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 Why is it beneficial to sweat? |
| Why is sweating in a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna more beneficial than using a traditional sauna or steamroom? |
| What frequency of infrared does the Physiotherm sauna emit? |
| Is Physiotherm Infrared Sauna Therapy Safe? |
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Why can you sweat so much more in a Physiotherm infrared sauna at less than half the temperature of other heat treatments?
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| How are calories consumed in a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| How does Infrared Sauna therapy help to remove more toxins than normal sweat? |
| How often should I use my Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| Can anyone use a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| Are Physiotherm Infrared Sauna treatments actually effective for pain relief?
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| Where are Physiotherm Infrared Cabins made? |
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What is the cost to run a Physiotherm infrared sauna? |
| Can I easily move my Physiotherm infrared sauna? |
| What is the best position to locate a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| Can I install my Physiotherm infrared sauna outside? |
| How much Maintenance is involved in the upkeep of a Physiotherm infrared sauna cabin? |
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Why is it beneficial to sweat? |
| Sweat treatments of various sorts have been practiced by various ancient cultures for thousands of years as it is inherently understood that sweating was a highly effective detoxifying and cleansing process not just for the body but also the mind and spirit, which is why the sweat lodge and sauna have an almost religious significance in Native American and Northern European cultures. This ancient wisdom however is also borne out by our modern understanding of the body from medical science. Sweating it is said is one of the major elimination pathways (along with breath, urine and stool) for metabolic waste and toxic by products of our own body processes as well as environmental or man-made toxic chemicals that we may be exposed to. In Chinese medicine the skin is known as the third kidney for its purification role. There is little doubt that a regular sweat will do you a great deal of good and plays a vital role in helping to maintain a healthy body. |
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Why is sweating in a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna more beneficial than using a traditional sauna or steamroom? |
| There is a big difference in the method and effects of traditional heat treatments and the Physiotherm Infrared Principle. A hot air sauna with temperatures of over 55C exerts a stressful effect upon the body, which it reacts to through registering excessive heat on the receptors on the skin. The high temperatures and humidity are therefore causing a stress reaction in the body which encourages cooling processes of increased circulation and sweat to occur. The Physiotherm Principle however creates a highly positive cooling response of circulation enhancement and sweat production WITHOUT causing a stress response within the body. This means physiologically the body is much more relaxed during the Physiotherm session and the benefits of deep warming are not counterbalanced with a stress effect on the body systems.
There are many practical reasons too why a Physiotherm infrared sauna offers a superior solution. For instance only a couple of minutes warm up time is necessary and comfortable working temperatures of only 30-40C means a single 30 minute session every couple of days is an easy routine to follow. The ease of use is very important because most people will not continue with a health regime if it conflicts too much with their daily life and is inconvenient. |
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What frequency of infrared does the Physiotherm sauna emit? |
| Physiotherm have undertaken in depth and long term research into the most effective frequency of IR heat to use and have built up a good understanding of the science of Infrared Therapy as a result of their relationships with medical specialists in this field. Infrared is a wide spectrum of energy which has been split into 3 brackets – near, medium and far infrared, which relates to the frequency distance from visible light, “near” being closest and “far” furthest away from the visible light spectrum. Infrared is also split into ranges A, B, C in much the same way, with B relating to medium and C relating to far Infrared. Infrared C radiation it seems is the ideal transport medium for an infrared therapy sauna. The heat is felt upon the skin and is deeply warming, but imparts relatively little heat to the air. Physiotherm’s patented lava sand filled ceramic radiator has an extremely even irradiated area with a medium surface temperature of 300-320C, this ensures that the heater releases approximately 97% infrared C radiation and 3% B radiation. The intensity level of radiation on the grille of the heater is approximately 100mW/Cm2. A small percentage of B IR radiation is said to be beneficial for encouraging a greater level of sweat response. |
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Is Physiotherm Infrared Sauna Therapy Safe? |
| Physiotherm infrared heat is certainly completely safe. Infrared light is widely known to be safe and also beneficial to the body. Some of the frequencies of far infrared heat emitted by a Physiotherm heater are the very same frequency that our own body emits infrared heat at. Infrared heat is not therefore potentially harmful and it is not the same as Ultra Violet, X-Rays or Microwaves.
Physiotherapists and maternity wards in hospitals have used infrared lamps to heal injured joints and warm newborn babies for many decades. Specialist burn units have also used infrared light to enhance the healing process of the damaged skin. For the past 30 years or so much wider applications of infrared heat have been tested and throughout this time it has been shown to be benign to the human body.
When using the Physiotherm infrared sauna however there are some simple guidelines to follow to ensure that you get the best benefit out of it. First of all, maintain hydration by drinking lots of water, dehydration is really the only side effect of excessive IR exposure that could be harmful as it is with any heat treatment. By taking regular 30 minute sessions and drinking plenty of water along with a nutrient rich balanced diet you will avoid dehydration and reduced electrolyte balance through sweating. In addition, the Physiotherm control system gives you infinite control over the IR intensity so you can always maintain your comfort and a level of IR intensity that is right for you. |
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Why can you sweat so much more in a Physiotherm infrared sauna at less than half the temperature of other heat treatments?
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| Because the Physiotherm Principle offers a unique method of warming the body deeply from within via its own circulation that reaches every part of the whole body, not just the skin. The Physiotherm Principle is based upon warming the blood vessels in the back with high quality infrared heat, which warms all the blood vessels in the spinal area. The warmed blood is then pumped throughout the entire body warming deeply within all the joints, muscles and organs. This helps to raise the core temperature by 0.2-0.3C in a 30 minute session. The body reacts to this increased core temperature by producing a prodigious and deep sweat to help remove the heat by sweat evaporating from the surface of the skin. As Infrared is a radiant source of heat, it warms the body directly rather than having to warm the air, much like the suns warmth on a cold winters day. There is simply no need for very hot air with the Physiotherm Principle. |
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How are calories consumed in a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| Sweat production actually requires our body to expend energy (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal). In addition, with the raising of the core temperature during the session the body’s metabolic rate will be increased for many hours even after you have finished your session. The amount of calories consumed during the session are directly linked with the amount of sweat produced. So remaining hydrated is important to ensure sweat can be freely produced. The more regularly you use the Physiotherm infrared system the more your body will respond to it. Calorie consumption is a long term process which needs to be undertaken with a healthy diet and gentle exercise to ensure best results. While any weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not. For those people unable to exercise sufficiently to produce a sweat regular Physiotherm sessions can help aid in weight control. |
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How does Infrared Sauna therapy help to remove more toxins than normal sweat? |
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It is widely stated throughout infrared circles that IR saunas make you sweat out more toxins than normal sweat. We have yet to see this totally proven, however, we have seen the test results of our own clients who have used the Physiotherm system to reduce levels of toxins such as Mercury a carcinogenic heavy metal (mercury removal testimony) and pesticides such as DDT and Lindane (see James Fergusson – The Vitamin Murders, Portobello Books). The commonest explanation for IR’s ability to enhance detoxification is the theory of “Resonant Absorption” which states that the infrared frequency of 9.4 microns wavelength when it hits a water molecule within our cells makes it vibrate at a higher frequency and more energetically which is enough to stimulate the breaking of hydrogen bonds between neighbouring molecules which form a cluster around a stored toxin. As these clusters are reduced it becomes easier for the toxin to be sweated directly out through the skin. The anecdotal results which people have achieved suggest that this may be true however more research is needed to prove it beyond doubt. |
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How often should I use my Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| Just as you would with any new kind of health routine or product it is best to gently build up your tolerance over time. In general however we have found that about three sessions a week or every other day for a duration of 20-30 minutes is initially recommended. Some users once used to it enjoy daily sessions of up to 30-40 minutes, however, it is totally up to the individual and we always recommend that they do what feels best and listen to their body.
A diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably organic which can have higher levels of nutrients, along with ample water and if necessary a mineral and vitamin supplement is recommended to maximise the effectiveness of your Physiotherm infrared sauna regime. |
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Can anyone use a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| Most people from children over the age of 6 to those in their 90’s could find it a safe and enjoyable treatment. However, anyone with specific health conditions should consult their health professional before using. Young children will dehydrate faster than an adult due to their ratio of surface area to body volume and their session times should be reduced to around 10 minutes and with a reduced IR intensity as a result. Children should therefore be strictly supervised at all times. Recently, it has become clear that people with scarring on their backs that would be in direct line with the heater are advised to cover the scar with a plaster or towel. Heavy scar tissue does not have as much blood circulation through it and this reduces the tissues ability to dissipate the heat, in this way the scar can become over heated and inflamed. Over time however, it is hoped that regular sessions may enhance blood flow to the area around the scar and help in its reduction. An advisement sheet can be seen here -
Advisements / Contraindications [.pdf 7kb]
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Are Physiotherm Infrared Sauna treatments actually effective for pain relief?
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| Infrared heat is well known as an effective method of aiding in localised pain relief from muscles and joints. This is why infrared heat was such a widely used treatment in Physiotherapy clinics for much of the 20th century. The increased level of blood circulation to an area associated with pain that has been treated with IR heat allows oxygen rich blood to bathe the area, flushing away acid metabolic wastes that build up contributing to pain, soreness and stiffness.
What is exciting from the Physiotherm perspective is that this whole body IR therapy treatment with the IR heat focussed upon the back can have a pain alleviating effect over the entire body. Clinical research undertaken in Germany and Austria on the Physiotherm system showed the brain produced greater levels of pain relieving neurotransmitters when exposed to Physiotherm infrared heat on the back. This natural pain relief helps to offer a double whammy of pain relief, which must be a good thing! |
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Where are Physiotherm Infrared Cabins made? |
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The Physiotherm factory is in Thaur just outside of Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol, the acknowledged center of Spa Culture in Europe.
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What is the cost to run a Physiotherm infrared sauna? |
| The Physiotherm technology is incredibly energy efficient, our 2 person units require only 1.5kw to run, which is about the same as a vacuum cleaner, a 30 minute session depending on your energy provider should cost you less than 20P. |
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Can I easily move my Physiotherm infrared sauna? |
| Yes, the Physiotherm cabins are designed to be very simple to erect and dismantle yet still be super sturdy once assembled. Should you need to dismantle and move your Physiotherm cabin it should take no more than a couple of hours to dismantle and re-assemble the unit. |
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What is the best position to locate a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna? |
| We always recommend that you site your Physiotherm cabin where it is most convenient for you to use on a regular basis. The units are all designed to be self contained with a standard electrical plug and no ventilation or plumbing requirements. You are therefore free to put it pretty much where ever you like within your home. Bedrooms, offices, family rooms and garages are all commonly used. |
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Can I install my Physiotherm infrared sauna outside? |
| No, the Physiotherm cabins are designed for easy access and regular use within the home. The company does not make external units at this time which would require the use of treated woods that often means the presence of toxic chemicals. |
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How much Maintenance is involved in the upkeep of a Physiotherm infrared sauna cabin? |
| Not much! The Physiotherm units all have a bio-lacquer on the seat and floor to protect the wood from absorbing any sweat and toxins. The profit range and Rondo also have the lacquer on all the walls. This means that using a towel on the seat and the floor you will have nothing to clean after a session. And most importantly your cabin will look exactly the same in years to come as the day you bought it. No unsightly sweat stains and dubious odours. The full glass door will benefit from a wipe down from time to time with a lint free cloth. The seat and floor are best wiped down with a gentle antibacterial agent from time to time (or after each use in a commercial location) and every couple of years the heater grills can be removed to clean the reflectors and remove any dust that has collected in them – always ensure the power is switched off and the heaters are cool before you do this! |
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