An Infrared Sauna Follow-Up with Dr. Julian Whitaker

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Detoxification

An Infrared Sauna Follow-Up with Dr. Julian Whitaker

Interview by DAVID STEINMAN

or regular readers of The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living, Dr. Julian Whitaker needs no introduction. Since 1979, The Whitaker Wellness Institute has been a worldwide leader in research and application of the latest in safe, effective alternative medicine and non-invasive treatments. If you want to get healthy, or if you’re dealing with a health concern, The Whitaker Wellness Institute should be top on your list. Similarly, when it comes to getting an expert opinion on the latest in holistic health tools, Dr. Whitaker himself is an excellent resource. Recently in this magazine, we asked Dr. Whitaker for his general thoughts on infrared saunas. Now, in this issue, the doctor takes time out of his busy schedule to answer some follow-up questions about his own experiences with sauna detoxification and Sunlighten brand infrared saunas.

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DAVID STEINMAN Dr. Whitaker, I am so happy you could follow-up with us. Tell us a little more about how you’re using infrared saunas. JULIAN WHITAKER, M.D. Well, right now, I use one in my home and have been using it regularly now for about eight years. Infrared saunas are certainly something that I keep looking at, trying to figure out when and how I’m going to get them in the Wellness Institute. But it’s proven difficult to also set up the showers for the patients who would be using them. So, for now, there is an infrared sauna we refer people to if they want to use that therapy. But I am a strong believer in the infrared sauna and especially its use as a detoxification tool. Several years ago, I did a two-week long detoxification program with a regular sauna—2 ½ hours a day, every day, for 14 days. And I did some tests before and after and I saw an 18-point improvement in my score on an IQ test. DS Interestingly, I’ve come across other reports showing IQ improvements in people who do regular saunas. JW Yes, and the reason it went up 18 points is I was just thinking more clearly. My wife did the program as well and hers went up about 4 or 5 points. I think people will experience an improvement in their cognitive function if they undergo detoxification with saunas. DS Can you go into more detail about why saunas are great for detox? JW Saunas are one of the most effective ways to detoxify because you have a rapid excretion through the sweat glands. You’re using the sweat glands to bring out toxic material deposited in the body. We see saunas used with patients who are withdrawing from drugs and with patients who are

smokers. In smokers’ cases, you can sometimes even smell the nicotine coming out of their pores.

Dr. Julian Whitaker

DS Have you looked at the recent studies that also show regular infrared sauna use improving blood pressure and other measurements for heart disease? JW I haven’t had a chance yet to read the reports, but I have no doubt that’s the case. And the reason is sauna use causes a reduction in sodium and a reduction in some of the minerals that are causing high blood pressure. The sauna allows for an equilibration, so that you can replace the healthy minerals while getting rid of the toxic minerals, like lead and cadmium. I am not at all surprised that we’re now using infrared saunas for treating cardiovascular disease. DS In our last interview, you recommended Sunlighten infrared saunas, largely on the strength of their residential line. Do you see saunas as a daily health habit? JW Absolutely. The daily use of a sauna is a very positive thing. You can run up a lot of hours in the sauna if you have one at home that you can use intermittently any time you wish. And the real value of Sunlighten saunas is that they’re so light. Sunlighten came into my home, we designated a spot for the sauna, they put it up with magnets, plugged it into the wall, and it was ready to go. There was no construction work done. We had a very attractive sauna up in forty-five minutes.

Resources For more information on The Whitaker Wellness Institute call 800-488-1500 or visit www.whitakerwellness.com. To learn more about Sunlighten infrared saunas, call 877-292-0020 or stop by www.sunlighten.com.

DS Yes, you can’t always just be going to a clinic or a gym. With the infrared saunas you get a great sweat, at a lower temperature and you do it in less time. JW I love it. I wouldn’t have a home without one.

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