Infrared Sauna
Traditional saunas work by heating the air, which means the air temperature has to reach somewhere between 150 and 185 degrees for the body to start sweating. Instead, infrared saunas use infrared lamps (that use electromagnetic radiation) to warm your body directly, requiring a much lower temperature, closer to 140 degrees. That means you can stay in an infrared sauna much longer and, according to believers, reap more detoxifying benefits.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
The benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to those experienced with a traditional sauna. These include:
better sleep
relaxation
detoxification
weight loss
relief from sore muscles
relief from joint pain such as arthritis
clear and tighter skin
improved circulation
help for people with chronic fatigue syndrome
Ease pain
Increased circulation may help reduce muscle soreness, improve joint movement, and ease arthritis pain. Body temperature rises from the heat of the sauna. This causes blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This increased blood flow in turn speeds up the body’s natural healing process via soothing aches and pains and/or speeding up of the healing of minor bruises or cuts.
Reducing stress levels
As the heat in a sauna improves circulation, it may also promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension. This can improve feelings of well-being.
Improving Cardiovascular Health
Sauna use may also be associated with lower blood pressure and enhanced heart function. It is believed that the reduction in stress levels when using a sauna may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
Sauna Safety
A few simple precautions to have sauna safety are important for healthy people and heart patients alike.
- Avoid alcohol before or after your sauna.
- Don't overdo it; 15 to 20 minutes of a sauna is a reasonable time limit for most folks.
- Cool down gradually afterward. Although some cultures advocate a plunge into cold water, it produces considerable circulatory stress and should be avoided.
- Drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool water after each sauna.
- Don't take a sauna when you are ill, and if you feel unwell during your sauna, head for the door. A cool head is the best way to keep your hot sauna safe and enjoyable.
- Above all, listen to your body.