06 Mar Infrared Saunas

Last post I wrote about the steam room and sauna, and how they can be beneficial to our physical and mental well-being. I left on a note about infrared (IR) saunas and how they need a blog of their own. So, in this blog I am going to explain the benefits of infrared lamps and some of the differences to traditional methods.

Infrared saunas use near infrared heat lamps that remain at a lower temperature to the traditional sauna, approximately 30-60 degrees Celsius. The infrared light penetrates deep into the body’s internals, up to three inches past the skin, by using a concentrated heat source in a small area. It’s an antioxidant that activates cells, supports metabolic processes and separates toxins from water molecules. In addition, the lamps also emit warming and stimulating colour therapy – red, orange and yellow visible lights aid the digestive system by drawing energy downwards.

There are so many benefits that I’m going to start a list:

1. Aids wound healing and cellular regeneration;
2. Eliminates toxic metals, chemicals and chronic infections;
3. Skin rejuvenation;
4. Reduces muscular pain and inflammation;
5. Ability to burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes;
6. Enhanced sweating;
7. Lower elevated blood pressure;
8. Enhance oxidisation of tissues;
9. Improve elasticity of arteries;
10. Decongests internal organs;
11. Hyperthermia therapy (fever) for infectious illness;
12. Cancer therapy.

As you can see, there are many benefits of using an IR sauna but, I wanted to expand on a few points about illness’ and sweating.

Many people naturally sit at quite a low body temperature, which is a breeding ground for chronic infections. Raising body temperature kills bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, in addition to tumours that do not tolerate heat well.

Most would have grown up hearing that sweating is good for us, while we exercise, for cooling down the body’s temperature. While this is true, sweating also aids in detoxification of heavy metals through the skin. However, when we exercise, we activate the sympathetic nervous system which can actually inhibit toxin elimination – similar to the process a traditional sauna. When using an IR sauna, we do not activate the sympathetic system, meaning we are able to enhance the detoxification process.

There are lots of different reason to use an IR Sauna and if I had a choice between a traditional style sauna or steam room, and an IR sauna, I know which one I’d pick. Have a look around your area, many fitness centres and day spas are beginning to offer IR sauna services. Try it out and see if you can notice the difference.