Checking into to the steamy sauna after a work out or on a Spa day is the ultimate treat for some. Laying there in your smalls in a hot room with the coals gently sizzling is meant to have some wonderful effects on your body. Muscle rejuvenation, heart health and lung benefits to name a few, but what about the rise in Infa-red saunas popping up in gyms and local wellness centres throughout the country? These compact little rooms seem to pack some serious heat(sorry, I couldn’t help myself), when it comes to comparing them to the traditional Sauna.
Infrared light is one of the invisible spectrums of light produced by the sun and is what makes your skin feel warm when you are out in the sun. The skin easily absorbs these wavelengths. can be divided into three main categories; near, mid, and far-infrared light. The shortest wavelength, near-infrared, penetrates the deepest into your body to heat you from the inside out. This wavelength boosts cellular repair and regeneration while helping your cells to produce more energy. Mid-infrared waves boost circulation by improving vasodilation, and also increases your overall metabolism and raises heart rate, which helps your cells get more oxygen. Far-infrared rays (FIR) are most similar to the natural heat of your body and are readily captured by your cells. When you expose your body to FIR, you enhance and strengthen your energy stores.
Infrared saunas are like the sunbathing of the wellness world, using infrared heaters to beam out light that penetrates your skin to up to 4cm. In contrast, traditional saunas? They’re the old-school sweat boxes that warm you up with hot air and sizzling surfaces. In short, infared keep things strictly radiant, using more and more heat to heat us up.
In an infrared sauna, 80 percent of the energy used goes to heating the skin with the remaining 20 percent heating the air.Implemented firstly by John Harvey Kelogg (yes. The Conflake guy…) as a “light bath”, the infared sauna has actually been around since the early 20th century, and using them as a deeper penetrative therapy can host a world of goodness! Most places offer it as a standalone activity and the price range in NI varies between £15- £30 for 30minutes.
10 infared benefits to warm you from the inside out
- Relaxation: Spending time in an infrared sauna can help you relax and reduce stress.
- Detoxification: Sweating in the sauna helps eliminate toxins from your body.
- Weight Loss: While not a magic solution, infrared saunas may aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate.
- Improved Circulation: The heat from infrared saunas can enhance blood flow, benefiting your heart health and muscle recovery.
- Pain Relief: Infrared saunas may provide relief from sore muscles and joint pain, including conditions like arthritis.
- Better Sleep: Some people find that using infrared saunas improves their sleep quality.
- Skin Health: The heat can promote collagen production and lead to clearer, tighter skin.
- Immune System Support: Regular sauna sessions may boost your resistance to illness.
- Muscle Recovery: After strength training, infrared saunas can help decrease muscle soreness.
- Mental Health: relaxing can help reset the synapses in your brain, and switching off for the duration.
While infrared saunas are generally safe for a lot of people, there are some precautions to keep in mind. People can tolerate the heat in an infared sauna for longer than a traditional sauna, so it is always advised to stay appropriately hydrated and listen to your body during your sessions. Additionally, avoid using an infrared sauna if you’re pregnant, have a heart condition affected by low blood pressure, or are on certain medications. Consult your licensed doctor before using an infrared sauna if you have health concerns.
Otherwise, I would definitely add a regular infared sauna to your list, for a lazy alternative to detoxing. its one way for sure to heat things up, this summer!
Love, K x