well mutthu,

Here are just some of the health benefits you may receive from using an infrared sauna:

Increased Blood Flow
Using an infrared sauna can expand capillaries in the body which stimulates increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation, and oxygenation.

Detoxify Your Body
Infrared sauna therapy is excellent for detoxification of the body. The infrared heat stimulates sweating, while penetrating deeply and releasing toxins that can then be eliminated by the body through the sweat

Increase Metabolism
Spending time in an infrared sauna can burn hundreds of calories by increasing your metabolism and core temperature. Far infrared heat also breaks down cellulite, trapped water, fat, and wastes as part of the detoxification process.

Kills Bacteria & Fungi
Using a far infrared sauna also promotes the killing & removal of many pathogenic (Disease Causing) bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Heals Cuts, Bruises, & Scars
Daily use of your infrared sauna can also promote rebuilding of injured tissue by having a positive effect on the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for the repair of injury). Furthermore, it increases growth of cells, DNA syntheses, and protein synthesis all during tissue repair.

Answered by Priyanka C , an ibibo Master, at 10:47 PM on November 21, 2008

A saunas’ dry heat (which can get as high as 185° F) has profound effects on the body. Skin temperature soars to about 104° F within minutes. The average person will pour out a pint of sweat during a short stint in a sauna. The pulse rate jumps by 30% or more, allowing the heart to nearly double the amount of blood it pumps each minute. Most of the extra blood flow is directed to the skin; in fact, the circulation actually shunts blood away from the internal organs. Blood pressure is unpredictable, rising in some people but falling in others.

The November issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch explains how these changes may influence a man's health.

“All in all, saunas appear safe for the body, but there is little evidence that they have health benefits above and beyond relaxation and a feeling of well-being,” says Dr. Harvey Simon, editor-in-chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. However, heart patients should check with their doctors before taking a sauna. Studies show them to be safe for people with stable coronary artery disease. “But patients with poorly controlled blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, unstable angina, and advanced heart failure or heart valve disease will probably be advised to stay cool,” says Dr. Simon.

He suggests that sauna users follow these simple precautions:

* Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and produce overheating before and after your sauna.
* Stay in no more than 15–20 minutes.
* Cool down gradually afterward.
* Drink two to four glasses of cool water after each sauna.
* Don’t take a sauna when you are ill, and if you feel unwell during your sauna, head for the door.

Also in this issue:

* Screening for testicular and prostate cancers
* Interactions between grapefruit juice and medications

Answered by Seema , an ibibo Master, at 7:09 PM on November 21, 2008

The benefits of steam bathing have been recognized for thousands of years. Today,steam baths are considered an integral method for purifying and detoxifying the skin and body, increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system and encouraging complete physical and mental well-being.

Steam baths are relaxing and stress relieving. Those with muscle aches or arthritis may find that the heat relaxes muscles and relieves pain and inflammation. Asthma and allergy sufferers find that the heat dilates air passageways of the lung and facilitates breathing. Heat does not cure the common cold but may help to alleviate congestion and speed recovery time.

Steam baths are good for your skin as the blood flow to the skin increases and sweating occurs. Adults sweat about 2 lbs or water per hour on average while in the steam bath. A good sweat removes dirt and grime from pores and gives the skin a healthy glow. The loss is water weight is temporary as the body's physiological mechanisms will quickly restore proper volumes.
Heat is a therapeutic agent and has long been used for healing in many cultures. All of our body's functions depend on chemical reactions. And chemical reactions are directly affected by heat (either accelerating or slowing in direct proportion to available heat energy). This is bound to have an effect on our tissues and our health.

* Soothes mind & body to relieve stress & relax muscles
* Increases body metabolism
* Deep cleanses - hydrates skin
* Helps eliminate toxins
* Boosts your immune system
* Relieves discomforts of asthma, allergies and arthritis

Here are some of the ways that a sauna can benefit your health:

Weight Control:

Steam saunas may help you lose weight. Spending some time in a steam bath for can burn as many as 300 calories. Combine this with a healthy diet and exercise and you’ll be thinner in no time. The steam sauna can also tighten your skin, in that dirty battle against cellulite.

Relaxation:

A steam bath will relax your tense and aching muscles. If you have had a long day (or month) at work, toxins can build up in your muscle tissue, causing you pain and discomfort. A steam sauna can force your muscles to relax, almost instantly releasing these harmful toxins. It is also great after a workout. The extra blood flow will speed up the repair of your muscle tissue, thus allowing you to exercise again sooner. (The Finnish Olympic team takes a portable steam sauna to all competitions).

Body Cleansing:

The steam sauna also cleanses your skin. Body toxins, pollutants and the stress of modern living are major causes of many health problems. A short time in your sauna will help to release harmful toxins from deep within your system naturally and safely. The sweat opens your pores, thus flushing out unhealthy toxins and grime.

Metabolic Workout:

Steam bathing provides a cardiovascular workout without stress or strain on your joints. You heart rate will speed up 50-75% in a 20-minute steam bath. This goes a long way to speeding up your metabolism, thus helping you burn fat. It is about the same as going for a long walk. Some people are under the conception that steam baths raise your blood pressure. While this is true, it also expands your blood vessels to compensate.

Answered by NIVEDITA , an ibibo Master, at 6:47 PM on November 21, 2008