Sauna

INTRODUCTION

As a holistic physician, I am ever searching for better ways to heal the body that are safe, inexpensive, and powerful enough to handle todayís health As a As a holistic physician, I am ever searching for better ways to heal the body that are safe, inexpensive, and powerful enough to handle todayís health. I receive a flood of new products and machines to test, and I hear about a multitude of techniques and procedures. Over the past three years, I have experimented with the use of infrared lamp saunas. Rarely have I seen such an impressive healing modality.

This type of sauna is old, first invented by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, MD of Kelloggís Cornflakes fame. He was a naturopathic type of doctor who used many of the spa modalities available at the time he lived, about 100 years ago. He used baths, herbs, food and saunas, among other therapies.

The electric light bulb had just been invented by Thomas Edison, and Dr. Kellogg built a heating unit or sauna made of 40 small bulbs. He found it removed toxins faster than the traditional saunas available. He was not aware that incandescent lamps give off a lot of infrared energy, particularly near infrared. This was really the first infrared sauna.

NO MEDICAL CLAIMS ARE MADE FOR SAUNAS OR SAUNA THERAPY. The following article is an introduction to the subject of sauna therapy. Also available is a book on the subject for those who want to study it in much more depth. I am pleased to report findings by myself and other doctors and patients regarding this therapy.

Warning: The material presented here is for educational purposes only. I work as a nutrition consultant, not as a licensed medical doctor. Sauna therapy is not intended to replace regular medical care. Always consult your doctor before beginning a sauna therapy program, as saunas are powerful devices and require that you be monitored. Saunas are not intended to replace any therapy for any purpose whatsoever. For liability reasons, no plans are able to be on this website any longer.


Infrared Lamp Sauna Therapy

by Dr. Lawrence Wilson

The following is excerpted from a recent book, Sauna Therapy, with 16 chapters on sauna physiology, procedures, protocols, cautions, construction details and many references for sauna therapy.

Infrared lamp sauna therapy is one of the least costly, safest and most powerful ways to eliminate toxic metals, toxic chemicals and chronic infections. The benefits include:

* Skin rejuvenation. Sauna use slowly restores elimination through the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and a major eliminative channel. In most people, it is inactive, congested and toxic. Sun exposure, use of synthetic clothing, bathing in chlorinated water and exposure to hundreds of chemicals damage the skin. Excessive sympathetic nervous system activity and emotions such as fear, anger and guilt cause blood to be withdrawn from the skin, contributing to inactivity of the skin.

* Enhanced sweating. Sweating in a sauna is a by-product of applying heat to the body. The sweating process gently and safely helps eliminate all heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Medical studies demonstrate that most toxins can be eliminated through the skin, relieving the burden on the kidneys and liver. Sweating increases dramatically in most people after several months of daily sauna use.

Sweating during exercise is not nearly as effective for detoxification because exercise activates the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nervous activity inhibits toxin elimination.

* Exercise benefits. Saunas provide many of the benefits of exercise with much less expenditure of energy. These include enhanced circulation and oxidation of the tissues. Repeated sauna use can lower elevated blood pressure and improve the elasticity of the arteries. Saunas are most helpful for cardiovascular rehabilitation, arthritis, allergies, skin conditions and chemical sensitivity.

* Decongesting the internal organs. Heating the body powerfully shunts blood toward the skin to dissipate heat. This decongests the internal organs and greatly stimulates circulation. Sinuses, joints and many other tissues benefit greatly.

* Fever therapy (hyperthermia) for infections. Raising body temperature powerfully assists the body to kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Many people have a low body temperature and, for this reason, cannot get rid of chronic infections. Common sites of infections are the sinuses, ears, eyes, bladder, throat and intestines.

* Tumors, radiation poisoning and mutated cells. Hyperthermia also helps kill other types of abnormal cells. Tumors, for example, tolerate heat poorly. Raising body temperature hastens their death. Though not a conventional method, hyperthermia is a well-researched therapy for cancer. Heat also disables or kills cells mutated by radiation or damaged by other toxins.


TYPES OF SAUNAS

Three basic types of saunas exist.

… Traditional saunas consist of a small room or space with an electric, gas or wood heater, or heated with hot rocks.


… Far infrared saunas use ceramic or metallic elements for heating that mainly emit in the far infrared range.


… Infrared lamp saunas use incandescent infrared heat lamps for heating. They emit mainly near infrared, some middle infrared and perhaps a tiny amount of far infrared energy. They also emit a small amount of red, orange and yellow visible light. This type also provides warming and stimulating color therapy. Red, orange and yellow assist the eliminative organs.

While traditional saunas require high temperatures for copious sweating, infrared penetrates the skin and heats from the inside as well as on the skin. This means the air temperature in the sauna can remain cooler, yet one sweats plenty at this lower, more comfortable temperature.

The infrared lamp sauna penetrates deepest, we believe, and we are waiting for formal studies to confirm or disprove this hypothesis. They may penetrate up to three inches or so, so the air temperature can stay coolest of all the types of saunas with the same effectiveness. Preheating is usually not necessary, saving time and electricity. While some people like the intense heat of the traditional sauna, many find it difficult to tolerate, especially those when feeling ill.

Infrared is an antioxidant nutrient, activates the cells, supports metabolic processes and decouples toxins from water molecules. Near infrared is helpful for wound healing and cellular regeneration as well.


SUPERVISION AND SAFETY


Supervision during a sauna therapy program is always needed. The presence of an attendant or friend close by is also most needed if you have any type of health condition.

Removing drugs from tissue storage may cause flashbacks or temporary drug effects, the same as when you took the drug. If you have used LSD or other psychotropic drugs, have an attendant near by, as a few have experienced flashbacks or even full-blown LSD trips.

In addition, follow the basic safety procedures below:

… Begin with only 20 minutes in the sauna. After a few weeks, only if you feel well enough to do so, you may increase to 30 or even 40 minutes. Never begin with sessions longer than 20-minutes once a day because this can cause massive healing reactions that are unpleasant and even dangerous.


… If debilitated or very heat sensitive, begin with 15 minutes or less in the sauna.


… Always rest for 15 minutes after a sauna session. Shower off and then relax after a sauna session to allow the body to readjust. Do not go right back to daily activities. It is best to use a sauna first thing in the morning or the last thing at night. These are the times one is most relaxed and it will be most effective. The more one relaxes, the more one will sweat.


… Always consult a health professional if one has a chronic illness.


… Pregnant women and children under five should avoid saunas. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.


… Continue prescribed medication while taking saunas, unless directed otherwise.


… Use a sauna twice a week to twice a day. If one is very debilitated, begin with once a week. Work up to daily use as you are able to do so.


… Healing reactions are temporary symptoms that occur as toxic substances are eliminated and chronic infections heal. Symptoms vary from mild odors, tastes or rashes are very common and usually pass quickly. Some people feel great fatigue after sessions and this is normal. Some people have bowel changes, aches, pains or headaches.


… Old infections may flare up as they are healed due to repeated sauna use. Usually only rest and natural remedies are needed to help infections resolve faster.


… Almost all healing symptoms are benign and will pass quickly. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner if any cause concern.

To purchase a sauna, we list companies that sell infrared lamp saunas after the reference section below. We want to spread the word about sauna therapy. Click on the links below for more information:

… Information about buying a sauna.

… The book, Sauna Therapy.

… Information about two compact discs we offer in regard to sauna therapy.

References

Books

Aaland, M., Sweat, Capra Press, 1978.

Beard, J. The Enzyme Treatment of Cancer, London, Chatto and Windus, 1911.

Cowen, T. and McGuire, J., Spas & Hot Tubs, Saunas and Home Gyms, Creative Homeowner Press, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1988.

Casdorph, H.R. and Walker, M., Toxic Metal Syndrome, Avery Publishing Group, NY, 1995.

Dennis, C., Colorology, Rainbows Unlimited, Clearwater, FL, 1994.

Douglas, W.C., Into the Light, Second Opinion Publishing, Dunwoody, GA, 1993.

Dreosti, I.E. and Smith, R.M., ed., Neurobiology of the Trace Elements, Vol. 1 & 2, The Humana Press, NJ, 1983.

Flickstein, A., Infrared Thermal System for Whole-body Regenerative Radiant Therapy, Dascom Graphics, Santa Fe Springs, 1997.

Finnish Medical Society, Sauna and Your Health: Annals of Clinical Research, 16 technical articles distributed by the Sauna Society of America, 1988.

Finnish Sauna Society, Sauna Studies, professional papers from the 6th International Sauna Congress of 1974, distributed by the Sauna Society of America.

Gerson, M., A Cancer Therapy - Results of 50 Cases, Totality Books, CA, 1958,1977.

Guyton, A., Textbook of Medical Physiology, 6th edition, W. B. Saunders Company, 1981.

Hollander, C., How to Build a Sauna, Drake, New York, 1978.

Hubbard, L.R., Clear Body, Clear Mind, Bridge Publications, Los Angeles, Ca.

Jensen, B., Doctor-Patient Handbook, BiWorld Publishers, Inc., UT, 1976.

Johnson, T. and Miller, T., The Sauna Book, Harper and Row, New York, 1977.

Kervan, L.C., Biological Transmutations, adapted by Michel Abehsera, Swan House Publishing, Binghampton, NY, 1972. (Now published by Beekman Publishers, Inc, Woodstock, NY)

Koch, W.F., The Survival Factor in Neoplastic and Viral Diseases, William F. Koch, 1961.

Kukreja, R.C., ed., Heat Shock Proteins in Myocardial Protection, Landes Bioscience, 2000.

Kutsky, R., Handbook of Vitamins, Minerals and Hormones, 2nd edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1981.

Lehmann, J.F., Therapeutic Heat and Cold, 4th ed., Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 1990.

McVicker, M., Sauna Detoxification Therapy, McFarland & Co., Jefferson, NC, 1997.

Pfeiffer, C., Mental and Elemental Nutrients, Keats Publishing, New Canaan CT, 1975.

Rogers, S.A., Tired or Toxic, Prestige Publishers, 1990. (Also Detoxify or Die, 2002)

Roy, R., The Sauna, Chelsea Green Publishing Company, White River Junction, VT, 1996.

Takada, K., Egawa, Y., Sasaki, H., Far Infrared Rays, Japan, 1999.

Verlag, S., Heat Shock, 1991.

Viherjuuri, H.J., Sauna: The Finnish Bath, The Stephen Green Press, Brattleboro, VT, 1965.

Wilson, L., Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis, L.D. Wilson Consultants, Inc., 1998.

Wilson, L., Sauna Therapy, L.D. Wilson Consultants, Inc., 2003

Yamazaki, T., Science of Far Infrared Wave Therapies, Man and History Co., Tokyo, Japan, 1987.

Articles

Ahonen, E., et al, 1988, Fluid balance and the sauna, Duodecin., 104(8):609-14.

Antonachi, F., et al.,1998, Sweating patterns in humans: II. Heat-induced forehand sweating and cutaneous temperature in healthy individuals, Funct Neurol., 3(2)(Apr-Jun):2217-24.

Badermann, E., 1976, Aesthetic and physiological sensory perceptions in the original Finnish sauna, Sauna Studies, Papers read at the VI International Sauna Congress in Helsinki, August 15 17, 1974. The Finnish Sauna Society, Helsinki.

Baibekov, I.M., et al., 1994, The effects of low intensity infrared laser radiation on healing of dermatological wounds, Bull Eksp Biol Med., 119(2)(Feb):218-24.

Beard, J., 1902, Embriological aspects and the etiology of carcinoma, The Lancet, 1:1758.

Cherniaev, I.S., 1965, Investigation of the permeability of human skin to infrared radiation, Gig Sanit., 30(12)(Dec):20-24.

Chlamydial Heat Shock Proteins in Severe Disease, Dec. 2002, MEW, www.chalmydiae.com/chlamydiae/docs/biology/hsp

Cohn, J.R. and E.A. Emmett, 1978, The excretion of trace metals in human sweat, Ann Clin and Lab Sci., 8(4):270-274.

Czarnowski, D.J., J. Gorski et al., 1991, Excretion of nitrogen compounds in sweat during sauna, Pol Tyg Lek., 46(8-10)(Feb. 18-Mar 4):186-187.

Danno, K. and N. Sugie, 1996, Effects of near-infrared radiation on the epidermal proliferation and cutaneous immune function in mice, Photodermal Photoimmuniol Photomed, 12(6)(Dec):233 6.

Didierjean, L., D. Gruaz, Y. Frober, J.Grassi, J.M. Dayer, J.H. Saurat, 1990, Biologically active interleukin in human eccrine sweat: site dependent variations in alpha/beta ratios and stress induced increased excretion, Cytokine.,2(6)(Nov):438-46.

Dritschilo, A., et al., 1981, Therapeutic implication of heat as related to radiation therapy, Semin Oncol., 8(1)(March):83-91.

Eck, P., 1981, A beginning course on energy and minerals, Healthview Newsletter, (27-29):1-44. Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd.

Eells, J.T.et al, 2003, Therapeutic photobiomodulation for methanol-induced retinal toxicity, Proc Natl Acad of Sci., doi:10.1073/pnas.05347461000, March 7.

Ernst, E., P. Wirz, T. Saradeth, 1990, Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds, Ann Med., 22(4):225-7.

Flickstein, A., 2000, Healthmate infrared saunas, Townsend Letter for Doctors, 202(May):66-70.

Gard, Z.R. and E.J. Brown, 1992-1999, History of sauna/hyperthermia; Past and present efficacy in detoxification, Townsend Letter for Doctors, June 1992:470-478, July 1992:650-660, Oct. 1992:846-854, Aug-Sept 1999:76-86.

Goncalves, E., 2001, The secret nuclear war, The Ecologist, 31(3)April:28-33.

Graeffe, G., et al., 1996, The ions in sauna air, Sauna Studies, Papers read at the VI International Sauna Congress in Helsinki, August 15-17, 1974. The Finnish Sauna Society, Helsinki.

Gumener, P.I., O.V. Kaisina, L.G. Nadezhina, T.V. Shumkova, 1994,The individual measuring of the health-promoting impact of the sauna on preschoolers, Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fix Kult, (5)(Sept-Oct):32-5.

ìHeat Shock Proteins: New Avenue to Cancer Vaccinesî, Cancer Research Institute, New York, 2002.

Helamaa, E. and E. Aikas, 1988, The secret of good ëloylyí, Ann Clin Res., 20(4):224-9.

Honda, K. and S. Inoue, 1988, Sleep-enhancing effects of far infrared radiation in rats, Int J Biometeorol., 32(2)(June):92-4.

Hrnjak, M., 1985, The effect of infrared irradiation on the human body, Arh Hig Rada Toksikol., 36(2)(June):201-18.

Ikeda, Y. and C. Tei, 2002, Effect of repeated sauna therapy on survival of TO-2 cardiomyopathic hampsters with heart failure, Am J Cardiology, 90(Aug 1):343-345.

Inoue, S. and M. Kabaya, 1989, Biological activities caused by far infrared radiation, Int J Biometeorol, 33(3)(Oct):145-50.

Ise, N., T. Katsuura, Y. Kikuchi and E. Miwa, 1987, Effect of far-infrared radiation on forearm skin blood flow, Ann Physiol Anthropol., 6(1)(Jan):31-32.

Jenssen, T.G., H.H. Haukland, P.G. Burhol, 1988, Brain-gut peptides in sauna-induced hyperthermia, Acta Physiol Scand., 132(4)(April):519-523.

Jezova, D., R. Kvetnansky, M. Vigas, 1994, Sex differences in endocrine response to hyperthermia in sauna, Acta Physiol Scand., 150(3)(March):293-298.

Jiang, P. and L. Luo, 1997, The effect of far infrared rays on the survival of randomized skin flap in the rat: an experimental study, Chung Kuo Hsiu Fu Chung Chien Wai Ko Tsa Chih., 11(2)(March):69-71.

Jokinen, E., I. Valimaki, J. Marniemi, A. Seppanen, K. Irjala, O. Simell, 1991, Children in sauna: hormonal adjustments to intensive short thermal stress, Acta Physiol Scand., 142(3)(July):437 442.

Junaid, A.J., 1986, Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with infrared heat, Int J Dermatol., 25(7)(Sept):470-2.

Jurasunas, S., 2000, A far-infrared ray emitting stone (SGES) to treat cancer and degenerative diseases, Townsend Letter for Doctors, 203(June):123-134.

Kaderavek, R., 1965, Thermoregulatory changes during application of infrared radiation, Fysiatr Revmatol Vestn., 43(5)(Sept):301-9.

Kaderavek, R., 1971, Absorption and heat transport during application of infrared radiation, Fysiatr Revmatol Vestn., 51(1)(Feb):14-20.

Kaidbey, K.H., et al., 1982, The influence of infrared radiation on short-term ultraviolet radiation-induced injuries, Arch Dermatol., 118(5)(May):315-18.

Kauppinen, K., et al., 1986, Man in the sauna, Ann Clin Res., 18(4):173-185.

Khish, I.P., 1973, Effect of low doses of infrared radiation on the sympathetic-adrenal system of children, Pediatr Akush Ginekol., 6:23-24.

Kihara, T., et al., 2002, Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure, J Am Coll of Cardiology, 39(March 6):754-759.

Kihara, T. et al, 2002, Sauna therapy decreases cardiac arrhymias in patients with chronic heart failure, Am Heart Assn Scientific Sessions, Nov. 17-20, Chicago.

Kilburn, K.H., R. H. Warsaw, M.G. Shields, 1989, Neurobehavioral dysfunction in firemen exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):possible improvement after detoxification, Arch Environ Health, 44(6)(Nov-Dec):345-50.

Krop, J. and J. Swierczek, 1987/1988, Patient with severe intractable asthma, urticaria and irritable bowel syndrome: Response to sauna therapy, Clin Ecology, 5:136-139.

Krop, J., 1998, Chemical sensitivity after intoxication at work with solvents: response to sauna therapy, J Altern Complementary Med., 4(1)(Spring):77-86.

Kukkonen-Jarjula, K., and K. Jkauppinen, 1998, How the sauna affects the endocrine system, Ann Clin Res., 20(4):262-6.

Libert, J.P., et al., 1983, Modifications of sweating responses to thermal transients following heat acclimation, Eur J Appl Physiol., 50(2):235-46.

Linetskii, M.L., 1965, Thermoregulation under the effect of infrared radiation, Gig Sanit.,30(7)(July):115-17.

Lovejoy, H.B., Z.G. Bell, T.R. Vizena, 1973, Mercury exposure evaluations and their correlation with urine mercury excretion: 4. Elimination of mercury by sweating, J Occup Med.,15:590-591.

Marler, M.S., et al., Overexpression of the rat inducible 70-KD heat stress protein in a transgenic mouse increases the resistance of the heart to ischemic injury, 1995, J Clin Investigation, 95:1446-56.

Marmor, J.B.,et al., 1980, Combined radiation and hyperthermia in superficial human tumors, Cancer, 46(9)(Nov 1):1986-91.

Martin, W., 2003, Coleyís toxins for sarcoma and intractable cancer, Townsend Letter for Doctors, #235-236, (Feb/March):140-144.

McCluggage, D., 1971, The sauna experience, American Home, February.

Molchanov, I.S., 1968, The effects of low intensity infrared radiation on the organism, Gig Tr Prof Zabol., 12(11)(Nov):46-48.

Molchanov, I.S., et al., 1976, Use of low-intensity infrared radiation for the prevention of catarrhal diseases, Gig Tr Prof Zabol., 9(Sept):42-43.

Musin, R.F., et al., 1986, Sensitivity of human skin to infrared heat fluxes, Doki Akad Nauk SSSR., 289(3):718-20.

Niwa, Y., O. Lizawa, K. Ishimoto, X. Jiang, T, Kanoh, 1993, Electromagnetic wave emitting products and ëKikohí potentiate human leukocyte functions, Int J Biometeorol., 37(5)(Sept):133 8.

Niwa, Y., 1996, Jap J of Inflamm., 16(6)(Nov):4-9. (mechanisms of infrared-emitting stones)

Null, G. and M. Feldman, 2002, The fluoride controversy continues, parts 1,2 & 3, Townsend Letter for Doctors, #233, 234, 235(Dec., Jan., Feb.).

Ogita, S., et. al., 1990, Effects of far infrared radiation on lactation, Ann Physiol Anthropol., 9(2)(April):83-91.

Oosterveld, F.G.J., J.J. Rasker, M.A.F. Van de Laar, and G.J. Koel, Clinical effects of infrared whole-body hyperthermia in patients with rheumatic diseases, Departments of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Metisch Spectrum Twente and Univeristy Twente Enschede, PO Box 50000, 7500 KA Eschede, The Netherlands.

Parpalei, I.A., L.G. Prokofeva and V.G. Obertas, 1991, The use of the sauna for disease prevention in the workers of enterprises with chemical and physical occupational hazards, Vrach Delo., 5(May):93-5.

Rea, W.J., 1997, Thermal chamber depuration and physical therapy, Chemical Sensitivity, CRC Presss, Boca Raton, Fl, Vol. 4, Chap. 35, pp. 2433-2479.

Rea, W.J., Y. Pan, A.R. Johnson, 1991, Clearing of toxic volatile hydrocarbons from humans, Bol Asoc Med P R, 83(7)(July):321-4.

Rea, W.J., G.H. Ross, A.R. Johnson, R.E. Amiley, E.J. Fenyes, 1991, Chemical sensitivity in physicians, Bol Asoc Med P R, 83(9)(Sept):383-8.

Roehm, D.C., 1983, Effects of a program of sauna baths and metavitamins on adipose DDE and PCBs and on clearing of symptoms of agent orange (Dioxin) toxicity, Clin Research, 31(2):243.

Root, D.E. and G.T. Lionelli, 1987, Excretion of a lipophilic toxicant through the sebaceous glands: A case report, J Toxicol., 6(1):13-17.

Schnare, D.W., M. Ben and M.G. Shields, 1984, Body burden reductions of PCBs, PBBs and chlorinated pesticides in human subjects, Ambio 13(5-6):378-380.

Schnare, D.W., G. Genk, M.G. Shields and S. Brunton, 1982, Evaluation of a detoxification regimen for fat stored xenobiotics, Med Hypoth., 9:265-82.

Schnare, D.W. and P.C. Robinson, 1985, Reduction of hexachlorobenzene and ploychlorinated biphenyl human body burdens, Int. Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Scientific Publication Series, Vol. 77, Oxford University Press.

Sealre, A.J., 1982, Effects of the sauna, JAMA, 247(1)(Jan 1):28.

Sherson, D.L. and W. Stopford, 1986, Mercury levels in sweat. Its use in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning, Ugeskr Laeger., 148(27)(June 30):1682-4.

Siewert, C., H. Siewert, H.J. Winterfield and D. Strangefield, 1994, The behavior of central and peripheral hemodynamics in isometric and dynamic stress in hypertensive patients: treatment with regular sauna therapy, Z Kardiol., 83(9)(Sept):652-7.

Sorri, P., 1988, The sauna and sauna bathing habits: A psychoanalytic point of view, Ann Clin Res., 20(4).

Strbak, V., P. Tatr, R. Angyal, V. Strec, K. Aksamitova, M. Vigas, H. Janosova, 1987, Effects of sauna and glucose intake on TSH and thyroid hormone levels in plasma of euthyroid subjects, Metabolism, 36(5)(May):426-31.

Tamura, Y., et al., 1997, Immunotherapy of tumors with autologous tumor-derived heat shock protein preparations, Science, 278:117-120.

Tei, C., Y, Horikiri, J.C. Park, J.W. Jeong, R.S. Chang, Y. Toyama, N. Tanaka, 1994, Effects of hot water bath or sauna on patients with congestive heart failure: acute hemodynamic improvement by thermal vasodilation, J Cardiol., 24(3)(May-June):175-83.

Vaha-Eskeli, K. and R. Ekkola, 1988, The sauna and pregnancy, Ann Clin Res., 20(4).

Vanakoski, J. and T. Seppala, 1997, Renal excretion of tetracycline is transiently decreased during short-term heat exposure, Int J Clin Parmacol Therapy, 35(5)(May):204-7.

Varanovski, I.M., 1967, On the use of infrared techniques in medicine, Voen Med Zh., 12:36-9.

Vescovi, P.P., and V.Coiro, 1993, Hyperthermia and endorphins, Biomed Pharmacother, 47(8):301-4.

Vuori, I., 1988, Healthy and unhealthy sauna bathing, Ann Clin Res., 20(4).

Wiedemann, E., 1965, Heat as a remedy, Landarzt, 44(32)(Nov 20):1586-90.

Winterfield, H.G, H. Siewert, D. Strangefield, H. Warnke, J. Kruse, U. Engelmann, 1992, Potential use of the sauna in the long-term treatment of hypertensive cardiovascular circulation disorders - a comparison with kinesiotherapy, Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax., 81(35)(Aug 25):1016-20.

Wyss, V., 1966, On the effects of radiant heat on different regions of the human body. Behavior of cardiocirculatory and respiratory activity, oxygen consumption, oral and skin temperature during infrared radiation of different areas in acclimatized and non-acclimatized subjects, Med Lav., 57(4)(April):262-85.

Ylikahri, R., E. Heikkonen and A. Suokas, 1988, The sauna and alcohol, Ann Clin Res., (20)4.

Zelentsova, S.P., 1968, Immunobiological reactivity of the organism under the effect of the interrupted infrared irradiation, Varach Delo., 12(Dec):88-91.

Zelentsova, S.P., 1970, The effects of intermittent infrared radiation on the status of natural immunological reactivity of workers Gig Tr Prof Zabol. 14(1)(Jan):22-6.



Purchasing An Infrared Lamp Sauna

We offer an excellent, inexpensive frame sauna for $549.00 including shipping within the United States. This sauna is about 4 foot by 4 foot and 5 feet high. It consists of a frame made of PVC pipe (white water pipe), a double-layer canvas cover and an electrical unit with three red infrared heat lamps with a guard, switch and cord that straps to the frame. It assembles easily and is lightweight, uses 750 watts of power and can plug into any standard wall outlet.
It is designed for a 70-degree room. Using it in a colder area will require more insulation. All parts are provided except a small bench or stool to sit on, which you provide. You rotate 90 degrees in this sauna every few minutes as all the lamps are on one wall of the sauna. For more information or to order, call 1 (928) 776-8288.

Wooden Lamp Saunas. Country Ray Saunas at (800) 213-0182, access code 07 offers a non-insulated poplar sauna. This sauna is shipped from Pennsylvania. Cedarbrook Saunas at (800) 426-3929 offers an insulated cedar sauna and a less expensive frame sauna. They ship from Washington state.

Sauna-related Items. To obtain the most from your sauna, I have written a book, Sauna Therapy, and have produced two CDs. The book contains 16 chapters devoted to all aspects of sauna therapy. To learn more about the book, click here.
One CD is an hour-long discussion of sauna therapy with testimonials and visualization exercises to do in the sauna. The other CD contains low-frequency sounds that can enhance the sauna experience. To learn more about the CDs, click here.

Converting a Traditional or Far Infrared Sauna to An Electric Light Sauna. A lamp sauna offers certain benefits not available in a traditional or far infrared type of sauna such as color therapy and more near-infrared energy.
If you already own a traditional sauna or a far infrared sauna and wish to convert it by adding the infrared heat lamps it is possible to do this in most cases.
It is best if your sauna is close to or greater than 48 inches long in one dimension. This way you will be sure to be able to sit far enough away from the lamps for comfort. Also, we recommend modifying the bench arrangement in a traditional or far infrared sauna. Since one needs to rotate in the electric light sauna, it is best to remove the bench and place a small bench in the middle of the sauna so you can rotate in all directions most easily.
You may still use the original heating system that came with the sauna to help preheat your sauna. Once it has warmed up, you can leave it on or perhaps just use the lamps for heating.



Infrared Lamp Sauna Electrical Unit Plans

Essentially, one builds an electrical unit consisting of three infrared heat lamps mounted on a piece of wood or other material. You can then place this unit in a sauna enclosure of your choice, or even in a small bathroom or small closet. The simplest enclosure is a frame covered with fabric. Plans for a frame enclosure follow the plans for the electrical unit.

Materials

… Three 250-watt, red infrared heat bulbs. These are sold at many hardware stores. Do not use clear heat lamps as their spectrum is not correct. My preferences are Philips, General Electric or Sli lamps. Sylvania and Feit now have short, straight, tightly coiled filaments that focus the heat too much. The effect is more like a spotlight than a floodlight. Westinghouse lamps are somewhat acceptable. At the time of this printing (2006) they may be coating their lamps with Teflon, which reduces the danger of breakage but outgases when heated.



… Three ceramic or plastic lamp sockets designed for 250-watt bulbs. Sockets are available that wire from the front or from the back. Another type of socket unscrews so that one places half the socket behind a thin piece of wood or metal.



… Fifteen feet of heavy lamp cord, a medium duty male wall plug and a switch or timer-switch capable of handling seven amps. You may use a standard wall switch with a box and switch cover plate. Others are rocker, push button or toggle switches. I suggest using a mechanical or electronic timer-switch, although they cost about $20-50.00 more. I do not recommend a dimmer switch as they often emit strong electromagnetic fields.



… A piece of hardware cloth or welded wire about 15" by 31". This will be bent around the lamps as a guard to prevent anything from touching them.



… Four wood screws and four 3/16" x 1" fender washers. These are to fasten the lamp guard to the board or enclosure. You could also use a staple gun to secure the guard to the wood.



… The board to mount the sockets on should be about 46î high by 15î wide if you want it to sit on the floor. Alternatively, to hang the unit from the wall, the board only needs to be 12î high and 24î wide. The extra width is to mount the switch to one side of the lamps. The board can be of solid wood, masonite, veneer or plywood. For chemically sensitive people, it could be of sheet metal or hard plastic like Lucite it one is not sensitive to this material. To avoid all outgassing use a metallic material or a poplar, oak or fir shelf board.



… Wood screws and/or machine screws and nuts for mounting the sockets and switch to a board or enclosure.



… A 7-amp fuse is optional and a good idea, but not necessary.



Tools required include a small screwdriver, wire cutters, and a drill to cut holes in the board for wires, sockets and mounting screws.



Construction

Mount the sockets to the board or enclosure in a triangle shape (see the diagram at the end of this section). If you are using a board that is 12î high by 24î wide, the top socket is placed in the center, 2î from the top of the board. The lower sockets are mounted two inches from the bottom of the board and 9.5 to 10î apart.

If you are using a board that reaches down to the floor, the top socket should be at chest height when sitting, about 36î off the floor. The two lower sockets should be mounted at abdomen height when sitting, about 28î off the floor.

Place the switch or timer-switch as far away from the lamps as possible, either to one side or above them.

Wire the sockets in parallel. (See diagram below.) The lamps will not work properly if the sockets are wired in series. When wiring the sockets, one need not cut the lamp cord. It may be faster to connect two wires to one socket and then run the cord to the next socket. Separate the wires at the next socket, strip the wires just where the terminal screws are and screw down the terminals over the wires. Then continue similarly to the third socket. Run the wires to the switch. A fuse is optional.

For the protective guard in front of the lamps, bend the hardware cloth into a C shape with 1" flanges at each end. It is easiest to bend it over a sharp edge of a table or desk. Make the bends in the 31î length, so the 15î dimension of the hardware cloth becomes the width of the guard.

First bend the 31" piece of mesh 90ƒ at 1". Make another 90ƒ bend at 9", another at 22" and another at 30". Make all bends in the same direction. This should form a C shape with 1" flanges at each end for fastening to the wood with wood screws and large washers, two on the bottom and two on top.

To mount the board in an enclosure, you may drill holes in the corners for screws. If you will mount the electrical unit on a PVC pipe frame, you will need mounting holes for four 3/4î pipe straps.




Mounting and Ventilation. If oneís unit is for a bathroom or closet, secure it to a wall so it will not fall over if accidentally bumped. In a bathroom tub area, the unit can be hung from the shower pipe. However, also tie it back so it will not move.

If you will mount it in a wooden or other enclosure, you can secure it using four wood screws, one in each corner. To mount to a PVC pipe frame, use four pipe straps.

Ventilation can be important. Most bathrooms have ventilation. In a closet, the door may not fit tightly at the top. If necessary, open the door slightly every 10 minutes or so as needed to provide ventilation. If building an enclosure, leave a 1" wide opening across the top at the front and back.



Enclosures. The electrical unit may be mounted in any suitable enclosure including a small closet, wooden box, frame enclosure or other space. If the space is larger than about 4' by 4' and 5'- 6' high, it may need an auxiliary heater or another lamp to bring the sauna to 110ƒ F. within 20-30 minutes. For more information about enclosures, see Chapter 12 of the book, Sauna Therapy.



Cautions and Disclaimer

Observe all cautions as with any electrical appliance exposed to heat and moisture. Do not touch the lamps during use, or let water, sweat, towels or anything touch them. Accidents can happen in saunas. Always move slowly and carefully. Never allow young children to play in or use a sauna unaccompanied. The author cannot be responsible for misuse of a sauna or poor construction.



Sauna Frame Enclosure Plans

An excellent inexpensive enclosure suitable for apartments and portable use consists of a frame over which one places blankets, a cloth drop cloth or other fabric. It works well, though it may be a bit delicate and requires care in its use. The frame parts cost less than $50.00.

Materials. The frame requires five 10-foot sticks of the thicker (SCH 40, 480 PSI) 1-inch white PVC pipe. Also required are four 1-inch PVC T-connectors and eight 1-inch PVC elbows. You will also need four 1-inch pipe clamps and eight machine screws and nuts to fasten the clamps to the lamp unit. PVC cement is not needed.
If you are chemically sensitive and are concerned about using PVC pipe, building supply stores sell long pieces of L-shaped, thin stainless steel used for stucco walls. It is inexpensive and already has holes in it along its length. It can be cut with tin ships and could be used to make a metal frame. Wood could also be used.
Tools required are a hack saw or pipe cutter to cut PVC pipe, tape measure and a rubber hammer to tap pieces together if they are stiff. No PVC glue is needed.

The enclosure is designed to be connected to an electrical unit that contains the lamps with guards over them for safety and with all safety requirements needed for any home appliance or piece of equipment. One forces the PVC frame to narrow where it connects to the board. It will flare out and become wider as one moves away from the board. The design shown is five feet high, high enough for most people.

Enclosure Assembly. Cut the PVC pipe into four 5-foot sections, six 4-foot sections and four 3-inch sections. Assemble as shown. Push pipe sections into the connectors and use a rubber hammer to gently tap the pipe firmly into the connectors. Assembling the unit on a hard floor will help, as one can place the pipe on the floor when tapping them with a hammer. No cement should be necessary unless pipe is very loose in the connectors. The order of assembly of the sections does not matter. Click here to view a diagram of the sauna frame.

Secure a board about 24 inches wide containing the lamp sockets to the PVC frame with four 3/4-inch pipe clamps. The frame will bend to accommodate the size of the board. This in fact adds rigidity to the structure. The lamp height will be adjustable by moving the board up or down along the vertical PVC pipe sections. The upper lamp should be at chest height when sitting and the lower lamps at abdomen height.

The Frame Cover. One may cover the frame with two queen or king-size blankets, fabric such as fleece, flannel or velour, quilts, comforters or canvas. A cloth painter's drop cloth that is 14í x 24í is sold at Home Depot and works beautifully as long as the width of the frame is reduced to three-foot wide instead of 4-foot wide. I do not recommend an aluminum-coated material.
To fasten fabric or blankets to the frame, an excellent way is to buy large (2î) paper clasps, sometimes called butterfly clips, at an office supply store. These work very well. One could also use large safety pins or clothespins to hold the blankets or fabric in place.
You will also need a small stool or chair without a back to sit on. The stool or chair may be of metal, wood or even plastic. The bottom part of the sauna does not get too hot, so outgassing is usually not a problem. A painted surface is also okay.

Warnings: Be sure to have a guard in front of the lamps and that fabric or blankets are 12 inches or more from the heat lamps to avoid a fire hazard. Pull blankets or fabric tight near the lamps so it does not hang loosely near the lamps. Avoid leaving the lamps on when no one is present.


Home * Hair Analysis * Saunas * Books * Articles
Detoxification Protocols * Courses * About Dr. Wilson