As many of you know, I've spent quite a bit of time promoting the benefits of systemic detoxification. However, there are some toxins in the body that are so rooted, so stubborn, and are in locations that cannot be easily reached through normal detox methods. These specific toxins must first be mobilized and removed by sweating. The most effective way to accomplish this is by using an infrared sauna.

Most of us are familiar with the typical sauna or dry heat room: the wooden benches and the pile of heated rocks in the corner that someone occasionally pours water on to add a bit of steam. Most people also know that sweating is a good thing physiologically, although the modern media would convince us otherwise; that it's not socially acceptable, ladylike, or it's embarrassing. Well forget all that, sweating is a wonderful way to rid the body of toxins and we don't do it nearly enough. We go from air conditioned homes to air conditioned cars to air conditioned offices, schools, stores and theaters.

Why an infrared sauna? Typical dry heat or steam saunas heat the surrounding air and require dangerous temperatures ranging from 150 - 200 degrees Fahrenheit to promote perspiration. Numerous warnings have been issued about the dangers of extreme heat, especially for those with heart conditions and/or blood pressure problems. On the other hand, infrared saunas warm the body instead of the surrounding air. Typical temperatures range from 100-140 degrees. Cooler air temperature is more tolerable to heat-sensitive individuals and allows for sessions of up to an hour or longer, much longer than as in a typical steam sauna session.

The gentler heat of an infrared sauna also penetrates deeper into the skin - as much as 1 ½ - 2 inches, depending on body composition, and draws out more toxins than a steam sauna, according to Dr. Aundrea Adams of the International Institute of Holistic Healing, who compared the detoxification findings of the two sauna types.

Dr. Adams summarizes a report which concludes that sweat from a traditional sauna was up to 97% water, while the sweat released in an infrared sauna was only 80 - 85% water. The remaining 15 - 20% was comprised of heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble toxins.

The deep penetration of infrared heat activates and releases debris from the subcutaneous fat just beneath the skin. It also allows the body to gradually free stored toxins from organs and tissues, which eventually make their way to the fat tissue under the skin, finally to be purged through perspiration.

This is especially important for cancer-causing PCBs, plastics and pesticides that the body cannot normally metabolize. These chemicals are NOT removed by chelation or any medicine and may be the cause of many auto-immune diseases. Studies have shown the benefits of infrared sauna treatment even on "incurable" symptoms (Dr. William Rea , medical director of the EHC in Dallas)

Interesting Facts:

• High heat kills tumors; cancer cells die at temperatures from 104 to 107 degrees.
• Normal exercise does not produce the same amount of toxin release; only about 3-5% non-water solution.
• Toxicity is one of the two causes of disease. The overall chemical load to which the human body is now exposed is unprecedented in human history. The EPA reports that literally every American has accumulated measurable levels of some thirty different toxic chemicals in their tissues.
• Infrared heat penetrates further into fat and muscle for a far superior detoxification and for pain relief.
• Virtually every condition of ill health can be either eliminated or substantially improved by improving organ function through better distribution and assimilation of nutrients, removal of toxins and microbes and balancing the pH of the body.

Additionally, the infrared sauna has these additionally benefits:

• lowers lactic acid
• stimulates the brain
• kills harmful organisms
• stops swelling
• improves lymphatic flow
• attracts calcium to cell membranes

Sherri Rogers M.D. recommends, "The far infrared sauna is something that you will use for a lifetime. It is a major tool not only in your detox program but also in your anti-aging program."

Environmental toxins are at the base of nearly all disease, especially the autoimmune-type that have increased drastically in the last 40 or 50 years.

Sweat is the only proven method for getting the most damaging toxins out of the body. And, depending on the circumstance, the infrared sauna may be tax-deductible as a health treatment or therapy (ask your accountant).

When my wife and I decided to purchase an intrared sauna, I was left with the task of doing the research and comparisons. We wanted the most effective and "environmentally-safe" unit available within a reasonable price range. After weeks of in-depth comparisons, emails, phone calls and conversations we decided on the TheraSauna. Here's why:

• TheraSauna portable units are handcrafted of 100 percent clear, non-toxic Aspen wood from Canada and Alaska for years of durability and lasting beauty. Other saunas are constructed from cedar and redwood which contain a volatile oil called Cedrene. When cedar, redwood, or poplar is heated it creates toxic gases that are inhaled and absorbed through the skin. TheraSauna's non-toxic wood gives off no toxins.

  Caution: Most inexpensive saunas are imported from China. By law, woods imported from overseas must be treated with chemicals to prevent bugs from entering U.S. territory. These chemicals are toxic! It may not always say it so ask the dealer if the wood used in the sauna is imported from China.

• Therasauna utilizes patented TheraMitters to warm the body - not the air as a conventional sauna would. TheraMitters are a ceramic heating element that operates with a 96% efficiency by reaching their maximum output in five to six minutes. Other saunas use a radiant heater sheathed in a metal tube that has a radiant efficiency of only 50%. TheraMitters absorb and maintain radiant heat to exacting temperatures and have an operating life of over 10,000 hours. Theramitters also feature a limited lifetime warranty.
• Patented TheraSauna TheraMitters have a peak output of 9.4 microns - the same as the human body. Since the heat emitted by the TheraMitters is similar to the heat emitted by the human body, the body is better able to absorb the beneficial infrared in a shorter period of time.

NO other style heater emits infrared at the proper watt density, emission and efficiency as the SOLID Ceramic TheraMitter. Other infrared heaters WILL NOT penetrate the body deeply and produce profuse sweating.

• TheraSauna soft-touch digital controls incorporate two solid-state controls with timers. One control is located on the inside with the second control located outside the sauna. Each control is heat, humidity, and water-resistant. TheraSauna needs no additional wiring and plugs into a standard 15 or 20 amp, 120-volt outlet.
• At the heart of the TheraSauna is the TheraHeat system of heaters and patented, solid-state digital controls. The controls regulate the level and temperature of infrared waves emitted by the ceramic heaters. The TheraHeat system has a radiant efficiency of 96% - the highest efficiency available.
• TheraSauna uses a patented system for constant infrared emission the entire time of a sauna session. The TheraSauna's onboard computer technology allows the sauna to remain at a constant temperature while emitting infrared at the proper wavelength. No other sauna in the world can utilize this technology.

To learn more about TheraSauna, go to http://www.therasauna.com or call Larry at (888)729-7727 or 563-359-3881. You can also e mail the sales department at: sales@qcaspas.com. I was extremely impressed with the company's customer service as well as Larry's extensive knowledge and product detail.

Bonus: When you purchase a TheraSauna, use this code: DRM900 and you will receive an additional $300.00 off any of their saunas.

I hope you can see the amazing benefits that infrared saunas provide. It's all about the sweat!

Until next month,

Yours in health,

Dr. Mike