More Information and Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Body Wraps

When we accumulate body fat anywhere in the body, blood circulation becomes worse and as we accumulate more and more fat, our circulation decreases even more. Because of a lack of blood circulation, we cannot metabolize or burn the excess body fat. In addition, very little heat is being circulated to that part of your body. This result is what we call "cold spots." When we take away the heat from that area of your body and it cools, the fat then turns from the soft, easy to lose subcutaneous fat into hard, difficult to lose cellulite.

Cellulite is almost like muscle that is hardened from the lack of blood circulation. The purpose of the Infrared Body Wrap is to apply heat to the body in order to get underneath the fat tissue and thin the blood to allow it to get into the areas where fat tissue exists. Bringing the blood back into the areas that have had restricted blood flow causes the metabolism rates to rise. The heat softens the fat tissue and it begins to break up causing it to be released back into the blood stream in the form of calories to be burned up as energy.

Cellular Detoxification

Far Infrared energy effectively breaks down water molecules that accumulate and store unwanted toxins in our body that block blood circulation and impair cellular functions. Exposure to far Infrared waves steadily circulates blood, removing blockages in the blood vessels and allowing for proper oxygen distribution to all parts of the body. This action has had success in treating skin disorders such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

In a study performed by American researchers, the sweat of people using a conventional sauna was found to be 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using a Far infrared heat system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid. The unusually high concentration of heavy metals and other fat-soluble toxins is not found in the sweat from normal exercise.

The comforting heat from the infrared body wrap increases skin temperature, causing fats and oils to "melt" and seep out of the skin's sweat glands. As sweat and oil are secreted, the toxins dissolved in them are secreted as well. By excreting these toxins and then washing them off your body, your toxic load is lowered and cellular health improves!

Q: What Is Infrared?

A:  Infrared is the band of light we perceive as heat. We cannot see this band of light with the naked eye, but we can feel this type of light in the form of heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Infrared rays heat your body without having to heat the air in-between, through a process called conversion. The infrared is divided into 3 segments by wavelengths, measured in microns; 0.76~1.5 microns-near;1.5~5.6 microns-middle;5.6~1000 microns-far infrared. Among these segments, only far infrared penetrates organic substances such as the human body two to three inches so that the warming effect is very uniform.

Q: How & Why Does Formostar Far Infrared Body Wrap Work?

A: Far infrared energy (FIR) is a part of the natural light spectrum minus the UV element. The Formostar Far Infrared Body Wrap has been designed to output energy in the 5.6 to 25 micron FIR band also peaking around the 9.4 micron level to achieve maximum effectiveness. When FIR energy penetrates through the skin it transforms from light energy to heat energy and elevates the temperature of the subcutaneous layers. The body's absorption of this energy simulates a workout, burning up to 900 to 1400 calories in a 50 minute session providing body shaping and detoxification.

The core temperature of our body is 37 degrees Celsius and constantly reduces toward the outside. Consequently, the outer areas of the body tend to be around 10 degrees Celsius colder and this is where excess fat is typically deposited.

In order to achieve body toning, it is necessary to undergo sustained cardiovascular exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times per week. During exercise, the body temperature rises and sweat is generated as the body attempts to cool itself. At the same time, the heart works harder pumping blood at a greater rate to boost circulation. Heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase, while diastolic blood pressure drops, improving overall cardiovascular fitness and burning off fat deposits.

Guyton's Textbook of Medical Physiology reports that one gram of sweat requires 0.586 kcal. The JAMA citation above goes on to state that " A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat of 500 grams in a traditional sauna, consuming nearly 300 kcal-the equivalent of running two to three miles. A heat conditioned person can easily sweat off 600 to 800 kcal with no adverse effects. While the weight of water lost can be regained by rehydration, the calories consumed will not be."

The implications are that Far Infrared heat applied directly to the body via the silicon bandages will allow between 970-1460 kcal to be sweated off in a 50 minute session.

Q: How long does each session take?

A: You are wrapped for 50 minutes, with around 10-15 minutes machine warm-up, set-up and unwrap time.

Q: Can I do a shorter session?

A: No because to do so would substantially eliminate any benefits to be derived from the entire process. It would leave the fat stores and the toxin removal process in mid stream. And the effect would be that the fat and toxins you are targeting would remain in the system until such time that a full 50 minute session could be implemented.  With infrared heat, it takes approximately 20 minutes for the heat to penetrate the skin and upper layers and reach the bone. During the remaining 30 minutes, the heat rises and gets underneath the fat cells, including cellulite. It is now heating the body, including the ligaments and the joints as it begins breaking down the body fat and releasing the fat stores and toxins into the blood stream and sweat glands for removal from your body.  This is a process that has worked for 25 years and cannot in any way be abbreviated.

Q: What parts of the body can be targeted?

A: With the 6 high-density silicone bandages, there are several options available. For most women the bandages are wrapped around the thighs, hips, abdomen, and arms. For men, the usual configuration is thighs, abdomen, chest, and arms. If the arms don't need much toning up, the calves can be wrapped instead. The heat to each of the 6 bandages is individually controlled therefore the level can be set according to the customer's comfort level or if a particular area is being targeted.

Q: What is the body reshaping opportunity using the Formostar?

A: The answer greatly depends on the physiological make-up of each individual. Generally, the greater the excess weight being carried, the faster and more dramatic the reshaping results will be. Some people will not experience significant weight loss at all but will see improved body shaping, losing inches or dress sizes. Extremely physically fit people that don't carry excess weight or inches can experience much improved muscle tone. Obviously, the more physically active a person is, the greater the benefits that can be achieved from Formostar. Common sense dictates that if a client is on a Formostar program and then eats or drinks excessively most of the results will be negated. Ideally, Formostar will be of most value with a balanced exercise and eating program. Clients that lead a very sedentary lifestyle can still achieve great results over a longer period assuming that they exercise adequate control over dietary and other general health factors. Experience worldwide indicates that the rule of thumb is one clothes size reduction in 6 to 10 sessions with 2 to 3 days between each session. However, as previously indicated, results will be dependent on each persons particular make up and physiology

Q: How often can I schedule infrared body wrap sessions?

A: This will depend on a person's lifestyle. If a person is very physically active undertaking significant walking, jogging, working out, or competitive sports, then Formostar sessions can be as often as every 2 days. For best results it is preferable right before a workout as this will help burn the most dramatic amount of calories and also has maximum impact on body definition. With relatively physically inactive people, a minimum of 3 days between sessions is recommended. More regular sessions are unnecessary and may actually be detrimental to results. Upon reaching the intended body shape, it is possible to revert to maintenance only schedule, which for most people, should be around 2 to 4 times a month.

Q: Can I use multiple infrared treatments, such as Formostar and a tanning session, on the same day?

A: Both the Formostar and a tanning bed give off infrared heat therefore it is possible to receive a burn or heat rash if both sessions are undertaken on the same day. It is not recommended, especially if the client is fair skinned and prone to burning. Tanning the previous or the next day should be perfectly fine.

Q: Who can use Infrared Heat?

A: Virtually everyone from all walks of life can gain benefit from a Formostar Far Infrared program. However, sessions should not be undertaken unless clients have received their Doctor's advice where any of the following conditions exist: Over activity of the thyroid gland, cardiac infarction, cardiac weakness, constriction of the coronary blood vessels, marked high or low blood pressure, diabetes requiring insulin treatment, disturbances to the function of the kidneys and associated organs, fever, severe general infection, contact allergies, skin diseases, open wounds, newly acquired shingles, pregnancy, prescribed medicines causing increased sensitivity to physical stimulation (for example antibiotics), cases of severe varicose veins. As always, if any doubt exists, it is recommended that clients seek their doctor's or health practitioner's advice

Q: Should I drink water before or after a session?

A: It is recommended that drinking water before, during and after a session allows the body to stay hydrated and replaces body fluids that have been sweated out during the session.