So, finally, there is a professional grade infrared treatment that has many health benefits and is a multi-treatment modality. This technique is now gaining momentum and is landing in service menus all over the U.S. and Canada as a signature treatment. Infrared application is no longer a large box of heat but a horizontal "lay down" system using far infrared technology with a series of elimination compound creams that promote fat breakdown.
It is leading clients to a slimmer, more toned body with added health benefits. An application of cream is applied, and the client lies comfortably, falls into a deep state of sedation, detoxifies their body, and burns their fat for fuel (lipolysis) – all in a cozy cocoon. The thermal sudation (sweating through thermal heat) does not make fat "leave" the body. Instead, stored fat is converted into fatty acids and used by muscles for energy. The heating of the body and need to cool down through perspiration must be fueled by energy; this fuel comes from the converted fatty acids (now energy) that was released by the fat cells. Not only is there fat loss and cellulite reduction, but many added health benefits such as muscular, rheumatoid, and arthritic pain relief, enhanced immune system, stress reduction, cardiac conditioning, and elimination of toxins. There is an advantage of having infrared closer to the body compared to the conventional infrared sauna because it is a deeper penetration. The conventional sauna can cause discomfort while sitting on hard wood surfaces, create boredom, and for some, breathing in warm air in an enclosed device can give a boxed in feeling.

Fat Loss and Weight Loss?
Hard to believe?
As you relax in the gentle heat, your body is actually hard at work producing sweat, pumping blood, and burning calories. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, "in a single sauna session you may burn as many calories as you would rowing or jogging for 30 minutes." Saunas have traditionally been used by European beauticians to help eliminate cellulite. Since the radiant heat of the Infrared Sauna warms three times as deeply as conventional saunas, it is significantly more effective at reducing cellulite.

The original system of using thermal sudation with a body wrap treatment was developed in the late 1990s by French Doctor Yves Loones of la Rose Blanche in Paris. Originally the systems used a conventional heating method, but in the year 2005 thermal sudation was introduced to the U.S. market with an upgrade of far infrared as its heat source. This change in heat source yielded faster results for the client. Now, this signature body treatment is creating a real buzz in the industry. It is proving to offer an additional vein of profit for many businesses – no matter how large or how small the facility. Reason being there are no wet rooms or showers needed, it stows away conveniently under a table, and other treatments can be administered while client is receiving treatment. The face is exposed for facials, cold stone massage, or scalp massage, while the lower portion can be opened to conveniently administer a reflexology session for a double whammy in detox and health benefits. Also note that there are no messy bandages, no time consuming tape measuring, and results can be felt and seen immediately with the fat analyzer. Independent contractors can easily transport the system to their private clients as well.

The infamous cardiologist and anti-aging guru Dr. Oz recently appeared on Oprah stating that "infrared helps support health and longevity." Doctors and health experts tout infrared for weight loss, pain relief, relaxation, chronic fatigue syndrome, detoxification, and so many other health benefits. Dr. Oz also stated that "infrared saunas increase blood circulation and that one session can burn up to 700 calories." He also seemed ecstatic on the detoxification, these invisible wavelengths of light delve out of the body, not to mention the cardiovascular benefits for anyone, including those that may be disabled or simply could not exercise. The anti-aging and beauty industry is no longer questioning infrared's abilities to enhance their treatment menus.

What Exactly is FIR?
Far infared ray (FIR) energy is a part of the natural light spectrum of sunlight, minus the skin damaging UV, which is why NASA spacecraft have utilized this heat. In Asia and Europe, it has already revolutionized health and beauty products. FIR is a form of light energy from the sun. It falls within the same family of infrared rays in the light spectrum, but due to its longer wavelengths the human eye (just like ultraviolet rays) cannot see FIR. The energy is essential and beneficial for all human beings. As a matter of a fact, it is so safe that it is used to warm the bodies of babies in hospitals!
FIR has the ability to penetrate, refract, radiate, and reflect. The human body can absorb FIR because of its deep penetrating ability. When FIR penetrates through the skin to the subcutaneous tissues, it transforms from light energy into heat energy. The thermal effect within the deep layers of tissues cause blood vessels in capillaries to dilate, promoting better blood circulation, and the heat produced helps to get rid of body toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating.

In a case of injury, heat stimulates vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels, bringing oxygen to joints and extremities, relaxation of stiff muscles, speeding the healing of sprains and strains. The increased blood flow helps aching and injured muscles recover faster because
of the stronger blood flow and the quicker metabolic and toxic waste productions purged from the body through the skin during perspiration. The skin is known in Chinese medicine as the third kidney because it is believed to be responsible for eliminating up to 30 percent of body waste.
FIR Infrared Heat Therapy allows increased blood circulation to carry great amounts of nutrients to the skin, thus promoting healthy tone, texture, and mild cleansing of the skin.

The Actual Treatment
The process always begins with a consultation – usually on a day other than anticipated treatment so they can follow just a few pre-treatment guidelines. On the day of treatment, their weight and fat percentage is measured. The treatment begins as they lay on the pre-heated infrared system with an application of elimination compounds, which have a storehouse of active ingredients contained in seaweed, forming a second "barrier" skin to eliminate excess fat from fat cells.

This is applied on the entire body. Then a local elimination compound that contains a high concentration of essential oils (known for their action in lymph drainage, elimination of fat toxins, and their metabolic waste) is applied on targeted problem areas to reinforce the action of the first cream. The client lies comfortably while the infrared heat penetrates the body, including areas of fat and cellulite that lack circulation. This forces the movement of waste, which is expelled through the skins sweating mechanisms. After about 35 to 40 minutes, they cool down and towel off. A third cream is applied that has a refreshing, clean scent. This is applied at the end of every session to the targeted areas of the body to increase the action of stored fat. The client is then weighed and fat percentage is analyzed. The therapist keeps a record of the progress.

Cost and Marketing
Typical Treatment cost for client is 85 to $150. Investment for spa is typically 2500 to $3300 that many re-coop in a very short time. Especially when your client's cellulite looks smoother and tighter, the skin feels soft and toned, muscle aches and pains diminished, stretch marks less noticeable, and best of all their fat percent reading is lower and weight goes down. My clients see the scale and read the fat analyzer after the first treatment and say "sign me up for the package deal." If you already offer cellulite treatments with vibratory or laser devices, this will also profoundly enhance the end results. For the brides to be, a pre-holiday treatment, post-holiday treatment, pre-bikini season, or for anyone looking to facilitate cellulite reduction, weight, and fat loss… the sky is the limit!

In closing, utilizing infrared technology can be very satisfying and amazingly profitable. Consumers are more and more health conscious and the baby boomer market wants "feel good, look good" treatments. It is also satisfying to the therapist to offer infrared because of the health benefits and facilitation of weight loss in a pampering fashion.
The latest in infrared technology can not only boost sales, but also offer remarkable means to a healthy detoxification. This in itself leads to health and
well-being!

Donna Dodier is an educator, writer and lecturer on the subjects of Anti-Aging of the skin and body, Near Infrared (LED Technology for the skin and body) and Far Infrared (Sudatonic Method). Licensed in New England and Florida in aesthetics Ms. Dodier works both in conventional spas and med spas, educates students in skin care schools, travels the tradeshows educating therapists, and is a frequent guest on Health Talk Radio.