Fibromyalgia and Far InfraRed Saunas

Sweat Lodge photo from creaturecomfortsbodywork.files.wordpress.com/

The sweat lodge experience is not at all like a sauna experience, the sweat lodge ceremony encompasses so much ritual, ceremony and self-discovery. I am looking forward to doing my first "sweat" in the future.


Far InfraRed Saunas

I had a woman read my blog and then send me and email. She has found that a tanning bed offers her relief from her Fibro aches and pains. This made me think of the Far InfraRed(FIR) sauna that I use. In the summer I don’t use it so much, but as cold weather approaches I will be using it at least a few times a week. Cold weather and Fibromyalgia do not mix well for me. Using the FIR sauna helps to soothe my body, especially during the winter months. Plus it helps me to detox through sweating. The Far InfraRed lamps feel so warm and penetrates deep into the tissues of my body. Using a sauna is not a magic bullet that wipes out my Fibro, it is just one of the tools I use to help me keep functioning and feeling good.
I have found that the Far InfraRed sauna is much more tolerable than the hot traditional Finnish saunas. While I sauna I use this time to meditate or listen to sound healing music.

Here is an article I found about FIR saunas and Fibromyalgia.

Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and the FIR Sauna
Excerpted from: Michael R. Lyon, MD,
The Cline Medical Center
Hyperthermic Detoxification Program Using the Far-InfraRed

“The Far-InfraRed sauna has been very beneficial in treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
A number of doctors now believe that the ‘toxic load’ of these patients is very high and their detoxification pathways are often compromised. When one is able to reduce the toxins in those with Fibromyalgia and CFS, their symptoms often greatly improve. A number of these patients are unknowingly suffering from heavy metal poisoning (i.e. mercury, lead and arsenic). In combination with chelation therapy, or just on its own, the Far-InfraRed sauna has been invaluable in accelerating the removal of these toxic metals. By raising the core temperature and creating a ‘Hyperthermic’ effect, the sauna also improves a number of parameters in the immune system.” Randy Gomm, BSc.
“ For the Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia patient, Hyperthermic [Far-InfraRed sauna] therapy helps to restore normal autonomic nervous system functioning. This is the part of the nervous system, which governs unconscious functions such as muscle tension, sweating, blood pressure, digestion and balance. Autonomic dysregulation is the term used to describe changes in the nervous system, which result in many of the symptoms of chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia.
Muscle pain, excessive body odor, digestive complaints, visual disturbances and dizziness are some of the many manifestations of autonomic dysregulation. Repeated sessions of Hyperthermic therapy can greatly assist in the restoration of normal autonomic nervous system functioning."

And here is a site that sells saunas, but it has a good article about the health benefits of saunas for people with Fibromyalgia as well as the numerous health benefits in general.

http://www.greatsaunas.com/info/fibromyalgia-and-infrared-saunas.cfm

Be sure to keep hydrated if you do use a sauna.
Happy sweating!