Healthytalk8 What Is an Infrared Sauna?
Contents
It is a type of sauna, but different from the traditional saunas, where infrared radiation is used to heat the body.
Spas, gyms, and other facilities provided IS due to its several benefits such as reduced tension in joints, and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, etc
According to the research study Infrared sauna therapy is a safe and effective treatment for congestive heart failure.
In the traditional method (where heat the air warms the body) but an Infrared sauna heated the body directly with electromagnetic radiation.
Check Out – Sauna: Unlock The Power of Heat For Better Health
Top 8 Insane Health benefits
There are several health benefits of Infrared saunas, but here are the top 8 insane benefits of IS include:
May help in Burning Fat
Shauna may burn some calories by heating you like when you do exercise, but it not consider a good way to lose healthy weight.
Because it just removes water content in our body to reduce weight, instead of burning calories, which came again, after we drink water.
Just sitting or lying in a sauna is not a healthy way to burn fat, but it may lead to dehydration
Promote Skin Health
Study reveals that Far-infrared radiation is believed to improve health and sleep by promoting skin-blood flow in the human body.
It is caused by the capacity of organic matter to absorb IR at wavelengths between 7 and 12 micrometers (2)
However, a 2015 study showed that long-term IR may break down the collagen in the skin, and leads to wrinkles.
Detox the Body
It can detoxify your body by heating you which opens the skin’s pores, and through sweating, it removes acne-caused bacteria.
Sweating is a natural process to remove toxins, and heating the body can lead to promote sweating, resulting flush out toxicity in the body.
However, there are more natural ways to detox your body such as:
- fasting
- oil pulling
- drink enough water throughout the day
- enema
- eat rich probiotics
- avoid processed food
- do at least half an hour of exercise
- m Caffeine body scrub
Good For Cardiovascular Health
Study results showed valuable reform in respiratory, cardiovascular health, and overall longevity for chronic users (3)
Another study showed that sauna increase in duration and frequency reduced the risk of developing heart disease (4)
Check Out – Possible Reasons For Irregular Heartbeat, All Proven
Reduce Stress
Stress is the most common illness of mental health, which affect everyone, whether it is gender, young, old, rich or poor, and culture (5)
An infrared sauna or traditional sauna reduces stress by bringing relaxation feelings.
A study showed that heat therapy like IS relieves stress and improves the symptoms of other mental issues such as depression and anxiety (6)
Another study reveals that regularly taking sauna has been allied with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Promote Relaxation
Heating the body help in relaxing to loosening your muscle stiffness or tightness, and also helps to improve circulation.
Through these, it raises endorphin levels (act as a natural pain killer in our body), also eases joint discomfort, and promotes well-being.
But there are some other wonderful stress-Busting Relaxation Techniques such as:
- Yoga
- meditation
- massage
- progressive Muscle Relaxation
- deep Breathing
- Tai Chi
- aromatherapy
- autogenic Training
- biofeedback
- Guided Imagery
- Music Therapy
- Hydrotherapy
Boost Immune System
The immune system is like a shield that protects against us unknown diseases which are caused by invaders called pathogens.
Over time or chronic stress suppress the immune system, which becomes an easy target of disease or illness but how?
When we are under stress or worry, our body increases cortisol levels (a stress hormone) that suppresses the immune system (7).
By promoting a relaxed feeling, and reducing stress Infrared saunas boost the immune system.
Check Out – Is Anxiety, and Stress Can Cause To Weak Immune System?
Other benefits
- antiaging effects
- reducing pain and muscle tension
- improving sleep
Is Infrared Sauna May Cause Cancer?
Cancer is a collection of cells involving abnormal cell growth with the ability to spread to other parts of the body.
A study conducted on mice showed that whole-body Infrared radiation substantially inhibits spontaneous mammary tumor growth.
A 2020 study reveals that infrared light does not cause sunburn and is not lead to skin cancer.
However, spending more time in IS may irritate your skin and increase the risk of skin damage including burns.
Remember, if you have skin-related medical issues, and other health issues, then first consult your doctor.
Disadvantages of IS
As we know that IS has several health benefits, which have even been proven by researchers, however, it also has disadvantages.
Here are some disadvantages of IS include:
Skin and eye irritation – If you already have a skin issue or sensitive skin, then it may cause redness and rashes, and other issues.
So it is vital to check skin health and adjust the temperature or humidity levels as necessary.
Not for everyone – If you have a medical issue or are in medicine, then should avoid it, because it may worsen the condition.
If you see or experience any discomfort, like difficulty in breathing, then immediately quit it.
May raise health issues – It is quite safe, but when a person follows safety guidelines like before and after drinking water.
It may increase the risk of health issues for example in pregnant women, who should avoid it.
How to Get Ready For IS?
How to choose to use an IS, is dependent on you, and there are certain safety guidelines that your should follow during the session are:
- Drinking enough water, prevent dehydration which leads to weakness, dizziness, and other issues.
- start with a lower temperature, if you have a beginner then gradually increase the temperature.
- how much time should we spend in a sauna? is also important, generally, 15 to 20 minutes is enough.
- wear comfortable and lightweight clothes to enhance relaxation
- remove personal items before entering the sauna
- now prepare for relaxation, where you do meditation, breathing exercises, and read magazines, which power up the session.
- after the session is over, wait some time to cool down your body, before take shower or bath, and drinking water.
You can do sauna 3 to 4 times a week, but if you see any negative changes in your body, then avoid it (8)
Are Traditional, Dry, Steam, Better Than Infrared Saunas?
The choice between these saunas depends on person to person, and needs, each sauna has its unique pros and cons (9)
Traditional sauna – This generates heat by warming the air, which comes from hot rocks.
Dry sauna – It uses air to circulate heat, this room is totally enclosed and uses dry heat and low humidity.
Steam sauna – Here, humidity is high, which used wet heat to increase body heat.
However, steam sauna has high humidity which is not suitable for respiratory issues peoples.
Infrared sauna – In this, infrared heaters are used to heat the body, which directly affects the body.
There are no winners it totally depends on a person’s needs, choices, and health.
What to do and not to do before an Infrared sauna?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind before entering an infrared sauna or traditional sauna (10) are:
Do
- Drink plenty of water before entering IS to prevent dehydration
- eat a light meal, because heavy meals may lead to discomfort during sessions.
- wear light and comfortable cloths
- consult the doctor if you have health issues
Don’t
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid medication, or if you are in a medication period (11)
- don’t use lotion and oil, which closed the pores, and prevent sweating
- if you feel overheated then immediately exit
- when you are alone, do not use the sauna
Who Should Avoid Sauna?
The person you should avoid sauna include:
- If you are on medication or under medical treatment
- Pregnant ladies
- history of stroke or cardiovascular health
- have skin or eye issues
- people with high blood pressure, especially those whose BP not coming under control.
- if you feel discomfort and unwell then avoid it
So it is important to take the green light from your doctor before applying any new therapy, especially if you have any health issues.
What About – Cost?
The cost of an infrared sauna session depends on the type of sauna, location, and session duration, however, the general price varies from 500 to 2,000 rupees.
If you want to own a sauna, you can install a portable sauna, it is easily moved from one place to another.
It is well popular due to being easily accessible, and easy to use, which is good for that who want to do sauna but don’t have resources or space.
Remember, home saunas should be installed by a professional electrician to ensure their safety (11)
