Infrared Sauna For Rheumatoid Arthritis
We discuss in this podcast:
- A study published in the Clinical Rheumatology journal shows infrared sauna helps RA and AS
- How Sue was introduced to the use of infrared sauna for arthritis treatment
- The positive effects it had on her skin
- Sizes and features of infrared sauna models
- Pain relief and stiffness reduction
- Sauna and biologic treatment
- Frequency and duration of the sessions
- Infrared sauna benefits vs Bikram yoga
On this weeks podcast, we were lucky enough to be joined by Sue, who connected with us all the way from the UK. Sue came to talk to us about the life-changing effects she experienced using infrared sauna treatments over the last 12 months to improve her symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.
As a member of the Rheumatoid Support platform, Sue has shared the great benefits she experienced when using infrared sauna treatments with our support community. She spent time discussing these infrared sauna health benefits with us in the hopes of helping others.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Our bodies are made up of thousands of cells and as we age so do our cells.
Mitochondria are structures within cells that convert the energy from food into a form that cells can use. Each cell contains hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, which are located in the fluid that surrounds the nucleus
Mitochondria are the powerhouse where the cells energy is created. Mitochondria allow the cells to make up tissues, tissues make up organs, and organs make up humans.
One of the key benefits of photobiomodulation is its ability to improve mitochondrial function.
Like an engine in a car, mitochondria are the motors that power the cell. As those motors wear out the cells die which leads to dysfunction from aging.
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Six Important Factors Of Infrared Sauna
Rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cells, muscles, and immune system. Near-infrared light has been proven to help with cellular health while mid-infrared rays promote faster healing time for your bodys injuries and boost immunity!
We all have a natural detoxification system inside us, but we can burden it with modern-day toxins. Infrared saunas combine the benefits of near-infrared light with far-Infrared heat therapy. This heating gently raises your core temperature, which helps eliminate toxins by burning them outside our bodies through direct sunlight or firelight methods rather than just sunbathing on one!
The healing properties of heat are well established. Heating muscles with safe, infrared rays has been shown to increase blood flow similar to whats seen during exercise and may help speed up recovery time!
Infrared heat therapy is a safe and effective way to relieve pain, as it penetrates deep into your tissues. An ideal physical posture in the sauna enables painful areas of your body close enough for relief without adding stress from high temperatures- its a win/win!
The warmth of Infrared light waves has been proven to be therapeutic, relaxing, and sleep-inducing. It does not just feel good its actually good for you!
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Whats Better For Sore Muscles Hot Tub Or Sauna
Relief of sore muscles after a workout is a benefit for both saunas and hot tubs. In both cases the heat from the air or water causes more blood flow to your extremities. That increased blood flow helps in two key ways.
The addition of the jets in the hot tub can provide a massaging effect. Many people like this as it can be quite relaxing.
Inflammation Drugs Health Risks & Side Effects
Inflammation is usually treated with NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include lower-risk, over-the-counter varieties like aspirin and ibuprofen that can treat acute pain. To treat more serious chronic inflammation, people often take prescription NSAIDs. Prescription NSAIDs are also known as Cox-2 Inhibitors. Unfortunately, prescription NSAIDs have a troubling history and a long list of associated side effects and health risks.
The risks of NSAIDs are usually greater for people over age 60. Given all of this, its no surprise many doctors and patients are looking for more natural inflammation and pain treatments that dont rely on potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals.
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Who Should Use Infrared Saunas
The only significant risk researchers have noted is that high heat can lower sperm count. Many experts advise avoiding saunas if you are trying to conceive. Hot tubs pose a similar risk.â
For typical sauna users, there arenât significant risks. Some people find that they get uncomfortable due to the heat. It would be best if you drink plenty of water after using a sauna. Sweating and increased body temperature are dehydrating.â
If you think an infrared sauna might help benefit a health condition you have, discuss it with your doctor. It might be a complement to other treatments youâre currently using. Even if you donât have a medical reason to consider sauna use, you can still use them. Many people find them to be pleasant and relaxing.
Show Sources
Binghamton University, State University of New York: âBinghamton University study exposing people to 45 minutes per day in a Clearlight Infrared Sauna to measure the effects on body temperature, physiologic measures and long-term body weight changes.â
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: âClinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review.â
Harvard Health Publishing: âThe dubious practice of detox.â
Mayo Clinic: âWhat is an infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits?â
Mayo Clinic Proceedings: âCardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence.â
What Is An Infrared Sauna Blanket And How Does It Work
Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is essentially an Infrared Sauna in the form of a blanket . Unlike IR saunas that use a wider spectrum, FIR sauna blankets use only infrared radiation without actual visible light.
The reason IR is so widely popular is that IR rays can penetrate soft tissue up to an inch and a half, into muscles and fat, warming the body and opening blood vessels. Warming up your body from the inside and not the temperature around you. This also means that you dont need to turn the heat on as high, making it less intense than a regular sauna experience.
Effect of Far Infrared Rays on a bodyDuring FIR Sauna Blanket session thermal picture of a body
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Infrared Saunas For Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
To date, the results of using an infrared sauna for RA are promising. In fact, it has been seen that individuals who use an infrared sauna a few times per week for an extended amount of time have seen higher cases of remission.
Some of the benefits that infrared saunas are beneficial for this condition include:
Science Backs Using Infrared Saunas For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Infrared saunas have been scientifically shown to reduce the risks associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and research on infrared rays conducted by Dr. Aaron M. Flickstein notes that several clinical studies on infrared technology and rheumatoid arthritis are evidence that infrared heat and wavelengths significantly improve the quality of life and levels of pain for those suffering from this frustrating condition. To view these clinical studies, click the link below.
Clinical Study Downloads
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Minimal Side Effects Of Using An Infrared Sauna
There are very few side effects associated with infrared therapy.
Some people may experience a slight headache or nausea after having an infrared session, but these symptoms usually go away within a few minutes.
You may also run the risk of getting too hot or dehydrating yourself without the proper use and preparations.
If youre considering using infrared saunas to treat your arthritis, be sure to speak with your doctor first.
They can help you decide if infrared therapy is right for you and can provide guidance on how to use it safely.
Iv Hydration For Arthritis
Reduces InflammationWater helps reduce inflammation by maintaining your fluid balance. Research suggests that dehydration can trigger inflammation. Staying hydrated also helps to reduce inflammation by preventing joint friction due to inadequate synovial fluid. Friction increases inflammation, so it is important that your joints dont become dehydrated.
Encourages the Growth of Cartilage TissueAbout 80% of cartilage tissue is composed of water. The movement of water through the tissue transports nutrients between cells. This helps maintain healthy cartilage.
Dehydration is associated with an increase in cortisol, your stress hormone. Cortisol produces the flight-or-fight response, increasing your heart rate and blood pressureand leaving you feeling more stressed.
While drinking more water wont affect any of the stressors in your life, if you have been mildly dehydrated, drinking more water may help reduce excess effects of your stress hormones.
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How Long Should You Stay In
Smilar to above, beginners should start with short sessions. This way the body gets time to adjust and become comfortable with the IR heat session.
New users should stay in for no longer than 10-15 minutes, to begin with, and work their way up gradually as they become more comfortable.
Experienced users can aim for sessions of 30-45 minutes.
Pay attention to the manufacturers guidelines to determine a suitable session duration that is safe for you.
How Infrared Sauna Can Help Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, can impact many aspects of daily life. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are treatments that can help lessen its symptoms. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis find relief from their symptoms through infrared sauna therapy.
Sauna therapy has been used for centuries to improve health, and recent research suggests that it can be helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis . Infrared saunas work by penetrating deep into the skin to produce heat that helps to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
In addition to helping improve joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness, infrared sauna therapymay also help improve mood and quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
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The 4 Best Infrared Therapy Devices For Arthritis
Luckily, these days you can own an infrared home device, and use it any time you need it, for as long as you need it.
All infrared devices for arthritis are easy to use. You just plug them in and relax for the next few minutes.
No traveling to a treatment center, no waiting until the morning or next week for a doctors appointment.
How Long is Treatment Time for Arthritis?
Treatment time ranges between 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of your pain.
The treatment is painless, and you can enjoy the gentle heat while reading a book, watching TV, or better yet just closing your eyes and resting.
Here are the best options:
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You Can Get Effective Natural Safe Pain Relief From Arthritis Take Control Of And Manage Your Condition And Live Life Fully The Secret Is Infrared Therapy
A Health Mate® infrared sauna gives effective, safe, natural pain relief from arthritis The therapeutic infrared heat gives greater relief from joint and muscle pain by penetrating more deeply into the body than other types of heat therapy, it reduces inflammation, helping to fight auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The amazing health and wellness benefits of infrared saunas are widely recognised around the world. But until now, they have been virtually unheard of in the UK. Health Mate® is changing that. And changing the future for the millions of people with arthritis in the UK.
Leading toxicology expert Dr Sherry A Rogers describes infrared therapy as the closest we can probably get to the fountain of youth. More than forty years of research has shown that infrared therapy can provide natural and effective health, wellness and sports benefits. These include relief from joint and muscle pain, reduced inflammation and helping to fight autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Infrared therapy is widely used in the United States, Canada and continental Europe by health professionals, leading sportsmen and women and therapists to alleviate a wide range of conditions, assist recovery and boost wellness.
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Whats The Buzz On Infrared Saunas
As with any trendy spa treatment, there are a lot of claims about what infrared saunas can do. Hereâs what the research shows:â
Weight Loss. One small study showed that people who regularly used a sauna showed fat loss throughout the study. This may be because using a sauna to raise your core temperature mimics the effect of vigorous exercise. However, there was no conclusive evidence that the sauna was the only cause behind weight loss.â
Detoxification. The claims of detoxification are also misleading. The idea of âdetoxingâ to remove harmful substances from your body is trendy, however, this may be more marketing than science. Most peopleâs bodies naturally clean out anything they donât need, no matter whether they spend time in a sauna or not.ââ
There have been a few studies about sauna use for detoxifying people who had known exposure to harmful substances. These studies showed some improvement in their conditions. But people who donât have a diagnosed condition probably wonât be detoxed by a sauna.ââ
Is Infrared Heat Good For Ra
So, how exactly does infrared heat help RA patients?
Invisible infrared wavelengths produce a gentle and pleasant warming feeling when absorbed by the body. This is the satisfying feeling you experience as the sun shines on your face on a warm day. The wavelengths penetrate deep into the epidermis, warming the body from the inside out. In response, the bodys circulation is increased, allowing localized healing and a reduction of inflammation within the joints.
As the infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body, we can see a response on a cellular level. There is an increase in adenosine triphosphate production and oxygen delivery through the body is expedited. Additionally, a small-scale study has shown that infrared radiation can increase the production of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts.
These responses may all play a significant role in the amazing effects reported by Sue!
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Infrared Heat Can Heal And Reduces Pain In Arthritis
An Infrared sauna is all about the heating technology. The angles of heat penetration have to be right to alleviate the pain effectively.
Infrared heaters must cover every angle of your body, front, back, sides under legs, and behind the calf muscles. It’s all about Omni-penetration. Read more about OmniWave penetration and why it is a big deal.
Health Mate® created the worlds first infrared sauna in 1979 and has proven to be one of the best ways to alleviate pain caused by arthritis. It provides a safe, effective way to get relief from joint inflammation associated with the process of arthritis.
Infrared heat penetrates much deeper into your muscles and joints, loosening them up and relieving stiffness, reducing swelling in the area affected by arthritis and injury.
Start Your Foundspace Infrared Sauna Journey Today
Much of your quality of health depends on how you spend your time. When you bring an infrared sauna into your home you begin a new chapter in your health journey, as it impacts your daily wellbeing rituals and routines.
Enquire today to speak with our Sauna Specialists and learn how a FoundSpace infrared sauna will transform your health and life.
Or call us if you have any questions about using infrared sauna.
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Are Infrared Saunas Good For Arthritis
Swelling and sore joints are common with arthritis. Healthcare gives medicines to help with pain. Patients often need other methods as well. Heres why you should use infrared sauna treatment for arthritis:
As you relax, your body produces endorphins. These special chemicals make your body feel good. This also helps with arthritis pain. Studies show that arthritis patients are less tired and sore after infrared sauna use. For example, the Maxxus Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna with Canadian Hemlock is a great sauna. It is well equipped to soothe painful arthritis symptoms.
Sauna Benefits #1 Extreme Stress Reduction
Saunas are huge stress fighters. Thanks to sugar, coffee, lack of sleep, stressed adrenals, and toxic chemical exposure, many of us are stuck in the sympathetic or fight or flight state. Saunas encourage our bodies to go into the parasympathetic state, which allows us to de-stress, digest, rest, and heal.
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The Best Sauna To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Updated July 2022 – When you suffer from a medical condition of the joints such as arthritis, you are looking for the best sauna that can help you get relief from the pain. Besides some respite from the discomfort and agony, someone who has arthritis feels they can go on to live independent, more productive and happier lives.
Infrared Light Therapy Treatments Available For People With Arthritis
There are several routes that a person can go about getting infrared treatment. They can go to a center and pay a lot of money for such treatment. Or, they can relax in the comfort of their own home and use their own device.
For a one time cost, they can purchase their own choice of therapy lights and use them in the comfort of their own home. They can relax, watch television or read or even just take a nap while enjoying the infrared light therapy. All they have to do is plug the unit in and use it for a few minutes each day to find relief from their pain and inflammation.
The price you pay for a light therapy device is nothing compared to the pain it can possibly relieve. The best part is, they are not over the top expensive. So testing one of the best today wont cost you your home.
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