Why I love an Infrared Sauna

The first time I experienced an infrared sauna was a few years back when my best friend opened her spa. She was talking about these two saunas she bought and the overall health benefits and sent me some links. Hours later down a sauna rabbit hole I couldn’t wait to try one. And I have to admit, a few weeks later when they came in, she also let me sit in on the staff training from the sauna company! 

I’d been in traditional steam saunas, which made me feel like I couldn’t breathe. I’d tried out dry saunas where I thought I was about to die a slow death in the Sahara Desert, but never an infrared one, so I had no idea what to expect. Only what I read and what was taught at the training. So being in a sauna to me was the ultimate mind-over-matter type of gaming. 

It’s one thing to read about something and watch a million YouTube videos but trying it firsthand from your own personal experience, is why we are here! It is what I live for! So lemme break it down for you first: 

What is an Infrared Sauna? 

A traditional Sauna uses heat or steam to create an environment that helps raise your core body temperature between 140-200 degrees F.  An infrared sauna provides a much milder temperature environment between 120 to 150 degrees F. The light waves of an infrared sauna travel much deeper into the body, meaning you will experience a more vigorous sweat, despite the lower (and more comfortable) temperature. 

What is the difference between Near Infrared and Far Infrared Saunas? 

The biggest difference is in the wavelength and heat. Near-infrared saunas use infrared light that is closest to the visible spectrum of light while far-infrared saunas use infrared light further away. Infrared saunas usually use far infrared because that wavelength emits heat. 

What are the health benefits of Infrared Sauna therapy?

When you sweat in one of our Infrared Saunas, you are actively helping your body to release toxins, which we all are exposed to on a daily basis. Additionally, the Infrared Sauna has been shown to help improve cardiovascular health by decreasing blood pressure. Research also indicates that Far Infrared Sauna helps promote muscle healing and growth, exercise tolerance, weight loss, and pain management. It may also boost immunity, curb inflammation, help relieve arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms, improve mood, relieve anxiety, boost mental health and cognition, improve skin health and aging and so much more!

How long does a session last? 

Infrared sauna sessions work within 15-30 minutes which is quicker than the traditional sauna. However, most of our patients are in our IR Sauna for 30-60 minutes for detox benefits. 

How often should I book a sauna session?

1-3 times a week depending on what your purpose is. 

Why would I want to use an infrared sauna? 

• Pain and inflammation
• Detoxification
• Cardiovascular health
• Skin purification
• Mood boosting
• Improve injury recovery
• Better immune health 
• Improved circulation
• Better sleep 
• Weight Loss (burn up to 80 calories per 30 minutes)
• Lyme Disease 
• And so much more!

I look forward to my infrared saunas because it feels like I’m a cat laying in the sunshine. It’s gentle yet highly effective and super relaxing. Saunas have been around for way over 2000 years and are the best way I’ve found to detach from external distractions and relax in my little heated room. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve actually fallen asleep in one! 

What I love doing during my sauna sessions: 

• Mediation 
• Reading
• Stretching
• Power Napping 

My personal tips:

• Stay hydrated and up your electrolyte intake since you are literally sweating buckets.
• Book your sauna session before your facial, massage, or yoga session because it allows for a deeper connection with your body and your mind relaxes. 
• Book your IR Sauna before your IV therapy as it dilates the blood vessels and makes starting an IV easier. 
• Always use your 3 sessions per week if you are a Medical Weight Loss patient for optimal results.
• The less clothing you wear the better 🙂