Exerpt from: Alternative Medicine Magazine, Issue 39, January 2001
"Warming up to Far Infrared" by D.J. Fletcher

For many, the biggest news in FIR technology is its application in 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 the sweat," says John C. Cline, M.D., B.Sc., C.C.F.P., A.B.C.T., Medical Director of the Cline Medical Centre and Oceanside Functional Medicine Research Institute, located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. "Saunas also stimulate cells to release toxins which can then be eliminated by the liver and bowel. Several published studies have now shown that this hyperthermic 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 110º to 130ºF, compared with 180º to 235ºF 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 and 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.

Scientists are taking a serious look at hyperthermic therapy as a means to detoxify environmentally ill individuals.
"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 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 from occupational 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, M.D., 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, "Given that hyperthermic sauna therapy removes metal contaminants from the body by a different mechanism than chelation therapy 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.

How Do You Know If You Need Detoxification?

Toxic overload has been implicated in many health conditions, from fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) in women to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Symptoms of overload include fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle pain, frequent colds and flus, signs of allergy and hormonal imbalance. chemical sensitivity, sinus congestion, psoriasis and other skin conditions, loss of dexterity, insomnia and more.
Psychological symptoms include poor concentration, memory loss, mood changes, mental confusion and changes in behavior. To set up an appropriate detox regimen, consult a physician.
'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 organization of detoxification using a low-energy 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.

Dr. Rapp adds, "If far-infrared saunas work, why wait to use them? In our homes and healthcare facilities, we need to use these saunas to detox the same way we exercise-safely and effectively. People need information about what nutrients and minerals to take, how to stay hydrated, and a reminder to shower after the sauna. It's not going to do much good to spend time detoxing if you don't wash off those toxins afterwards. And don't overlook the importance of educating yourself and your children about sources of environmental toxins and allergens. Your future health depends on it!"