Sauna for Detoxification

Detoxification is the process of cleansing the body by removing harmful substances accumulated through exposure to toxic chemicals, environmental pollutants and heavy metals. These toxins can be in our drinking water and the air we breathe, and can come from sources such as household cleaners or poisonous chemicals at the workplace. Using a sauna for detoxification is known as hydrothermal or heat therapy. In "The Detox Book," author Bruce Fife states that heat therapy is one of the oldest therapies known to man, and that the famous Roman baths were built to take advantage of what he calls "the natural all-purpose body cleanser." Heat therapy is also used for lymph, kidney and liver detoxification to fight conditions ranging from cancer to chronic bladder infections.

Artificial Fever

According to Safe Alternative Medicine, saunas induce an artificial fever that works exactly as a natural fever works--fighting sickness and disease by restoring the body's natural defense systems. A natural fever stimulates your immune system and increases white blood cell count and blood circulation while destroying viruses and fighting infection. The idea behind hydrotherapy is to create an artificial fever, thereby producing the same benefits. Indeed, inducing artificial fevers is not a new concept--the medical community has been using this tactic to cure infections and diseases for centuries. Bruce Fife takes the concept further and states that not only can heat therapy resolve current illnesses or infections, but can kill bacteria and viruses present in your body to prevent future illness.

Lymphatic Detox

Lymphatic detox involves flushing the lymphatic system of fluid that contains toxins, thus removing any blockage that might lead to swollen lymph nodes. As the lymphatic system is the network that carries fluid and immune cells to different parts of the body, it is responsible for stimulation of the immune system. Swelling of lymph nodes, therefore, can impede this process and lead to a depressed immune system. Saunas are used in lymphatic detox because the lymphatic system does not have a natural flushing mechanism, but relies on physical activity and sweating to flush the system. Sweating works in this instance to carry toxins out of the body via lymph fluid, thereby improving lymphatic function.

Kidney/Liver Support

Heat therapy flushes out toxins by raising your body's core temperature and inducing sweating. The detoxification process also indirectly helps kidney and liver function. According to Robert O. Young, when the body is exposed to the heat of an infrared sauna for more than 30 minutes, dilation of the blood vessels occurs, infusing the sweat glands with fluid. The sweat glands then empty, shedding the fluid that contains toxic chemicals, pollutants and especially heavy metals. These are all toxins that the kidneys and liver would have had to eliminate, and so detoxification through heat therapy can give these vital organs a much-needed break.

Toxic Chemicals

Marybetts Sinclair, in "Modern Hydrotherapy for the Massage Therapist," states that "sauna therapy" was used to successfully treat firefighters and rescue workers after the World Trade Center attacks. The men were exposed to a great amount of toxic chemicals and were complaining about stomach and abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux and a host of psychological issues. After completing the sauna or heat therapy, which included shower breaks and toweling off, the men were surprised to find that the towels were stained a variety of colors. The towels were then analyzed, and test results found their sweat to be high in toxins, particularly heavy metals such as manganese. After the sauna therapy, rescue workers showed improved health, took less time off and needed less prescribed medication.

Warning

Certain people should consult a physician before embarking on a heat therapy or sauna detoxification program. These include people with heart conditions, because exposure to heat sources stimulates your heart and circulatory system. With heat therapy, it is also very important to keep hydrated, so drink a full glass of water or freshly squeezed juice afterward. Stay away from coffee or sugary drinks, as these may cause further dehydration. Sweating profusely not only flushes out toxins and heavy metals but minerals such as salt and other nutrients. So consider taking a mineral supplement to replace what you have lost. Juicing can be a marvelous way to not only keep you hydrated, but infuse your body with a wide range of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.