|
Infrared saunas make it possible for people who cannot or do not exercise enough
to achieve the effects of cardiovascular training. It also allows
for more variety in any ongoing training program. Most important
to understand is that just like any other type of exercise, infrared
therapy for decreasing blood pressure is most effective with frequent
use.
FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
“...Saunas — if not misused — pose no risk to
healthy people. People with high blood pressure who have no symptoms
should tolerate saunas well. The relaxing of the blood vessels associated
with the heat is about the same as from a brisk walk. Any active
symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath that would cause
a person to avoid moderate exercise would also be a reason to avoid
a hot tub or sauna. Alcohol and saunas aren't a good combination.
Don't drink while in a sauna. Also, moving back and forth between
cold water baths and saunas or hot tubs can raise blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, don't do this."
INFRARED THERAPY FOR BLOOD PRESSURE
The final point from the AHA on moving back and forth between hot
and cold environments is particularly informative, since infrared
saunas run at significantly lower temperatures than traditional
hot rock saunas. When people use traditional saunas, they typically
DO go from the hot environment of the sauna into a cold shower or
for a swim, because they feel the need to cool off after the intense
heat experience. This is not the case with an infrared sauna, as
the body does not experience the heat shock associated with the
200 degree temperatures of a traditional sauna. Because of this,
one can easily stay in an infrared sauna for 30 minutes or more
without feeling the need to “get some air” or cool down
with a shower.
While in an infrared sauna, blood flow rises from a normal five
to seven quarts a minute to as many as 13 quarts a minute, in line
with a heart rate increase of 25 or more beats per minute. Because
infrared rays penetrate the body over 1-1/2 inches, there is a
deep
heating effect in the muscle tissue and internal organs. The body
responds to this heat with a hypothalamic-induced increase in both
heart rate and blood pumping volume. This can create a beneficial
heart stress much like a sought-after cardiovascular training and
conditioning effect. Medical research has suggested that the use
of an infrared sauna provides cardiovascular conditioning as the
body tries to cool itself. Also, during use, the infrared heat
causes
your capillaries to expand and thereby improve blood flow.
BLOOD PRESSURE CASE STUDY
One study
about decreasing blood pressure comes from an article by Dr. Jonathan
Wright. He states that in a study done on hamsters
and infrared saunas, the hamsters, after four weeks of daily sauna
therapy, had "a significant increase in a substance called
nitric oxide synthase around the aorta as well as the coronary,
carotid, and femoral arteries... The reason this finding is so important
is that increased levels of nitric oxide synthase will produce more
nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates coronary arteries, helping to
improve heart function." These same researchers also conducted
studies on humans as well, with very promising results. They tested
20 men with congestive heart failure for two weeks with daily sauna
therapy, and a control group of 10 men with the same symptoms who
got no sauna therapy. 17 or the 20 men had significant improvement
in their clinical symptoms, ultrasound results and blood tests.
While the control group had no changes. Dr. Wright goes on to comment
on this study, "Given the hamster-in-the-sauna results, it's
very likely that the improved blood vessel dilation in the men
with
cardiovascular risk factors resulted from higher levels of nitric
oxide synthase. Although none of the studies have measured it specifically,
far infrared sauna therapy will very likely lower blood pressure
for many individuals too. This theory makes sense, since the mechanism
of action is the same as in congestive heart failure: An increase
in nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure."
For the entire article click here (PDF
44kb)
PLEASE NOTE: All information within
this site is provided for informational and educational purposes
only. Pure Elements, does not provide medical advice or treatment.
This information is not meant to substitute for the advice provided
by your personal physician or any other medical professional. If
you have certain health conditions, consult with your physician
for clearance before you purchase a sauna. You should not use the
information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health
problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical
problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information
and statements regarding products on this site have not been evaluated
by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
