Infrared Sauna benefits

We adore our Infrared sauna and all its benefits. But what is infrared?

The sun’s rays include a broad spectrum of light and radiation:  visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared (IR). Each type of radiation is experienced in different ways and has different effects on the human body.  As you may already know, some of these types of radiation are more beneficial than others. Our sauna harnesses the Infrared spectrum of light.

Here are some reasons why we love our Infrared sauna so much:

1.  Heat without the Harm 

Sunlight has a broad spectrum of light, from Visible light, to UV light and Infrared.  There’s no question that the visible light from the sun has a wide array of benefits- from Vitamin D production to boosting your mood. In excess, however, visible light can also cause eye damage from glare, flashes, and over-exposure. 

We also know that the UV spectrum of sunlight, however, is not so friendly and can cause sunburn and is the leading cause of skin cancer. Infrared light is responsible for the warmth that you experience from the sun. It is comprised of Near (NIR), Mid (MIR) and Far infrared (FIR) wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths have their own wide range of benefits. Because Infrared saunas isolate this spectrum of light, you get to enjoy many benefits of sunshine without the harmful UV rays.  Our sauna uses the full spectrum of Infrared –  NIR, MIR and FIR.

2.  Anti-aging instead of age spots

 Accumulated exposure to UV rays can cause skin damage including hyperpigmentation, lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

Near Infrared (NIR) is absorbed just below the surface of the skin, promoting wound healing, cell health/regeneration, skin revitalization and can mitigate inflammation. NIR has also been shown to help clear up acne lesions, improve fine lines and wrinkles, and encourages collagen and elastin production, all of which contribute to a more youthful appearance.  Let’s not forget that increased blood circulation from the sauna heat nourishes your skin from the inside out giving it that ‘dewy’ look.  

3.  Enhancing athletic performance

It’s not a surprise that training in high temperatures can be a challenge until your body gets heat-adapted.  As the temperature rises inside the sauna, your body acclimates to the heat, prompting increased blood flow to the heart and muscles. Over time, your body becomes more efficient in regulating temperature enabling it to perform better, especially during exercise.  So, sauna sessions can be a the perfect controlled environment to get your body used to the heat, fine-tune your temperature regulation and get your sweat flowing efficiently before training outside.  

Your sauna session also assists muscle growth.  In response to the heat of the sauna, your body releases heat shock proteins. Heat shock proteins help in degrading free radicals and repairing damaged cells in the body. The more available proteins there are in the body, the greater the chances for muscle repair and growth.

Let’s not forget the increase in blood flow during your sauna session. Mid infrared (MIR) penetrates deeper into soft tissue and can help reduce inflammation, improves blood circulation and therefore decrease overall healing time. All of these benefits lead to faster muscle recovery so you can get back out there.

4.  Weight loss and Detoxification 

The FIR penetrates your body the deepest of all infrared rays (up to 4 cm), causing heat, increased heart rate and blood flow and circulation throughout the body.  Let’s not forget about all that great sweat. This increase in heart rate can be equivalent to a mild cardio workout, burning up to 600 calories an hour.

The deep heat also helps to release stored toxins and chemicals that are trapped in fat.  Some of the toxins released come out in your sweat, and the remainder are pulled into your blood stream where your stimulated circulation system efficiently clears them from your body.  This is why it’s really important to drink lots of water during and after your sauna session.  

To read more about detoxification in the sauna check out our blog HERE.

5.  Heart Health

Infrared sauna sessions raise your heart rate and increase circulation. This replicates a cardiovascular workout that can be called “passive cardio.” In fact, blood flow during infrared sauna use may rise from a normal rate of 5-7 quarts/minute to up to 13 quarts/minute.  For people with injuries or conditions precluding them from cardio activity, Infrared sauna use can help serve as an alternative for needed cardio benefits.

As with everything else that’s good in life, Infrared sauna benefits are cumulative. This means that a regular sauna practice is the best way to access all of the benefits above. We recommend sessions 3-4 times per week.

See you soon!