What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a unique type of sauna that uses invisible infrared light waves instead of hot rocks or steam to create heat. Rather than heating the air around you like a traditional sauna, it utilizes these safe light waves to directly warm your body. This allows for a more intense sweat at much lower temperature ranges of 110-150°F, making infrared saunas more accessible for those sensitive to extreme heat.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Therapy Work?
Infrared saunas emit infrared light that our bodies experience as gentle, radiant warmth. Though we can't see this light with the naked eye, when exposed to the skin and tissues, it is able to deeply penetrate and produce heat within the body itself.
There are three types of infrared wavelengths used - Near-infrared (NIR) which helps rejuvenate skin, promotes wound healing, stimulates collagen and elastin production, and improves overall skin quality, Mid-infrared (MIR) which improves circulation, delivers oxygen to injured areas for pain relief and muscle recovery, while penetrating deep to induce a detoxifying sweat, and Far-infrared (FIR) which is known for inducing vigorous sweating to expel toxins and metals, deeply penetrating far-infrared also burns calories, reduces inflammation in muscles and joints.
The most advanced infrared saunas combine all three wavelengths for a comprehensive full-spectrum experience.
8 Reasons Why You Should Add Infrared Sauna to Your Wellness Routine
1. Detoxification
One of the primary benefits is the ability to induce a deep, purifying sweat to help expel accumulated toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities from the body. As you sweat in the gentle infrared heat, substances like lactic acid, fat-stored toxins, sodium, and more can be flushed out through the skin.
2. Immune System Boost
Evidence from frequent sauna-goers suggests regular infrared sauna use may provide an immune boost by reducing instances of catching the common cold or flu. The profuse sweating combined with overall detoxification is thought to strengthen the body's defenses.
3. Pain Management
In addition to reducing inflammation, infrared sauna use can help temporarily alleviate muscle and joint pain through improved blood flow, muscle relaxation, and the release of the body's natural painkillers called endorphins. Recovery times from injuries may also be shorter.
4. Improved Sleep & Recovery
Many people report significantly better sleep after an evening infrared sauna session. This restful effect is thought to be caused by the body's natural cool-down period afterwards, which mimics the change in core body temperature required to initiate sleep each night.
5. Stress Relief
Like exercise, infrared sauna bathing has been shown to induce a state of relaxation and ease both mental and physical stress. As the body bathes in soothing infrared heat and detoxifying sweat, tensions tend to melt away. Sauna use is considered a form of passive cardiovascular conditioning.
6. Skin Rejuvenation
Near-infrared wavelengths in particular can do wonders for the appearance and health of your skin. They stimulate collagen and elastin production to improve tone, texture, and elasticity while repairing damaged skin. Infrared light has also been shown to shrink pores, aid wound healing, and protect against future UV damage.
7. Improved Heart Health
The cardiovascular benefits of an infrared sauna session are comparable to those of moderate exercise. As the body works to increase circulation, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure is lowered, placing less strain on the heart over time. Consistent sauna use supports healthy heart function.
8. Calorie Burn
While relaxing in the gentle infrared heat, your body has to work hard to produce sweat, burning a surprising amount of calories in the process. When combined with exercise, diet, or other weight loss efforts, infrared saunas can provide an extra calorie-burning boost.
With such a wide array of health advantages, incorporating regular infrared sauna use as part of your wellness routine can provide a powerful addition to your self-care practices.
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