The Healing Power of Infrared Saunas: Why You Should Make Them a Part of Your Wellness Routine
“Give me a fever and I can cure any disease.”- Hippocrates
In today's fast-paced world, we're constantly seeking ways to improve our well-being and health. One important addition to your wellness routine I highly recommend is regular infrared sauna use. Unlike traditional saunas or steam rooms, infrared saunas utilize a unique approach to heat therapy that offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. In this post, we'll discuss a few of the many benefits of infrared saunas, comparing them to traditional saunas and exploring the compelling reasons why you should consider incorporating them into your wellness routine.
Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna
Heat Quality Over Temperature: In an infrared sauna, the focus is on the quality of the infrared heat, not on scorching air temperatures. This distinction means that you can enjoy the benefits of a sauna at lower temperatures, making your sessions more comfortable and prolonged.
How They Use Heat: Traditional saunas rely on heating the air, which in turn warms your body. In contrast, infrared saunas harness advanced therapy that generates heat directly within your body tissues, with only a small percentage of heat warming the air. This approach leads to a deeper, more relaxing sweat experience, even at lower ambient air temperatures.
What is Infrared Heat?
Infrared saunas produce the same type of heat that the sun emits. This radiant heat increases thermal energy in your joints, muscles, and tissues. When used as part of a healthy lifestyle, infrared saunas can offer numerous health benefits, especially for those dealing with chronic diseases or conditions.
Infrared heat is all around us, and you've likely felt it from various sources, such as a campfire or the sun. Infrared light, like visible light, has a range of wavelengths, with longer wavelengths being thermal (hot) and shorter or near-infrared waves being non-heat-producing. Near and mid-infrared waves enhance the benefits of far infrared, making them ideal for therapeutic use.
There are three main categories of the infrared spectrum:
1. Near Infrared: These waves penetrate the deepest and are associated with photobiomodulation, which directly stimulates energy production within cells through ATP stimulation.
2. Mid Infrared: These wavelengths temporarily increase circulation by promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels), enhancing blood flow, and temporarily elevating heart rate and metabolism.
3. Far Infrared: This wavelength is the closest to the infrared heat emitted by our bodies. It is readily absorbed by the body's water molecules, releasing energy and temporarily enhancing our energy levels.
Benefits of Regular Infrared Sauna Use
Detoxification: In our toxin-filled environment, sweating in an infrared sauna can help eliminate harmful chemicals and heavy metals stored in our bodies such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, plastics, phthalates, and even mold and mycotoxins. It's an effective tool for detoxifying in today's toxic world.
Immunity: Regular use of an infrared sauna can help balance hormones, reducing stress and strengthening your immune system's response to infections and illnesses. Infrared sauna triggers the body’s immune system response–aka a false fever. Fevers help your body to fight off infection by allowing certain immune cells to work more efficiently and effectively.
Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief: Infrared sauna use promotes increased blood flow to muscles, providing temporary relief for arthritic pain and enhancing flexibility and range of motion. lncreased thermal energy to the joints can temporarily reduce stiffness and improve joint flexibility.
Better Sleep: Sauna sessions can help regulate your body's temperature, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep by cooling down your body after a warm session.
Weight Loss and Metabolism: Using an infrared sauna can mimic the cardiovascular benefits of running, boosting circulation, and burning calories. Sweating profusely during a session can increase your heart rate and metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss.
Improved Skin: Profuse sweating in an infrared sauna helps purify and detoxify your skin–reducing the risk of and aiding in certain chronic skin conditions. The post sauna glow is visible confirmation that your body’s largest organ has been purified and detoxified. Added bonus, Infrared heat temporarily reduces cellulite by increasing blood circulation, promoting the release of stored toxins in fat cells.
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of infrared sauna, it’s obvious that incorporating regular sessions of infrared sauna into your wellness routine can have a profound positive impact on your overall health. Its unique heating method, coupled with the various physical and mental benefits it offers, make it an excellent choice for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being. Whether you're aiming to relax, detoxify, or alleviate specific health concerns, the healing power of infrared saunas is worth exploring on your journey to a healthier, happier you.
