Vital Origins Integrative Health Chicago

Wellness with a Medical Degree

Sauna Therapy

It’s getting hot—and healthy—in here.

Far Infrared Sauna Therapy

Sauna therapy has been used for centuries for relaxation and health promotion. Research also supports sauna use for various other conditions. Sauna is a great therapy for cleansing and detoxification, immune support, cardiovascular health, pain relief, and healthy weight.

COVID-19 Sauna User Changes

  • Those who have cough, sinus or respiratory symptoms are not permitted in the sauna.
  • We will supply one towel to cover the bench inside the sauna. We will supply one hand towel. If you wish to wear a light robe or towel inside the sauna, please bring from home.
  • The fan is required to be on throughout your sauna session.
  • We will not offer showers post sauna and ask that you go home to shower.
  • Prop the door of the sauna open and put all supplied towels in the grey basket after use.

Why sauna therapy?

  • Enhanced immune health – Each session causes a brief, beneficial increase in body temperature, which improves immune system healthy by boosting production of infection-fighting white blood cells and killer T-cells. (References 1, 5, 7, 10)
  • Improved Cardiovascular Conditioning – Research shows that regular use of a FIR sauna may be as effective for cardiovascular conditioning as exercise. As the body heats up, it cools itself by sending blood from the internal organs to the extremities and the skin, thus increasing heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. (References 1, 3, 6, 8)
  • Stress Relief – High daily stress levels put constant strain on the body’s nervous system and can contribute to chronic disease. The far infrared sauna helps to reduce physical stress by boosting circulation and triggering the production of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones. Plus, what’s not relaxing about sitting in a box for 20-30 minutes while feeling like you are in the desert?! (Reference 7)
  • Weight and Detox – Toxins can play a significant role in preventing us from losing weight as well as gaining unwanted weight. Studies have shown benefits from sauna for those with loss of appetite and also those with obesity. (Reference 9)
  • Pain Relief – By dilating blood vessels, infrared heat increases blood circulation to injured areas, speeding up the healing process and relieving pain. Sauna also decreases inflammatory markers. (Reference 4, 11)
  • Health promotion and prevention- Studies show reduced risk of stroke in regular sauna bathers. (Reference 2)

Who should not use it?

Hemophiliacs and pregnant or nursing women should not use the sauna. People with advanced symptomatic heart disease, unstable angina, or severe adrenal suppression should use the sauna only under close medical supervision.

Why chose our sauna?

  • Hypoallergenic materials
  • Formaldehyde free wood
  • Low Electromagnetic Field (EMF) heaters
  • Fan mechanism in the sauna
  • Towels provided
  • Shower available for post-sauna
  • Teas and water provided

Sauna in the news:

References:

  1. Crinnion W. Sauna as a Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicant induced and other Chronic Health Problems. Alternative Medicine Review. 2011; 16, 215-225. http://archive.foundationalmedicinereview.com/publications/16/3/215.pdf
  2. Kunutsor SK1, Khan H2, Zaccardi F2, Laukkanen T2, Willeit P2, Laukkanen JA2. Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke in Finnish men and women: A prospective cohort study. Neurology. 2018 May 2. pii: 10.1212. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29720543
  3. Laukkanen JA1, Laukkanen T2, Khan H3, Babar M4, Kunutsor SK5. Combined Effect of Sauna Bathing and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Deaths in Caucasian Men: A Long-term Prospective Cohort Study.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2018 Mar 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29551418
  4. Laukkanen JA1,2, Laukkanen T3. Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Mar;33(3):351-353. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29209938
  5. Pilch W1, Pokora I2, Szyguła Z1, Pałka T1, Pilch P3, Cisoń T1, Malik L3, Wiecha . Effect of a single finnish sauna session on white blood cell profile and cortisol levels in athletes and non-athletes. J Hum Kinet. 2013 Dec 31;39:127-35. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24511348
  6. Brunt VE1, Eymann TM1, Francisco MA1, Howard MJ1, Minson CT2. Passive heat therapy improves cutaneous microvascular function in sedentary humans via improved nitric oxide-dependent dilation. J Appl Physiol. 2016 Sep 1;121(3):716-23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27418688
  7. Tomiyama C1, Watanabe M, Honma T, Inada A, Hayakawa T, Ryufuku M, Abo T. The effect of repetitive mild hyperthermia on body temperature, the autonomic nervous system, and innate and adaptive immunity.Biomed Res. 2015;36(2):135-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25876664
  8. Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009 Jul;55(7):691-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19602651
  9. Biro S1, Masuda A, Kihara T, Tei C. Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle-related diseases. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2003 Nov;228(10):1245-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14610268
  10. Zellner M1, Hergovics N, Roth E, Jilma B, Spittler A, Oehler R. Human monocyte stimulation by experimental whole body hyperthermia. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2002 Feb 15;114(3):102-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12060966
  11. Masada A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, et al. Effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychother Psychosom 2005;74:288-294. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16088266
  12. Krop J. Chemical sensitivity after intoxication at work with solvents: response to sauna therapy. J Altern Complement Med. 1998 Spring;4(1):77-86. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=9553837