Q: What is far-infrared radiant heat?
A: The Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat produced by the Far-Infrared Sauna Dome and the Vita-Mat is a form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by direct light conversion (DLC). DLC warms only the object and does not raise the temperature of the surrounding free air. The infrared heat rays warm the body directly. The body then absorbs as much as 93% of the heat generated by this healing energy. All life requires FIR heat from the sun. FIR heat is not ultraviolet radiation but a narrow band of energy within the 5.6 to 15 micron level. This type of energy travels 2-3" deep into the body to increase circulation and nourish damaged tissue. The sun is the primary source of radiant energy, but not all of this energy is beneficial. Although life needs energy from the sun, too much harsh sunlight damages the skin. FIR heat provides all the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation. For years, the healthcare industry recommended infrared heat lamps as a source of FIR heat but the lamps were cumbersome, extremely hot and difficult to maintain at a constant temperature. The Far-Infrared Sauna Dome and Vita-Mat use the same far-infrared heat therapy technology that is used in sports medicine to treat athletic injuries and in hospitals to keep newborn infants warm. Health professionals have used red infrared heat lamps for decades to treat muscle and joint problems. In hospital baby care units, incubators are often equipped with infrared heating systems to keep new-born babies warm.

Q: Why is infrared heat better than traditional steam heat?
A: Infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight. FIR heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sunlight that heats the body normally. Traditional steam saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level within the chamber to warm the body. Some people have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air. FIR saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, FIR saunas heat the body directly. The result is a lower power bill and deeper tissue penetration. In a FIR sauna, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot air of a traditional steam sauna. The Far-Infrared Sauna Dome and Vita-Mat are safe for all ages.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy relieve pain?
A: FIR heat relieves pain by expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation. Better circulation allows more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body and helps reduce pain and speed up the healing process. The Far-Infrared Sauna Dome and Vita-Mat have been very successful in treating arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy control weight?
A: Perspiring is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate. The process requires a large amount of energy and reduces excess moisture, salt and subcutaneous fat. Fat becomes water soluble and the body sweats it out along with toxins. You can burn up to 600 calories in a 25 minute session using the Far-Infrared Sauna Dome and/or Vita-Mat.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy provide the same effects of exercise and strengthen the cardiovascular system?
A: The heart receives a workout similar to a 6-mile run in a 20-30 minute FIR sauna session and the body perspires the same amount as a 6-mile run. Although The Wolfe Clinic encourages and promotes regular exercise as an important part of any wellness program, Infrared saunas are perfect for those who suffer from injuries or chronic illnesses that inhibit rigorous activity. When the moisture on the surface of the skin evaporates and cools the body, a number of other changes occur in the body to release the heat as quickly as possible. The heart beats harder and faster, pumping more blood through the dilated blood vessels, thus achieving the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise.

As the body increases sweat production to cool itself, the heart works harder pumping blood at a greater rate to boost circulation, supplying the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise. Heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase, while diastolic blood pressure drops, for improved overall cardiovascular fitness. Regular use of a sauna is an effective means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories.... A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 gms and since the body expends energy to produce sweat (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal) it is possible to for some people to sweat off up to 1000gms or more in a healing session - the equivalent to running 10-15 kms. While this weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not.

If you are also using water from a source like the Wellness Filter and/or the Water Vitalizer this means that you are replacing calories with clustered, restructured, electron charged, alkalizing water. The body is 70% water, so this is really important for your healing process or to maintain vital health.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy eliminate toxins?
A: Toxins such as sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel) and mercury accumulate in the body during modern daily life. The body eliminates most toxins naturally by sweating and FIR heat therapy stimulates the sweat glands that cleanse and detoxify the skin. Increased blood circulation stimulates the sweat glands, releasing built-up toxins and waste. Daily sweating can help detoxify the body as it rids itself of an accumulation of potentially carcinogenic heavy as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid and cholesterol.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy improved immune system?
A: Fever should be seen as an important physiological defense mechanism against disease. It is not the enemy! Fever is the human body's most visible response to viral or bacterial infections; and a very effective one indeed. During a fever, the body heats up to eliminate viruses and attack foreign agents. One of the most immediate physiological effects of the fever is the acceleration of metabolic processes in general. Fever increases oxygen uptake and renders white blood cells more aggressive against bacteria, fungi or viruses. FIR heat therapy induces an "artificial fever" by heating up the body but without the pains of an illness. Subsequently, the body wards off invading organisms much more easily because the immune system is activated consistently by the "artificial fever". Studies also show that colds and flu-like illnesses are reduced dramatically if treated in the early stages with FIR heat therapy.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy reduce stress?
A: Infrared heat therapy loosens muscles and relaxes the body prior to a massage. Many massage therapists use infrared heat to provide more thorough and effective treatments.

Q: How does infrared heat therapy benefit my skin?
A: Infrared heat improves circulation, expels dirt and chemicals and removes dead cells on the surface of the skin. All of these benefits lead to a softer and firm complexion. The profuse sweating achieved after just a few minutes in far infrared sauna carries off deeply imbedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and immaculately clean, Increased circulation draws the skin's own natural nutrients to the surface. It improves tone, elasticity, texture and fresh color of the skin. Increased blood circulation has also been shown to relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, lesions and cuts. In addition, open wounds heal more quickly, reducing scarring.

Q: Does infrared heat therapy help with cellulite?
A: In general all Saunas help clear ugly cellulite, the gel-like lumps of fat, water and debris trapped in pockets beneath the skin. European beauty specialists routinely incorporate daily saunas in programs to reduce cellulite. Because the radiant heat of the Far-Infrared Sauna Dome and Vita-Mat warms three times deeply than conventional saunas, it is significantly more effective at reducing cellulite.