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The source of infrared heat in your infrared sauna is actually a ceramic tube or cube, warmed by an electrical wire embedded within it. This zircon ceramic emitting tube is shielded by a metallic grill that is covered by a soft coating of suede-ex, and is safe to touch while it is operating.

Masuda A, Miyata M, Kihara T, Minagoe S, Tei C.

Department of Cardiology, Respiratory and Metabolic Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.

We have reported that repeated sauna therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in a patient with coronary risk factors. We hypothesized that sauna therapy decreases urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) levels as a marker of oxidative stress and conducted a randomized, controlled study. Twenty-eight patients with at least one coronary risk factor were divided into a sauna group (n = 14) and non-sauna group (n = 14). Sauna therapy was performed with a 60 degrees C far infrared-ray dry sauna for 15 minutes and then bed rest with a blanket for 30 minutes once a day for two weeks. Systolic blood pressure and increased urinary 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) levels in the sauna group were significantly lower than those in the non-sauna group at two weeks after admission (110 +/- 15 mmHg vs 122 +/- 13 mmHg, P < 0.05, 230 +/- 67 pg/mg x creatinine vs 380 +/- 101 pg/mg x creatinine, P < 0.0001, respectively). These results suggest that repeated sauna therapy may protect against oxidative stress, which leads to the prevention of atherosclerosis.

• atherosclerosis

Effects of repeated sauna treatment on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure.

Kihara T, Biro S, Ikeda Y, Fukudome T, Shinsato T, Masuda A, Miyata M, Hamasaki S, Otsuji Y, Minagoe S, Akiba S, Tei C.

Departments of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Metabolic Medicine, Kagoshima University.

Background The aim of the present study was to determine whether repeated 60C sauna treatment improves cardiac arrhythmias in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, because ventricular arrhythmias are an important therapeutic target in CHF. Methods and Results Thirty patients (59+/-3 years) with New York Heart Association functional class II or III CHF and at least 200 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)/24 h assessed by 24-h Holter recordings were studied. They were randomized into sauna-treated (n=20) or non-treated (n=10) groups. The sauna-treated group underwent a 2-week program of a daily 60 degrees C far infrared-ray dry sauna for 15 min, followed by 30 min bed rest with blankets, for 5 days per week. Patients in the non-treated group had bed rest in a temperature-controlled room (24 degrees C) for 45 min. The total numbers of PVCs/24 h in the sauna-treated group decreased compared with the non-treated group [848+/-415 vs 3,097+/-1,033/24 h, p<0.01]. Heart rate variability (SDNN, standard deviation of normal-to-normal beat interval) increased [142+/-10 (n=16) vs 112+/-11 ms (n=8), p<0.05] and plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentrations decreased [229+/-54 vs 419+/-110 pg/ml, p<0.05] in the sauna-treated group compared with the non-treated group. Conclusion Repeated sauna treatment improves ventricular arrhythmias in patients with CHF. (Circ J 2004; 68: 1146 - 1151). 

Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors.

Imamura M, Biro S, Kihara T, Yoshifuku S, Takasaki K, Otsuji Y, Minagoe S, Toyama Y, Tei C.

First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, Japan.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether sauna therapy, a thermal vasodilation therapy, improves endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking. BACKGROUND: Exposure to heat is widely used as a traditional therapy in many different cultures. We have recently found that repeated sauna therapy improves endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure.

• high blood pressure (hypertension)

METHODS: Twenty-five men with at least one coronary risk factor (risk group: 38 +/- 7 years) and 10 healthy men without coronary risk factors (control group: 35 +/- 8 years) were enrolled. Patients in the risk group were treated with a 60 degrees C far infrared-ray dry sauna bath for 15 min and then kept in a bed covered with blankets for 30 min once a day for two weeks. To assess endothelial function, brachial artery diameter was measured at rest, during reactive hyperemia (flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation [%FMD]), again at rest and after sublingual nitroglycerin administration (endothelium-independent vasodilation [%NTG]) using high-resolution ultrasound.

RESULTS: The %FMD was significantly impaired in the risk group compared with the control group (4.0 +/- 1.7% vs. 8.2 +/- 2.7%, p < 0.0001), while %NTG was similar (18.7 +/- 4.2% vs. 20.4 +/- 5.1%). Two weeks of sauna therapy significantly improved %FMD in the risk group (4.0 +/- 1.7% to 5.8 +/- 1.3%, p < 0.001). In contrast, %NTG did not change after two weeks of sauna therapy (18.7 +/- 4.2% to 18.1 +/- 4.1%).

CONCLUSIONS: Repeated sauna treatment improves impaired vascular endothelial function in the setting of coronary risk factors, suggesting a therapeutic role for sauna treatment in patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis.

• atherosclerosis

HOW MANY CONTROLLED SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ARE THERE AND BY WHOM AND FOR WHOM?
"Over the last 25 years, Japanese and Chinese researchers and clinicians have completed extensive research on infrared medical treatments and report many amazing discoveries. In Japan, there is an 'infrared society' composed of medical doctors and physical therapists dedicated to further infrared research. Their findings support the health benefits of infrared therapy as a method of healing."

What devices were actually used in the studies?
Far Infrared Ray technology was used. Probably manufactured in Japan.

Who manufactured them?
Food gets cooked regardless of who manufactured the frying pan. Point being, FIR technology was used to produce the results.
Are any of these studies directly related to the devices used in saunas or do they use other forms of infrared devices?
The studies are about FIR technology. If the sauna incorporates FIR technology, then yes the technology is related.
What's the difference between an actual heater and infrared heater in a sauna (in other words take out the infrared part)? "FIR Expands capillaries, which stimulates increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation and oxygenation.

2) FIR is excellent for detox. Scientists in Japan report that in the FIR treatment of clogged capillary vessels, heat expands the capillaries and then initiates the start of a process to dissolve hidden toxins.

FIR thereby promotes elimination of fats, chemicals and toxins from the blood: Poisons, carcinogenic heavy metals - toxic substances from food processing - lactic acid, free fatty acids, and subcutaneous fat associated with aging and fatigue - excess sodium associated with hypertension - and uric acid which causes pain. Furthermore, if sebaceous glands are activated, accumulated cosmetics in pores can be eliminated through the skin (sweat and oil glands) rather than by the kidneys.

• fatigue
• high blood pressure (hypertension)

3) FIR stimulates enzyme activity and metabolism - One hour under the Hot House burns over 900 calories by raising the metabolism and body temperature. FIR heat also breaks down cellulite - trapped water, fat and waste.

4) FIR promotes the killing of many pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

• Parasites

5) FIR promotes rebuilding of injured tissue by having a positive effect on the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for the repair of injury). Furthermore, it increases growth of cells, DNA syntheses, and protein synthesis all necessary during tissue repair and regeneration. Excellent for healing burns, scar tissue and skin problems.

6) FIR relieves nervous tension and relaxes autoneuro muscles thereby helping the body make the most of its intended healing abilities. Reduces soreness on nerve endings and muscle spasms as muscle fibers are heated.

7) FIR strengthens the Immune System by stimulating increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes) by the bone marrow and killer T-cells by the thymus.

8) FIR strengthens the Cardiovascular System by causing heart rate and cardiac output increase, and diastolic blood pressure decrease - Extensive research by NASA in the early 1980's led to the conclusion that far infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during long space flight."
What's the difference in quality and cost from hospital units versus general cheap public units and why? "Dr.Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical, received a patent in 1965 for a zirconia ceramic infrared heater used in the first healing infrared thermal systems. Medical practitioners in Japan were the only ones using infrared thermal systems for 14 years. In 1979, they were finally released for public use. The technique has been further refined into infrared thermal systems that have been sold in the USA since 1981. One use of infrared heat in the USA has been in the form of panels used in hospital nurseries to warm newborns. To date, there have been over 700,000 infrared thermal systems sold in Asia for whole body treatments. An additional 30 million people have received localized infrared treatment in Asia, Europe, and Australia with FIR lamps, which emit the same 2-25 micron wave bands as employed in a whole body system. In Germany, physicians in an independently developed form have used whole body infrared therapy for over 80 years."
Dr.Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical, received a patent in 1965 for a zirconia ceramic infrared heater used in the first healing infrared thermal systems. Medical practitioners in Japan were the only ones using infrared thermal systems for 14 years. In 1979, they were finally released for public use. The technique has been further refined into infrared thermal systems that have been sold in the USA since 1981. One use of infrared heat in the USA has been in the form of panels used in hospital nurseries to warm newborns.

So... What's the difference? Well, I could go out to an Italian restaurant and pay over twenty dollars on spaghetti. Or I could go to the grocery store and buy spaghetti sticks, and then I could come home and make me one serving which costs me only about fifty cents. Spaghetti is spaghetti. FIR is FIR. You know the old saying; whatever floats your boat.
They have made this technology available to the public. Kinda like Hulda Clark's parasite zapper. There was a time when that kind of stuff was not available to the public. However, the zapper got refined to the point where the public were able to purchase one--even make one of their own.
What double-blind controlled studies exist of infrared versus conventional sauna and particular ailments?

Health challenges below, have been reported in Japan and China, as alleviated, reduced or eliminated:

• Cancer, Leukemia, Prostate Cancer
• Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinus problems
• Excess Body Fat/Weight Loss, Cellulite
• High blood pressure, Chronic Nephritis
• Circulation problems - Rheumatism, Chilblains, Gout, Body Odor
• Hemorrhoids and Piles
• Swelling, Inflammation - Arthritis, Tendinitis, Tumors, Mastitis
• Back, Shoulder, Neck and Muscular Pains - Lumbago
• Neuralgia and Abnormal Nerve Functions - Herpes, Paralysis, Sciatica
• Skin Elasticity and Texture, Chapping, Skin Aging, Wrinkles
• Clogged Pores, Pimples, Acne
• Damaged, Burnt and Scarred Tissue
• Toxicity, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Cystitis, Uric Acid
• Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
• Menstrual problems, PMS, Yeast problems, Menopause
• Fungus, Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites
• Migraine, Headaches, Nose Bleeds
• Earache, Tinnitus
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Diabetes Mellitus
  Sports Injuries
• Colds, Flu, fever
• Obesity

The following health challenges have been reported in Japan to be alleviated or reduced by the use of infrared therapy:

• Asthma, bronchitis (cleared up)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (7 out of 10 cases resolved in one clinical trial)
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (reduced)
• Cancer pain (greatly relieved pain in later stages)
• Cirrhosis of the liver (reversed)
• Chroneís Disease (gone)
• Cold hand and feet (a physical therapist discovered 20-50% improvement was maintained)
• Cystitis (gone)
• Duocenal ulcers (eliminated)
• Compression fracture pain
• Gastritis (relieved)
• Hemorrhoids (reduced)
• Hepatitis (gone)
• High blood pressure (in the case of a diabetic a systolic decrease from 180 to 125 +
• concurrent weight loss)
• Keloids (significantly softened and, in some cases, completely gone)
• Leg ulcers (healed when previously static and resistant to other care)
• Menopause
• Pain preventing sleep or limiting sleeping positions (relieved)
• Post-surgical adhesions (reduced)
• Radiation sickness (relieved signs and symptoms)
• Sequelae of Strokes (Herniparesis relieved over time)
   

A clinical trial in Japan reported a successful solution for seven out of seven cases of rheumatoid arthritis treated with whole-body infrared therapy.

Dr. Masao Nakamura of the O and P Medical Clinic in Japan reports success with the use of infrared heat treatment for the following:

• Acne
• Arthritis
• Ear Diseases
• Gastroenteric Problems
• Insomnia
• Menopause
• Whiplash
• Sciatica
• Shoulder Stiffness

Musculoskeletal Improvements with Infrared Heat
Success has been reported from infrared treatments by Japanese researchers for the following musculoskeletal conditions:

• Arthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid, DJD (each substantially relieved or improved)
• Adhesions (common in competitive athletes, trauma, and repetitive stress syndromes)
• TMJ Arthritis
• Acel-Decel Injury Sequelae
• Low-Back Pain (relieved)
• Bursitis (eliminated)
• Brain Contusion (accelerated healing)
• Disc-Protrusion Related Neuralgia
• Compression Fractures (in one situation pain stopped for three days with one treatment)
• Muscle Tension (relaxed)
• Muscle Spasms (reduced or eliminated)
• Post-Exercise Muscle Pain (good results - vital to competitive athletes)
• Shoulder pain (relieved or improved)
• Spinal Chord Shock (reversed post traumatic shock)
• Tight Shoulders (more relaxed)
• Traumatic Arthritis

Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions Relieved with Infrared Heat
The Japanese report the following ear, nose, and throat conditions relieved with infrared heat treatments:

• Body Odor
• Chronic middle-ear inflammation of infection
• Clogged pores (unplugged of cosmetics, unexcelled skin texture and tone)
• Dandruff (increased blood flow through the scalp)
• Eczema and Psoriasis (respond well)
• Lacerations (healed quicker with less pain and scarring)
• Nettle rash
• Nose bleeding (reduced)
• Skin Conditions (improved)
• Teenage skin problems (clearing acne and blackheads)
• Poor skin tone - Scars and pain from burns or wounds (decreased in severity and extent)
• Sore throats
• Tinnitus (chronic severe case cleared with 10 infrared treatments)
• Used routinely in burn units throughout Asia.

Interesting FIR Therapy Medical Facts and Data:
Infrared sauna is thought to be 7 times more effective at detoxifying heavy metals
such as mercury, aluminum, and even cholesterols, nicotine, alcohol, ammonia, sulfuric acid and other environmental toxins, as opposed to conventional heat or steam saunas.

• Alcohol addiction

The human body is a reservoir of all kinds of bio-toxins which cannot be expelled immediately and become stored in the body, thereby triggering illness. When toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide, or potentially fatal heavy metal toxins such as mercury, lead and chlorine, meet large water molecules, they are encapsulated by clusters of water and trapped in the body. Where these toxins are accumulated, blood circulation is blocked and cellular energy is impaired. However, when a 7 to 14 micron FIR wave is applied to these large water molecules, the water begins to vibrate. This vibration reduces the ion bonds of the atoms which are holding together the molecules of water. As the water evaporates, the encapsulated gas and toxins can be released.
Infrared therapy increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to damaged tissues
(aiding reduction of chronic joint and muscle pain or sport injuries), promotes relaxation and comfort, induces sleep and relieves stress.
German medical researchers concluded one session of infrared therapy for over 1 hour can have significant reduction of blood pressure thanks to a persistent peripheral vessels dilation. They also noted that blood viscosity was improved. After 1 hour of infrared radiance, there is a significant decrease of blood pressure - cardiac ejection resistance - total peripheral resistance -and significant increase of heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and ejection fraction.

• Stroke

Acne - Infrared Lasers verse Infrared HotHouse or Infrared Lamp
"Infrared lasers such as Smoothbeam or CoolTouch, are becoming a very popular method to treat acne - particularly very resistant cases. They seem to work by shrinking the sebaceous glands, and you get relatively quick results. They hurt like hell though." ~ Jeffey Dover, MD, Boston, ELLE Magazine March 2004
Three to four infrared HotHouse or infrared lamp treatments appear to open pores that have been malfunctioning for years, forcing out clogging cosmetics, and loosening dry outer skin, healing acne and scars, WITHOUT PAIN.
Sunburn - According to the Clayton's Electrotherapy, 9th Edition, infrared radiation is the only antidote to excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Far Infrared Therapy and Electromagnetic Fields
Recently there have been reports detailing the hazards of exposure to certain kinds of electromagnetic fields, such as those from high-tension power lines, cell phones, or from computer display terminals. Infrared heating systems have been tested in Japan and found free of toxic electromagnetic fields. The Swedish National Institute of Radiation Protection has also concluded that infrared heaters are not dangerous. Instead, Japanese researchers have reported that infrared radiant heat antidotes the negative effects of toxic electromagnetic sources.
The McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology reports medical practitioners make use of infrared radiant heat to treat sprains, strains, bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis, and muscle pain.

Therapeutic Effects of Infrared Heat - Chapter 9 of Therapeutic Heat and Cold, Fourth Edition,
Editors Justus F. Lehmann, M.D., Williams, and Wilkin. Infrared Heat Therapy does the following:

• Decreases joint stiffness
• Relieves muscle spasms
• Increases blood flow
• Leads to pain relief
• Affects soft tissue injury
• Increases the extensibility of collagen tissue
• Assists in resolution of inflammatory infiltrated, edema, and exudes

Potential Use Of Far Infrared In Dental Clinics Mr. Shu of Ninomiya Yuri Dental Clinic used far infrared ray in his dental clinic for some years. "I have successfully treated many common dental diseases, for instance, pyorrhea alveolaris, gum inflammation, tooth pain, and muscular spasm." Mr. Shu indicated that the use of far infrared ray is undergoing research. Dr. Akira, Director of the Meitoku Association of Dentists and Dr. Waaataru of the Kawano Dental Hospital also use far infrared treatment on a regular basis for gum inflammation and post dental pain suppression.

Artificial Body Parts
"The HotHouse feels wonderful on an artificial hip...it is so comforting. When pins or metal have been inserted, it does not harm, as it doesn't get over 98 degrees. Keeping it at that constant temperature doesn't make the body go up and doesn't make it go down. If a person is recovering from a break and has metal pins in the body, the HotHouse is very soothing to them." ~ D.Sudweeks, Pleasant Grove,Utah, January 27th, 1999

Pneumonia
C.Dunson, a Lymphologist in Utah reported that within 15 minutes of a client being treated with the HotHouse and lymphology therapy, their pneumonia was cleared. Infrared therapy in both Japan and China has proven to be outstanding for asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, sinusitis and congestion as it clears inflammation, swelling and mucous clogged passages, as testified to in Dr. Yamazaki's book below.
Dr. Toshio Yamazaki, M.D. owns a clinic in Japan where she has done extensive research on the therapeutic uses of far-infrared therapy. She is the author of "The Scientific Basis and Therapeutic Benefits of Far Infrared Ray Therapy' which presents the clinical effects of far infrared ray therapy.
Besides cancer, Dr. Yamazaki reports continual successful treatments of many other diseases by use of FIR waves - treatments not only by her but also by many other doctors. The list of diseases - documented in her book - includes stress induced chronic diarrhea, abdominal distention, ulcerated large intestines, gastritis, facial numbness, hemorrhoids, shoulder, back, and knee pain, rheumatism, hypotension, diabetes, weight loss, breast and abdominal tumors, low blood pressure, asthma, anemia, burns and scalds, body odor, early onset of baldness, fracture of cervical vertebra, radiation exposure and related diseases...

• Anemia
• Anemia, aplastic
• Anemia, general
• Anemia, iron deficiency
• Anemia, sickle cell
• Anemia, vitamin deficiency
• Asthma
• Diarrhea

For more info you can pick up a book called 'The Scientific Basis and Therapeutic Benefits of Far Infrared Ray Therapy' Written by acclaimed Japanese medical doctor, Toshio Yamazaki.
Now that I answered your questions... I am just tickled to ask you something. In the name of science, what are these "cosmic stones" that you are recommended in an earlier post?

Sample questions are:

• How many controlled scientific studies are there and by whom and for whom?
• What devices were actually used in the studies and who manufactured them?
• Are any of these studies directly related to the cosmic stones or do they use other forms of cosmic stones?
• What's the difference between a regular stone and a cosmic stone(in other words take out the cosmic part)?
• What's the difference in quality and cost from cosmic stones versus general cheap regular stones and why?
• What double-blind controlled studies exist of cosmic stones versus conventional stones and particular ailments?

Cheerio, Marvin
My source for information is http://www.chimachine4u.com/