My Journey to Health through Mold and Chemical Exposure with Infrared Sauna
Can you remember the last time you felt really good in your body? For me it’s right now at 47 years old and before that it was when I was about 41 years old. Around that time, I had a chemical and mold exposure that put me on a downhill spiral with my health. We had purchased a popup camper that had had a leak and some discoloration on the canvas. We purchased a chemical that attached to our hose and sprayed that onto the canvas to kill any mold and get rid of the discoloration. In the warnings it said to be careful and not get any on your skin. Well, for me, that turned out to be pretty impossible. It kept hitting the canvas and then splashing onto my face. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t think too much of it. At around that same time, my husband and I had started remodeling one of our bathrooms. This bathroom had a shower and no windows; we also found out later the ventilation fan wasn’t installed properly and didn’t vent anywhere. So, I guess it was no surprise that when we started tearing down the drywall that same weekend; there was mold behind the drywall and covering the wood framing as well. As soon as we discovered it, we knew we were out of our league, so we stopped and called a mitigation company. Unfortunately, by that time the damage was done. I started itching; especially on my face and neck. It got bad. All the skin on my face, including my lips, eyelids and neck became extremely swollen. Everything was red and inflamed. Eventually, in the last healing phases, it dried out and started peeling and turned a nasty yellow color. Each stage lasted weeks. This was in 2021 when we were still required to wear masks and it was the only time I was actually relieved to be able to have something to cover my face. I didn’t think it would ever heal. It was painful and miserable (and my ego took a big hit). What finally helped me turn the corner was my infrared sauna. My sweet husband, seeing the pain I was in and hearing about the skin benefits of infrared, bought me an infrared sauna. I started using it on a regular basis and slowly began to detox from the mold that was still inside my body. It was exactly what I needed at the time, and it still continues to be my favorite weekly ritual years later. I was curious about how it worked, and after reading different theories, this is what I believe based on my own experience: I think infrared works on our body in ways science is still discovering. While the light itself may only penetrate the skin by an inch or two, I believe the body's systems are so interconnected that stimulating one area can support healing throughout the body. I also believe sweating and mitochondrial activation are part of the picture.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, research suggests infrared saunas may support heart health, help lower blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress, improve circulation, and even aid muscle recovery after exercise. Those findings are encouraging, and I think we're only beginning to understand everything infrared may be capable of.
While sitting in the sauna, I like to meditate. Being enclosed in that warm, quiet environment does wonders for my stress levels. It gives me a place to rest quietly, to focus on my breath and be present, and honestly, if that was the only benefit, I think it would be enough for me. Whether you're facing a health challenge, like I was, or simply looking for ways to care for yourself, I hope sharing my experience encourages you to explore whether infrared sauna therapy might be a good fit for you.
After everything I'd been through, the materials used in an infrared sauna became just as important to me as the technology itself. That's why I carefully chose the saunas I offer through RevitaSpring. I wanted them to be made with materials I would feel comfortable bringing into my own home. The models I chose are made with Canadian Red Cedar or Hemlock, food-grade stainless steel, Low-EMF carbon crystal infrared heaters, and integrated medical-grade 4-wavelength red light therapy. I truly believe the details matter, especially when you're investing in something you hope will support your health and well-being for years to come.
Today, at 47 years old, I can honestly say I feel better than I have in years. I don't believe there's one magic answer to good health, but for me, my infrared sauna has become an important part of that journey, and that's why I care so much about the products I choose to share with others.
If you're curious about infrared saunas or have questions about choosing one, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help.
Here are some photos to show what my face looked like as I was going through this
