Alternative Medicine Magazine: Warming Up To Far-InfraRed
Excerpts from:
Warming Up To Far-InfraRed, D.J. Fletcher,
Alternative Medicine, Issue 39 / January 2001
Detoxification
For many, the biggest news in FIR [Far-InfraRed] technology is its
application to the evolving science of detoxification, and the device
being used is the Far-InfraRed sauna. At home and in clinics, these
saunas are said to yield many benefits-- including relief from
different kinds of pain; stimulation of immune response; improvement
in skin tone and conditions such as burns, eczema and acne; and the
accelerated burning of calories. But the detox application is health
news that can benefit everyone. "Traditional wisdom has suggested that
saunas work largely by promoting detoxification through sweat," says
John C. Cline, M.D., B.Sc., C.C.F.P, A.B.C.T., Medical Director of the
Cline Medical Center and Oceanside Functional Medicine Research
Institute, located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. "
Several published studies have now shown that this hyperthermic
[sauna] therapy can bring about the rapid removal of a wide range of
toxic substances from the human body."
 The FIR energy emitted in these saunas may induce two or three times
the sweat volume of conventional saunas, yet they operate at a much
cooler air temperature range: about 110 to 130 degrees F, compared
with 180 to 235 degrees F in a conventional sauna. Many individuals
who cannot tolerate a conventional sauna, steam room or sweat lodge
will find FIR saunas pleasant. The lower heat range is also safer for
those with cardiovascular risk factors or fragile health because lower
temperatures don't dramatically elevate heart rate or blood pressure.
Dr. Cline points out that methods to induce sweating have been used
for centuries to bring about improved health and relief from disease.
"Over 2,000 years ago," he says, "the famous Greek physician,
Parmenides, stated 'give me a chance to create fever, and I will cure
any disease." This traditional wisdom has certainly stood the test of
time. Using methods ranging from hot mineral baths and sweat lodges to
saunas and steam baths, individuals have enjoyed the revitalizing
effects of induced hyperthermia-- the artificial elevation of body
temperature.
"Sweat therapy has also been used for many years by miners in Europe
to prevent and treat occupational heavy metal poisoning, and studies
have now demonstrated that hyperthermic therapy can bring about
significant detoxification from heavy metals including mercury. But
only in recent years has science begun to seriously examine this
age-old healing technique. Now, organizations such as the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency have taken a serious look at
hyperthermic therapy as a means to detoxify individuals who are ill
from exposure to environmental poisons."
Randy Gomm of www.infraredsauna.net, based in Vancouver, became a
distributor of FIR saunas after his life was turned around by
detoxification. As a firefighter, his health had begun to deteriorate
until he was no longer able to work. He was diagnosed with
fibromyalgia, and eventually it was realized that the root of his
problem was toxic overload due to environmental exposure. During the
eight years he was ill, he says, he had a lot of time to research
alternative modalities to regain his health. "I discovered that
leading researchers in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
stated that their patients had high toxic loads," says Randy. "When
their loads were reduced, their symptoms often improved dramatically.
It worked for me. Detoxing really helped put me back on my feet."
Environmental medical specialist Doris J. Rapp, MD, of Scottsdale,
Arizona, a well-known pediatrician, allergist, homeopath and past
president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, states
unequivocally, "Everybody in this country needs to be detoxified
because we've all become toxic dumpsites." Dr. Rapp began using a
Far-InfraRed sauna personally after seeing a similar procedure being
employed in a German clinic. She was impressed with the clinic's work
in detoxifying young children and infants. Dr. Rapp affirms that her
FIR sauna causes her to perspire profusely, and she adds, "I'm hoping
to see more patient outcome studies on FIR sauna use-- studies that
will further evaluate the efficacy of this treatment and impartially
evaluate the various saunas."
Hyperthermic detoxification using these saunas is not only uniquely
helpful in removing fat-stored toxins from the body but also as an
adjunct to mercury removal. Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., of Seattle,
who has been called "the holistic doctors' doctor and teacher," is one
of the pioneers in combining the use of FIR saunas with the chelating
agent DMPS in a heavy metal detox protocol.
Dr. Cline explains, "Since hyperthermic sauna therapy removes metal
contaminants from the body by a different mechanism than chelation
therapy we have found that it may be used to further the benefits
derived from chelation therapy. And we have also found that it may be
an alternative for those who are unable to undergo chelation.
"Research conducted by U.S. scientists has demonstrated that close to
80% of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome will improve markedly
by a guided detoxification program. The program involves nutritional
optimization of detoxification using a low-allergy diet and UltraClear
Plus, a medical food product designed at the Functional Medicine
Research Center in Washington. This approach, called enterohepatic
resuscitation, is being used by healthcare practitioners around the
world. We combine this approach with hyperthermic therapy using the
Far-InfraRed sauna, as well as exercise and chelation. The results we
are seeing are very promising."
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