Rest and recovery are not optional. Our bodies rely on these vital moments to function at their best and prevent disease. Actively taking care of our well-being means giving ourselves the chance to recover, rejuvenate, and find balance. While there are many gadgets and tools that are marketed towards recovery and rest, don’t sleep on infrared saunas, because we are just at the beginning of seeing the massive benefits they offer. From easing chronic stress to alleviating pain, and improving detoxification and lymphatic flow, infrared saunas have the potential to regulate your metabolism in a way that is so powerful that the future is bright in how it can improve your overall health.
What is an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas use a specific type of heat and light wavelength, called infrared. This type of heat and light penetrates the body’s skin barrier system to raise your core temperature by 3 degrees, inducing metabolic changes towards circulation, inflammation, and detoxification. This is different from other traditional sauna methods, such as steam, where these heat the air around you in order to raise your temperature. Because of this difference, an infrared sauna doesn’t get as hot, allowing you to stay in the sauna for a longer period of time to reap the therapeutic benefits all at once.
Normally, infrared saunas emit a wavelength called far-infrared heat. But certain high-level infrared saunas emit three different wavelengths from the infrared spectrum – each with its own targeted healing capabilities – Near-infrared (NIR), Mid-infrared (MIR), and Far-infrared (FIR). When these three wavelengths are formulated at different ratios of their peak wavelength power, they have the ability to therapeutically improve your health based on your wellness and health goals, whether that is inflammation, chronic pain, circulatory issues, sluggish metabolism, recovery or to draw out toxins with increased lymphatic flow.
Here are a few reasons I use it for myself, and I recommend infrared saunas for my patients.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
One of the remarkable benefits of infrared saunas is their ability to relax the body and calm the mind through a special technology with a combination of infrared heat, red light therapy, and color therapy (chromotherapy) to balance emotions, improve mood, lower anxiety and bring a sense of calm, all while balancing cortisol and relieving tension.
Healing Heat and Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation can be the culprit for the majority of our chronic conditions. Luckily, infrared saunas come to the rescue once again, as a fighter of inflammation! A combination of near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths do it all by penetrating joints, improving muscle soreness, and helping tissue regeneration. As you bask in the warmth, the infrared rays penetrate your tissues, promoting healing from the inside out.
Increased Energy and Accelerated Recovery
As you expose your body to the infrared heat, your blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow. This improved circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to your extremities and muscles, helping them recover faster from workouts, injuries, or brain fog. This is great for athletes, gym-goers, or those who seek better brain function.
Restful Sleep and Improved Mood
We all know the transformative power of a good night’s sleep. With the help of infrared saunas, you can say goodbye to restless nights and hello to deep, rejuvenating sleep. By biohacking your circadian rhythm and lowering your body’s core temperature, you can decrease cortisol levels, which aids in more restful sleep. The relaxation induced by the sauna experience can help reset your body’s natural sleep cycle, allowing you to drift off into dreamland more easily. And the benefits don’t end there! It’s not unusual for users to report reduced stress levels and an improved overall mood after incorporating sessions in the infrared sauna into their routine.
Promoting Circulation and Metabolism
When it comes to our well-being, circulation and bringing blood flow to our organs play a crucial role. Infrared saunas promote good circulation and improve our natural cleaning system at a deeper level. Specific near-infrared wavelength increases heart rate and cardiac output, stimulating sluggish metabolism and improving fat burning for energy. By increasing your core body temperature, infrared heat clears out toxins in fat cells, making it easier for fat metabolism.
Unlocking the Full Potential
The benefits of infrared saunas extend beyond what is mentioned here. Their positive impact on our body and mind has been studied extensively, and personal experiences have reinforced their efficacy. Other benefits include detoxification, weight loss, heart health, anti-aging, and improved immune system function. After dedicating countless hours to researching and learning about the benefits of infrared saunas, incorporating them into my routine has been a game-changer. And I truly believe (and know) that we are just scratching the surface and seeing the beginning of how infrared heat is going to be a powerful tool in the health and wellness discussion and helping patients in their healing journey.
Let’s Connect
If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of infrared saunas and want to explore if they’re a good fit for you, I’d love to help you dive deeper into this topic. Together, we can uncover more about infrared saunas and how they can contribute to your journey toward optimal health and well-being. Let’s connect and discuss the transformative power of infrared saunas.
Remember, rest and recovery are essential. Take a step towards harnessing the potential of infrared saunas and embrace the balance and vitality that await you.
