www.nhwellnesscenters.com 11230 Waples Mill Rd. Suite 125 Fairfax, VA 22030 (703)246-9355 Welcome to our Far Infrared Sauna As with all professional equipment, you may put yourself at risk if you do not fully understand how to use the sauna. The use of Far Infrared Saunas to cure or treat any disease is neither implied nor should be inferred. DO NOT attempt to self treat any disease with a Far Infrared Sauna without direct supervision of a licensed physician. If any of the items listed below apply to you, be certain to consult with your physician before using a Far Infrared Sauna. Medications Children Elderly Cardiovascular Conditions Hypertension (high blood pressure) Hypotension (low blood pressure) Cancer Alcohol/Substance abuse or under the influence of alcohol or drugs Chronic Conditions/Diseases Associated with a reduced ability to sweat or perspire Hemophiliacs/Individuals prone to bleeding Fever Insensitivity to heat/heat intolerance Pregnancy Menstruation Neuropathy (numbness/paralysis) Joint Injury Implants (metal pins/rods/artificial joints) Pacemaker/Defibrillator Open wounds In all situations, hydration is a requirement for sauna use. Drinking electrolyte water during treatment is recommended as well as before and after sauna use. If you have any questions regarding whether or not you should use the Far Infrared Sauna please call us at 703-246-9355 or ask for Carol Ann Damon.
Far Infrared Sauna Therapy An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit infrared radiant heat which is absorbed directly into the human body, unlike traditional saunas which heat the body indirectly via air or steam. BENEFITS CARDIOVASCULAR Far Infrared strengthens the Cardiovascular System by causing an increase in your heart rate, cardiac output, and decrease diastolic blood pressure. Many people who are wheel chair bound have benefited greatly from the cardiovascular effects. This beneficial heart workout leads to desired cardiovascular training and conditioning effects. DETOXIFICATION One of the current leading benefits of an infrared sauna is detoxing your body, internally and externally. Scientists in Japan report that in the FIR treatment of clogged capillary vessels, heat expands the capillaries and then initiates the process of dissolving hidden toxins. Far Infrared thereby promotes elimination of fats, chemicals and toxins from the blood: poisons, carcinogenic heavy metals, toxic substances from food processing, lactic acid, free fatty acids, and subcutaneous fat associated with aging and fatigue, excess sodium associated with hypertension, and uric acid which causes pain. Furthermore, if sebaceous glands are activated, accumulated cosmetics in pores can be eliminated through the skin (sweat and oil glands) rather than by the kidneys. Since infrared heat is able to penetrate inside your body up to two inches, you will sweat up to three times more than with the traditional saunas. The Result: The toxins inside your body that make you feel sick, tired, and cause you to retain weight are eliminated. With an infrared sauna more carcinogenic heavy metals, sodium, cholesterol, nicotine, and alcohol are eliminated than with a standard type sauna.
STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Far Infrared strengthens immunity by stimulating increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes) by the bone marrow and killer T-cells by the thymus. This has been proven to increase the body's ability to fight off bacteria, colds, flus, and other ailments. Far Infrared Sauna also strengthens your immunity by creating an artificial fever. Fever is a natural healing response of the body. The function of the immune system is increased naturally during a fever, while viral and bacterial growth is slowed, weakening its hold. This helps the body ward off invading organisms. A FIR heat treatment in the early stages of a cold or flu has been known to stop the disease before the symptoms occur. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Far Infrared treatment can help reduce inflammation which helps reduce pain in joints. CANCER THERAPY Cancer cannot survive in an environment of temperatures more than 42 degrees Celsius (102.2 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition to its detoxifying effects, far infrared heat actually helps kill cancer cells, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing the side-effects of conventional therapies. At the same time, it boosts the body s regenerative abilities and decreases pain by increasing circulation, which makes it beneficial in treating other conditions such as arthritis, gout, poor circulation, neuralgia and abnormal nerve function. INCREASES BLOOD FLOW Far Infrared heat expands capillaries which stimulates increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation and oxygenation. Increased blood flow has been proven to improve hair, skin, erectile dysfunction, aid in the healing of injuries, and recovery of muscle and joint stiffness. Introducing heat deep into your muscles produces an increased blood flow and temperature rise similar to the levels measured during brisk exercise. Temperature elevation also produces an increased blood flow and dilation directly in capillaries, arterioles, and venules, probably through direct action on their smooth muscles.
IMPROVE SKIN Far Infrared heat increases blood circulation throughout your skin which is mandatory for glowing, beautiful, and youthful skin. Infrared heat penetrates deep into pores pushing out toxins while rejuvenating your skin. To truly slow the aging process it is essential to push these pollutants out of your pores instead of trapping them with lotions and makeup. There is no better feeling than a healthy sweat in a sauna while drinking fresh water. Another benefit to Infrared Sauna therapy is the break down of cellulite. Cellulite is a gel-like substance made up of water, fat and wastes trapped deep in pockets under your skin. Many Dermatologists are now recommending the use of infrared saunas with any anti-cellulite program as the profuse sweating helps clear the unwanted debris from your body. Here is a list of the most common reported benefits of infrared sauna therapy for the skin: Soothing Nettle rash Clogged pores are unplugged of cosmetics creating a beautiful skin texture and tone Poor skin tone is restored Scars and pain from burns or wounds are decreased in severity and extent. Infrared therapy is used routinely in burn units throughout Asia Lacerations heal quicker and with less pain and scarring Acne: Three or four infrared treatments may open pores that have not been functioning in years, forcing out clogging cosmetics and loosening dead outer skin. The sauna is thus a boon to teenage and adult skin, clearing acne and blackheads Body odor: by improving the function of the skin, the infrared treatments may eliminate the cause of offensive body odor. It definitely reduces body odor induced by occupational exposure to odorous chemicals Eczema and Psoriasis: reported to have responded extremely well to infrared treatments Sunburn: according to the 9 th edition of Clayton s Electrotherapy, infrared is the only antidote to excessive ultraviolet radiation Keloids form at a reduced rate in those prone to keloid formation with infrared treatments and existing keloids may be softened by use of infrared systems INJURIES AND PAIN Far infrared saunas have been proven to reduce pain sensation by getting heat deep into the free-nerve endings in tissues. Pain is often associated with a lack of blood supply to the injured area due to tension or spasms. The introduction of heat, deep into these areas helps to increase circulation and reduce muscle spasms. Far Infrared promotes rebuilding of injured tissue by having a positive effect on the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for the repair of injury). Furthermore, it increases growth of cells, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis all necessary during tissue repair and regeneration.
Informed Consent for Far Infrared Sauna I understand the contraindications and feel that I am medically cleared for using the Far Infrared Sauna. I will use the Far Infrared Sauna at my own risk and I understand that Natural Horizons has made me aware of the risks and benefits of the Far Infrared Sauna. I understand that I should be hydrated and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the sauna treatment. I understand that if I have any communicable diseases or skin diseases, I should not use the Far Infrared Sauna. As with any detoxification procedures I may experience flu like symptoms or a temporary increase in symptoms. I understand the contraindications and testify that I do not currently have any conditions which would prevent my using the Far Infrared Sauna. I also understand that I may be refused the use of the Far Infrared treatment based upon the discretion of staff at Natural Horizons. Name: (print) Signature: Date: