Benefits of Infrared Sauna

Taking a sauna is not a new concept but a practice that has been around for thousands of years. Over the last 25 years, extensive research has been carried out worldwide on the medical benefits of far infrared (FIR) sauna which slightly differ from the conventional sauna with researchers claiming additional benefits.

So what is an FIR sauna?

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna — "far" describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A traditional sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature.

The appeal of saunas in general is that they cause reactions similar to those elicited by moderate exercise, such as vigorous sweating and increased heart rate. An infrared sauna produces these results at lower temperatures than does a regular sauna, which makes it accessible to people who can't tolerate the heat of a conventional sauna.

Benefits of FIR saunas

Relieve Aches, Pains, Arthritis

FIR saunas increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients, which creates more energy to heal. As the waves can penetrate up to 3 cm deep into muscle tissue this reduces muscle spasms, joint stiffness as well as general aches and pains due to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis with greater efficacy. Further using a sauna 24 – 48 hours post injury can reduce the time it takes for your body to heal sprains and strains.

Weight Loss

FIR Sauna heat therapy can aid in weight loss by speeding up the metabolic process of vital organs and endocrine glands resulting in substantial caloric loss in a sauna heat session.

Because you are sweating, fat deposits are burned. Instead of undergoing extreme physical activities. Infrared units also help reduce the formation and appearance of cellulite. You can burn up to 600 calories in 1 hour in the infrared sauna, provided you sweat profusely.

DID YOU KNOW

A profuse sweat can produce 1 litre of sweat in an hour. So ensure you stay well hydrated and add some electrolytes to your water.

Detoxification

Toxins  are often at the core of many health problems. The sweating process gently and safely helps eliminate heavy metals and toxic chemicals, relieving the burden on the kidneys and liver. The frequency of these wavelengths penetrates the skin to break down fat cells and release toxins stored in the body without placing the body under stress. Studies have shown that the sweat released by users of a FIR sauna contains more released cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulphuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid indicating a deeper cleanse. Conventional saunas use steam and high heat to stress the body, producing water sweat.

Sweating during exercise is not nearly as effective for detoxification because exercise activates the sympathetic nervous system which inhibits toxin elimination.

DID YOU KNOW

The skin is often known as the third kidney, because it is believed to be responsible for eliminating up to 30% of body waste.

Stronger Immunity

Did you know that many people cannot get rid of chronic infections because they have a low body temperature? Raising body temperature helps kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Common sites of infections are the sinuses, ears, eyes, bladder, throat and intestines. By creating an “Artificial Fever”, IR heat has a positive effect on the immune system. A FIR heat treatment in the early stages of a cold or flu has been known to stop the disease before the symptoms occur.

Better circulation and oxygenation of tissues

Having a sauna treatment increases heart rate and blood circulation, both crucial to maintaining one’s health. The heart rate increases as more blood flow is diverted from the inner organs towards the extremities of the skin without heightening blood pressure.

As heat stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels this enhances oxygenation of speeding healing of joints and muscles while reducing inflammation.

Research has also shown that sauna therapy reduces systolic blood pressure and reduces the volume of the inner lining of the vessels, thus promoting healthy blood pressure.

Skin rejuvenation

Sauna use slowly restores elimination through the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and a major eliminative channel. However, in most people, it is inactive, congested and toxic. Sun exposure, use of synthetic clothing, bathing in chlorinated water and exposure to hundreds of chemicals damage the skin. Excessive sympathetic nervous system activity and emotions such as fear, anger and guilt cause blood to be withdrawn from the skin, contributing to inactivity of the skin. For that sought after healthy glow, FIR Sauna therapy allows increased blood circulation to carry great amounts of nutrients to the skin, thus promoting healthy tone and texture. A FIR Sauna heat also provides a mild cleansing of the skin.

Anca Vereen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist, Psychotherapist, Breathing Coach and Nutrigenomics Lecturer for Latrobe University who specialises in stress management, weight loss, gut health, health and lifestyle optimisation

To learn more about how to optimise your health please visit https://www.ancavereen.com/online-nutrition-courses-melbourne-australia

For more details pls visit https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you