What Are the Benefits of Infrared Sauna? The top 10 proven health benefits of infrared sauna are improved heart health, effective detoxification, chronic pain relief, muscle recovery, and improved skin health.
Unlike traditional saunas which heat the air surrounding you, infrared saunas utilize light to produce heat that penetrates deep into the body’s tissues to promote weight loss, stress relief and improved circulation at lower, more comfortable temperatures.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a physician before starting any new treatment for health.
Key Takeaways
- Deep Penetration: Infrared heat penetrates deep into the body between 1.5 to 2 inches and directly reaches the muscles and joints.
- Heart Health: Regular sessions simulate moderate exercise to enhance cardiovascular function.
- Skin Glow: It helps increase collagen and unclog pores and is thus a top choice for anti-aging.
- Safety First: Although generally safe, it’s important to stay hydrated and monitor for signs of overheating.
- Pain Relief: Heat of a deep penetrating nature helps to soothe sore muscles, joint pain and inflammation.
- Relaxation: The soft warmth helps to balance cortisol levels and promotes deep sleep
The Top 10 Proven Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna
When researching what are the health benefits of infrared sauna, you will find scientific studies in support of various physiological changes quite often. Here is a breakdown of the major benefits users get.
1. Increased Cellular Level Detoxification
We perspire in any sauna, but what exactly are the benefits of the far infrared sauna technology? Studies indicate that the sweat from an infrared sauna will have about 20% toxins (such as heavy metals and sulfuric acid) in contrast to 3% from traditional saunas. By direct heating of your core you’re releasing stored toxins from the fat tissues.
2. Heart Health and Blood Pressure Control
One of the most impressive of the health benefits of infrared sauna therapy is its effect on the heart. As your body warms up, your heart rate rises as do your blood vessels dilate.
- Effect: This has the same effects as a brisk walk or an average exercise.
- Result: Regular use can help in reducing the blood pressure and also help improve the arterial stiffness.
3. Chronic Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery.
Whether you’re a sports person or having fibromyalgia, the heat is a healer. In turn, by boosting circulation more oxygen-rich blood will be delivered to your muscles.
- What are the health benefits of infrared sauna workout? Using the sauna after a session helps to reduce D.O.M.S. (delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).
- What are the benefits of a workout (infrared sauna)? Some studios now have their “hot” yoga or HIIT class inside the sauna to maximize the calorie burn and flexibility.
4. Weight Loss and Metabolic Boost
Can you really “sweat it off”? While you’re not supposed to throw in the gym towel altogether, a session in the infrared can burn anywhere from 200 to 600 calories. Because the body must exert a lot of effort to cool itself down, your metabolic rate remains elevated, even after you step out.
5. Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging
What are the advantages of infrared sauna to the skin? This is a reason why it is a top query. Infrared heat stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
- Acne & Pores: The deep sweat is used to clean the clogged pores.
- The Power Duo Many people ask what are the benefits of the infrared sauna and red light therapy together? When combined, the infrared helps to heat the deep tissue and the red light treats the surface and will reduce wrinkles and scars at the same time.
6. Improved Sleep and Stress Management
Infrared Therapy to balance your level of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in your body. The soft warmth relaxes you into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state making it much easier to fall into a deep sleep at night.
7. Immune System Support
Raising your core body temperature is similar to having an “artificial fever.” This stimulates the production of white blood cells that are your body’s first line of defense against viruses and bacteria.
8. Improved Circulation
If you have cold hands and feet or suffer from poor circulation, infrared therapy can help. It stimulates the release of nitric oxide which facilitates blood flow more freely throughout the body.
9. Cognitive Function and Mood
Recent studies show that hyperthermia (whole body heating) can be a natural antidepressant treatment because it stimulates the release of serotonin and endorphins.
10. Flexibility and Joint Rigidity
The good news about infrared sauna therapy goes for your joints. By heating the connective tissue, you become more limpid and flexible thereby reducing the risk of injury during daily activities.
Safety First: Side effects and disadvantages
While the perks are great, though, we need to be realistic about infrared sauna benefits and disadvantages.
- Side effects of infrared sauna: The most common issues are dehydration, lightheadedness or heat exhaustion if you’re in too long.
- Can infrared sauna cause cancer? No. Infrared light is non-ionizing (as opposed to UV rays from the sun) and is in fact used in neonatal units to keep babies warm. There is no proof that it is linked to cancer.
- Infrared sauna temperature for health benefits: Most experts suggest sauna temperature of 120°F to 150°F. Higher is not always better – the aim is long sustained sweat.
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FAQs
How long it will take to see infrared sauna benefits?
Most people experience the “glow” and relaxation immediately. For weight loss and skin improvements, 3-4 sessions per week for a month are usually required in order to see visible results.
What are the benefits of Infrared Sauna Blanket Vs. a Cabin?
An infrared sauna blanket provides similar benefits (detox, calorie burn) in a portable and affordable format, though you lose the “total environment” experience of a cabin.
Is it safe for everyone?
People who are pregnant, have certain heart conditions, and those who are under the influence of alcohol should not use saunas. Always speak to your doctor if you are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition.
Final Thoughts
From improving cardiovascular health to healing your skin, the health benefits of infrared sauna usage are immense and supported by an increasing scientific evidence base.
Whether you opt for a high-tech cabin, a portable blanket or a session at a local spa, incorporating this heat therapy into your routine can be a transformative step towards better health.
As with any wellness practice, consistency and safety are of the utmost importance. Always stay hydrated, check body’s response and check with healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.
If you found this guide helpful, looking for an infrared sauna near me may be the next step in your journey to wellness.