If you have been scrolling through social media, or have been glancing at the amenities in your local gym, you have probably noticed the growing popularity of the infrared sauna.
But unlike the traditional steam rooms, which heat the air around you, these sleek wood-lined boxes use light to heat your body directly. This raises the burning question on everyone’s head: Is infrared sauna good for you?
In short, yes. For most healthy adults, the benefits of infrared saunas are limitless and can include anything from feeling deeply relaxed and gaining cardiovascular, to having clearer skin and better recovery after a workout.
However, they aren’t a magic cure-all, and come with certain risks which have to be taken care of. In this comprehensive guide, we will be taking a deep dive into the science, sorting the myths from the facts, and helping you determine if this wellness trend is right for you and your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Detoxification Support: While your liver and kidneys do the heavy lifting, infrared saunas induce a deep sweat which may help to eliminate heavy metals and environmental toxins.
- Heart Health: By mimicking a mild cardio workout, frequent sessions may help improve circulation and lower blood pressure over time.
- Pain Relief: The deep penetrating heat is very good for relaxing sore muscles, joint pain and chronic conditions such as arthritis.
- Safety First: Although quite safe, they are not advised for pregnant women, heart sufferers, and those under the influence of alcohol.
- Consistency is Key: To get the real benefits, experts usually suggest using the sauna 3 to 4 times a week for around 30 to 45 minutes.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
Before we take a look at the infrared sauna good for you it is important to understand how it works. A traditional sauna uses heat to warm the air, which will in turn warm up your body. Temperatures can vary from 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C).
In contrast, infrared sauna uses infrared lamps (electromagnetic radiation) to directly heat your body.
And because the heat gets into your tissues deeper than hot air, the environment does not feel so stifling, even though you are sweating profusely.
Many people often ask if far infrared sauna is good for you? Far infrared is simply one type of infrared light (the most common type in saunas) and is very effective at producing a deep, detoxifying sweat at lower temperatures (usually between 120˚F and 140˚F).
Is Infrared Sauna Good for You Every Day?
For healthy people, the daily use should normally be safe as long as you are not dehydrated and the session does not exceed 45 minutes. However, most experts recommend at least one day off per week, to avoid dehydration as well as give your body a rest.
Is Infrared Sauna Good for Your Skin?
Potential benefits:
- Increased blood flow to skin
- Cleansing of temporary pores through sweat
- Improved glow in hydration and circulation
However:
- Overuse can cause dryness
- Always moisturize afterwards
- Results vary by skin type
Is Infrared Sauna Good For You When You are Sick?
If you have a mild head cold, the heat can help to open up the sinus passages and get a sweat going which might help to speed up the recovery.
However, is infrared sauna good for you when you have a cold and famed for a fever? No. If you are running a fever, increasing your body temperature further is dangerous. Similarly, if you have the stomach flu, the heat could increase dehydration.
Is Infrared Sauna Good for Your Hair?
Excessive heat can harm the protein of the hairs. However, infrared heat is different from the heat of a blow dryer. Is infrared sauna good for hair? It is generally neutral. It won’t give your hair any style but it might get your scalp some blood.
To be safe, many users use an oil on hair or put their hair in a towel to prevent the hair ends from drying out.
Is Infrared Sauna Good for Your Lungs?
Unlike steam saunas that add moisture to the air and can be helpful for congestion, infrared saunas are dry. Is infrared sauna good for your lungs? It is good for cardiovascular efficiency which improves the lung function indirectly. However, if you have asthma caused by dry air, you should be careful.
Is Infrared Sauna Good for the Heart?
The research on sauna bathing (including infrared) shows potential links to:
- Improved circulation
- Low blood pressure in some adults
- Relaxation effects on the cardiovascular
That said, there are certain things people with heart disease should do before consulting a doctor.
Is Infrared Sauna Blanket Good for You?
For those who cannot afford a whole cabin or simply want to have some privacy in their homes, infrared blankets are a popular choice. Is infrared sauna blanket good for you? Yes, they are using the same Far Infrared (FIR) technology.
They are very effective for making a sweat and are much more portable. However, some users find them claustrophobic and the heat is sometimes felt more intense because it is trapped nearer to your body.
Is Infrared Sauna Good for You Reddit?
If you try to search discussions within the community on is infrared sauna good for you Reddit you will find a mix of anecdotes. Many users extol the mental health benefits (“it fixes my anxiety”) and the “post-sauna glow”.
However some bad reviews are typically down to using it the wrong way (drinking alcohol before a session for example) or purchasing cheap and untested units with high EMF (electromagnetic field) levels. Always look for low-EMF certified saunas.
Top 10 Benefits of Infrared Sauna
So, why is Infrared Sauna so good for you? The benefits are supported by a combination of ancient traditions of heat therapy and contemporary clinical research. Here is a closer look at the best advantages.
1. Deep Detoxification
One of the most cited reasons of use is infrared sauna detox benefits. Due to infrared heat being deep penetrating heat, experts believe it helps to mobilize toxins from fat cells more than a traditional sauna. Sweating is one of the more natural means that the body has of removing toxins, and as such, it is a great companion to a healthy lifestyle.
2. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Is infrared sauna good for your heart? Research suggests yes. Sitting in an infrared sauna may be a form of “passive cardio.” As your body works to bring itself down in temperature your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can be used to help normalize blood pressure and improve overall heart function, especially in those with mild risk factors.
3. Skin Purification and Anti-Aging
If you are wondering, is infrared sauna good for your skin, the response would be a resounding yes. The deep sweat can help to clear out pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Furthermore, the enhanced circulation also means that fresh nutrients are delivered to the surface of the skin, which may help improve skin tone, texture and elasticity. Some dermatologists even prescribe it for diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
4. Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
For athletes or people who have chronic pain, this is a game-changer. The heat helps circulate blood flow to the affected parts making it easier to reduce the inflammation and promote faster healing. This directly answers the question: is it a good thing to work out in an infrared sauna? Using it after a workout can greatly help to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
5. Relaxation and Stress Reducing
Unlike the intense heat of a traditional sauna, the gentle, warm rays of infrared sauna help lower your body’s level of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone). The heat also helps your muscles to relax and tension is released throughout the whole body.
6. Better Sleep
The increase in body temperature during an exercise session followed by the cooling period after exercise can hint your body that it is time to sleep. Many users report that they fall asleep quicker and get a deeper and more restful sleep after an evening session.
7. Improved Circulation
As the heat reaches your body your capillaries expand. This improved blood flow does not just help your heart but it actually helps to oxygenate your tissues and organs. This leads to a very common question among people, is infrared sauna good for your liver? While the sauna doesn’t “clean” the liver directly, the increased circulation helps the liver’s natural ability to filter blood and process toxins.
8. Immune System Boost
Is infrared sauna good to you when sick? While you don’t want to use a public sauna when you are contagious, mild infrared therapy can raise your core body temperature slightly, producing an artificial fever. This “fever” state is stimulating the body’s immune system which can help your body fight off potential viruses.
9. Cellulite Reduction
While there is no miracle cure for cellulite, the excessive sweating and elevated metabolic system can help to burn calories and flush out deposits of subcutaneous fat, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite over time.
10. Wound Healing
Because infrared light helps to improve the circulation and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin, it can help to speed up the healing process of minor wounds and cuts.
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FAQs
Is infrared sauna good for you when you are sick?
As said, only if it is a mild cold with no fever. The heat can help to clear up the sinus. Avoid it if you are sick with the flu or a stomach bug.
Is it good for you to sit in an infrared sauna?
Yes, just sitting so the sitting is passive heating. You do not need to exercise while inside to get the benefits of the cardiovascular and detox.
Can infrared saunas give you cancer?
No. There is no evidence that the non-ionizing infrared radiation causes cancer. It is thought to be safe by the health authorities when used as directed.
Is infrared sauna good for your heart?
Yes, with most of the studies suggesting that it can help improve your heart function, mostly for people with mild cases of heart failure and those with high blood pressure, though, you always get your doctor’s clearance first.
How long does it take to see results of infrared sauna?
Most people experience better sleep and relaxation after a first session. However, obvious benefits to the skin and dramatic pain reduction typically require about a month of regular administration (3-4 times per week).
Infrared sauna near me – what you are looking for?
When looking for an infrared sauna near me look for spas or gyms that provide private rooms, low-EMF heaters, as well as clean towels and water. Check reviews to ensure that they are hygienic
Final Thoughts
So, is infrared sauna good for you? The answer for the vast majority of people is a definite yes. It is a unique, accessible method of relaxing, detoxifying, and enhancing heart when compared to the heat and intensity of a traditional sauna. Whether you are looking to improve your skin, recover from a tough workout, or make time for a moment of Zen in a busy week, infrared therapy is a powerful tool.
Just remember to hydrate, listen to your body and your doctor if you have underlying health conditions. If you are willing to sweat it out, look for an infrared sauna near me or invest in a good quality blanket for your wellness routine at home.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for health, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.