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Detoxify with Steam Bathing

Apart from the immune system stimulating effects of sweat therapy, many tout it as one of the most effective and painless detoxifying treatments available.
"The only detoxification program that has proven successful in removing fat stored toxins from the body is hyperthermia, or heat stress detoxification", according to Zane Gard, M.D., and Erma Brown, P.H.N. "Heat stress," says Dr. Gard, "can also remove calcium deposits from the blood vessels and break down scar tissue from their walls." Other studies demonstrate that hyperthermia can remove chemicals such as DDE (a metabolite of DDT) PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyl), and dioxin from fat cells. Literature Review and Comparison Studies of Sauna/Hyperthermia in Detoxification." Townsend Letter for Doctors 107 (June, 1992): 470-478
In a steam bath, the natural cooling process through perspiration is eliminated and therefore allows little or no loss of the valuable body heat necessary for effective detoxification or immune-boosting therapies. Unlike a dry sauna, steam does not dehydrate the skin nor allow toxin-filled perspiration to dry prior to rinsing. In a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, Haemodynamic and Hormonal Responses to Heat Exposure in a Finnish Sauna Bath, dry heat was unable to elevate the body temperature to the desired level whereas steam accomplished the 101 to 103 F body core temperature quickly and efficiently in 10-15 minutes. Dry vs. Steam.
Dr. Veronica Butler, medical co-director at The Raj, a health center based on principles of Ayurveda, recommends herbalized steam baths, called swedenas, to clients as part of the ancient Ayurvedic purification treatment,known as panchakarma.
Heat speeds up the chemical processes in the body, making steam bathing one of the simplest and most comfortable ways to rid the body of accumulated toxins. As the pores open up and millions of sweat glands start to excrete, the body rids itself of metabolic and other waste products. Sweat contains almost the same elements as urine, and for this reason, the skin is sometimes called the third kidney. It is estimated that as much as 30 % of bodily wastes are eliminated by way of perspiration.
However, more than common metabolic waste products are secreted through the skin. Natural health practitioners often notice that when heavy smokers get a steam bath or a body wrap (where the body 'simmers' for up to 45 min. under hot covers), they will leave a yellow residue of the towels. Reino Tarkianinen, President of Finlandia Sauna, reports that when the company replaces sauna benches from public baths, a thick, black layer of accumulated tar can be found underneath the benches.
In Finland, research is being done on the use of sweat therapy in the treatment of people who are chemically affected. The purifying effects of perspiration could also be behind claims that steam treatments can help cure or control such ailments as acne and arthritis.
Last but not least, steam bathing produces powerful therapeutic effects simply by increasing circulation. As the carrier of the re-building forces of the nutrients to all parts of the body, the bloodstream plays a crucial role in the maintenance of health.

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