Physiotherm FAQ

Physiotherm FAQ

General Physiotherm Questions

Why sweat at all?

For thousands of years ancient cultures understood that the process of sweating offered an effective cleansing process for the body, many cultures have maintained a focus on sweat lodges and saunas as a primary method of encouraging sweating along with exercise (and hard manual work!). Elimination of toxins such as metabolic byproducts from our own cells occurs through breath, urine, stool and sweat. As the skin is the body’s largest organ and one designed to aid in cleansing and purifying (like a kidney), sweating plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body.

With modern lives characterized by poor diets high in processed foods, sedentary lifestyles and pervasive exposure to environmental toxins, the arguments for enjoying a regular sweat have never been more persuasive.

Why sweat in a Physiotherm and not just go for a run or use a traditional sauna?

A good reason to choose a Physiotherm infrared sauna to undertake your sweat regime is one of convenience and enjoyment. A Physiotherm infrared cabin for instance requires only a few minutes to warm up and operates at temperatures of only 30-40C, so you remain comfortable throughout your session and remain relaxed within your cabin for 30-40 minutes. This allows for regular sessions that do not conflict with a busy lifestyle, increasing your chances greatly of staying with a healthy regime.

Is Far Infrared frequency important for an effective Far Infrared sauna?

Infrared frequency relates to the surface temperature of the object emitting it, as stated in Wien’s Law of thermodynamics which tells us that objects of different temperature emit spectra that peak at different wavelengths. Scientific research undertaken by Physiotherm has shown that what is most critical in maximising the beneficial effects of FIR heat is not the frequency of IR wavelength but the level of IR intensity on the surface of the skin, as this is what actually imparts warmth to the body to raise the core temperature and deliver the circulation and sweat responses from which the many benefits are achieved.

Is Physiotherm Far Infrared Therapy safe?

Absolutely! Infrared light energy is widely acknowledged as safe and beneficial to the body. Certain frequencies of Far Infrared are actually a natural by product from our own cells and are emitted by our own body. Infrared is therefore not potentially harmful like Ultra Violet, X Rays or Microwaves. Infrared energy is literally everywhere and an essential ingredient for life. Infrared light energy has been researched and used in medical practices for over a hundred years. Many maternity wards in hospitals use infrared lamps to warm newborn babies. Specialists in burns often use infrared to enhance the healing processes of the skin and sports medicine has long accepted and used Infrared to promote healing of sprains and strains. Over the last 20 years much wider applications of infrared energy have been investigated and throughout this time it has been shown to be benign and beneficial to the human body.

Why do you sweat up to 3 times more in a Physiotherm when it is less than half the temperature of a traditional sauna or steam room?

Because Infrared is a radiant source of heat, it warms the body directly rather than having to warm the air, much like the suns warmth on a cold winters day. There is simply no need for very hot air. Infrared heat stimulates the molecules in our body and increases their vibration causing a natural friction warming effect which penetrates deeply into our tissues spreading the warmth deep in to the body. This process is sometimes called resonant absorption. The result is that a much greater VOLUME of our body is warmed, so our body reacts by working much harder to maintain its optimum temperature through increased sweat production.

How do I burn calories and get a workout sitting in a Physiotherm Infrared Sauna?

Our body expends energy to produce sweat (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal). A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off up to 500gms or more in a session. This translates to more than 300kcal - the equivalent to a brisk 30 minute walk. While this weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not. This is a valuable system for those who don't exercise and those who can not exercise, yet want an effective weight control and fitness program, along with the benefits that regular exercise bring.

Why does Infrared Sauna therapy remove more toxins from the body than normal sweat?

Many medical professionals believe that harmful toxins which are ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin into our body are kept out of harms way by water and fat molecules forming clusters around the toxins. This reduces their ability to disrupt cell function and DNA structure.

The theory of resonant absorption suggests that a specific frequency (9.4 microns) of infrared light acts upon the water molecules within our cells, exciting them and making them vibrate energetically enough to break the ionic bonds which hold the water molecules together around the toxins. These clusters are thus broken down making it easier for the body to sweat the toxin molecules directly out of the skin, resulting in much higher levels of toxins being removed from the body. More research is warranted on this topic to prove it beyond doubt but enough is written about it from various sources around the world to suggest merit in this idea.

How often can I use a Physiotherm?

As with any form of exercise it is advisable to build up a tolerance over time. Three sessions a week of about 20 minutes is initially recommended. Many people once conditioned can safely enjoy daily sessions of 30-40 minutes.

It could be said that many illnesses which afflict modern society can be attributed to an excess of toxins and a deficiency in nutrients. To help maintain a balanced and healthy body, a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, with ample water intake and dietary supplementation is highly recommended to enhance the effectiveness of your Physiotherm regime.

Can anyone use a Physiotherm?

Pretty much. From young to old they are a safe and enjoyable treatment. However, anyone with specific health conditions should consult their health professional before using. Young children will dehydrate faster than an adult due to their ratio of surface area to volume. They should therefore be strictly supervised at all times.

Is the Physiotherm really effective for pain relief?

Infrared heat has been used for generations to aid in pain relief from sore muscles and joints. One of the main reasons for its ability to do this is through the dilating of capillaries in areas associated with pain that allows oxygen rich blood to bathe the area, flushing away acid metabolic wastes that build up contributing to pain, soreness and stiffness. Recent clinical research undertaken on the Physiotherm infrared technology showed that the brain also increased production of pain relieving neurotransmitters which offers a double pain relieving effect!