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The skin is our largest organ, eliminating waste via perspiration. Heat causes toxins
to be released from cells into the lymphatic fluid. Since sweat is manufactured
from lymphatic fluid, the toxins from the lymph are released when the body perspires.
Sweating occurs naturally during strenuous activity such as exercise; exposure to
the sun; or being in a warm room. Saunas (dry heat) or steam baths (wet heat) create
sweat intentionally for therapeutic purposes. This 'sweat (hyperthermic) therapy'
not only releases toxins from the skin but also relaxes muscles, easing aches and
pains. Releasing toxins via the skin through perspiration removes the load from
the kidneys and liver, so those with impaired liver or kidney function may safely
detoxify in this manner.
Raising the core temperature of the body through the hyperthermic effect has been
shown to have a favorable impact upon the immune system. It is one of the few known
ways to stimulate increased production of growth hormone, which helps the body shed
fat, while maintaining lean muscle mass. Hyperthermic therapy also helps to restore
autonomic nervous system function. This system governs muscle tension, sweating,
blood pressure, digestion and balance. The autonomic nervous system is often dysfunctional
in people with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. For this reason, people with these
conditions can benefit from the two types of sauna therapies:
- Conventional sauna
- Infrared sauna
A conventional sauna heats the air either electrically or by burning wood. The skin
perspires as a result of direct contact with the hot air. Typically, temperatures
of 180 to 235 degrees Fahrenheit are used to induce sweating. These high temperatures
increase cardiac load in the same way that aerobic exercise does.
Hal Huggins, DDS, an authority on mercury detoxification, recommends use of the
sauna for detoxification. He suggests that the ill or environmentally sensitive
patient start out at a temperature of 135 degrees and work up to staying in the
sauna for 45 minutes without discomfort, then leave the sauna at any sign of discomfort.
Once 135 degrees is comfortably tolerated for 45 minutes, temperature may be gradually
increased to 145 degrees. (These temperatures apply to a conventional sauna, not
infrared.)
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