From Scandanavian saunas to Roman steam baths to Native American sweat lodges, the beneficial effects of sweating have been well documented. But in the last decade or so, a new modality of heat therapy has been growing in popularity amongst people looking for alternatives to traditional healing treatments. The new craze? Infrared Sauna. Keep reading to find out what the fuss is about and why infrared sauna should become part of your healing program!
Infrared Saunas Undressed
Because the skin is our largest organ, sweating is one of the best ways to promote natural detoxification. By far the best part of the infrared sauna is that it provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight, without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation! Infrared light rays penetrate the body 1-3” deep (depending on the sauna), thereby mobilizing toxins and impurities in fat cells that the body cannot otherwise eliminate. Infrared saunas use a safe and gentle form of radiation, which has been shown to have both therapeutic and tissue regenerative properties.
While traditional saunas require high temperatures to induce sweating, infrared saunas penetrate deep into the skin and heat from the inside as well as on the skin. Therefore, the air temperature in the sauna remains cooler, even though you may sweat up to 3 times more than in traditional saunas! This feature is especially beneficial for people who find the heat of traditional saunas difficult to tolerate.
6 Benefits of Infrared Saunas
The widespread use and acceptance of infrared sauna therapy is based on the belief that when the body as a whole functions synergistically, that optimal health is the result. It then should come as no surprise that infrared saunas are used to treat a variety of health problems, from the common cold to cancer. Here are 6 benefits of infrared saunas, but as you’ll undoubtedly see, there are countless more!
Detoxification
A fever is the body’s natural mechanism for releasing toxins through the skin in the process of sweating. It is a natural means of healing. So it follows that infrared sauna use is an effective and efficient method of prompting a sweating reaction for the purpose of detoxification. Not only does this process purge toxins from fat cells, but studies have shown infrared therapy to be effective in damaging and destroying cancer cells, which cannot survive when the body reaches high internal temperatures.
Skin
Excellent for increasing blood circulation, infrared waves penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin and encourage a healthy flow of nutrients to the skin. For people suffering from acne, infrared saunas can help purge clogged pores of dead skin cells and deeply imbedded impurities. In the case of psoriasis, eczema or burns, infrared therapy can assist in the process of cell replacement and speed up healing of minor cuts and lesions. You will be amazed at your soft, glowing and radiant skin!
Cardiovascular
Because of the deep penetrating power of infrared heat, sauna use will enhance blood circulation, stimulate the perspiration process and in turn increase the body’s heart rate and overall cardiac output. This achieves a similar cardiovascular conditioning effect as vigorous exercise. Not to be used as a substitute for regular exercise, but a nice side benefit!
Immune
Research has shown that symptoms of cold and flu can be reduced dramatically if treated early with infrared heat therapy. By raising your white blood cell count, infrared heat strengthens the body’s immune response, resulting in increased resistance to disease. When used as an adjunct to regular vitamin C supplementation and adequate rest, infrared saunas will help punch up your immune system’s healing powers!
Joint & Muscle
As we’ve seen from the previous examples, increased blood circulation improves almost any condition. The delivery of oxygen-rich blood to muscles and joints stimulates the healing process for joint and muscle related ailments because it allows for the oxygen debt to be repaid more quickly. Thus speeding healing! In fact, studies have shown infrared saunas to be effective in treating arthritis and further studies are ongoing for other musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. So for people suffering from sprains, strains, back pain, muscle spasms and arthritis, infrared heat therapy may be a great addition to your healing protocol.
Relaxation
Research has shown that use of repeated saunas may inhibit the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”). So step into the sauna and relax as the mild warming activity of the sauna induces its therapeutic sedative effect.
Before using an infrared sauna, make sure you:
1. Drink lots of water
- Ensure that you are adequately hydrated prior to and during use of the sauna
- Drink at least a litre of water after your sauna session to replenish lost fluids and minerals
2. Prepare to sweat, A LOT
- Bring some extra towels into the sauna with you to absorb perspiration, especially for the bench seat and under your feet!
3. Go Au Naturale
- Limit the use of lotions or oils prior to using the sauna, as these products block pores and limit perspiration
PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant women should avoid sauna use. Consult with your health care provider to determine whether or not infrared sauna use is right for you.
Sit back, close your eyes and feel the warm heat radiate off you. Know that you are at the very least giving yourself the TLC you deserve and at the same time, helping to heal what ails you. So relax and enjoy this wonderful experience!
What did you think of this article? Have you tried infrared saunas before? If so, what did you think of it? We’d love to hear your comments. Leave us a comment below and help us spread the word using the Facebook and Twitter links below.
Sources:
BOOK: Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide by Burton Goldberg.
Biro, S., et al (2003). Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle related diseases. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 228: 1245-1249.
Genuis, S.J. et al (2011). Blood, urine and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology, 61(2): 344-357.
Masuda, A. et al (2005). Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. Psychosomatic Medicine. 67(4): 643-647.
National Cancer Institute. Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/hyperthermia
Oosterveld, F.G.J. et al (2009). Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Rheumatol, 28: 29-34.
