Infrared Sauna

What is it?

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna — "far" describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A traditional sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you. For example, you can sit in the sauna for 20 minutes at 120 degrees and sweat but your glass of ice water won't melt!

Why do it?

Infrared saunas increase the body’s core temperature, resulting in a much deeper, more detoxifying sweat from the cellular level of the skin where many toxins are housed. 

When a person spends time in a sauna — regardless of how it is heated — the body’s response is the same: heart rate increases, blood vessels dilate, and sweating increases. When this happens, there’s an increase in blood circulation. This reaction is very similar to the way the body responds to low to moderate exercise. The length of time spent in a sauna will also determine the exact response of the body. 

An infrared sauna has the potential to excrete up to six times more toxins from the deep layers of your skin. Fat, heavy metals, chemicals, and unwanted acids are excreted through sweat, creating an amazing way to detoxify your body all while burning up to 600 calories.

Benefits

According to WebMD:

Weight Loss: One small study showed that people who regularly used a sauna showed fat loss throughout the study.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Saunas may be good for your heart. Some studies have shown that people who have regular sessions in saunas can lower their blood pressure. Other studies show improvements in symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Lung Health: In some studies, people who used saunas had a lower risk of pneumonia. Other people experienced an improvement in asthma symptoms.

Pain Management. Another benefit of saunas is that they may ease pain when using them regularly. Some people reported fewer symptoms associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. One study also showed that saunas might help with tension headaches.‌

According to Cleveland Clinic: 

Soothing Sore Muscles: The improved blood circulation brought on by an infrared sauna session can help speed up muscle recovery following physical activity, says Dr. Young. Regular use may even help athletes with performance.

Relaxation: Warming your body seems to warm your soul, too. Setting aside some sauna time may help decrease depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress. Basically, think of it as a meditation session in warmer temperatures.

Better Sleep: A bonus benefit to being more relaxed? Better sleep, which has also been linked to sauna use.

Immunity: There’s evidence that regular sauna use can help you avoid the common cold. Also reduces oxidative stress, which is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer and degenerative diseases like dementia.

How to use it

• Concerns
• Speak with your physician about any health concerns before using infrared sauna.
• Sauna Use
• Drink water. Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna. Drink a glass of water before your session. You can also bring water into the sauna, especially if you’re sensitive to higher heats.
• Choose the temperature. The average temperature for an infrared sauna ranges from 100˚F to 150˚F, with beginners starting out at the lower end and more experienced users at the higher end. If this is your first time, start with 100˚F. You may want to stay at this temperature for a few sessions. You can always increase the temperature each session until you reach 150˚F.
• Length of time. For first-time users, start with 10 to 15 minutes. You can add time each session until you reach the suggested time of 20 to 30 minutes. Saunas come with a timer, so make sure to set it. You don’t want to stay in there too long and risk becoming dehydrated.
• Clothing. How you dress is your choice. Some people will wear bathing suits, while others prefer to go in naked.
• What you can do while in the sauna. Relax, read, meditate, listen to music, or visit with friends. Just don’t go to sleep.
• After the session is over. When your session is done, it’s suggested that you take your time and let your body cool down. Once cooled down, feel free to take a shower or bath. Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
• Number of sessions per week. Most facilities that offer infrared sauna treatments recommend using the sauna three to four days per week. If you are healthy and tolerate the four days, you can use the sauna daily.