What is Ganbanyoku?
Originating from Thailand, Ganbanyoku - or rock bathing - uses a special stone, called Black Silica, to heat your body from the inside out. These black silica stones are unique in that they naturally release far infrared rays and negative ions to help the body perspire and "detoxify." Unlike regular saunas, our stones are kept between 42° to 44° C with the humidity at about 50 to 55%, providing for a comfortable temperature that is both safe and enjoyable for people of all ages.
Although the spa goer will perspire more than they do in a sauna or steam bath, there is no odour, saltiness or stickiness. It is not recommended to shower for at least two hours after the treatment since the sweat acts as a natural coating for the skin resulting in silky hair and smooth skin. Because heat rises evenly from below, it is a different sensation from a sauna. The Ganbanyoku experience is chemical free and offers a “green” alternative to detoxifying the body. It relieves stress and leaves the entire body warm for a couple of hours (an average body temperature increase of 1 degree). The process is like bathing but without the water.
For more information about Black Silica, click here.
Far Infrared Rays
Far infrared rays are released from the Black Silica stone beds naturally (better than an Infrared Sauna since the infrared rays come from the stones themselves instead of an artificial light in a sauna). Infrared rays are invisible rays of natural sunlight that have the longest wavelength. They are commonly known as "Growth Rays" and have the ability to penetrate deeply (up to 1.5 inches) into the hypodermic layer of a person's skin and into the joints and muscles. They gently elevate the body’s surface temperature and activate major bodily functions. Benefits of Far Infrared Heat Therapy include:
- Burns Calories and controls weight
- Anti-Aging
- Strengthens the Immune and Cardiovascular Systems
- Provides pain relief
- Detoxification of harmful metals from the body
Negative Ions
Negative Ions are also released from the Black Silica stone beds and are commonly found around the vicinity of forests, coastal areas, and waterfalls with high levels of clean air. When using an ion meter to measure the negative ions generated by Black Silica, extremely high results of 2500 parts/cc have been observed. This is quite significant when you take into account that a common room only contains negative ion counts of approximately 200 parts/cc while major urban commercial districts only reach around 220 negative ion parts/cc. Benefits of Negative Ions include:
- Counteracts negative effects of environmental pollution and helps prevent respiratory-related illnesses: Negative Ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy
- Natural anti-depressant: A higher level of negative ions has been proven to be as effective against SAD (Seasonal Affective Depression) as antidepressants, such as Prozac and Zolof, and without the side effects
- Strengthens the immune system: High levels of negative ions promote production of globulin in the blood, resulting in stronger resistance to illness
Dr. Oz, was on the Oprah Windrey show, on March 24, 2009 and was discussing different tools to "Extend Your Life". He said that infrared saunas can help you burn 700 calories without lifting a finger. His in-laws introduced him to the infrared sauna, which is slightly different than a normal sauna. "It makes the same rays that come from the sun and filters out the UV radiation, so it only gives you the infrared radiation," he says. "That radiation that's infrared goes a little bit into your skin so, without heating you up and the external environment too much, it heats the body up." He says the high temperature helps lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation. "It gets your heart to beat faster, and it burns calories," Dr. Oz says. "It raises your metabolism a little bit, and also when you sweat, you sweat out toxins through the skin."
