What is an infrared sauna?
If you’re a fan of dry heat, there’s a good chance you’ve spent time using a traditional sauna. These saunas heat the air around you and typically operate at a temperature of 180°F to 200°F.
The majority of saunas you see in homes and commercial settings use electric sauna heaters. However, the infrared sauna, uses electromagnetic radiation from infrared lamps to warm your body directly rather than heating the air.
Infrared saunas heat your core body temperature and only heat to about 150°F.
This type of heat penetrates deeper into the body and is thought to impact and heal deep tissue and also detox via sweating through your pores.
What are the benefits of using an infrared sauna?
- 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
How do you use an infrared sauna?
Here are some tips to get you started.
- Drink water. Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna. Drink a glass of water before your session. You can also bring water into the sauna, especially if you’re sensitive to higher heats.
- Choose Length of time. For first-time users, start with 10 to 15 minutes. You can add time each session until you reach the suggested time of 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t want to stay in there too long and risk becoming dehydrated.
- Clothing. How you dress is your choice. You may wear the provided robe or your undergarments, while others prefer to go nude.
- What you can do while in the sauna. Relax, read, meditate, listen to music. Just don’t go to sleep.
- After the session is over. When your session is done, it’s suggested that you take your time and let your body cool down. Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
- Number of sessions per week. Most facilities that offer infrared sauna treatments recommend using the sauna three to four days per week. If you are healthy and tolerate the four days, you can use the sauna daily.
When to avoid saunas
Certain health conditions are not compatible with saunas or steam rooms. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before using a sauna:
- asthma or other breathing conditions
- heart disease
- pregnancy
- epilepsy
- very high or very low blood pressure
- people under the influence of alcohol
- those taking stimulants, tranquilizers, or other mind-altering drugs
