Sauna, Soaks & Steams...
Traditional Methods of Detoxification & Healing

There is nothing more natural and more imbued with history than the use of water and heat in various forms for therapy. At ISIS we have taken this to heart with five therapy spaces devoted exclusively to water, heat and sweating for health and detoxification.  Hydrotherapy or the use of water in therapy has been around since the beginning of time, when cultures flourished around water sources, and rivers were the center of many religious ceremonies and rituals of rebirth, renewal and restoration. Oriental culture has many ancient references to the use of water as a method of treatment.

Contemporary Greek physicians like Hippocrates were also highly respected in the religious culture, combining the use of water from religious rites with healing processes. Even the sea was a common therapeutic aid as illustrated in the writings of Euripedes in 480 B.C. where we find, “The cures of sun and sea impose themselves on most illnesses,” and, “Sea washes all men's illnesses.” Hippocrates, Galen, Plato and Aristotle recommended hot seawater baths for health and energy. Cato the Elder even served his slaves a mixture of wine and seawater to restore their energy. This was a common link throughout the pagan world. But like everything branded with the name pagan, as the Christian era began, so did the decline of hydrotherapy because of its pagan roots and the fear that exposure to water bred disease.

This is unfortunate, because the early Judean population utilized the sea and its healing effects not just for themselves, but also for those who travelled to the waters for cures. One of the best known areas on earth is the Dead Sea, where there was a thriving therapeutic industry treating illnesses and skin disorders until the Roman conquest. Jericho was well known in the ancient world for its utilization of Dead Sea therapeutic products. Even Cleopatra loved the qualities of marine products, enticing Marc Anthony to annex the Dead Sea area so she could have control over the therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea, which she had been enjoying for years. However, she found that none of the Judaeans would divulge the methods by which preparations were made, forcing Cleopatra to lease the territories back to King Herod after which she had access again to the sea products she loved. The ancient Egyptians also were some of the first peoples to document the use of water for enemas prior to ritual and as part of bathing. 

It was not until Ambroise Pare in 1578, who was one of the founders of modern medicine, that sea baths became recommended throughout Europe again for their astringent, healing and hydrating properties. But with time and an influx of large segments of cultural populations into Europe through trade, conquest and slavery, hydrotherapy became more recognized. Today, Bedouin tribesman can be seen bathing fully clothed in the Dead Sea, taking advantage of its therapeutic treatments and products. In many areas of Europe today, travel to therapeutic spas for medical purposes is a state-sponsored medical expense.

Since the early 1800s there have been hundreds of books, articles and spas which have appeared everywhere from the edges of the Red Sea to Lisdoonvarna, Ireland. And each is offering many types of therapies for your health and restoration.  But here in the U.S., we have again concluded a period of shunning water therapy. Even colonics is looked upon with disfavor as an unnecessary treatment. But the lesson is in our history. For by neglecting the history of hydrotherapy we have “watered down” the concept of spa and water treatments eliminating one of the most healing, restorative and beautifying gifts nature can offer. We must dispense with fear and look at the options open to us. Spa treatments must be accorded their therapeutic due and we must all realize the healing power of tubs, steams and showers. Let the waters pour forth...

The amazing effects of heat and water...

The most important use of water and heat is for detoxification, and the need for this intensive cellular cleansing of the body is overwhelming. Toxins seem to be everywhere, in our water, our food, our environment and even in our clothes from the chemicals at the drycleaner, and standing next to someone who is smoking. We barely notice articles about mercury in our fish, jet fuel in our lettuce, heavy metals in our air. Toxins have been directly linked with a host of diseases: cancer, lowered immune function, arthritis, autism, fibromyalgia, alzheimers, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. People living today carry within their bodies a chemical cocktail made up of industrial chemicals, pesticides, food additives, heavy metals, general anaesthetics, and the residues of pharmaceutical drugs, as well as toxins from alcohol, nicotine and illegal drugs. 

Removing these toxins through sweating is one of the most effective ways to get our bodies back into balance. Sweating itself, is an ancient tradition from the Roman Steam Bath, to the Finnish Savusauna, the Russian Banya, the Native American Sweat Lodge, and the Morroccan Hammam, people have been detoxing and restoring themselves this way throughout history. Sweat therapy can eliminate heavy metals, acids, cholesterol and even drug residue.

Today, heat can even be administered through light, such as our FAR Infrared Sauna.  In this way, traditional detoxification is not the only benefit.  You can also lose weight, reduce blood pressure, eliminate pain, make scars and wrinkles less visible, lift depression and RELAX!!!!!