Infrared saunas have become a popular avenue for holistic well-being, with various potential benefits that align with health goals. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas utilise infrared light or heat-emitting materials to gently elevate the body's core temperature, providing a unique and accessible wellness experience.
What is Infrared Light and Heat:
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light. In infrared saunas, this light is harnessed to produce heat, creating a gentle and penetrative warmth that directly affects the body's skin barrier. This method stands in contrast to traditional saunas, which heat the air first, making infrared saunas more comfortable and inviting for extended use.
Below are some of the reported health benefits from consistently using Infrared Sauna's.
Eases stress and anxiety
You can fill up on as many healthy foods as you want each day, but if you’re in constant stress, your body will still have a problem. Studies show that chronic stress raises inflammation which is linked to multiple different health problems. Infrared saunas promote relaxation and give you a chance to zen out and recharge. Sauna use can restore balance to the (HPA) axis, when out of whack, is responsible for adrenal fatigue. And the rise in BDNF levels also works to improve depression and anxiety.
Restores energy
A recent study showed that after 20 days of consistent infrared sauna use, participants with chronic fatigue syndrome saw significant improvement in their symptoms.
Anti-ageing, improves skin health and enhances glow
One of our favourite reasons… The heavy sweating you experience in the infrared sauna causes increased capillary circulation, helps to eliminate bacteria from the top layer of the skin and increases the rate at which dead skin cells are removed – this is a powerful combo ensures clearer, softer skin. The movement of fluid to the surface and the flushing of waste through the skin increases firmness, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, improves skin tone and cleanses the pores.
Weight loss and improved metabolism
Studies have shown that simply sitting in an infrared sauna gives you a similar cardiovascular boost as running. The term for this is a “passive aerobic workout,” because the body is receiving all the benefits of a workout, without being stressed in the same way as a normal workout. The body is relaxed and is in parasympathetic mode (as described above).
A study of people who used the sauna 3 times per week found an average reduction in fat of about 4% over 4 months. These results are not surprising since 1 infrared sauna session burns between 400-600 calories! Those participants did not change their diet or exercise routines during the study.
Enhances brain function
BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factors, increase with sauna use and are responsible for facilitating the growth of new brain cells to improve memory and brain function.
Lowers inflammation
Almost every health problem – autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, brain problems, and hormonal imbalances included – can be traced back to inflammation. Infrared saunas naturally calm down inflammation in the body.
Supports detoxification
The amount of toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis has risen drastically. This rise of toxins is pervasive in our environment and bodies with more and more studies linking our exposure to the rise of autoimmune and other chronic diseases.
Sweating is the body’s way of naturally detoxing , so with a simple sauna session, you can help flush out some of these toxin's.
Boots immunity
Raising body temperature is a natural way to help your immune system fight off viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Better sleep
Getting consistently good sleep is imperative to maintaining a healthy mind and body. Lack of good quality sleep will begin to eat away at all other areas of your life, leaving you feeling flat.
Regular sauna users can attest to the feel good quality of a session in the infrared sauna, and this is due to the endorphins that are released throughout, creating a soothing and tranquilising effect on the body.
Studies have shown that regular sauna use can help to relieve chronic tension and help to provide a deeper, more relaxed sleep.
Reduces chronic pain
Research shows that infrared saunas can reduce pain even for those dealing with painful conditions like, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis, by releasing your body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, which have an opioid-like effect.
Increases longevity
Consistent sauna use has been shown to dramatically reduce the risks associated with heart disease. In fact, those who use saunas between four to seven times a week are 48 percent less likely to die from heart disease compared to those who dont.