Detoxification

       Claimed to stimulate the body to release fat-soluble toxins, heavy metals, and other

toxic chemicals in sweat via pores more effectively than any other form of heat therapy or

exercise.

       Sweating via exercise is said not to be as effective because it works via the

sympathetic nervous system which is said to inhibit toxin elimination.

       Reported to be “method of choice” for chronically ill patients as well as those that

are well and wish to stay that way by reducing their “toxic burden.” 

       This is the only way to remove the noxious substances that silicon breast implants

put out.

       Reports have been made that it can relieve the symptoms of drug-induced lupus.

       The list of chemicals claimed to be removed from the body includes:  Mercury, lead,

copper, cadmium, manganese, sodium, chloride, arsenic, nickel, benzenes, street drugs,

prescription drugs, anesthetics, cholesterol, urea, nicotine, sulfuric acid

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Immune System Enhancement

       A typical sauna session will cause a brief 1 to 3 degree F increase in body

temperature.  Fever is the body's defense against bacteria, microbes and consequent

infection.  This side effect is said to trigger the production of white blood cells by the

bone marrow and killer T cells by the thymus.  The overall result is claimed to be immune

system enhancement as well as the killing of microorganisms.

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Stress

       Continuous strain on the autonomic nervous system leads to a high level of stress,

one of the elusive causes of many chronic diseases.  Allowing the capillaries to dilate may

improve circulation, thus stress levels are reduced.

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Weight Control

       Although weight loss from perspiration is quickly regained, sending more blood to

the capillaries and converting fats results in as much as 600 calories during one session. 

If heavy metals are reduced, this will correct metabolic imbalances that were causing poor

digestion and weight gain.  Also, toxins stored in fat are decreased making it easier for

weight loss. 

       Some proponents claim that a 15 minute sauna session is as effective for weight loss

as rowing or jogging for 30 minutes.

       The improved blood flow to organs and endocrine glands speeds up their metabolic

process, increasing caloric burn.

       Because fat becomes water soluble at 110 degrees F, subcutaneous fat can be released

along with the sweat and toxins.

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Cardiovascular Conditioning

       The body responds to the deep heating effect via a hypothalamic-induced increase in

both heart volume and rate.  

       This beneficial heart stress leads to a sought after cardiovascular training and

conditioning effect, including lowering blood pressure.

       The human body will naturally try and cool itself as temperature increases.  It does

this by diverting blood from internal organs to the extremities and skin by vasodilatation.

 This increases heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate.

       Claims are made that it can take the place of exercise for patients undergoing

cardiac rehab, with arthritis, allergies, skin conditions, and other painful conditions.

       Claims to sweat the equivalent of running 2-6 miles.

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Cellulite

       Cellulite is a gel-like substance made up of fat, water and wastes, which are

trapped in pockets below the skin.  Profuse sweating is purported to clear this form of

unwanted debris.

       Claims to be effective in cellulite removal when used in conjunction with a program

that includes diet and massage.  

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Pain Relief and Control

       Claims to eliminate or reduce the pain of arthritis, muscle spasms, shoulder pain,

neck and back pain, sprains of any area, and reduce scar tissue and adhesions.  Will

rapidly increase the healing process in any non-acute injury.

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Skin Cleansing and Rejuvenation

       Claims to open clogged pores allowing for removal of dirt, oil, and makeup.  In

addition, there are improvements in skin problems such as acne, rashes, burns, eczema and

psoriasis.  Scars, even keloids, may be gradually softened.  

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Increased secretions of:
            ACTH
            GH
            Endorphins
            LH/FSH
            Prolactin
            Renin-Angiotensin, Aldosterone  

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Musculoskeletal

       Claim to have seen improvements in:

            Arthritis (gouty, rheumatoid and DJD)

            Shoulder pain

            Bursitis

            Post-exercise muscle pain

            Muscle tension

            Healing of sprains and strains more quickly

            Spinal cord shock

            Adhesions

            Low back pain

            Muscle spasms

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Cancer Therapy

       Some supporters of sauna therapy state that “hyperthermia is a well-researched

therapy for cancer.”  They state that the high temperatures can “select” for abnormal cells

and that tumors are unable to handle the high heat.