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Detox
Tips 6:
Tips for using
your Infrared
Sauna
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Diseases & Conditions
A-Z |
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For
optimal benefits, set your controls to maintain a sauna temperature of
110F-130F. Please remember that infrared heat is simply radiant energy
in the form of a band of light that radiates heat penetrating the skin
to a depth of 1-˝ inches or more.
This radiant heat is efficient because it warms the body internally, not
the air. Setting higher temperatures may add to personal discomfort with
very little therapeutic value. The Sauna should never be set over 150F.
To regulate the temperature in your system during use open the door for
cooling.
For optimal
results refrain from using the sauna on a full stomach.
It is important to remain hydrated. For best results drink water prior,
during and after your sauna session.
Do not apply excess body lotion to your body prior to a sauna
session.
Use at least 2-3 towels:
Sit on one folded towel for perspiration absorption and cushioning.
Use another towel on the floor to absorb extra sweat.
Use a third towel to wipe off your body surface sweat.
At the first sign of a cold or flu, increasing sauna sessions may be
beneficial in boosting the immune system and decreasing the reproductive
rate of viruses and bacteria.
As your body becomes more heat conditioned, you may want to increase
your sauna session to 45 minutes or longer. Please remember to hydrate
your system with plenty of water during the full session.
Note: many people with heavy metal, chemical or pesticide toxicity
levels may find it difficult to sweat initially; for some individuals it
may require 5-10 sessions before measurable sweat volume is evident, but
continuous water intake will enhance detoxification. Even without
measurable sweat, the IR sauna is helping to eliminate
toxins through urine, bowels and hair.
To treat your
ankles and feet more effectively, elevate them while in the sauna. Any
area you wish to achieve a specific deep heating effect should be placed
as close to the IR emitters as feels comfortable.
MERCURY
DETOXIFICATION PROTOCOL
DETOX IN THE SAUNA
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.
DIETARY MURCURY DETOX
1. Diet
Avoid all sugar and milk, limit all processed foods and most grains,
especially wheat.
It will be important to have a high protein diet as the sulfur bearing
amino acids in the protein will greatly facilitate detoxification. Do
NOT attempt to fast during DMPS mercury detoxification. If you are a
vegetarian you will be at HIGH risk for complications from DMPS unless
you have a large amount of protein.
Whey protein can be used as a supplement as it is high in glutathione
and branched chain amino acids. Two large tablespoons are used per drink
and that can be taken once a day and twice a day for the week prior to
DMPS chelation.
Autistic children can't use this product as it contains casein. They can
use pure branched chain amino acids. You can start with one capsule
twice daily and mix with food. Work up to two capsules twice a day for
the week prior to DMPS chelation.
2. Beneficial Bacteria
Take one quarter to one half teaspoon once a day of a high potency high
quality strain. It is vital to have an optimized bowel flora for
detoxification.
3. Maintain two to three bowel
movements per day
If you are not having this many bowel movements make certain that your
thyroid status has been checked. It is very common for mercury to affect
the thyroid. If your thyroid function is fine then you should add some
magnesium.
If you are on long-term magnesium it is important to take some calcium
with it or after awhile you will develop an imbalance in your calcium
magnesium ratio which could result in severe cramping.
Freshly ground flax seed several teaspoons per day will facilitate
intestinal movement and also contribute some healthy essential fatty
acids.
4. Unload the connective tissue with
Chlorella or ProChitosan
Chlorella and ProChitosan are an important part of the detoxification
program, as approximately 90% of the mercury in our bodies is eliminated
through the stool. Chlorella is an algae and, unlike Protchitosan, has
protein high levels of chlorophyll and other nutrients which can be used
for nourishment.
The chlorella powder is the most cost effective approach but some people
will prefer the tablets or capsules for convenience. A simple way to
dissolve the powder is to place it in a container with a lid partially
filled with water. Then tighten the lid and shake to dissolve and drink
the solution.
Caution: About 30% of people can't tolerate chlorella. This may be due
to optimized function of the enzyme cellulase. If you are unable to
tolerate this it would be wise to consider adding an enzyme with
cellulase in it to help digest the chlorella.
Dose: One can start out with a one quarter of a teaspoon of the powder
(one 500 mg tablet) once a day initially to confirm that there is no
hypersensitivity present. Work up slowly over one to two weeks to a dose
of one teaspoon (ten tablets or capsules) per day. Once you tolerate
this dose you are able to use it to bind the mercury. Use this dose
starting two days prior to your chelation and for one day afterwards.
The chlorella will thoroughly coat your intestine and bind like a sponge
to any mercury that the DMPS liberates into the gut.
The above dose is based on a 150 pound adult. If you are using the
program for children reduce the dose proportionately. (So a 30 pound
child would have have 30/150 or 1/5 (20%) of the dose).
Caution: If at any time one develops nausea or starts "burping up" the
chlorella taste then the chlorella should be stopped immediately as a
food sensitivity is developing which will only worsen if you continue
taking it. If this happens you should switch to ProChitosan This binds
similarly to mercury. Its dose is dependent on your bowel movements.
If you have one bowel movement a day or less you should start two days
prior to the DMPS . If you have two or more bowel movement you can start
24 hours prior to the DMPS. Stay on it for 24 hours after the DMPS. So
you will be on it either two or three days. The dose is two capsules
three times a day. Be sure to drink it with plenty of water and increase
magnesium if constipation develops.
Porphrazyme from Biotics Research is another alternative to chlorella
that many clinicians have had success with in mercury detoxification.
5. Start Garlic or MSM
It would be wise to start on garlic regularly to enhance sulfur stores.
Use the food, rather than the supplement garlic. Try to get in three
cloves per day, but decrease the dose if your odor becomes socially
offensive.
Again, as indicated in the chlorella section above, children will have
proportionately lower doses.
MSM is a form of sulfur which will help your body to remove the mercury.
The initial dose is one capsule twice a day. Increase by one capsule a
day until you are at three capsules twice a day. If you have root canals
and are chronically sick you may want to increase to five capsules three
times a day.
6. Start Cilantro
Cilantro will help mobilize mercury out of the tissue so the DMPS can
attach to it and allow it to be excreted from the body. The best form of
cilantro is a tincture available from Dragon River (505-583-2348).
The dose is one dropper applied on the wrists and rubbed in twice a day
for the two weeks preceding the DMPS IV. It is used the morning prior to
the DMPS chlelation but can be stopped for the following two weeks. The
tincture is also particularly useful for any joint pain and could be
rubbed on the joint that is hurting as an alternative.
You can also augment the tincture with using the herb. It is not as
potent, but certainly will add to the program. However, like chlorella,
many people are sensitive to oral cilantro. So, if you develop any
nausea or discomfort after eating cilantro do not use it orally.
7. Mineral Replacement
It is important to have a generally healthy mineral base. The body works
better with toxic metals than no metals at all. Enzymes have certain
binding sites that require a metal for them to perform their function as
a catalyst. When you are deficient in magnesium, sodium, zinc and other
minerals, the body does not let go of the toxic metals very easily.
Selenium and zinc are particularly important trace minerals in mercury
detoxification and should be used for most people.
Generally the citrate form of minerals works quite nicely unless one has
a low blood phosphorous level. It is important to not take copper or
iron though unless a clinician has examined a hair analysis and or blood
work and recommended these minerals. Thorne Research has Citramins II,
which is citrated minerals without copper or iron.
Hydrochloric Acid:
If you do not have a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid secreted by
your stomach then it will be very difficult to ionize mineral
supplements to absorb them properly. There is a hydrochloric acid reflex
present on the lowest rib approximately one inch lateral to the midline.
If this area on the rib is tender to palpation there is a strong
likelihood the person is deficient in hydrochloric acid and would
benefit from supplementation.
This is especially common in individuals over 50 years old, and also in
individuals with food allergies. One to six capsules or more of Betaine
hydrochloride is generally taken with the first bite of every meal for
proper digestive support. The Betaine can be discontinued once the
reflex point in non-tender to deep palpation.
Monitoring Your Mineral Dosing
It will be very important to monitor your mineral levels during the
detoxification program. This should be done initially and at least every
6-12 weeks. I only recommend two labs to do this work. Trace Elements
and Analytical Research as they are the only two labs that do not wash
the hair samples prior to analysis.
8. Digestion and Gall Bladder Support
for Autism
Liver and gallbladder congestion are major issues in states of toxicity.
To insure that your gallbladder bile flow is functional add magnesium
taurate or taurine, butyric acid (Butryex 559-433-3110)
The dose of the Butyrex initially is 1/8-1/4 of capsule. Gradually
increase the dose to 5 capsules 3 times daily. The Butyrex has a
offensive odor which is lessened by keeping it in the freezer.
Additionally inserting the powder in applesauce, raw honey or elderberry
cough syrup may improve compliance.
Digestive enzymes (containing lipase) and CCK (stimulates contraction of
the gall bladder. These can be used one hour after meals containing fat.
CCK is taken after dinner (high fat meal)
ˇ young children 1/4 tablet
ˇ older children 1/2 tablet
ˇ teenagers 1 tablet
ˇ adults 2 to 4 tablets
Your ability to clear toxins will be impaired if you do not have proper
fats to support digestive function. Your diet should contain adequate
fat from unprocessed pure oils. Omega Nutrition, Flora or Arrowhead
Mills
ˇ sunflower
ˇ safflower
ˇ sesame
OR fats naturally found in foods:
ˇ seeds
ˇ nuts
ˇ avocado
ˇ free range organic poultry, eggs, or meats
9. Antioxidants
Vitamin C and E. It would be wise to take Unique vitamin E one capsule
per day and about 250-500 mg of vitamin C with each meal. If you are
exercising aggressively you can take 1000 mg of C 15-30 minutes prior to
exercising. It is also wise to consider adding 2-4,000 mg of Vitamin C
powder to a half gallon of water and drinking that throughout the day.
It will be VERY important to take 2000 units (typically five of the 400
unit capsules) of vitamin E the day of and the day after the DMPS
injection as this will decrease the side effects of the detoxification
reaction considerably. You can also take 1-2 grams of vitamin C
immediately prior to the DMPS injection.
10. Start Monthly DMPS Injections,
Suppositories or Transdermal
You should not have DMPS if you still have amalgam fillings. If they
have been removed the injections can be started on a monthly basis.
Collection of the urine is then down to analyze how much mercury is
being excreted. One must urinate completely prior to the injection.
I perform the analysis at 90 minutes as that is most convenient, but
others do four or 24 hour collections. The DMPS injections are generally
given about six times or until the level drops into single digits or you
are feeling better.
For pediatric patients
You can click here to find out why I don't recommend DMSA mercury
chelation. Since an IV is such a traumatic event for most children it is
probably wise to use a rectal suppository version of DMPS which is
available from most compounding pharmacists. Another alternative is to
apply the dose transdermally with DMSO. This is very similar to the way
that the hormone secretin is being used for many autistic patients.
The dose is 5 mg of DMPS per kg of body weight and is generally given
once a month. The urine collection for pediatric patients incorporates a
bag to collect the urine for mercury analysis.
11. DMPS Alternative
Some people do not tolerate DMPS well. This is especially true for those
who have damage in the central nervous system, such as those with MS or
ALS or children with fragile brain architecture. If this is the case
there are several options. PCA (peptid clathrating agent) spray can be
used. The dose is 4 sprays under the tongue every day or every other
day. One may use a dipeptide amino acid or mixed mineral succinates such
as Champion Nutrition Muscle Nitro.
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