How can Infrared Sauna Prove to be Beneficial for You? The term “sauna” can refer to any type of small or large room or device designed to help the user experience dry heat or wet heat (steam). There are now also infrared (far and near) saunas that emit infrared light and claim to heat the body more effectively.
Infrared Levels Infrared sauna treatments may be available at different levels: near, middle and far. These different levels represent the different sizes in infrared wavelengths and refer to the intensity of the treatment. Near-infrared levels are best for wound healing and increased immune function Middle-infrared levels are ideal for increasing circulation and promoting muscle relaxation Far-infrared levels are used primarily for detoxification purposes
How does an infrared sauna work? Unlike a normal sauna that just uses heat; infrared saunas use both heat and light. Infrared light waves heat your body, which causes the release of toxins through sweat and the relaxation of muscles. The infrared sauna is healthy primarily because it makes us sweat, and good old-fashioned sweat is one of the best ways to get rid of toxic metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Infrared saunas utilize a type of far-infrared radiation (FIR), also referred to as thermal radiation. Special lamps also may be FIR, and FIR technology can be woven into fabrics so the benefits are wearable. FIR is absorbed as well as emitted from the body and it can penetrate up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin.
Benefits of infrared sauna There are a tremendous number of health benefits that can be achieved by spending time in an infrared sauna. Infrared saunas are an effective healing and prevention tool that can jump-start a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and also maintain good health for many years to come. Infrared saunas work by helping your body rid itself of toxins that build up over time such as mercury and lead and work by detoxifying the body. Here are some of the many infrared sauna benefits that you can experience.
Detoxification Sweating is one of the best ways to rid your body of toxins, thus detoxifying and repairing the body. While regular saunas help you sweat it out, infrared saunas are proven to be more effective for releasing toxins through sweat due to the far-infrared rays.
Eliminate depression
Just as infrared rays can help regulate hormone levels and keep chronic pain at bay; it can help regulate your mood by lowering stress, fatigue, and pain. This can help clients dealing with depression as their overall well-being and quality of life increase due to having more energy, fewer aches and pains, and a clearer state of mind.
Improve heart function Regular infrared sauna sessions have been proven to normalize or decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, help prevent high blood pressure, and reduce heart rate variability by stabilizing heart rate due to the therapy prompting a response from the body similar to how we respond to exercise. As the body’s temperature increases, the heart works harder to stabilize temperature.
Relaxation The heat from the sauna promotes relaxation by having a parasympathetic effect on the body, which helps the body regulate and deal with stress as cortisol, known as the stress hormone, decreases. This helps to loosen up tight muscles and relieve points of tension in your body.
Weight loss Infrared sauna therapy causes your body temperature to increase, which increases the metabolic system as your body works hard to regulate its internal temperature similar to how your body reacts when exercising. When metabolic rate increases, your body burns more calories, resulting in weight loss.
Pain relief Similar to how the heat from the sauna promotes muscle relaxation and blood circulation, it can also soothe muscle aches and/or joint pain. With regular sessions, infrared rays can even help reverse chronic pain by decreasing symptoms of muscle stiffness and spasms.
Improve blood circulation Blood circulation increases when body temperature increases. The mid-infrared rays are particularly effective in stimulating blood flow. As the heat from infrared saunas increases your core body temperature, your circulation will increase along with it. Consistent infrared sauna sessions, especially in the middle-infrared level, can stimulate blood flow; improve muscle recovery, and decrease pain and inflammation after intense exercise.
Anti-aging Heat conditioning can induce heat-shock proteins, which are produced in response to stressful conditions in the body. They aid in stabilizing new proteins and helping refold other proteins that were damaged from cellular stress, keeping components of the cell functioning longer and preventing irreparable damage.
Remember
When our bodies get rid of toxins, it leads to clearer and healthier skin. Some skin problems are caused by allergens and toxins refusing to leave the body, which can be eliminated during sauna sessions. Nearinfrared rays also stimulate the production of collagen, which gives skin its suppleness and elasticity.