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    The Healing Room

    Indulge in the ultimate medical detox!

    Welcome to the Healing Room at Upstream Functional Medicine! Our spa services have been specially curated by Julia Buchkina, MD, MPH, IFMCP to support and enhance your body’s natural ability to detoxify from environmental challenges.

    The Healing Room is open to the general public. We offer Biomat Infrared Heat Therapy, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna, and Ionic Foot Baths. Use one service at a time, or use multiple services together for a “Detox Power Hour.” Two people can use the Healing Room at once – so invite a friend! See answers to common questions about all our services below. Schedule online now, or give us a call at 319-471-4727!


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    BIOMAT FAR-INFRARED HEAT THERAPY

    WHAT WILL MY BIOMAT SESSION FEEL LIKE?
    The Biomat is a Far infrared heating pad filled with genuine amethyst crystals that delivers anti-inflammatory negative ion therapy to the tissues. During your session, you will lay either face up or face down (or both) for 15-60 minutes. The heat from the mat is adjustable and can be changed throughout your session, or can be turned off completely if you want to experience the healing effect of negative ion therapy alone without heat. You may optionally combine the heat from the Biomat below with Near Infrared light from the Rouge Pro machine 12 inches above your body. The warmth of the Biomat increases blood circulation. This boost in blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to injured sites, reducing inflammation and promoting the body’s natural healing process. If you feel ill at any time while using the Biomat, we recommend turning off the heat. If your symptoms persist, you should ring the attendant for assistance.
    WHAT ARE THE FDA INDICATIONS FOR USE OF THE BIOMAT?

    FDA indications for the use of the Biomat include:

    • Temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness
    • Temporary relief of joint pain associated with arthritis
    • Temporary relief of muscle spasms, minor sprains and strains
    • Minor muscular back pain
    • Temporary increase of local circulation where applied
    WHO SHOULD NOT USE THE BIOMAT?

    You should not use the Biomat if:

    • You have a cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator
    • You have had an organ transplant (Kidney, Liver, Heart, etc)
    WHO SHOULD USE THE BIOMAT ON LOW HEAT ONLY?

    People with the following conditions should use the Biomat on low or no heat (113 degrees or less):

    • Children < 12 years old
    • Pregnancy
    • Heat-sensitive Multiple sclerosis
    • Acute joint injury less than 48 hours old
    • Peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling in extremities)
    • Those with silicone implants

    RED LIGHT THERAPY

    WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT THERAPY?

    Red light therapy is a medical light therapy that can be beneficial for a variety of conditions. There are 2 settings on our red light:

    1. 660 nm (benefits skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc)
    2. 850 nm (Near Infrared light – benefits deeper tissues like muscle, connective tissue, bone, and activates cellular respiration in the mitochondria).
    WHO CAN OR CANNOT USE RED LIGHT THERAPY?

    The red light should NOT be used on the 660 nm (skin) setting in the following situations:

    1. Over bare tattoos – it is unclear whether red light may contribute to fading of certain pigments. If you have tattoos, cover them with a layer of clothing while using the red light.
    2. Over areas previously or currently affected by skin cancer (these areas may be covered with clothing while using the red light).
    3. If you have photosensitive epilepsy.

    EVERYONE may use the red light on the Near Infrared setting without a doctor’s prescription.

    Use of the red light on the 660nm setting for treatment of a specific skin condition requires an appointment with Julia Buchkina, MD for a prescription.

    WHAT WILL MY RED LIGHT SESSION BE LIKE?

    You will lay on your back or on your front on a massage table to receive your treatment. The attendant will ensure you are comfortable before starting the treatment. Once you are ready, the attendant will move the red light into the correct position and turn it on. Please do not touch, attempt to move, or operate the red light machine/stand by yourself. Always ring the bell for the attendant to move or adjust the machine.

    Although red light is not damaging to the eyes, wearing eye protection during treatment may increase your comfort due to the brightness of the light – especially if you are treating the skin on your face. You may use our eye shields, or you may use your own sunglasses if you prefer.

    If using the 660nm (skin) setting, the light will be placed 6-12 inches from the area of skin being treated. If using the 850 nm (Near Infrared) setting, the machine will be placed approximately 12 inches away from your body.

    We schedule and bill for red light sessions in 15-minute increments, but the machine can be used for any amount of time between 1-15 minutes when treating the skin. The Near Infrared setting can be used for up to 60 minutes in combination with the Biomat – but we recommend that beginners start with no more than 15 minutes to minimize detoxification symptoms.

    HOW SOON WILL I SEE BENEFIT FOR MY SKIN CONDITION?

    You may notice an increase in skin symptoms for a few days before you see improvement at the 660 nm setting. Skin treatments can be as often as once daily. The best effect is usually achieved with 3 treatments per week for at least 6-8 weeks. We recommend that beginning users start with a 5 minute treatment to ensure that treatment is tolerated and minimize the detoxification effect as your body acclimates.

    INFRARED SAUNA

    WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INFRARED SAUNA?

    Deep Detoxification: Far-infrared heat penetrates deep into your tissues, encouraging sweat that removes toxins and leaves you feeling refreshed.

    Pain Relief & Relaxation: Soothing warmth alleviates muscle and joint pain, reduces inflammation, and helps you unwind from the stresses of the day.

    Skin Rejuvenation: Chromotherapy lighting and far-infrared therapy boost collagen production, combat signs of aging, and enhance your natural glow.

    Improved Circulation & Immune Boost: Infrared heat improves blood flow, supporting immune health and helping your body heal faster.

    Stress Reduction & Mental Clarity: Step into a space of tranquility with chromotherapy lights and calming heat, perfect for relieving stress and recharging your mind.

    WHAT WILL MY SAUNA SESSION BE LIKE?

    During your session, you will undress to your comfort level (we offer white cotton robes and slippers to wear if you would like to dress down completely) and sit in our 1-person infrared sauna for your desired session length (15-minute minimum, 60-minute maximum). You may customize your sauna experience by setting the temperature of your choice during your session (130-140 F is recommended for the best detox), as well as the color of the sauna lighting with our chromotherapy feature. 

    ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO USING THE INFRARED SAUNA?

    Sauna use will raise your heartrate and mildly stresses the cardiovascular system, similar to aerobic exercise. Please avoid the infrared sauna if you are heat-intolerant. Hydrate well before and after your sauna session to replace sweat loss and promote complete detoxification. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may use the sauna, but it is recommended to discuss regular sauna use with your physician.

    IONIC FOOT BATH

    WHAT IS AN IONIC FOOT BATH?

    The Ionic Foot Bath is an electrolyzed Himalayan Salt bath designed to remove toxins, decrease pain & inflammation, improve organ function, increase and balance energy, mental clarity, clear skin, and support immune function.

    Foot baths may be from 15-30 minutes in duration. Before the bath, you will remove your shoes and socks and roll up your pants to the knee. If it is more convenient to remove your pants for the bath, there are robes available for use.

    During the bath, you will place your feet along either side of an Ionizer in a copper tub filled with warm salt water. The ionizer can not electrocute you! However, it could cause a shock if it touches any metal on your feet – therefore it is required to remove any metal rings/bracelets on the feet and ankles. Metal rods that have been placed surgically in the feet are NOT a problem. If you have any open cuts on your feet, the salt water could cause temporary stinging, but is not dangerous. The temperature of the bath will be adjusted to your preference, and the intensity of the treatment may be increased over time by the attendant based on your tolerance. If at any time you feel uncomfortable during your foot bath, you may stop the detoxification effect by removing your feet from the bath and placing them on the towels on either side of the tub – then ring the attendant for assistance.

    WHO SHOULD NOT USE THE IONIC FOOT BATH?

    You should not use the Ionic Foot Bath if you:

    1. Are pregnant or breastfeeding
    2. Have had an organ transplant
    3. Have an implanted electronic device (such as a pacemaker)
    CAN I USE THE FOOT BATH IF I TAKE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS?

    In general, yes. If you take any medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or medications to thin the blood, it is strongly recommended to use the foot bath either just BEFORE your next dose of medication, or at least 3 hours AFTER your last dose of medication. This is because the foot bath can accelerate the removal of the medication from your system. Please discuss your use of the foot bath with the physician who is prescribing your medications if you have any questions or concerns.

    CAN I USE MY PHONE DURING A FOOT BATH?

    No. All cell phones, Apple watches, and headsets that use wi-fi/bluetooth, etc may not be used during your bath and must be stored at least 3 feet away. We have a reading library with books, coloring books and other quiet activities that you may use during your bath, instead of your phone.

    WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY FOOT BATH?

    Many people feel relaxed and energized after an ionic foot bath. Some report sleeping particularly well the night after the bath.

    Because the foot bath removes normal electrolytes as well as heavy metals and other toxins, it is recommended that you replace your electrolytes with a solution containing sodium, potassium, and magnesium after the foot bath – even those who have been advised medically to follow a low-salt diet. You will be offered LMNT-brand electrolyte solution along with a glass of pH 9.5 alkaline water at the end of your foot bath. If you opt not to take these electrolytes, we strongly recommend that you drink another electrolyte solution along with 16 oz of water within 1 hour of completing the bath. The detoxification process continues after your bath is complete, so continue to drink plenty of water for 1-2 days afterward. It is normal to notice changes in the odor and appearance of your urine and bowel movements during that time. If you are generally constipated, it is important to make sure you are having at least 1-2 bowel movements daily – please consult with your personal physician if you are not.

    HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO AN IONIC FOOT BATH?

    You will get the maximum benefit from ionic foot baths if they are repeated over time. For a formal medical detox, it is recommended to complete a series of 14 ionic foot bath sessions at the interval of your choice, with the baths no more often than every other day, but no longer than 2 weeks apart – with a period of 3 weeks of rest afterward. Dr. Julia recommends twice weekly baths for 7 weeks, followed by 3 weeks off. This 10-week cycle may be repeated until optimal health is achieved, or as long as you feel you are benefiting from it.

    DETOX POWER HOUR

    WHAT IS A DETOX POWER HOUR?

    A Detox Power Hour is any 60 minutes spent in the Healing Room that includes a 30-minute ionic foot bath.

    WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A DETOX POWER HOUR?

    Using the Biomat, Red light, and/or Infrared Sauna together with an Ionic foot bath theoretically increases the amount of toxins removed per session. The Biomat and Infrared sauna activate cellular detox and increase circulation of your bloodstream. The Ionic Foot Bath then helps remove toxins that have been released into your bloodstream via the liver, kidneys, and GI tract.

    Schedule Your Session Now

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