-I was thrown out of life far too early, says Siw, who became seriously ill six years ago. From her sickbed, she designed her own dream sauna.
We are sitting in the sun at Aker Brygge. It is not something Siw takes for granted, having had her life turned upside down. From being healthy and working as Nordic communications manager in Copenhagen, she was completely knocked flat by a mysterious illness.
A shock
– The doctors didn't understand what was wrong. They sent me home with a walker and an ME diagnosis, without any offer of help. I had to move in with my parents, where I lay in a dark room with the blinds taped to the wall. It was a shock to go from being at the top of my game to not being able to look after myself. The pain, the exhaustion and all the other symptoms were unbearable.
Siw had no doubt that something was wrong with her body, and began searching for answers. It took several years before she found the cause of her symptoms: borreliosis and co-infections.
– I started medical treatment with internists in the USA and Germany. That has been absolutely crucial in getting me to where I am now, where I am self-sufficient and can work 20 per cent. Infrared sauna has been an indispensable aid along the way.
In the dark, the entrepreneur awoke
An acquaintance recommended trying a sauna for pain relief and detox during the treatment. Siw visited a spa in Oslo, where she tried an infrared sauna. As the sweat poured, she noticed an immediate improvement.
– For the first time since I became ill, I experienced a boost to my health. It was fantastic. I had more energy and less pain.
She began searching online for a sauna for her own use, but found none that met her needs. They were either too big, or she didn't feel confident about the quality. In the dark, the entrepreneur in her awoke.
– I began designing my dream sauna, and through the family business, which my mum started over 40 years ago, I got the chance to build a brand at my own pace. Everything was in place under that umbrella. Warehouse, logistics and administration were already ready, she says.
– The mind doesn't stop working even if the body is immobilised. If there is one thing you have when you are confined to bed year after year, it is time to think.
Creativity bubbled up and new ideas took shape
– I have always liked working, and I got the chance to develop a product I could stand behind 100 per cent. It wasn't profit that motivated me, but a wish to help others, and a way back into life.
Completely hooked
Radiant Health grew from that bed, and today they sell unique portable saunas for use at home.
– Instead of going somewhere warm on holiday, you can have that warmth in your own living room. I set up myself three to five times a week. I sit in the living room watching Netflix while I sweat for half an hour. It may not look very sexy, but I feel like a new person every time I step out. The sauna has improved my quality of life considerably. I'm completely hooked!
Sales have exceeded all expectations, and are largely based on word of mouth following individual positive experiences.
– The most meaningful thing for me is the kind feedback. Whether people are struggling with illness or are healthy, they enjoy it, according to their needs. People with rheumatism tell me about a better, pain-free everyday life. My doctor lost five kilos in a month without changing his lifestyle other than taking a sauna regularly. People tell me about finer, softer skin. The most important things for me are the detox effect and pain relief. The sauna has been one of my best investments in my health.
Doesn't look ill
People hurry past after a busy working day while Siw takes the last sip of her HeartBeat smoothie. Although the walker has been returned to the hospital, she still has symptoms and needs a lot of rest.
– I often hear that I don't look ill, and that is still a good thing, she smiles before finishing with a laugh:
– It's probably the sauna's doing.
Read more in Dagbladet's print edition or at Smerter og Smertelindring
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still developing, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
Text: Trine Dahlman
