Posted by Eileen Durfee on 13th Jan 2022
Have you read about infrared sauna therapy before? Are you curious about the health benefits?
If you are confused about the health benefits or misconceptions surrounding infrared saunas, we're here to make it easy. In this article, we will debunk some infrared sauna myths and tell you more about the benefits!
Infrared saunas use a specific heater that emits light. This is then absorbed by the skin's surface and heats your body directly, rather than warming the air around you. Therefore, it more deeply penetrates the skin than traditional saunas, which enables a better release of toxins.
Infrared saunas are used for 15-30 minutes at a time and have a variety of health benefits.
There are a few tips to starting infrared saunas:
Firstly, drink water. This ensures you are hydrated and reduces your risk of excess heat. You can also bring water into the sauna if you feel particularly heat sensitive.
Second, you will want to start with a short length of time and gradually progress as your body gets used to it. Make sure to set a timer to ensure you do not stay in the sauna too long. There may be risks to overuse.
You can use saunas naked, others prefer bathing suits. It's all up to you!
You can also decide what to do in the sauna. Some prefer to relax and meditate, while others chat with friends, read a book, or listen to music. Just don't bring your phone inside or go to sleep.
After your session is finished, take some time to cool down and make sure to rehydrate. Consume Healthy Salt as a daily habit to help your body stay hydrated. After your sauna, you should take a shower or bath, and then go about your day.
The number of sessions per week is also up to you. It is mostly recommended that you use it 3-4 days per week. This will be less often if you are just starting.
Let's have a look at some of the common misconceptions about sauna therapy. We'll also tell you about some of the benefits!
Saunas can help you eliminate toxins by inducing sweating, hence eliminating heavy metal toxins such as cadmium, lead, and aluminum. This can also decrease certain pollutants.
This is particularly helpful to aid with clearer skin. Through sweat, you can purge excess dirt from your cells, leading to a clearer complexion.
This is false!
Infrared wavelengths refer to the invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are therefore entirely different.
Infrared is an entirely safe type of radiation, and cannot cause any harmful cell mutations. In fact, evidence suggests that this type of heat therapy can actually be beneficial for cancer patients.
This is a myth. You should feel warm in an infrared sauna, but relaxed. There should be no discomfort.
Through infrared therapy, you can be comfortable at lower temperatures of 120 to 140 degrees Farenheight. Typically, you should feel less hot than in a normal sauna which is generally between 150 and 180 degrees Farenheight.
Muscle and joint pain are reduced by infrared saunas, which may help muscle recovery speed after a workout. Studies have also suggested that saunas can improve neural recovery post-workout.
This one is partially a myth. If used for a normal period of time, typically 15 minutes, they are unlikely to cause heat exhaustion or dehydration.
However, if heat saunas are used for a period of time longer than the recommended maximum of 30 minutes, it can cause negative effects.
Make sure you are wary of the time you spend in a heat sauna if you are at home. Alternatively, access a wellness provider who provides heat therapy to ensure you stay safe.
You can also reduce your risk by hydrating before and after sauna use.
In addition to a good diet and exercise, this is true!
By penetrating the skin deeper, infrared saunas can help you burn fat at a rate of 200 to 600 calories per half hour. This is because sweating increases your metabolic rate which makes it easier to lose weight.
Like with light to moderate exercise, when you are in a sauna, blood vessels dilate and heart rate increases. This improves the circulation in your body. Subsequently, this leads to improved feelings of well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This is because an increased heart rate correlates with a release of endorphins. It can also have a positive effect on premature skin aging.
Infrared saunas can also improve cardiac health by decreasing high blood pressure and reducing the risk of chronic heart failure. It can also help those with kidney diseases.
Additionally, it works as an additional treatment for regional or chronic pain because it improves joint movement and reduces muscle soreness. It is also used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis for the same reason.
Ultimately, it is always useful to consult a wellness provider if you have any prior conditions, or are confused about the benefits of infrared sauna therapy.
If you are healthy, we at Go Healthy Next sell the highest quality, most affordable, energy-efficient, and therapeutic near-infrared sauna on the market. You can purchase our products directly or learn more about how to take a sauna.