Sauna therapy is an ancient method of detoxifying and healing the body that has been used by people around the world for thousands of years. Traditionally, steam or dry heat have been used in saunas to induce sweating and cleansing. However, these traditional saunas reach extremely high temperatures and can be uncomfortable for many people. Fortunately, modern-day technology has brought us a new type of sauna that deeply cleanses and heals the body without requiring sweltering temperatures or causing physical discomfort – the infrared sauna!
What is an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas are not the same as traditional saunas. Infrared saunas use infrared thermal light to penetrate the skin, raising the body’s core temperature and increasing blood flow without causing adverse effects such as high blood pressure. Regular steam and dry-heat saunas, on the other hand, must heat the air before warming your body. This means that temperatures in conventional saunas can reach as high as 220°F, which is far too intense for most people. Infrared saunas operate at much lower temperatures, between 110° and 150 °F, efficiently heating the body within a tolerable temperature range without causing discomfort or using up massive amounts of energy.
Types of infrared saunas
There are several types of infrared sauna: Near, mid, and far infrared. Near-infrared works mostly at the surface level to heal wounds and slow down aging. Mid-infrared is used primarily in the treatment of chronic pain. Far infrared sauna penetrates the body at a deeper level than near or mid-infrared and is the best type of sauna for eliminating toxins and reducing inflammation.
LED light therapy boosts the healing power of infrared sauna
The incorporation of LED light therapy into an infrared sauna further increases the detoxifying and healing powers of the sauna. Research has found that LED treatment energizes cells, encouraging them to regenerate; this can assist in the healing of acne, scarring, and aging or discolored skin. The use of color also assists with healing; this practice is referred to as chromotherapy. Each color of light offers distinct health benefits:
- Red LED light stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also increases energy and promotes tissue healing.
- White LED light is produced by the combination of three primary colors – Red, Green, and Blue. Thus, it offers the health benefits of all three of these colors. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that white LED light can increase vitamin D levels.
- Orange LED light stimulates mental activity and a cheerful emotional state. It helps combat depression.
- Yellow LED light is spiritually grounding and promotes a positive outlook on life. It may even help people feel more optimistic and lighthearted.
- Green LED light helps people feel grounded and calm and may help in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- Blue LED light eases pain, anxiety, and depression reduces inflammation and blood pressure, and even alleviates severe headaches! Blue light may also help in the treatment of acne because it kills bacteria on the skin that promote acne infections.
- Purple LED light alleviates neurological pain caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. It also slows down an overactive heart rate, stimulates the immune system, and reduces anxiety.
The combination of light and heat in an infrared sauna has powerful healing effects.
These are just a few of the fantastic health benefits of infrared sauna:
Sauna benefit #1: Removes chemicals and heavy metals from the body
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and sweating is a highly effective means of eliminating toxins. Research indicates that sauna use promotes the elimination of a variety of environmental toxins, including hormone-disrupting BPA, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Sauna Benefit #2: Improves blood circulation and oxygenation
When body temperature rises in a sauna, blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases. Increased blood circulation enhances nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, promotes their optimal function and regeneration.
Sauna Benefit #3: Promotes weight loss
Using an infrared sauna lowers blood pressure while simultaneously raising heart rate; these effects mimic cardiovascular exercise and may even help you with weight loss!
Sauna Benefit #4: Promotes younger, healthier-looking skin
Sauna use is associated with improvements in skin hydration and complexion. When combined with Red LED light therapy, far infrared sauna use may also enhance collagen production in the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sauna Benefit #5: Reduces stress
The chronic stresses of modern-day life cause many people to become stuck in “sympathetic mode,” an agitated nervous system state that is often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response. Living in a state of chronic stress impairs the body’s ability to heal and eliminate toxins. Using an infrared sauna helps us transition from sympathetic mode into parasympathetic mode, a stress-free state in which the body can relax, detoxify, and heal.
Sauna Benefit #6: Fight infection and boost immunity
The body’s core temperature can increase by up to three degrees during a typical infrared sauna session! Raising body temperature is an excellent strategy for killing off harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that have infected the body.
Sauna Benefit #7: Lowers inflammation
Inflammation lies at the root of many chronic illnesses. Infrared sauna reduces inflammation, suggesting that it may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
Sauna Benefit #8: Reduces pain
Infrared sauna use causes the body to release endorphins, which are opioid-like molecules that serve as natural painkillers. This may be why sauna has been found to significantly benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and headaches.
Sauna Benefit #9: Reduces the risk of heart disease
By reducing blood pressure and increasing oxygenation and circulation, saunas support heart health and may reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, research has found that sauna use significantly reduces the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease!
Sauna Benefit #10: Benefits the brain
Using a sauna increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a compound that promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves brain function and memory. In addition, regular sauna use significantly reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease!
Tips for Optimizing your Sauna Experience
- If at any time you feel dizzy, short of breath, nauseous, or weak, or develop an irregular heartbeat, headache or cramps, leave the infrared sauna immediately.
- Replenish your body with minerals. Sweating doesn’t just remove toxins; it also promotes the excretion of other minerals, such as magnesium. It is a smart idea to replenish your body with zinc, calcium, and magnesium after a sauna session.
- Encourage your blood vessels to dilate before using the sauna by engaging in 10-30 minutes of exercise beforehand or by dry-brushing your skin with a natural-bristle brush for five minutes. Both of these activities stimulate blood circulation to the skin surface and will enhance your sauna experience.
After just a few far infrared sauna sessions, many people remark that they feel more energetic and vibrant than ever before! Whether your goal is to detoxify your body, alleviate pain, boost your immune system, or reduce stress, a session in our infrared sauna can help you in your journey towards optimal health!
Healthlighten® Mini Infrared Saunas
Healthlighten® mini infrared saunas offer an experience that will aid your body with the immune-boosting benefits mentioned above and more. These spa-like, hand-crafted sanctuaries provide you with a luxurious retreat in your home. With an array of infrared sauna sizes and styles available, you are sure to find the perfect sauna to suit your home. Learn more and get yours in time for the cold and flu season.
Fall brings with it many things. Illness does not have to be one of them. With proper care and preparation, your immune system can stand up to the cold and flu viruses that seem to be waiting until the cooler months to attack. The use of an infrared sauna strengthens your immune system by increasing white blood cell production, triggering the immune system, releasing impurities, improving blood circulation, regenerating cells, and promoting relaxation. With a strong defense system, you are free to enjoy life in full health.
References
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2. Effects of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Adults With Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Meta-Analysis. Maya Barake, Anne Klibanski, Nicholas A. Tritos
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 99, Issue 3, 1 March 2014, Pages 852–860, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-3921
3. Effect of a Single Finnish Sauna Session on White Blood Cell Profile and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Non-Athletes. Journal of Human Kinetics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916915/
4. Sauna may be as good for the heart as exercise. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20180116/sauna-may-be-as-good-as-exercise-for-the-heart#1
5. Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:1857413. Published 2018 Apr 24. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/
6. Janssen CW, Lowry CA, Mehl MR, et al. Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(8):789–795.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2521478