Infrared saunas are a growing trend in the wellness industry, and for good reason: Research suggests they're incredibly effective at aiding detoxification, alleviating muscle soreness, promoting better sleep, improving skin health, and more. But what exactly is an infrared sauna? And how does it differ from other types of saunas? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more so that you can make an informed decision about whether adding an infrared sauna to your weekly or monthly wellness routine would be beneficial for you.
Infrared saunas have become popular in spas, fitness clubs, private studios, and even in homes. Unlike a traditional sauna, which warms the air around you, an infrared sauna uses infrared rays to heat up your body gradually and directly.
These infrared rays are able to penetrate deep into tissues to provide numerous health benefits, all at a lower, more comfortable temperature than traditional saunas. You’ll still sweat — a lot — but the gradual heat allows you to enjoy the full benefits without feeling overwhelmed.
There are many reasons why you should consider adding an infrared sauna to your wellness routine. Here are seven top benefits of an infrared sauna wellness routine you’ll want to know.
Sitting in an infrared sauna mimics the physiological effects of exercise, burning up to 600 calories per session. Your blood vessels widen and blood flow increases, causing the heart rate to elevate. Studies suggest that infrared sauna usage may help to normalize blood pressure and treat congestive heart failure.
Not only will you burn calories with every sauna session, but the effects also last even after you’ve left the sauna. Regular sauna usage can boost your metabolism for hours after your session, helping you burn more calories even when you’re not exercising or using the sauna.
Some evidence infrared saunas may help to ward off the common cold and other illnesses as well as promote detoxification in the body. In addition, sauna usage reduces oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and degenerative diseases such as dementia.
Infrared sauna usage may help to reduce chronic pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness.In one two-year study, researchers showed that systemic warming had a marked effect on pain relief. Of the study participants who received repeated thermal therapy along with multidisciplinary treatment,77% of them returned to work — compared with 50% of those who received multidisciplinary treatment alone.
An infrared sauna wellness routine is good for the mind, too, helping to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress while energizing your body. Our SaunaPods reduce cortisol levels and promote a relaxed state of mind, not only due to the warming effects of infrared heat but also the relaxing music, aromatherapy-infused air, and dim lighting that helps you unwind.
If you want to catch more Z’s, an infrared sauna could be just what you need. In one study, over 83% of participants reported experiencing greater sleep after sauna use, along with benefits such as stress and pain relief.
If you want to achieve a natural glow without breaking the bank on skin-care products, try an infrared sauna! The radiant heat penetrates the layers of your skin, increasing circulation, rejuvenating the skin, and ridding the skin of particulate matter such as dirt and oil. Infrared saunas are also considered a form of low-level light therapy, which can help to treat skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
To thrive in your infrared sauna sessions at Sauna Bar, follow a few tips for safety and optimal results:
● Share your goals with a staff member so they can help you determine how hot your SaunaPod should be. Hotter temperatures can help with weight loss, while lower temperatures may promote a relaxed, meditative state.
● Drink plenty of water and eat a meal two to three hours before your infrared session. This will help you stay hydrated and avoid any dizziness.
● Listen to your body. If you feel unwell, you should leave the session rather than try to force your body to adapt.
● Wear socks during your session to promote thermoregulation, and bring a fresh, loose-fitting change of clothes for afterward.
● Avoid drinking alcohol when using the sauna. Alcohol is a diuretic that will make it difficult for your body to stay hydrated and impede your body’s natural warning signals in the event the sauna is too hot for you.
● Give your body a change to acclimate afterward. It’s important not to jump back into your normal routine immediately after sitting in a sauna. Resting for a few minutes in cooler temperatures will help your body return to its normal temperature and prevent dizziness. Also, you want to stay in a relaxed state for as long as possible after your sessions.
AtSauna Bar, our Infrared SaunaPods provide a private sauna experience, so you can enjoy the benefits solo instead of in a group setting. Slip into one of our private pods, and you’re able to bliss out for 40 minutes using the full spectrum of near, mid, and far infrared rays.
AsLos Angeles’ original SaunaPod studio, Sauna Bar is the perfect addition to your wellness routine. Whether you want to find your zen, drop excess weight, or improve your overall health and well-being, infrared sauna wellness is a safe, effective way to achieve your wellness goals. To get started, book your SaunaPod appointment today.
