Two New Alternative Treatment Methods: Infrared Sauna & the HBOT
By Nicole Kolenda, M.S., CCC-SLP, P.C.
More recently, parents are turning to alternative treatment methods to complement their child's traditional therapy schedule. Two popular therapies are the Infrared Sauna and the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (HBOT).
Infrared Sauna 
Health professionals have used red infrared heat lamps for decades to treat muscle and joint problems. In hospital baby care units, incubators are often equipped with infrared heating systems to keep new-born babies warm.
The general idea is that as the body temperature rises by infrared heat, perspiration occurs and blood circulation increases. The muscles, organs, tissues and cells are stimulated by the heat to sweat, and toxic waste, which includes heavy metals, is removed from the body through perspiration. Daily sweating can help detoxify the body as it rids itself of an accumulation of potentially carcinogenic heavy metals (lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid and cholesterol.
Dr. Toshiko Yamazaki, M.D. owns a clinic in Japan where she has done extensive research on the therapeutic uses of far-infrared. In her book, " The Science of Far-Infrared Therapies," she explains that one of the reasons FIR (Far-Infrared) has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins, which are often at the core of many health problems. Since humans are bio-accumulators, toxins that cannot be expelled immediately after entry are stored in our bodies.
The Infrared Sauna is also thought to improve the body's immune system through inducing an artificial fever. As it works to combat the "fever," the body's immune system is strengthened. Combined with the elimination of toxins and wastes produced by the intense sweating, your overall health and resistance to disease is thought to increase. The Infrared Sauna is also thought to strengthen the cardiovascular system while increasing overall blood circulation. As the body increases sweat production to cool itself, the heart works harder pumping blood at a greater rate to boost circulation, supplying the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise. Heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase, while diastolic blood pressure drops, for improved overall cardiovascular fitness.
The FDA approves saunas as therapeutic devices. If you are interested in purchasing your own sauna, consult with your health insurance representative regarding reimbursement.
HBOT
Hyperbaric Therapy, also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HBO  or HBOT, is a specialized therapy that uses an increase in atmospheric pressure to allow the body to incorporate more oxygen into blood cells, blood plasma, cerebral-spinal fluid, and other body fluids. By providing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, the child can receive 10-15 times more oxygen then if delivered at sea level or at normal atmospheric levels. Some of the effects of the HBOT are to promote the growth of new blood vessels, decrease swelling and inflammation, deactivate toxins, increase the body's ability to fight infections, clear out toxins and metabolic waste products, and improve the rate of healing.
For years, conventional medicine thought of HBOT only as a treatment for decompression sickness, however, the use of HBOT is becoming increasingly common in general practice. HBOT is said to have a range of uses, including the treatment of non-healing wounds, Carbon Monoxide poisoning, various infections, damage caused by radiation treatments, near- drowning, brain and nerve disorders, cardiovascular disorders; and some digestive system disorders.
The indications for hyperbaric oxygen are expanding: There is much research being done on the effects of HBOT on neurodevelopmental disorders (improvements in function and cognitive processes have been documented) and it is currently believed to be a successful and promising treatment option by many physicians and neurodevelopmental pediatricians.
Parent Testimonials
I consulted with two NYC parents, Mike Katz and Kim Rosenberg, who are currently using these technologies to augment the traditional therapies (speech/OT/PT, etc) their sons are receiving. Mike installed the infrared sauna in his apartment and Kim has the HBOT.
Mike purchased an Infrared Sauna two years ago for his son, Christopher:
- What lead you to ultimately purchase an infrared sauna? How long have you had it?
We were made aware of the benefits of the infrared sauna through the nutritionist that was working with our son Christopher. We have owned it for about almost 2 years.
- How many times per week does Christopher use it and for how long? Is there a protocol you follow for using it?
We try to use the sauna at least 2x per week for 30 minutes. We started off using it for 15 minutes and gradually increased the time and the temperature to about 120 degrees. You must be careful not to bring anything into the sauna with you except a real glass (no plastic) of water to hydrate. Only 100 percent cotton should be worn and no jewelry. Due to the elimination of toxins as well as some good minerals etc, we make sure that Christopher is taking the right supplements. His blood is monitored to make certain healthy levels are maintained.
- What effect has it had on Christopher? Can you actually qualify the changes you have seen?
We have seen great changes with Christopher. It is hard to quantify or qualify these changes due to the many different tactics we are using including diet, therapy etc, but we do feel that major gains were made when we started using the Sauna.
- Do you use it?
I use the sauna myself and Christopher and I use it together.
- Approximate cost & upkeep?
I paid $3000 for the sauna and the electricity it uses is minimal.
- Approximate size—where is it in your apartment—how much space does it take up?
I use a 2 person model that I keep in my living room. It does not take up that much room.
Size (Width x Depth x Height) 49" x 40 1/2", 73 1/2"
124.5cm x 103cm x 187cm
Voltage: 110V
Current: 13.8A
Power: 1518W
- Any downsides/negatives?
The only downside I see is all those extra towels for the laundry. You must be careful not to sweat on the wood.
- Do you have any advice for those seriously considering purchasing an infrared sauna?
I know some people can be very skeptical of some alternative methods. When it came to the health and well being of Christopher we follow the philosophy of “no stone unturned”. My suggestion to anyone who may think about using the sauna is do your own research. I purchased my sauna from High Tech Health who were very helpful and there is a wealth of information available on the web. If you can find someone nearby that has one--try it out.
Kim shared her experiences with the HBOT after purchasing it approximately one year, for her son, Henry :
- What lead you to ultimately purchase a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (HBOT)?
How long have you had it?
We bought our chamber – an OxyHealth Vitaeris 320 – about a year ago. We were impressed by data showing that children's brains were more “active” following HBOT treatment, by clinical data observed by our doctor and others concerning cognitive gains, and by evidence that it may help heal children's guts as well (since Henry has significant GI problems).
- How many times per week does Henry use it and for how long? Is there a protocol you follow for using it?
We have been on an extended break because of my having a severe respiratory illness for a few months, travel and other commitments but hope to get back in soon. When we have been using it, we “dive” approximately 5 times per week - we have done about 100 hours of “dives” total. Initially we were diving 3.5 hours at night but our doctor has revised his protocol down to 1-1.5 hours per dive. Actually the longer dives were easier because we were doing them while Henry slept, we need to figure out how to fit in the 1.5 hour dive in his busy day!
- What effect has it had on Henry? Can you actually qualify the changes you have seen?
We definitely noticed that he was “sharper” after we began using it and that his processing speed increased. These changes have “stuck” even during our break. It did not seem to help his gut (though that is improving now thanks to the specific carbohydrate diet – he had been GFCF and “free” of many other things (corn, soy, peas, refined sugar) but that was not enough for him).
- Approximate cost & upkeep?
The initial cost of the unit itself, the oxygen concentrator, and the compressor was about $21,000, so it is a significant commitment but there is really no upkeep cost – we clean out with a water and hydrogen peroxide solution occasionally and that is about it!
- Approximate size—where is it in your apartment—how much space does it take up?
It is large, about 92 inches long and 34 inches in diameter when fully inflated. It can stand up on its side when not in use, however. We keep the compressor and concentrator in a closet when not in use. We keep the unit in Henry's bedroom.
- Any downsides/negatives?
We have not seen any real negatives though I have heard of hyperactivity initially when beginning HBOT in some children. I also have heard that some children had temporary problems with longer dive times, but we did not experience that. Henry did have some ear pain initially when the chamber was inflating (not during deflation) but that subsided after several dives. It is important not to have congestion when diving.
- Do you have any advice for those seriously considering purchasing an HBOT?
It is a big financial and time commitment so be sure you are up for it. Some families do share units, which can help offset the cost. Check to see if you can do a series of test dives before buying to see if your child will tolerate being in the unit and to see if you notice any gains (even minor ones). I would talk to your child's doctor about whether your child is a candidate as well – many DAN! doctors are using HBOT successfully with their patients. More traditional practitioner may not be familiar with HBOT therapy and its benefits so it is worth seeking out a DAN! doctor if you do not already have one. Also consider doing some hard chamber dives (if appropriate for your child) in addition to the soft, home-use chambers -- the two types may offer some different benefits. We are going to try to do some hard chamber dives at our doctor's office soon. We like having the larger home chamber (versus some of the smaller units available) because a parent can go into the chamber with the child, which can help with the child's possible anxiety. I can actually sit up in the chamber or stretch out fully.
I want to emphasize that I am not a doctor and cannot offer medical advice but I am happy to talk to other parents about our experience.
Infrared Sauna Resources
HBOT RESOURCES
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