What is infrared sauna and what are the benefits as opposed to a normal sauna? An Infrared Sauna looks similar to a Conventional Sauna (the beautiful Cedarwood cabin with a glass door) except the heating technology is very different. Conventional humid steam saunas force the body to perspire, eliminating 97% water and 3% toxicity but our gentle Infrared Sauna penetrates 3-4cm into the body’s tissue and of what is eliminated 80% is water and 20% is toxicity. Allowing for a more productive and comfortable sweat.
Infrared waves are emitted from the heating panels in the sauna, these waves – which in a full spectrum Sauna (like the one we have here at pH Clinic) come in 3 different levels, Near, Mid and Far Infrared.
Near-infrared predominant wavelength for cell health, wound healing & skin purification;
Medium-infrared for weight loss, pain relief & improved circulation (passive cardio workout);
Far-infrared for detoxification (core temp increase), blood pressure reduction & relaxation.
Fat cells held together with ion bonds are opened by the vibrations from Infrared wavelengths thereby releasing toxins and heavy metals, which are then encapsulated by water molecules. Because the bodies’ natural method of cooling is to sweat, these water molecules containing cholesterol, heavy metals and toxins are forced to the surface and are released through the skin in your sweat.
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Cardiovascular conditioning
- Reduced lactic acid
- Weight loss
- Calorie expenditure
- Pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Cellulite reduction
- Decrease in stress levels
- Excretion of heavy metals.
Not bad for just sitting in a Sauna 😉
Infrared vs. Normal sauna: What should you pick? (as in, is infrared better than a normal sauna or just a different alternative and if so, why would you choose one over the other.)
It’s a controversial comparison – As a health practitioner, I prefer the Infrared as the experience is less intense to that of a steam sauna and the therapeutic effects outweigh just getting hot and sweaty. There is a lot of published research to back up Infrared Technology and use for Detoxification, Athletic Performance and Recovery. I have seen the effects from regular use on myself, my family and my clients. Don’t just sweat it in a standard Sauna, CLEANSE in Infrared Therapy.
Are there any negative side effects, i.e burns, excessive sweating?
Infrared is really safe, Health Professionals have been using far infrared technology for years. Have you ever gone to a Physiotherapist with a sprain and they put a red heat lamp on it? Well that’s infrared. Infrared treatment is also widely used in burn units to accelerate healing and hospital baby care incubators. Far infrared is from the safest end of the sun’s spectrum and is also something that our warm body generates. Far Infrared heat is not ultraviolet radiation (Sun effect on the skin = sunburn) but a narrow band of energy within the 5 to 15 micron level. This type of energy travels 40 – 45 mm deep into the body. Far Infrared heat provides the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of ultraviolet rays.
Can anyone do infrared sauna?
Although this technology is safe for all ages and health levels, there are still conditions where Infrared is not prescribed.
Infrared is contraindicated if you have; hemophilia, MS, are pregnant (or are a nursing mother), or if you are currently seeking medical attention and are on drugs for a specific condition, you should not use far infrared sauna therapy. This contraindication also applies to those taking blood-pressure medication and those with pacemakers; many infrared saunas contain magnets that may affect the way a pacemaker works. Got more questions – head to our FAQ page
