Submitted by Dr. Dana Gleeson

Due to the environment we live in, our immune systems are continually being depleted, compromised and bombarded. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, to our antibiotic and pesticide treated meats and vegetables, to our fast-food eating and sedentary lifestyles, the body doesn’t stand a chance without a little help. Modern conventional medicine battles disease directly, mostly by means of drugs and surgery. True health can be attained much more readily by maintaining a healthy, properly-functioning immune system. It is the immune system that fights off disease-causing microorganisms and engineers the healing process.

When we are functioning with weakened immune systems, we become extremely susceptible to virtually every type of illness, from bacterial or viral infections to yeast, parasite or fungal infections. Compromised immune system function can elicit multiple signs and symptoms of illness such as: fatigue, repeated infections, inflammation, allergic reactions, slow wound healing, chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic diarrhea and an overgrowth of yeast.

How does Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) Strengthen The Immune System?

Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) works in many ways to help strengthen a weakened immune system. Firstly, the warmth created from the heat of the F.I.R.S.T raises the internal body temperature which in turn mimics a type of artificial fever. This activates the body’s immune system, which begins producing more of the body’s defence cells that combat foreign invaders.

Secondly, F.I.R.S.T therapy stimulates full detoxification of the body. Detoxification can be defined as “the process of reducing the buildup of various poisonous substances in the body”. Because the F.I.R.S.T waves penetrate the entire surface of the body up to two inches, a thorough cleansing can take place. The F.I.R.S.T heat opens the pores to mobilize toxins, which are then flushed out when you sweat.

Every system in our body performs better in a detoxified state, including the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune systems. The United States Centre for Disease Control estimates that over 80% of all illnesses have environmental and lifestyle causes. Remember to drink lots of water throughout the day, especially before and after your Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) session to help with the detoxification flushing.

A third and also very important aspect of immune system health that F.I.R.S.T works with is creating relaxation and stress relief. Stress, either acute or chronic, plays a major role in diminishing our immune system function as it causes chemical and hormonal imbalances to occur. The soothing heat generated from the F.I.R.S.T waves create total relaxation and decreased stress levels. Research has shown that Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) also promotes a rebalancing of the body’s hormones through its effect on the autonomic nervous system.