Ticks are insects that can give someone a bit of the creeps, and rightly so. These little parasites are known for transmitting diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichia and tularemia. Common symptoms are fever, headache, distinct rash, and blood count abnormalities. But the most commonly known illness spread by ticks is Lyme disease.1 Detox is an important part of Lyme disease treatment.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and it is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged deer tick. Usually, ticks need to be attached to the skin between 36-48 hours for a person to contract Lyme disease.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), most people contract Lyme Disease through nymphs (the stage right after larva) and attach in hard to see places such as the groin, armpits and scalp. Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headaches, fatigue, and the distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans (the common bullseye or target rash). If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. These symptoms include numbness, pain, arthritis-like pain, and in severe cases, heart rhythms may occur.
If you are unsure if deer ticks are in your area, TickCheck™ provides a very informative site that highlights areas that have a high population of ticks. There are many types of ticks, and the site has a portal that allows you to upload pictures of a tick if you are unsure of the type.
It is important to educate yourself about ticks, and where they are more prevalent. In some instances, people do not realize they had a tick attached to them, and they believe they have some other sort of disease or illness. It is not until tests are done that they are diagnosed with Lyme disease. It is a good rule of thumb to completely search yourself if you have been in an area that is known for tick infestations, or if you have been outside in a grassy or wooded area.
Tick bites can be dangerous, and with the disease they carry, prevention is always the best policy. It is important to know and understand your surroundings. If your state is known for having ticks, or you are in an area that has regular infestations, it is best to follow some basic steps for prevention.
- Use a natural or chemical repellent to discourage tick attachment. Some of the common tick repellents are DEET, permethrin or picaridin. If you are choosing to use these three chemicals, while they do work, there are some safety precautions that must be adhered to, to avoid harmful reactions. Please read the labels carefully. Natural repellents can be just as effective as chemical-based repellents, and they use essential oils to create a barrier. Natural repellents can be found at most retail stores such as Target, Walmart and other sports stores in your area.
- Wear protective clothing. During the summer months, it is tempting to wear tank tops and shorts while enjoying time in nature. To avoid tick bites, wear breathable long sleeves. Pants should be tucked into socks and or boots to create a barrier for ticks. Otherwise, they can crawl up pants or down shirts.
- When you are done with your outing, check yourself and younger children for ticks. It does not take long. Make sure to check around the hairline, armpits, and groin area. These are warm, moist, and dark areas that ticks love.
- It is a myth that running your clothes through a hot wash will kill ticks. In fact, they will live through the washer, but ticks will not survive in the dryer. Put all clothes in the dryer for 15 minutes on high heat and then wash as usual.
A diagnosis of Lyme disease can be frightening. There are many stories of people who have suffered from Lyme disease for years, and their recovery has been long and painful. There are specific tests your doctor will perform first for an actual diagnosis of Lyme disease. The first test is an ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) Test. ELISA detects antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria in Lyme disease. If it comes back with a positive result, the next test will be the Western Blot Test. This test detects antibodies to several proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi.2 After confirmation, your doctor will prescribe medication to kill the bacteria. Although the bacteria will be killed by the antibiotics, Lyme disease symptoms can linger for some time. Unfortunately, Lyme disease opens the door for more compilations, and this makes it harder for the body to naturally release harmful chemicals and heavy metals in the body.
In addition to antibiotics, researchers believe that increasing body temperature may be beneficial to detox Lyme disease.3 Sunlighten®’s far infrared saunas help the body detox heavy metals and fat-soluble toxins out of the body through sweat. Far infrared is absorbed by the skin and can assist the immune system and the healing process while increasing circulation, invigorating the body, and allowing the medication (if still prescribed medication) to reach all parts of the body in a more efficient manner. Infrared sauna benefits for Lyme disease start by relaxing the muscles and joints, providing much-needed pain relief in addition to sauna detox.
For more information on infrared sauna benefits for Lyme disease, watch this interview with Scott Forsgren (aka the Better Health Guy).
“I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in the fall of 2014. I developed an aggressive treatment protocol for myself, and in conjunction with my plan and the use of the mPulse sauna at a spa, 90 days later, I am now thrilled to be symptom-free. The mPulse sauna played a HUGE part in my healing; so much so, that I purchased a Solo sauna to continue my treatment at home. My experience with Sunlighten has been excellent thus far, and I intend this to be the beginning of a wonderful long-term relationship with their staff and product.” – Kim Lehman
All Sunlighten saunas deliver far infrared sauna benefits for Lyme disease. The Signature far infrared saunas can be equipped with Acoustic Resonance Therapy (A.R.T.), which creates a soothing atmosphere for those with Lyme-induced hyperacusis. A.R.T. creates an environment for the body to experience the benefits of sound and vibration healing in an integrative way – part of a holistic approach to healthy living.
The Solo System portable infrared sauna delivers far infrared in a confined space for a very effective detox Lyme disease treatment. Because the Solo System is portable, it can be used almost anywhere in your home with or without the domes.
“I was referred to use the Sunlighten far infrared sauna by my chiropractor, Dr. Gregory Pitman. He is treating me for a back injury, but also for general health issues. I have Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Fibromyalgia (FMS), and Lyme disease. In my case, I bought the Sunlighten far infrared sauna to battle my Lyme disease. Dr. Pitman is using some homeopathic liquids along with the sauna, and this is where I have scientific proof that the Sunlighten far infrared sauna is working as expected. The original strength of the homeopathic called ‘Bacteria-Chord’ was tested as needing these strengths and showing less Borrelia e/o week.
100-C strength 18-X then
30-C 10-X
20-C 3-X
10-C 0-X
AND FINALLY: ZERO!
In addition to eradicating the Lyme disease, Dr. Pitman checked my various body systems, and he said that the Sunlighten far infrared sauna has clearly given my internal body parts greater strength as well. For Lyme disease, he stated that 45 days straight of 45 minutes at approximately 135-140 degrees; then switch to three times each week until you are clear of the Lyme disease.” – Rev. Lisa A. Goding
Use Lyme Disease Awareness Month to educate yourself on the prevention of this disease. Here are recommended resources to check out: Project Lyme, Better Health Guy, and the Lyme Action Network.