Detox with Infrared, from Les Nouvelles Esthetique

The Latest from Blue Water Spa

This month’s Featured Archive Article:

Cleansing the body is so vitally important for health, wellness and mental clarity, it cannot be overstressed. If we acquired the diets people followed in the 1800s, which consisted of fresh meat with no hormones or antibiotics, pesticide free vegetables and fruits, raw foods with no preservatives or chemicals, no plastics, no pollution in the air, no hydrogenated junk foods and no artificial anything, we would most definitely be a healthier society with lower cancer and disease rates. Yes, people may have died from illnesses that had no cure at the time, but they were probably not nearly as toxic as we are today.

Oxygen and improved blood flow nourish and cleanse the body, as well as enhance the metabolism.

Research conducted on umbilical cords found that hundreds of toxic chemicals are present in newborn babies. Today it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay toxic free—there is only so much you can do to keep your body clean without going insane.

Toxins—move on out!

Infrared heat is one of my favorite applications and I use it on clients for numerous treatments. This method of detoxification has been used in Europe, Asia and South America for many years—it seems as though Americans are always the last to know. What have we been waiting for? Stimulating circulation in sluggish areas of the body with infrared treatments moves waste and toxins out, lessening the appearance of cellulite.
Infrared heat blankets and saunas are a great addition to spas and wellness centers for weight loss, pain relief, detoxification and total body relaxation. As a matter of a fact, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of infrared light therapy for pain relief and muscle aches in 1998. The reason that it is so productive for detoxification is the same reason that it functions so well for pain relief and circulation—oxygen and improved blood flow nourish and cleanse the body, as well as enhance the metabolism. In fact, a Seattle-based neurologist conducted a study to find out just how significant the difference is between conventional and infrared saunas. Lab test results showed that the sweat of people using a regular sauna was 95 to 97 percent water while the infrared produced 80 to 85 percent, with the nonwater portion being cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.

Deep cleansing

There are various infrared treatment options out there. Some spas offer the "sit down" style of infrared saunas where it is a little difficult to relax because of the hard surface and lack of position friendliness. With the horizontal thermal sudation method you can lie down, relax, close your eyes and drift off. Other treatments can be performed while you are in the horizontal cozy heat heaven device—facials, facial massage, reflexology, etc., which translates into an improved profit center and a multi-faceted treatment option without the need for wet rooms or showers.
I have the client lie on the treatment table in a room filled with candles, where I play soothing music and place essential oils on their towels. While the heat may vary from treatment to treatment, I do like creating a calming ambience for all. I conduct a 25 minute session with the temperature set to 46 to 48 degrees C (about 115 F) for relaxation prior to a massage or facial. It puts them in a warm sedation, relaxing the muscles and creating a light sweat. Usually I give a 10 minute facial massage during the session and charge $40 for the upgrade—the client almost always wants to receive a more intense detox session in the future.
The detox treatment is a little longer lasting at 40 minutes. It delves deep into the toxin release—I often see beige or dark colored sweat left behind on the plastic. I charge $70 and wrap the client in the blanket for a longer period of time at 48 to 50 degrees C, depending on the client's tolerance. I give an aromatherapy facial massage, make sure the fan is blowing gently on their face and offer a cool towel for the forehead, which makes them feel calm but energized.

Detox and stress release

The Sudatonic treatment (thermal sudation) is an intense detox method that consists of various steps. It is the preferred type of infrared treatment at my day spa. The process involves a body composition test, a weigh in and the application of proprietary blends of creams and essential oils. These formulations help break down cellulite, fat and toxins by forcing the action of sweating to use the fat as energy. I charge $125 for a single treatment and a prepaid discount for a series of treatments.
After each treatment the client is weighed again and gets another body composition reading. I always see a reduction. With repeated treatments a client can obtain desirable results both physically and mentally. The detox and cleansing are intense and the effects are amazing. There are many benefits other than the skin's softer texture: pain relief, reduced cellulite (the movement of toxins and excess water, circulation and blood flow gets energy to the sluggish areas), arthritic joint relief, headache relief, stress relief, cleansing of the circulatory system and a healthy glow. I have clients who are addicted to the feeling of endorphins flowing throughout their body all day long. The nice feature about this system is that it can easily be stowed away under a massage or facial table, which is ideal for those with limited space.

Essential for weight loss

I explain to my clients that if they are trying to lose weight, the body needs to rid itself of excess toxins. The two go hand in hand. Many experts on the subject will state that detoxification is a pre-requisite to weight loss. Although almost everyone is a candidate for the treatment, a health history and consent form is advisable for any and all contraindications. There are treatment guidelines as well.

There are many benefits other than the skin's softer texture: pain relief, reduced cellulite, arthritic joint relief, headache relief, stress relief, cleansing of the circulatory system and a healthy glow.

In closing, using infrared technology can be very satisfying for the client and extremely profitable. Consumers are more and more health conscious and the baby boomer market wants "feel good, look good" treatments. It is satisfying to the therapist to offer infrared because of the health benefits. The latest in infrared technology can boost sales while providing a remarkable means to healthy detoxification, which in itself leads to improved health and wellbeing.

Donna Dodier has a background in skin care/esthetics in New England and in Florida. She has been involved in dental health and wellness and is a frequent guest on Health Talk Radio. Dodier has 20 years of experience researching holistic medicine and believes in anti-aging from the inside out and the outside in through skin care, esthetics and nutrition. Contact her at keywestluv@hotmail.com, quasarbeauty@hotmail.com or 561.886.8427.