O&P Medical Clinic University of California University of Orego Head Athletic Trainer Western Black Belt Association American Body Building      Coordinating Committee Therapeutic Heat and Cold,      4th Edition

Soft Radiant Sauna, the Infrared Thermal System makes it possible for people in wheelchairs, or those who are otherwise unable to exert themselves or who won't follow through on an exercising and conditioning program to achieve a cardiovascular training effect. This also allows for more variety in any ongoing program. "Many of us whom run do so to place a demand on our cardiovascular systems, not to build big leg muscles. Regular use of a sauna may impart a similar stress on the cardiovascular systems, and its regular use may be as effective, as a means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories and regular exercise."

As reported in the journal of American Medical Association, August 7, 1987. Due to the deep penetration, over 1½" to 2" into the skin, of the infrared rays generated by these Soft Radiant Sauna Thermal Systems, there is a heating effect deep in the muscular tissues and the internal organs. The body responds to this deep-heating effect via a hypothalamic-induced increase in both heart volume and rate. This beneficial heart stress leads to a sought-after cardiovascular training and conditioning effect.
Medical research confirms the use of sauna provides cardiovascular conditioning as the body works to cool itself and involves substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. As a confirmation of the validity of this form of cardiovascular conditioning, extensive research by NASA in the early 1980's led to the conclusion that infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during long space flights. Blood flow during whole-body hypothermia is reported to rise from a normal 5-7 pints per minute to as much as 13 pints per minute. "The 1980's was the decade of high-impact aerobics classes and high- mileage training. Yet there was something elitist about the way exercise was prescribed: only strenuous workout would do, you had to raise to between X and Y, the only way was to 'go for the burn'. And such strictures insured that most 'real' exercise were relatively young and in good shape to begin with. Many, many Americans got caught up in the fitness boom, but probably just as many fell by the wayside. As we've reported, recent search research shows that you don't have to run marathons to become fit - that burning just 1,000 calories a week…….. is enough. Anything goes, as long as it burns these calories. "Reported in the Wellness Letter, October 1990, from the university of California Berkeley.
Outstanding Caloric Consumption and Weight Control In Guyton's Textbook of Medical Physiology, we find that producing one gram of sweat requires 0.586 kcal. The JAMA citation referred to above goes on to state that, "A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna, consuming nearly 300 kcal - the equivalent of running 2-3 miles.
A heat-conditioned person can easily sweat off 600-800 kcal with no adverse effects. While the weight of the water loss can be regained by dehydration with water, the calories consumed will not be. " Since an Soft Radiant Infrared Thermal System helps generate two to three times the sweat produced in a hot-air sauna, the implications for increased caloric consumption are quite impressive. Assuming "a Sauna," as mentioned in JAMA, to last for 30 minutes, some interesting comparisons may be drawn. Two of the highest calorie output forms of exercise are rowing and marathon running. Peak output on a rowing machine or during a marathon run burns about 600 calories in 30 minutes. An Soft Radiant Infrared Thermal System can, thus, play a pivotal role in both weight control and cardiovascular conditioning. This would be easily valuable for those who don't exercise and those who can't exercise yet want effective weight control and fitness maintenance program and the benefits that regular exercise can contribute to such a program. Musculoskeletal Cases - success reported with Infrared treatments by medical researchers: TMJ Arthritis Low Back Pain - relieved

Traumatic Arthritis Brain Contusion - accelerated healing

Acel-decel Injury Sequelae Post-exercise Muscle Pain - vital to competitive athletes

Tight Shoulders - relaxed Adhesions - lengthened or more easily broken; they are common in competitive athletes, trauma and repetitive stress syndromes

Shoulder Pain - relieved or eliminated Arthritis: Gouty, Rheumatoid, DJD - each substantially relieved or improved

Muscle Tension - relaxed Compression Fracture - Example; pain stopped for 3 days with only a single treatment

Disc-protrusion Related Neuralgia Spinal Cord Shock - post traumatic shock reversed

Muscle Spasms - reduced or eliminated Bursitis - eliminated

"Medical practitioners make use of Infrared Radiant Heat to Treat Sprains, Bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis, and muscle pain…"
according to the McGraw/Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology.

 

 

 

Summarized from Therapeutic Heat and Cold, 4th Edition,
ED. Justus F. Lehmann M.D., Williams and Wilkins,
Chapter 9 or concluded from data therein.

                  

Generally it is accepted that heat produces the following desirable therapeutic effects:

1) It increases the extendibility of collagen tissues Tissues heated to 110°F and then stretched exhibit a non-elastic residual elongation of about 0.5 - 0.9% that persists after the stretch is removed which does not occur in these same tissues when stretched at normal tissue temperatures. Thus 20 stretching sessions can produce a 10 - 18% increase in length in tissues so heated and stretched. This effect would be especially valuable in working with ligaments, joint capsules, tendons, fasciae, and synovium that have become scarred, thickened or contracted. Such stretching at 110°F caused much less weakening in stretched tissues for a given elongation that a similar elongation produced at normal tissue temperatures. The experiments cited clearly showed that low-force stretching can produce significant residual elongation when heat is applied together with stretching or range-of-motion exercises, which is also safer than stretching tissues at normal tissue temperatures. This safer stretching effect is crucial in properly training competitive athletes so as minimize their "down" time from injuries.

2) It decreases joint stiffness directly There was a 20% decrease in stiffness at 110°F as compared with 90°F in rheumatoid finger joints, which correlated perfectly to both subjective and objective observation of stiffness. Any stiffened join and thickened connective tissues should respond in a similar fashion.

3) It relieves muscle spasms Muscle spasms have long been observed to be reduced through the use of heat, be they secondary to underlying skeletal, joint, or neuropathological conditions. This result is possibly produced by the combined effect of heat on both primary and secondary affects from spindle cells and from its effects on Golgi tendon organs. The effects produced by each mechanisms demonstrated their peak effect within the therapeutic temperature range obtainable with radiant heat.
                             
4) It produced pain relief Pain may be relieved via the reduction of attendant or secondary muscle spasms.
Pain is also at times related to ischemia due to tension or spasm which can be improved by the hyperemia that heat-induced vasodilatation produces, thus breaking the feedback loop, in which the ischemia leads to further spasm and then more pain. Heat has been shown to reduce pain sensation by direct action on both free-nerve endings in tissues and on peripheral nerves. In one dental study, repeated heat applications led finally to abolishment of the whole nerve responsible for pain arising from dental pulp. Heat may both lead to increased endorphin production and a shutting down the so-called "spinal gate" of Melzach and Wall, each of which can reduce pain.

5) It increase blood flow Heating of one area of the body produces reflex-modulated vasodilations in distant-body areas, even in the absence of a change in core body temperature; i.e. heat one extremity also dilates; heat a forearm and both lower extremities; heat the front of the trunk and the hand dilates. Heating of muscles produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during exercise. Temperature elevation produces an increase in blood flow and dilation directly in capillaries, arterioles and venuies, probably through direct action on their smooth muscles. The release of bradykinin, released as a consequence of sweat-gland activity, also produces increased blood flow and vasodilatation. Whole-body hypothemia, with a consequent core temperature elevation, further induces vasodilatation via a hypothalamic-induced decrease in sympathetic tone on the arteriovenous anastomoses. Vasodilatation is also produced by axonal reflexes and by reflexes that change vasomotor balance.

6) It assists in resolution of inflammatory infiltrates, edema and exudates The increased peripheral circulation provides the transport needed to help evacuate the edema which can help end inflammation, decrease pain and help speed healing.

Blood Circulation All of the following ailments may be associated to some degree with poor circulation and, thus, may respond well to the increased peripheral dilation associated with Infrared application:

Arthritis Strained Miscles Sciatica Fatigue Backaches Stretch Marks Hemorrhoids Menstrual Cramps Nerve Tension Upset Stomachs Diabetes Varicose Veins Neuritis Bursitis Rheumatism Children's Over- tired Muscles Leg and Decubitus Ulcers - failing to heal using conventional approaches Post-operative Edema - treatment with infrared has been so successful that hospital stays were reported to have been reduced by 25% Peripheral Occlusive Disease - "The goal is to maintain an optimal blood flowrate to the affected part… In general the temperature should be maintained at highest level which does not increase the circulatory discrepancy as shown by cyanosis and pain." Therapeutic Heat and Cold pp. 456-7

 

 

 

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
I have now owned and used your far infrared sauna for six months. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to purchase this fabulous device. As you may recall, I first encountered your product at a spa in Calgary, Alberta in the Fall of 1993. I was traveling by motor home and had been on the road for two weeks. After one exposure to your sauna, about a week later, I realized how invigorated and somatically relaxed I was. I had previously experienced everything from Jacuzzi to steam baths to ordinary saunas. This was different and made scientific sense. I vowed that if I could I would purchase one. When I did make the purchase in January 1995, I was apprehensive. Was my one exposure to far infrared really valid or was it a placebo effect? Now I can tell you that regular infrared saunas have eliminated somatic anxiety from my busy clinical life working in the operating room of a major medical center. We have known for years that chronic muscular tension is unconscious, cannot be willed away, and requires long term body work to touch the surface of its everyday effects on our lives. Since using your infrared sauna, I have had virtually no chronic muscular tension. If I feel tense I take an infrared sauna and am focused and centered again. Thank you for your product!
Sincerely,
Henry L. Bennett, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology

 

 

UNIVERSITY OF OREGO
Dear Jerry: It was good seeing you in Chicago at the show and having the opportunity to see your new product line. As I indicated in our conversation, we are still using our unit regularly and enjoying it more than ever. The more I use the unit the more I enjoy it and appreciate the benefits. In addition to normal use I have found it especially, soothing and relaxing after a day of hard physical work around the house and yard. Also, on several occasions during the past year I have had some minor muscle injuries as a result of overextending myself during my regular weight training workouts. The radiant heat sauna has sure been useful and helpful under those circumstances. All in all we continue to enjoy the product and are thinking of getting another unit for our cottage at the coast. Again it was good to see you in Chicago. Hope business continues to go well. Sincerely, Barry T. bates, Ph.D. Passive Cardiovascular Conditioning Effect

 

 

Head Athletic Trainer
After using the Infrared Sauna in our clubhouse for just a few short weeks, I am already convinced of its therapeutic uses. It was used by our players both as a warm-up and a warm-down to their daily baseball activities in spring training. In addition, I used in as an adjunct therapy to the other modalities in my training room. Our players found the Infrared Sauna was an excellent tool for relaxing while not causing the "draining" effect that is found in conventional saunas. In addition, the ability to achieve an increase level in their cardio-vascular fitness, makes this unit even more attractive. There is no question in my mind that the Infrared Sauna will change the thinking of how saunas can be used in the athletic environment. Its innovative qualities of stress reduction, weight loss, and cardiovascular fitness in an effective but easy way are features nor found in any other product to my knowledge. If I can be of any help in getting the word out on this fine product, please do not hesitate to get me a call. Sincerely, Larry M. Starr, M.Ed., L.A.T.,C.

 

 

Western Black Belt Association
Dear Mr. Vick: Being a 7th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (Korean Style). And active In the sport for over 25 years, I became interested in heat training for flexibility through Bruce Lee. I met him at a Karate Championship years ago. Bruce Lee believed that heat would allow the muscles more flexibility. Martial Artists spend a lot of time stretching, and stretching a too-cold muscle can lead to a painful muscle tear. Previously, I could never test Lee's theory because 5 minutes in a hot air sauna was torture. I'm delighted that the Infrared Sauna at 100 degrees cooler than a hot air sauna, makes me perspire 3 times as much, and is so comfortable, I could stay inside for hours. Using Bruce's heat training' theory, my stretch has now Increased 10%, It's a fact that the ice cubes in my drink don't even melt, and I can wear my gold watch without it getting hot. Amazing! The Infrared Sauna also helps me warm up faster. After winning or placing in 198 Tournaments, I'm very aware of how my body feels. Sometimes, before work-outs, my Joints are sluggish and painful. After sitting in a Infrared Sauna for a few minutes, the pain disappears. It's no surprise to me that over 700,000,000 such units have already been sold in the Orient. I believe that with all of its "health benefits" that the Infrared Sauna will be the new training device of the 1990s. Anyone interested in good health and weight control can benefit from owning one. And after owing one for a week, you wonder how you ever did without it. My Father-In-Law also greatly benefits from the Infrared Sauna before a round of golf his old football injury is unnoticeable. It also relaxes him to sleep, no need for sleeping aids. Again, thank you Jerry for steering me in the right direction. I was foolish to think buying $5.00 infra- red lights would do the same thing. They only heat French tries.
Sincerely,
Jim Martin,
7th Dan President,
Western Black Belt Association

 

 

American Body Building Coordinating Committee Dear Jerry,
I became interested in your Infrared Sauna from Irish, our State Chairperson. Her interest sparked my curiosity, and I spent many hours doing research to doctors, acupuncturists, sports trainers, and physical therapists throughout the country. I have been training natural drug-free athletes for over 35 years, and had once used Infrared lamps, however, they only heat the surface of the skin. I'm very excited that the Infrared Sauna Is able to penetrate 1-1/2" Into the body. It's this deep. Sub-muscular penetration that makes the Infrared Sauna so indispensable. Before, It was a dream of mine that some one would Invent a Thigh tech" device such as this, but I didn't think It would happen in my lifetime. The future is here. Now. Body Building Training is unique: they have to do three things successfully to win; weight train effectively; acquire a deep tan, and lose excess fat. Your Infrared Sauna is truly a gift to athletes because in sitting in it for Just 20 minutes, they will get a cardiovascular work out, causing them to melt up to 600 calories of fat Also, I discovered that Infrared Saunas are used In Burn Centers" and is the only remedy of a sunburn...this alone is Incredible! On days when they miss a workout, Just sitting in a Infrared Sauna win keep up their cardiovascular fitness level, Personally, If I had used your Infrared Sauna 35 years ago, I would now be walking taller, standing straighter, and would be thinner, I would also have saved thousands of dollars in visits to health professionals, Anyone who suffers from the pain of Arthritis, Rheumatism, Gout, or Shoulder & Joint Pain should own a Infrared Sauna., .because after sitting in a Infrared Sauna, they feel more relaxed, less stiff, and are rid of pain for hours. I calculated that your Infrared Sauna could save athletes at least 4 hours a week in warm up time. It can also save athletes a lot of money in visits to health professionals, and In buying prescription and over the counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. I believe prevention" is more healthy than trying for correction" of injuries. I'm so excited about the Infrared Sauna, that I'm featuring it In my Before & After" column In NATURAL PHYSIQUE MAGAZINE, and in my quarterly Athletic Newspaper. Documenting results In my 'Before and After" Column. As an Athletic Trainer and National Chairperson of the American Body Building Coordinating Committee. I have a responsibility to share the Infrared Sauna with athletes all over the world.
Respectfully yours,
Jack O'Bleness - National Chairperson