The term “infrared sauna” might sound like a new invention to you, but it’s been around for over 30 years. An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that consists of an electrically heated room that uses infrared heat waves instead of air. The waves are not just warmer than what you would get from a normal sauna, they also have a beneficial effect on the body. The waves are able to penetrate deeper into the body and increase the body’s circulation.
There are plenty of health benefits that the infrared sauna offers, and we will look at some of them in this article. So are the infrared saunas worth the hype? Read on!
Pain Relief
The infrared sauna is used to help relieve muscular and joint pain. It works by increasing blood flow, increasing the release of endorphins, and stimulating the central nervous system. The infrared sauna is able to reach deeper into the body and heat up the parts of the body that are causing the pain.
These types of saunas are often used in physical therapy to treat injuries such as sprains, strains, and arthritis. In addition, it also helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is a tough feat. Often the feeling of being trapped with weight loss leads to a lot of stress. The infrared sauna is great for a couple of reasons. For one, it will increase your metabolism and help you burn calories more efficiently. Secondly, the infrared sauna will help your body release toxins and improve the function of your circulatory system. Last but not least, the infrared sauna boosts metabolism, which is very important in losing weight.
Keep in mind that losing weight is not a matter of hours or a few days, so if you see lower numbers on the scale than when you went to the sauna, you very likely lost water and not fat.
Skin Clearing
Infrared saunas have been found to have a number of benefits for the skin including reducing inflammation, clearing the skin from toxins, bacteria, and other impurities. The heat of the sauna can bring blood to the surface of the skin, which can activate the cell turnover process, making your skin more elastic and firmer. In addition, it also helps treat atopic eczema and other chronic skin conditions.
There is no need for slathering on a layer of gel or cream on your skin, just enter the sauna and let it do the work for you! Likewise, do not put any creams or gels on your skin after you get out of the infrared sauna.
Better Sleep
The infrared sauna has been shown to improve sleep quality and the ability to sleep without waking up during the night. It improves the quality of your sleep by getting rid of toxins from the body that are inhibiting the sleep hormone—melatonin. The increase in melatonin allows for sleep to be deeper and more restful by acting as a natural tranquilizer.
The sauna also heats up the body, relaxes muscles, and speeds up the recovery process, which helps people sleep better.
Things to remember:
- Drink at least 2 to 4 glasses of water before going to the infrared sauna.
- Regularity is most important for the infrared sauna to have a positive effect on your body. Therefore, treat yourself to heat therapy at least 2 to 3 times a week.
- As soon as you leave the infrared sauna, take a shower with lukewarm water, not cold water.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an activity that will help you relax, detox, lose weight, clear skin, and boost your metabolism, then you should consider an infrared sauna. It is important to take time for yourself and the infrared sauna is a great way to do so!
