What is an Infrared Sauna?

what is an infrared sauna

An infrared sauna, also known as a far-infrared sauna is a sauna that uses light to produce heat which in turn warms the body. Unlike traditional saunas that use heat to warm the air, infrared saunas heat the body without warming the air around it.

One of the main appeals of a sauna is that it elicits reactions similar to those caused by moderate exercise, including increased heart rate and vigorous sweating. Infrared saunas produce these results at significantly lower temperatures compared to regular saunas. This makes infrared saunas accessible and convenient for people who cannot tolerate the heat of regular saunas.

Can Infrared Sauna help disease?

Numerous studies have looked at the use of infrared saunas particularly in the treatment of various chronic health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, headache, and Alzheimer’s disease, and found some tangible evidence of benefit. Still, more rigorous and larger studies should be conducted to confirm these results. However, researchers have not found any adverse effects with infrared saunas.

How does an infrared sauna work?

what are the benefits os an infrared sauna

For many people, the mention of saunas conjures memories of claustrophobic, unpleasant, and hot spaces. While this might be true for regular or traditional saunas, infrared saunas are revolutionizing the experience providing an enjoyable way to get numerous health benefits. IST (infrared sauna therapy) can be a great addition to your self-care routine especially when you are unable to work out. 

Infrared heat raises body temperature directly with infrared heat. They create a relaxing and warm environment at temperatures ranging between 100ºF to 130ºF, and the heat penetrates the body directly to raise its core temperature gently.

They mimic a natural sequence that is typically triggered by exercise or activity, and it helps detoxify the body through the process of sweating. Far infrared rays are easily absorbed by the body, stimulating the immune, lymphatic and cardiovascular systems and also help get rid of toxins without the harmful waves that come along with natural rays of the sun.

Guide on how to use an infrared sauna

While using an infrared sauna can provide numerous health benefits, it’s important to understand usage guidelines such as infrared sauna time limits as well as other tips for your session.

  • Warm up the sauna

For infrared saunas, the recommended temperature ranges between 100 and 140 degrees. For beginners, especially people who aren’t in good health, they may want to start at 100ºF or less. This allows the body to get used to the heat.

You can get in the sauna 10 to 15 minutes after turning it on. Once the temperature is up to your target range, you’ll be enjoying the effects of direct infrared heat.

  • Stay hydrated

In addition to drinking water before you get in an infrared sauna, you can also bring some water with you. This is one of the most important steps as the body will sweat and lose water as well as toxins in the process. Sports electrolyte drinks or coconut water are other good drinks you can take into the infrared sauna with you.

  • Bring a towel
portable infrared sauna benefits

You’ll need a small towel to wipe down the sweat and another one to sit on in the sauna. Your body will be sweating as it rid of heavy metals and other toxins, and you don’t want the floor or sauna bench to be drenched in these.

  • Wear a minimum of clothes or don’t wear clothing at all, if possible

When your skin is covered in clothes, your body does not cool off effectively because evaporation of sweat on the skin is at the absolute minimum. In addition to your body overheating quickly, you’ll also lose the benefits of constantly wiping away the toxin-loaded sweat. Wiping away the toxin-loaded sweat prevents reabsorption of toxins by ensuring that the toxins don’t remain in contact with the skin.

  • Relax, socialize, reflect, read a book, or listen to music

You should use your time in the infrared sauna to relax and reflect on the day. Rest your mind and eyes or meditate.

Conclusion

Infrared waves are all around us and are also emitted by our bodies. These waves are essential for life on earth including human life. Infrared rays used in infrared sauna therapy have the same wavelength as the waves emitted by the human body. Therefore, these rays are safe that one of the most commonly used has been in incubators for preemie babies. The application of infrared heat in treating premature babies speaks to the degree of safety of IST as well as its healing benefits.

Read how infrared saunas can help with COVID – 19 HERE!

can infrared saunas help cancer