Sweating is the body’s way of releasing toxins. There are numerous ways to get your body to sweat, but one of the easiest and most relaxing is by using an infrared sauna.
Instead of heating the air as a typical sauna does, infrared saunas use infrared (IR) lamps to directly warm your body using electromagnetic radiation. (1)
Infrared sauna therapy utilizes three main types of infrared technology: far IR, mid IR, and near IR. (2) Each offers substantial benefits that target different areas of the body.
Today, I’m going to go through the top benefits of IR sauna therapy, describe the different types of IR sauna therapy, and mention a few essential rules (and tips).
Let’s hop in (I hope you’re hydrated)!
Benefits of Using an Infrared Sauna
1. Assists in Detoxification
Sauna therapy, especially far IR, is excellent for detox. Far IR sauna therapy produces a rise in the body’s core temperature, resulting in a detoxifying sweat, which releases toxins deep from the cellular level. (3) By using an infrared sauna, you can rid your body of built-up and dangerous mold, chemicals, and heavy metals. (4)
2. Improves Circulation
Mid IR sauna therapy improves circulation by impacting the muscles of the body. Individuals who frequently use saunas report a greater degree of flexibility, increased range of motion, decreased stiffness, and less joint pain. (5)
3. Helps Repair and Regenerate Cells
Near IR sauna therapy promotes faster cell regeneration and tissue growth, which speeds up the skin’s healing process. By activating heat shock proteins, infrared sauna therapy also repairs cellular damage in the body. (6)
4. Lowers Inflammation
Near IR consists of extremely short wavelengths, which lowers inflammation. The short wavelengths can improve the quality of your skin and diminish the appearance of unwanted blemishes. (7)
5. Boosts Immunity
Near IR sauna therapy increases blood circulation and oxygenation in blood cells, strengthening the immune system, improving cellular health, and aiding in muscle recovery. (8)
6. Aids in Weight Loss
Studies show that a single far IR sauna therapy session can burn up to 600 calories. In cases of patients who must remain sedentary, such as those with conditions like respiratory illnesses, osteoarthritis, or similar, a sauna could be used as a substitute for traditional exercise. (9)
7. Improves Sleep Quality
Infrared sauna therapy can also help you sleep better. Hopping into the sauna before bed can be a great evening ritual for relaxation. The quiet, warming atmosphere can help your body wind down for sleep.
8. Activates Mitochondrial Activity and ATP Production
While this is a newer field of study, there is evidence that says heat exposure is very healthy for your energy-producing mitochondria. (11) If you’re struggling with energy, I definitely recommend that you try out sauna usage.
9. Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
The Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein in your brain that helps keep your brain young and healthy. Studies show that heat exposure can help boost your levels of this all-important protein in your brain! (12)
10. Turns Off Sympathetic Dominance and Turns On Relaxation State
With IR sauna therapy, it is also thought that you can turn off sympathetic dominance and turn on a relaxation state. This is due to the relaxing nature of the sauna and infrared wavelengths, as well as the fact that, when you are in the sauna, you have a chance to slow down and listen to your body!
Infrared Saunas
As we mentioned earlier, infrared saunas are built using three different technologies: near IR (for surface penetration), mid IR (for medium penetration), and far IR (for deep penetration).
Essentially, near IR sauna therapy impacts the surface of the body, namely the skin. Mid IR sauna therapy affects the muscles, and far IR sauna therapy permeates far into the body to reach the organs. (13)
After reading through the benefits and different types of sauna therapy, we hope you better understand which infrared treatment is best for you. If you are thinking about getting a sauna for your home, I recommend that you check out the brand Sunlighten. After a lot of research, this is the one that I own. I love that it has near, mid, and far IR to give you all the benefits of IR therapy in one sauna.
Learn more about this in my recent interview with Connie Zack here. (We discuss EMFs in saunas, how long to stay in the sauna, and so much more!)
Important Rules for Sauna Usage
As beneficial and awesome as saunas are, we do want you to remember a few important rules (and, yes, we say rules because they are critical to your health):
1. STAY HYDRATED: Drink plenty of liquids with quality electrolytes! I had a hard time finding an electrolyte that was beneficial and not filled with sugar and other yucky things, so I made my own! You can check it out here: Mi Detox Electrolytes >>>
2. START SMALL: Start at a low temperature (100-110*) and short time period (10-15 minutes) and work your way up slowly from there. The recommended time is about 30 minutes to one hour for those who frequently use a sauna.
3. DON’T DRINK AND SAUNA: Staying hydrated is crucial, and alcohol takes dehydration as a personal challenge. Refer to rule #1: stay hydrated.
4. ALWAYS BATHE AFTER SAUNA USE: Take a lukewarm shower after your sauna therapy, soaping all areas and washing hair. Charcoal soap is fantastic for pulling toxins off your body after a sauna.
*The exception to this rule is if you do a super lower temperature sauna and don’t sweat. Sometimes I do this in the winter when I want to warm up and detox a bit but don’t want to bathe.
Get Your Sauna Now!
Sunlighten offers several makes and models of infrared saunas crafted from responsibly harvested materials that meet the most stringent manufacturing guidelines.
I have owned a Sunlighten Solo System for 4 years and I love it! My son and I took turns using it last night. This is a 1-person mobile sauna in which your head is out so it’s more comfortable. And it doesn’t require special wiring.
Talk to the friendly people at Sunlighten for more information and don’t forget to tell them that I sent you! This is their number: 877.292.0020
Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.
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