
Broad-spectrum infrared light saunas provide the same benefits as most traditional models of heat therapy, but because the source of heat is radiant, the cascade of health benefits derived from the cellular response to the light waves is exponential.
Why Is Infrared Sauna Therapy The Number One Choice To Enhance Heat Shock Protein Production?
The very specific effects of the infrared light spectrum on human biology compound the positive effects of increasing the supply of HSPs. Namely, the unique cellular response to the infrared wavelengths enhances the oxygenation of the blood stream and when this is married with increased HSPs biological magic occurs.
While there are many tools to enlist in an effort to create a body ripe with HSPs, including plunging into frigid external temperatures, what is so special about broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy?
Yes, HSPs will increase during any thermal therapy session, but what makes infrared light exposure unique in its purpose is the relationship between these light wavelengths and cellular composition and mechanism of the human body.
Human physiology is made up of over fifty trillion cells; each home to ‘energy plants’ called mitochondria. As the radiant rays of infrared light are absorbed beyond and past the initial epidermis, the mitochondria become more active: The effect of the infrared light waves on these ‘energy plants’ is to create nitric acid that aids in the oxygenation of the blood stream, as well as improved movement of circulation.
The coupling of enhanced nitric acid production from the mitochondria along side the improved secretion of HSPs positively affects the quality of intercellular function to mega proportions. The resounding cascade of health benefits derived from exposure to infrared light waves including the oxygenation of the bloodstream and the production of HSPs provides the experience of health and wellness unparalleled by any other thermal therapy model.
Broad-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Therapy: An Easy To Use And Practical Means To Create More Heat Shock Proteins In The Body
In addition to the very specific microbiological reaction to the infrared light spectrum, this technology is practical and easy to use. Unlike other thermal therapy options, broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy can easily be done within the comfort of your own home with little to no maintenance.
Distinguished from steam rooms, sweat lodges, traditional Finnish saunas, the infrared sauna is literally a flick of a switch away, a simple appliance within the home space, yet equally able to induce an increase in HSPs in your body. Infrared saunas are both inexpensive to run, easy to clean and maintain.
The complexities of molecular occurrences in the body can be difficult to cognitively imagine, however, understanding the profound impact that molecular chaperones, HSPs have on overall well being, when acted upon may increase the longevity and quality of life for many. The simplicity, safety, and availability of broad-spectrum infrared sauna use, makes this modality of heat therapy the number one option to increase the production of Heat Shock Proteins in the body today!
Chronic Heart Failure is the leading cause of hospitalization in America, and yet recent clinical studies demonstrate that with some lifestyle adjustments, including regular broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy sessions, this number could be greatly reduced. For individuals living with prohibitive symptoms from this condition, infrared sauna therapy is an effortless and relaxing means to demonstrate astounding results on the quality and longevity of life.
Habitually, the thought of any heat therapy, from hot tubs to saunas seems almost synonymous with a contraindication for individuals living with heart conditions, yet the advent of extensive research into the fields of near, mid, and far infrared light in relationship to heart health, suggests quite the opposite.
As with beginning any new health program it is always best to consult with a medical physician, if you or someone close to you, lives with any heart condition. Understanding the relationship between heart health and infrared light creates groundbreaking possibilities for a very positive future for individuals living with chronic heart failure.
Creating positive changes to the circulatory system, reducing blood pressure, and allowing the autonomic nervous system to find homeostasis, while reducing stress, are just some of the cascade of health benefits afforded individuals who partake in regular broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy. These benefits ultimately impact the health of the heart in unforeseen ways!
What Is Chronic Heart Failure?: Beyond The Vernacular
Chronic heart failure, despite the label, does not mean that the heart has stopped working, but rather that it functions less efficiently. Over time this chronic condition can become lethal. There are varying causes for heart failure, and the spectrum of expression is broad, with most diagnosis being symptom based.
Chronic heart failure, as it is commonly referred to, has been clinically named Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). This progressive condition deteriorates the ‘pumping’ mechanism of the heart as fluid begins to build up around the heart causing an inefficient distribution of blood throughout the body.
The onset of CHF can take many years to express fully: It may begin simply as hypertension (high blood pressure) and progress rapidly or slowly over the years if lifestyle measures are not taken to ensure the health of the heart and circulatory system.
The heart as an organ is divided into four primary sections: The upper portion of the heart has two atria, while the lower section has two ventricles. The ventricles are responsible for pumping blood to the body’s tissues, organs, and far extremities while the atria act as the receivers of blood from the body into the heart as it circulates back into the heart. Every hour, the heart pumps 280 liters of blood throughout the circulatory system and therefore life itself depends on the efficient functioning of the atria and ventricles.
CHF develops when the ventricles, in the lower half of the heart cannot pump enough blood out to the rest of the body. This causes blood and other fluids to back up into the heart. Essentially, one can imagine that when the ventricles are not pumping efficiently the heart becomes blocked, like a great lake, eventually if the dam is not lifted, flooding will occur on to the dry lands.
The treatment of Congestive Heart Failure then becomes a matter of ensuring the proper high function of the ventricles to overt blockage from blood leaving the heart to the rest of the body.
Clinical research suggests that lifestyle changes that are inclusive to models of heat therapy may help to reduce the acceleration of the progressive disorder of ‘chronic heart failure’, by improving the natural flow of circulation through the body, relaxing the central nervous system, and increasing vasodilation (widening of blood cells). Scientific data is now reflecting that the specific exposure to broad-spectrum infrared light therapy may positively impact the lives of those who suffer with CHF.
Congestive heart failure affects a wide spectrum of the demographic, and because of the degenerative quality of the disorder it can be a frightening diagnosis to receive. Gratefully, there are accessible lifestyle changes that can have an immediate and significant impact on patients with this condition.
Who is affected by Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive Heart Failure affects individuals of all ages and genders, with nearly 5 million Americans living with the condition today. The percentage of individuals living with CHF increases significantly after the age of 60, and on average 550 000 new cases are diagnosed in the US each year. Unfortunately, this degenerative condition is fatal, and nearly half of all diagnosed cases lose their life within the first five years. The rate of sudden death amongst individuals living with CHF is exponentially increased compared to those living free of this condition.
According to the New York Heart Association, medical physicians typically classify the progressive condition of CHF based on symptom expression, the early stages express little to no symptoms, but as the condition progresses patients may be short of breath even as they rest.
In short, CHF is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and action in order to maintain the health of the heart and overall all wellbeing. Fortunately, lifestyle is a major component in treating heart conditions from hypertension all the way through the late stages of CHF.
According to the University Of California San Francisco Health Journal, individuals living with this condition now have significant options available to make necessary daily changes in habit to reverse some of, if not all damage done to the heart through excessive congestion in the lower chambers:
“Although heart failure is a serious condition that progressively gets worse over time, certain cases can be reversed with treatment. Even when the heart muscle is impaired, there are a number of treatments that can relieve symptoms and stop or slow the gradual worsening of the condition.”
Infrared Sauna Benefits For Individuals With Chronic Heart Failure
Treatment options vary significantly depending on the stage of development and cause of CHF, ranging from, lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. The goal of any treatment plan is to:
· Relieve Symptoms
· Improve Quality Of Life
· Reduce Rates Of Hospitalization
· Increase Longevity
If you or someone you love is suffering from CHF, you will need to establish a treatment plan with your medical physician based on the specific factors involved with individual cases. You and your doctor will determine whether surgery or medication is necessary.
With respect to lifestyle changes, the goal with making these daily adjustments is to improve the health of the heart by means of the following subsidiary goals:
· Stabilize Weight
· Improve Circulation
· Increase Oxygenation Of The Blood Stream
· Moderate Exercise
· Stress Reduction
· Detoxification Of The Body (From Harmful substances, pathogens, and metals)
To achieve these goals there are many options available to individuals: Some changes in lifestyle are prohibitive to individuals living with CHF, however recent studies demonstrate conclusive evidence that exposure to infrared light therapy within the chamber of a sauna can render the achievement of the above stated goals possible.
Infrared Sauna Benefits For Individuals With Chronic Heart Failure
Daily stress reduction has a resounding and positive impact on the health of the heart: The stability of the central nervous system directly impacts the health of the heart.
The autonomic nervous system can be divided into two distinct states of being: Sympathetic dominance, associated with survival and stress response, increased blood pressure, while releasing a variety of ‘stress’ hormones from the endocrine system. Ideally, stress response is an adaptive mechanism that ensures the survival of the species: When our ancestors were faced with a very real threat to life, the entire body was harnessed into states of stress response to fight or flee the situation. Once safety from the external threat was found the autonomic nervous system would naturally flow back into parasympathetic dominance where growth, cellular rejuvenation, and nourishment could occur.
A significant causative contributing factor in the development of CHF is the body’s inability to successfully achieve homeostasis of the autonomic nervous system. When individuals find themselves in states of survival more often than not through modern living, an enormous amount of stress is placed on the heart. Ultimately, blood pressure is increased and patients can become progressively ill with chronic heart failure.
So, what can be done to foster the health of the autonomic nervous system and ensure that individuals can drop back into states of intentional relaxation where heart rate can resume a healthy cadence?
From breathing exercises to meditation; the holistic field of health care is ripe with opportunity. If, however, time is limited, and patients suffering from CHF are looking for ways to reduce stress quickly and effectively without learning the ways of the yogi or the monk, then regular infrared sauna therapy is a powerful option to explore.
Unlike other modalities of heat therapy such as steam rooms, traditional saunas, and hot springs, which can be prohibitive to individuals suffering with heart issues, infrared saunas do not rely on a high external temperature to produce positive results.
As the body relaxes under the rays of the infrared spectrum the autonomic nervous system effortlessly retracts away from stress response back into states of regeneration and nourishment. When the body is relaxed, the health benefits to the heart are exceptional: Broadening the entryways of blood flowing in and out of the heart and therefore healing congestion in the lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles.
Relaxation is not a luxury for individuals living with CHF, but rather an imperative means to heal the heart. Regular exposure to broad-spectrum infrared light reduces the expression of symptoms, and maintains the life expectancy for patients living with CHF.
Broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy is a safe and effective means to reduce stress, and not only does the autonomic nervous system benefit, but all portions of cardiac and circulatory health are enhanced with regular sessions!
Infrared Sauna Benefits For Individuals With Chronic Heart Failure
The elephant in the room: Typical contraindication surrounding any model of heat therapy suggests that individuals suffering with heart conditions should consult a medical professional before partaking in the activity. It may seem surprising that recent studies suggest that regular exposure to broad-spectrum infrared light will actually assist in symptom reduction for individuals living with CHF.
Dr. Richard Beever from the Canadian College Of Family Physicians Official Publication has written extensively on the health benefits afforded patients living with CHF with regular infrared sauna therapy.
The publication by Dr. Beever tells of several case studies performed on subjects living with CHF: The results are considered to be clinically relevant.
As performed by the New York Heart Association (NYHA), 30 subjects living with CHF were divided into two separate groups. The control group took 10-15 minute far infrared saunas over a two-week period, in contrast, the other group was asked to simply ‘relax’ for the same duration and episodic frequency as the first group.
The results from this study were astounding. The control group partaking in regular infrared sauna therapy demonstrated symptom reduction, as well as measurable lab results suggesting a significant decrease in the blockage of the lower chamber of the heart space. In greater detail, Dr. Richard Beever tells of the results of this study:
“The authors concluded that FIRS (*far infrared sauna) treatment improved cardiac function and clinical symptoms in those with CHF and that this improvement was the result of improved vascular endothelial function. Further, before study entry all subjects were in stable clinical condition for at least 1 month, medications had not been changed for a t least 2 weeks, and adverse events were defined (dyspnea, angina pectoris, palpitations, hypotension, or dehydration).
Several other studies have also demonstrated clinically relevant results for individuals living with Level I and II CHF and the reduction of their symptom demonstration.
(Please note, that these studies were not conducted on individuals living with the later stages of the condition.)
So, why does regular infrared sauna therapy have such a profound effect on individuals living with CHF?
To answer this question it requires taking a look at the frequency of the light emitted by the wavelengths of near, mid, and far infrared light and the effect that exposure has on the cellular health of the body. The infrared light frequency is just beyond the visible color red on the spectrum of light waves, and before the ‘microwave’ wavelengths of light. Although invisible to the eye, the near, mid, and far infrared light is experienced as heat.
The healing benefits of intentional exposure to the infrared light spectrum lies primarily in the relationship between the mitochondria (essentially an energy plant contained within each cell), and the penetrative rays of infrared light beyond the soft tissue of the body. As the body is exposed to the infrared light spectrum, the mitochondria become excited by the frequency of these wavelengths. As this occurs the mitochondria begin producing greater amounts of nitric acid, which is released into the bloodstream and converted to oxygen. The result of the increased mitochondrial activity is higher levels of oxygen in the blood, as well as an increase in positive circulation throughout the entire body, including both the upper and lower chambers of the heart.
By oxygenating the blood stream, and increasing the internal temperature of the body, nutrient rich blood flows inward to the vital organs, including the heart. Steeped in rich and rapid moving blood, the ventricle pathways of the heart release congestion, and ultimately for individuals suffering with the earlier stages of CHF, will find great symptom relief.
The warm glow of infrared light bathes the body as individuals rest encased in a cabin like chamber, where the wavelengths are captivated. Naturally occurring within the sun’s rayss, infrared light surrounds us always, but the intensity afforded by the sauna structure, coupled with the absence of potentially harmful UV rays, creates a perfect concoction of health benefits for individuals living with CHF.
So, why does regular infrared sauna therapy have such a profound effect on individuals living with CHF?
Regular broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy (10-15 minutes/3 Times Per Week) may help individuals achieve and maintain ideal weight, detoxify the body from harmful substances, improve heart rate variability and reduce stress.
Individuals living CHF, in addition to the recommendation of their medical practitioner will need to make some lifestyle changes that will accommodate the following goals:
· Stabilize Weight
· Improve Circulation
· Increase Oxygenation Of The Blood Stream
· Moderate Exercise
· Stress Reduction
· Detoxification Of The Body (From Harmful substances, pathogens, and metals
As demonstrated through extensive clinical research, regular infrared sauna use will allow individuals to effortlessly achieve those objectives listed above.
Living with CHF can render certain exercise options prohibitive, conversely the high temperatures of the traditional sauna and steam rooms can also be restricted from this same group of patients. Infrared sauna therapy provides similar cardiovascular benefits for individuals as a brisk jog, as well as the same detoxification protocol available through high temperature traditional saunas.
Broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy supports the health and longevity of individuals living with CHF, without any of the prohibitive factors found from exercise and high temperature heat therapy.
Broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy is both an effective and safe means of improving heart health, actualizing ideal weight, reducing stress, and increasing cardiovascular activity for those living with CHF.
Contraindication:
CHF is a serious and progressive illness. Please be mindful that the rate of sudden death is much higher in this demographic, therefore proceeding with any new treatment measures must be done with great care. While, clinical data suggests that broad-spectrum infrared sauna therapy can be advantageous for individuals living with CHF, it is always important to check in with your medical professional ensuring that the disease has not progressed to a stage that would prohibit infrared sauna bathing.
Step Off The Stress Train Into The Depths Of Relaxation And Healing For Longevity
The majestic, fluid, and dynamic dance of human physiology is truly a marvel: This perfectly orchestrated balance of systems keeps the body healthy and full of vitality. When knocked out of balance for a prolonged period, illness ensues and life force is depleted.
The potent mind-body connection seamlessly allows biochemical changes to occur within the physical systems in response to the perceptions of external conditions and circumstances. This coupling enables survival by allowing the body to quickly adapt to external threats. This fluid interaction with the environment has sustained the human species throughout time.
As the mind perceives external threat, the body immediately transforms into a vessel able to ward off and defend against physical threat, this keen ability is stress response. What happens, if the mind is continually perceiving life threatening cues from outside? The body remains in stress response for prolonged periods of time. This protracted state of elevated stress response eventually depletes the body’s system and can lead to the degradation of the body’s tissues causing illness.
What once served to ensure the survival of the human species is now among the leading causes of chronic illness today: Stress. The necessity to regain homeostasis and move out of stress response is imperative. As modern life stimulates the mind into perceiving threats to survival, the body responds with a chain of biological reactions to transfer the body into states of chronic stress response, therefore the necessity to find a pathway back to relaxation is at an all time high.
Broad spectrum infrared sauna therapy is a unique modality that capitalizes on the invisible light spectrum to bath individuals in radiant heat. This light bath dynamically interacts with human physiology to produce the necessary hormonal and biochemical reaction to transfer the body out of stress response and back into states of relaxation!
Ring The Alarm: What Happens Within The Body During The Activation Of The Survival Mechanism?
The near instantaneous cascade of physical changes that occur in response to life-threatening circumstances is perfectly orchestrated to ensure survival. The process of inducing survival mechanism begins in the center of the brain known as the amygdala, an area of the brain responsible for emotional processing.
This emotional center sends a signal to the hypothalamus, essentially a command center for the central nervous system. The central nervous system is a communication network for the entire body and allows physical responses to be synchronized with emotional and mental feelings and perceptions.
When the amygdala perceives an immediate threat, a distress signal is sent to the hypothalamus and the entire central nervous system transfers out of rest and relaxation into survival mode. This survival mechanism adopted by the autonomic nervous system is called sympathetic dominance or fight-or-flight response.
As sympathetic dominance is activated, signals are sent to the adrenal glands. These glands respond by excreting a hormone called epinephrine, also known as adrenaline into the bloodstream. As adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream, and circulated throughout the body a number of physiological changes occur.
The heart rate is elevated to pump blood to the vital organs and muscles in preparation for defense through combat or flight. The pulse is elevated and blood pressure rises, breathing becomes rapid, small air ways in the lungs are opened to allow the lungs to take in as much oxygen with every breath. Extra oxygen is sent to the brain to heighten alertness and the entire sensory apparatus becomes aroused to keenly sense the eminent danger in the external environment. Adrenaline also triggers blood sugar and fats from temporary storage sites to be released into the blood stream, in effect all of the body’s energy is activated to defend the body and ultimately survive.
This cascade of transformation occurring in response to a perceived threat has ensured the survival of the human species for millennia. When this survival mechanism is balanced with the retreat out of stress response back into states of recovery, the body and mind return to homeostasis. The longevity of health in the body is fortified through states of rest and relaxation. It is not therefore not intermittent states of stress response that cause a problem for health, but rather, protracted states of survival eventually leads to the depletion of health and vitality.
Chronic Stress Response VS Short Fluctuations Into Survival Mode
The orchestrated chain of reactions that occur within the brain and body in response to perceived danger is instrumental in ensuring the survival of the human race. The problem arises when states of stress response are not balanced with the natural retraction back into relaxation where nourishment and rejuvenation occur.
When the emotional center of the brain perceives a dangerous threat it sends signals to the hypothalamus to activate the autonomic nervous system out of rest and into survival. What happens if the amygdala’s perception of danger is not accurate? Or what occurs if the autonomic nervous system is called into states of sympathetic dominance even when life-threatening situations are simply a matter of false perception?
When every day modern living is the catalyst for stress response, the adrenal glands are on constant duty, heart rate and blood pressure are perpetually high, and the mind stays vigilant with heightened external senses. If traffic, a heavy workload, and too much screen time, for example are perceived as threatening then the autonomic nervous system is perpetually in a state of stress response.
Unfortunately, survival mode is not sustainable as the primary state of being. Without the ability to move back into states of rest and relaxation, the body is not granted the necessary recovery time it needs to foster health and wellness. The result of sustained states of survival mode is the degradation of the body’s system and eventually chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and heart disease.
The call to action for the modern citizens of our planet is to actively find modalities that will encourage the mind and body out of chronic stress and backs into states of relaxation where nurturing and growth can occur.
Relaxation: The Other Side Of The Survival Coin
Just as the brain center sends a signal to the autonomic nervous system when a threat is perceived, the same is also true when security and safety are the status quo. Perceived safety signals the autonomic nervous system to move from sympathetic dominance fluidly back into parasympathetic dominance (Rest, digestion, relaxation).
When the brain perceives safety, the adrenal glands no longer release adrenaline into the bloodstream. Hyper vigilance of the mind is eased back into open creativity, blood pressure is lowered, heart rate is lowered, and energy is directed inward for healing and cellular generation. In short, the maintenance of the internal body’s systems is rewarded when the body relaxes. Wounds are healed, and the immune system is strengthened when the body is able to relax in parasympathetic dominance.
It is crucial that each individual finds tools and modalities that will encourage the nervous system out of stress response back into states of relaxation. There are several wonderful tools available to encourage this fluid movement, however none so effortless and effective as infrared sauna therapy.
How Can Infrared Sauna Therapy Encourage The Body And Mind Back Into States Of Relaxation?
Brain Waves Move From Beta To Theta (From Hyperactive Vigilance To Expansive And Creative)
Sensory Apparatus Turns Inward
Core Temperature Rises To Invoke A Decline In Body Temperature After The Sauna Session Is Complete
Mitochondrial Stimulation Produces Nutrient Rich Blood To Improve Circulation
What role does broad spectrum infrared sauna therapy play in determining the state of the autonomic nervous system? How can this invisible spectrum of light influence physiological response on a mass scale?
Brain Waves: From Beta To Theta
While the infrared light spectrum is invisible to the eye, it is experienced as heat. It is a soothing radiant heat and under its influence brain waves slow down. Within this environment of subtle warmth, the hypothalamus is not receiving the signal of threat. The feeling of a gentle sleepiness that occurs within the infrared sauna is the antithesis to fast-acting brain waves that occur when danger is eminent.
This means that the hypothalamus is not signaling the autonomic nervous system into survival mode, and the body sinks into deeper states of relaxation as brain waves slow down. When a threat is perceived, brain waves speed up into beta frequency. This allows the mind to vigilantly survey the external environment for threat.
Within the radiance of the infrared light brain waves move from beta to theta, where the frequency is slower. The brain is no longer scanning the horizon for threats, but rather becomes open and expansive to creativity.
The Senses Relax And Perception Is Turned Inward
The radiant heat of an infrared sauna session coupled with a gentle sensory deprivation enables perception to pivot inwards away from the world. As the mind relinquishes hyper vigilance to the external world, the adrenal glands stop releasing adrenaline into the bloodstream, the sensory apparatus is dulled slightly, and this enables the body to sink into relaxation, as it no longer needs to prepare to defend itself.
Thermal Regulation
The radiant heat as experienced during a broad spectrum infrared sauna therapy session moves beyond the initial epidermis of the skin and raises the core temperature of the body. Once the session is over the dropping of body temperature further induces relaxation, and this drop of body temperature is a key component to falling asleep. As sleep is improved the body can remain in states of relaxation for longer periods of time.
Enrich The Blood With Mitochondrial Stimulation
The real magic of the infrared light spectrum occurs through its relationship to the cellular network of the body, specifically the mitochondria. As the body (a community of nearly 50 trillion cells) is saturated with the infrared light frequency, the energy centers of the cells become hyper receptive to the light. This interaction creates a cascade of microscopic changes to induce the enriching of the blood as well as improved circulation.
When in states of sympathetic dominance, stored sugars and fats are released into the bloodstream, in stark contrast, under the influence of infrared light, more oxygen is released into the bloodstream enriching the quality of blood. This increase in quality of blood coupled with vasodilation (the widening of blood capillaries) improves circulation and therefore feeds all portions of the body nutrient rich blood that is used to heal the body from the inside out.
Get Off The Stress Train And Step Onto The Life Raft Of Infrared Sauna Therapy To Transport You Back To States Of Rest, Rejuvenation, And Recovery
Remaining in chronic states of stress response is not a luxury the body can sustain. Eventually protracted states of survival will demand a heavy toll payment that the body cannot afford. The eventual outcome of constant hyper vigilance is disease, illness, and the degradation of the body’s systems.
A little R & R is not something that should be taken twice annually on vacations, but rather ought to be incorporated into daily practice in order to sustain balance and health. Finding a tool that will enable the body to move out of sympathetic dominance back into states of relaxation and rest is imperative.
Broad spectrum infrared sauna therapy provides a comfortable and safe means for the body to adapt itself into parasympathetic dominance where nurturing, digestion, and relaxation can occur.
This healing modality will turn survival mode off and gently invite you into a state of being that will revitalize all portions of the body and allow the mind to slow down and ease away from frantic thinking patterns into calm.
While there is little to do regarding challenging commutes and the fast-paced culture of our modern world, we can, however, choose to create an oasis for the body and mind to step out of the chaotic external reality back into security, safety, and comfort. The gift of longevity and quality of life can be yours as you bask in the warm glow of infrared sauna therapy to release stress from the body and sink into states of deep relaxation.
