Therapeutic Thursday - Detoxifying with heat

In the last few years, infrared saunas have been popping up everywhere in health & wellness spas and more recently, in fitness centers as well.

So what is "Infrared Light Therapy"?
Infrared saunas radiate heat (or energy) which mimics the source we receive from the sun with many of the health benefits but without any of the negative effects from solar radiation. The energy travels 2 - 3" deep into the body, increasing blood flow and nourishing damaged tissues. When this happens, cells communicate better with each other, the body functions more harmoniously and the removal of wastes (or toxins) becomes easier. They differ from conventional saunas because of their low temperatures and specific heat distributions.

In fact, because you don't need to take any pills, drastically change your diet or buy special detox products, you can presume infrared sauna therapy is probably one of the most natural ways to let the whole body detoxify: through natural sweat. And don't be fooled by the conventional steam/dry saunas. One liter of sweat from the conventional sauna contains approximately 3% toxins, whereas in an infrared sauna has approximately 20%!
Analysis of sweat from Infrared Sauna:
- 80 to 85% water
- fat
- cholesterol
- acids
- natrium (sodium)
- ammoniac
- heavy metals: lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, sodium

During an infrared therapy session, you will lose a lot of BAD stuff! To help with the expulsion of the body's toxins, you must stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water before and afterwards.

Every person will have individual experiences and options they will choose to fit their body's tolerance level, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- if you are new to infrared, begin with 100 degrees and gently increase the temperature 5-10 degrees until you reach a temperature you are comfortable with

- timing will depend on how your body responds, don't overdo it! Begin with 5-15 minutes. Some people may choose up to 30 minutes, and some, 45 minutes even.

- after your session, take a warm to cool bath to remove sweat and toxins from the skin. Refrain from shower products and lotions since they will only clog up the pores you just opened up and cleansed.

- in some instances, you may feel light headed and tired (or the complete opposite!) which means it may be a great time to get in some relaxation time!

There are many more benefits from infrared sauna therapy beside a natural detoxifier, to name a few: Fat burner, Pain reliever, Skin regeneration, Stress reliever and Boost immune system.

Until next time Team, find some time to 'sweat it out' (comment below & tell me how your experience with infrared sauna therapy has helped you!)

Health happiness & respect,
Beki

Therapeutic Thursday - 10 Simple Steps to Help Combat Flu Season

The weather is starting to get chilly which means flu season is right at it's heels. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to ensure you and your loved ones are not caught unprepared.

10) Eat a well balanced diet including immune boosting foods such as ginger, garlic, onions and shitake mushrooms and avoid immune-suppressing foods such as sweets, soft drinks and even juices.

9) Do deep breathing exercises like Yoga and Tai Chi.

8) At the first sign of a cold, increase your vitamin C intake.

7) Rest! Sleep is a vital sleeping tool for your body. Without adequate rest your body cannot efficiently fight disease.

6) Wash your hands thoroughly... and frequently and be careful when touching public places like door knobs, shopping carts, taxis, elevator buttons, remote controls, keyboards, telephones,...etc. By doing so, contamination and spread of infection can be limited.

5) Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve when coughing or sneezing to avoid germs spreading to your hands. Also, avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

4) If you feel ill, stay home!!! This will help you to avoid spreading disease and by resting, you will give your body the time it needs to re-cooperate.

3) Drink plenty of water! Water not only helps to flush toxins from your body, but a hydrated body is like a well-oiled machine -- it runs better!

2) Balance your physical activity. Physical activity helps to boost your immune system, but if you are feeling unwell, ensure you get the rest you need!

1) Provide your body with the support it needs to fight off disease. Some of you may choose to go with vaccination. If so, please make sure you are well informed. If you prefer to choose other safe and natural immune boosting therapies, there are such as: IV treatments, immuno-therapy, or other special immune boosting herbs and nutrients that may help to ward off infection. If you are interested in finding a Naturopathic Doctor, please leave me a message, I have a highly qualified Doctor who I can refer you to.

Until next time Team, lets try to leave the kleenex for happy holiday tears rather than mucus this year!
Health respect & happiness,
Beki