Sauna Depuration Therapy
Saunas are as old as human history. Many societies, from Finland and Ireland to the North American Tribes have used sweat as a means of detoxification. In the last thirty years, saunas have attracted interest from scientists and practitioners around the world, and a modest literature has developed documenting the efficacy of sauna depuration for various fat-soluble toxins.
In a nutshell, since many toxins are stored in the subcutaneous fat, especially in the back, heating of the subQ area increases blood flow and temperature and increases volatility of the toxins. (This effect is especially marked with Far Infrared Sauna, since the infrared penetrates several centimeters into the body and locally increases heat effects.) Increased volatility mobilizes the toxic material, which is excreted through adjacent sweat glands or via exhalation.
A number of clinical studies document its effectiveness on symptoms and on levels stored in SubQ fat.
Our office sauna, manufactured by Heavenly Heat, is made of unfinished poplar assembled without glues. It has a far infrared heater as well as a conventional convection heater, and we have a shower with towels and non-reactive soap.
Sauna is an essential part of detoxification of heavy metals and various toxic chemicals.
Selected References:
- Kilburn KH, et al. Neurobehavioral dysfunction in firemen exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs): possible improvement after detoxification. Arch Environ Health. 1989: 44(6):345-50.
- Schnare D, et al. Body burden reductions of PCBs, PBBs and chlorinated pesticides in human subjects. Ambio. 1984; 13(5-6)77-380
- Root D, et al. Excretion of a lipophilic toxicant through the sebaceous glands: a case report. J Toxicol - Cut Ocular Toxicol. 1987; 6(1): 13-17
- Tretjak Z, et al. PCB reduction and clinical improvement by detoxification: an unexploited approach. Hum Exp Toxicol. 1990; 9:235-44
- Krop J. Chemical sensitivity after intoxication at work with solvents: response to sauna therapy. J Alt Comp Med. 1998; 4(1):77-86
- Cohn JR et al. The excretion of trace metals in human sweat. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1978; 8(4): 270-5
- Omokhodion FO, et al. Trace elements in the sweat of acclimatized persons. Clin Chim Acta 1994; 231(1):23-8.