Title

Sauna as a Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicant-induced and other Chronic Health Problems.

Authors

Crinnion, Walter J.

Abstract

Sauna therapy has been used for hundreds of years in the Scandinavian region as a standard health activity. Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and for post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefit. Existing evidence supports the use of saunas as a component of depuration (purification or cleansing) protocols for environmentally-induced illness. While far-infrared saunas have been used in many cardiovascular studies, all studies applying sauna for depuration have utilized saunas with radiant heating units. Overall, regular sauna therapy (either radiant heat or far-infrared units) appears to be safe and offers multiple health benefits to regular users. One potential area of concern is sauna use in early pregnancy because of evidence suggesting that hyperthermia might be teratogenic.

Subjects

CHRONIC disease treatment; MENTAL depression; THERAPEUTICS; HEART failure treatment; HYPERTENSION; MYOCARDIAL infarction treatment; THERMOTHERAPY; PAIN management; HEAT

Publication

Alternative Medicine Review, 2011, Vol 16, Issue 3, p215

ISSN

1089-5159

Publication type

Academic Journal