The Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna

Introduction:

Saunas that generate heat using light are known as infrared saunas. It is common to refer to this kind of sauna as a far-infrared sauna. The term "far" designates the region of the light spectrum where infrared radiation resides. The body is warmed by the heat-generating air in a typical sauna. The body is heated directly in an infrared sauna, without the surrounding air being heated. Pain relief, increased detoxification, improved cardiovascular health, and other benefits are all thought to be possible with infrared sauna therapy, which is also reasonably priced, safe, and very effective.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

When it comes to dry heat, some people are a big fan of saunas because it has many health benefits. People prefer spending time in the sauna. The infrared saunas warm the body by up to eighty percent through electromagnetic radiation. These saunas use infrared panels that penetrate the human tissue before heating the air around them. An infrared sauna operates from 120 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a tolerable environment, which allows a person to stay in the sauna for long periods, thereby increasing their body temperature by two to three degrees.

Is an Infrared Sauna a Step Ahead Than a Traditional One?

An infrared sauna is without extreme heat and offers many other benefits than the traditional sauna. For example, one feels more relaxed and rested through infrared sauna sessions. It also relieves muscle sores, overall health, and well-being. The high temperature of a traditional sauna is too much to handle. Thus, an infrared sauna is far better than a conventional sauna.

Following are the benefits of an infrared sauna. These include:

• Better quality of sleep.

• Sense of relaxation.

• Weight loss.

• Detoxification.

• Relief from sore muscles and joint pain.

• Clear, tighter, and brighter skin.

• Improved blood circulation.

• Treat chronic fatigue syndrome.

What Is the Working Mechanism of an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas use light from infrared lamps to heat the body without warming the room. Instead, the light waves transmit heat that warms the body effectively. In this manner, infrared saunas provide similar benefits to a regular sauna at lower temperatures. In addition, the temperature of an infrared sauna is usually low, which allows people to stay for more extended periods.

Here are some of the health benefits of an infrared sauna.

• Relieves Muscle Soreness and Joint Pain: Heat helps dilate blood vessels and ultimately improves blood circulation. The infrared light penetrates deeply into the tissues, can promote relaxation, and reduce pain. Thus, it helps in relieving muscle and joint pain. Some research suggests using the infrared sauna for rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.

• Blood Pressure: The high heat causes dilation of blood vessels, which makes the vessel move closer to the skin surface. When the vessels dilate, the circulation improves and lowers blood pressure. Thus, the infrared sauna helps improve blood pressure and is used to treat heart disease.

• Detoxification: When tissues are heated directly, they get more oxygen. Heat causes the body to sweat more which might help remove toxins through the skin.

• Relaxation: Relaxation is the most significant benefit of using the sauna. Sauna has been shown to produce a feeling of relaxation. The sympathetic nervous system becomes active with a sauna to maintain temperature balance. The endocrine gland also participates in this response. The body’s reaction to heat makes a person more alert and less sensitive to pain, thus giving them a feeling of happiness. The heat relaxes body muscles that are often tense for a long time. This provides an individual with a long-lasting and helps them in a better sleep.

How to Use an Infrared Sauna?

Many take infrared sauna treatment at clubs, spas, or in-office, while others get one at home. Follow the instructions and guidelines whenever a person decide to try an infrared sauna.

Here are some of the tips to make a start:

• Drink Ample Water: Keep oneself well hydrated before going into an infrared sauna. Take a glass of water before the session.

• Choose Correct Temperatures: The average temperature for an infrared sauna is 100 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If this is the first time a person appear in an infrared sauna, start with a lower temperature and keep the same temperature for a few sessions. One can gradually increase the temperature with subsequent sittings.

• Duration: For first-timers, start with ten to fifteen minutes. One can add up time with subsequent sessions until they reach twenty to thirty minutes.

• Cloths: It depends on the choice. Some can wear bathing gowns while others prefer going naked.

• While in the sauna, one can relax, meditate, and listen to music. Just do not go to sleep.

• After the session, give time for a body to cool down. Once cooled, take a shower and make sure to drink plenty of water.

• The total number of weekly sessions: Three to four sessions are recommended per week. If a person is healthy and are well adapted to four days of sauna a week, one can use it daily.

What Are the Additional Tips for Using an Infrared Sauna?

• Medical Advice: Seek medical advice before going to an infrared sauna session.

• Avoid Alcohol Intake: Drinking alcohol before a session might dehydrate a person.

• Avoid Use With Skin Irritation: If the skin is sensitive or have conditions such as eczema, allow the skin to heal before exposure.

• Pay Attention to Your Body: If a person experience symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness, pause the session immediately.

When Should One Avoid Infrared Saunas?

Infrared saunas are generally safe for people. However, while taking certain medications or people having implanted medical devices should be cautious.

People who are more prone to dehydration are those who have:

• Low blood pressure.

• Kidney diseases.

• Been on medication such as diuretics or other blood pressure-lowering drugs.

• Nerve and motor conditions.

• Pregnancy.

• Old age individuals.

• Compromised immune system.

• Certain heart conditions.

Conclusion:

An infrared sauna provides a relaxing experience to many people. It heats the core temperature of the body, speeding up its natural detoxification process. Infrared saunas can produce the same heat effect as that of the sun. Exposure to infrared heat increases the thermal energy in the body tissues, thus providing relief in muscle soreness and joint pain. As a part of overall health, infrared saunas benefit the human body. It helps in weight loss, body detoxification, pain relief, stress reduction, and certain other conditions. However, it is not recommended for old individuals, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions.