Infrared sauna is a key part of my joint pain management after exercise.

The heat and steam of traditional saunas and steam baths have long been prized for their ability to alleviate the pain and stiffness of arthritis, if only temporarily. They also help to ease muscle tension, cleanse the skin, relieve respiratory problems such as congestion and bronchitis, and promote a general feeling of relaxation and well-being.

A newer approach to sauna utilizes infrared heaters, which produce radiant energy similar to the energy produced by the sun. This kind of heat penetrates more deeply into the body. And, since the natural vibrations of infrared wavelengths are close to those of water molecules, infra red light is believed to “blast” toxins out of fat cells so they can be excreted from the body via sweating. Because it is burdened by fewer toxins, the body is better able to heal from arthritis. Infra red heat is also thought to improve circulation, which helps ensure the flow of nutrients and other essential substances to the joints.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that infrared saunas can relieve the pain of arthritis, low back pain, fibromyalgia and other inflammatory conditions, as well as provide relief from fatigue.

Dutch researchers tested the effects of infrared sauna on rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (a disease that attacks the cartilage and other structures in the spine) for a 2009 study published in Clinical Rheumatology.4 The 34 volunteers who participated were given eight infrared treatments over the course of four weeks. They reported a statistically significant decrease in pain and stiffness during their sessions.

An infrared sauna is typically a small room that looks like a standard sauna, but instead of a heat source covered with rocks or a steam generator, it contains a few infrared heaters.

Infrared sauna companies claim:

• Far infrared saunas operate at temperatures of 100 degrees F to 130 degrees F.  Conventional saunas operate at temperatures of 180 degrees F to 220 degrees F, temperatures are not as well tolerated.
• Far infrared is claimed to heat tissue three times as much as conventional saunas.
• Far infrared’s resonant absorption causes more toxins expelled through the kidney, liver, and hair.
• Far infrared saunas are safer as there are no hot surfaces or high temperatures.
• Far infrared saunas are portable and easy to assemble.
• Far infrared saunas’ lower temperatures do not dry out the mucous membranes like conventional saunas.
• Infrared energy requires 90% less electrical energy (thus a lower electrical bill).
• Less than 20% of the infrared energy heats the air, leaving 80% available to be directly converted to heat within the body.
• Warms the user to a much greater depth (up to three inches) and more efficiently than the conventional sauna.
• Induces 2-3 times the sweat volume as conventional saunas, increasing many of the health benefits, including detoxification, cardiovascular conditioning, and calorie burning.
• The lower heat ranges may be safer for those with cardiovascular risks.
• The air is more pleasant and easier to breathe, making the sauna more comfortable to use.  Many models pump in fresh air.
• Warm up only takes 5-10 minutes compared to 30-90 minutes for conventional saunas.
• Uses no water, thus no plumbing costs, bacterial growth, or cleanup.

I use my infrared sauna, which is installed in my house, in conjunction with an ice bath as I always finish with “cold” after a workout and never “heat”.  If I haven’t had the time to go to the shop and buy bags of ice another method is to stand waist deep in your pool in the middle of winter (if you have a pool of course!).  I do this for 20 minutes and usually try and read a few magazines to keep my mind off the cold.  I swear by it.  4 years ago I was laid up with a massive lower back muscle strain and I truly believe my recovery was 500% faster due to my use of infrared sauna therapy.  And whenever I play tennis or do a hard run or if I am feeling the effects of the prior day workout or ski session, I go through my heat/cold regime and I am pretty much healed.  Its amazing.  You can read more about it here

Mr JoMo

Green Tea Antioxidant Smoothie

Serves 1 all day long!

5 cups iced organic green tea

2 Tbs omega-3 fish oil (Dr Sears Zone Oil’s are the best I can find for purity)

¼ cup blueberries

½ organic banana

2 tablespoons of JoMo

1 teaspoon organic Maca powder

1 teaspoon organic freeze dried Acai powder

Make the tea the night before and store in the refrigerator, allowing the tea to steep overnight. In the morning, place all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into a Kleen Kanteen container and enjoy it throughout the day instead of coffee.

Mr JoMo

This is the first posting on what I hope will be a great resource for nutrition, diet, alternate therapies and exercise, and basically all things related to living a healthy, full life.

Arthritis and joint pain are now the leading cause of disability in the USA with over 46 million Americans affected.  Its an epidemic and the drug companies are generally not interested in preventative wellness and education.  That is what we are going to try and achieve with this blog.

From time to time we will also have guest posts on joint pain and arthritis by members of the JoMo Advisory and Nutritional Board with anything from nutritional advice and exercise programs to details on latest clinical studies.

And we will also have many postings on other areas that we are passionate about that we think will also be of interest.  From the best green tea sources and recipes for joint health to exercises and therapies for staying strong and active in later life.

So enjoy and check back often!

Mr JoMo