Posted by Eileen Durfee on 13th Jan 2021

Eight Near Infrared Sauna Benefits You Can't Miss - Blog

Saunas aren't just for relaxing. They can actually increase your life span. And the more you use a sauna, the greater the positive effects on your health.

As more people realize the power of a sauna-induced sweat, the more innovative the sauna treatment becomes.

Instead of using a traditional coal or power steam, you can soak in the low heat electromagnetic waves of an infrared sauna.

Read on to discover the top 8 near infrared sauna benefits.

What is a Near Infrared Sauna?

Instead of creating a steam-filled room to heat your body, an infrared light sauna goes directly to the source. Near infrared heats up the cells and tissues with energy that the body can transmit throughout it, in contrast to far infrared saunas, which simply heat up the body's water molecules. This is one reason near infrared saunas are being recommended more and more by natural health practitioners.

The body biologically responds to near infrared light rays, without too hot of ambient air temperature, or the need for heaters to be aimed at all sides of the body at once. The light targets the body's temperature using infrared panels without heating your surroundings.

Near infrared saunas are also easier to control, giving you the option of creating a safer environment than a traditional sauna. Coal or wood saunas often reach unhealthy temperatures when left unsupervised, but light can be adjusted at safe levels with an infrared sauna.

How Do You Use an Infrared Sauna?

Before using any type of sauna, there are some safety precautions to consider and ways to improve its benefits.

Prior to sitting in high levels of heat, be sure to hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water. You can become dehydrated quickly, which can lead to fainting, dizziness, and nausea.

If this is your first time using an infrared sauna, start at a low temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Slowly increase the temperature of each session as you become accustomed to the heat.

You also want to limit your time in the sauna the first time. Set a timer so that you know how long you have been exposed to the heat.

Wear comfortable clothing, or you may choose to use the sauna in the nude. Either way, be as comfortable as possible.

Make sure you do not fall asleep in your sauna. Bring a book, or plan to meditate without dozing off.

After your session, drink more water and cool off. We recommend drinking water with Healthy Salt added in to boost your mineral intake and pH levels. Then take a shower to remove any lingering toxins and wash off the sweat.

Benefits of Near Infrared Sauna

Exposing yourself to heat therapy can improve your health from the inside out. Use a sauna three to four times a week to gain the following benefits.

1. Rejuvenates the Body

Similar to how your cells regenerate during your sleep, infrared sauna therapy can also restore the body.

The infrared lights put the body in a relaxed state by affecting the nervous system. This rest and digest mode, also called parasympathetic, allows the body to shut off unnecessary motor functions to heal symptoms of fatigue.

2. Speed Up Metabolism

If you ask what is an infrared sauna, the best explanation is a sitting exercise machine. That is because it increases your heart rate and burns fat by sweating, all without moving.

In one study, sauna use proved to reduce the amount of body fat when used regularly. This led to a decrease in weight and a leveling of hormones, such as cortisol, that contribute to a healthy metabolism.

3. Reduce Inflammation

The benefits of near infrared sauna include an increase in circulation as vessels open up during exposure to heat. This reduces stored metabolic waste, reducing inflammation that causes arthritis, soreness, and diseases like fibromyalgia.

Relieve common stiffness of muscles and aching joints with a sauna to improve flexibility and increase activity.

4. Detoxification

When you sweat, toxins are released through the pores of your skin. Toxins include heavy metals, like debilitating lead and mercury.

Sweating can release unhealthy organic substances, like alcohol, and inorganic products, like BPA, from toxic plastics. Releasing these chemicals cleanses organs like the liver and kidneys, improving the overall function of the body.

5. Boost Immune System

In addition to removing waste from the body, infrared sauna benefits are caused by a rise in your core temperature.

The combination of toxic cleansing and an increase in body temperature improves your immune system.

Think of the natural process of internal heating like when you are fighting an infection. Your body creates a fever to kill the virus or bacteria. A sauna simulates a fever to increase your defense mechanisms.

6. Restore Skin Cells

There are several ways that a sauna can improve the quality of your skin.

Sweating removes built-up impurities lying just under your pores. This allows the cells to restore themselves.

It also removes dead skin during the process of sweating. New cells are created and replace the old ones, giving you a younger, more vibrant skin condition.

Improved circulation treats skins ailments like acne, eczema, and dark spots, while also improving elasticity, tone, and texture.

7. Support Cardiovascular Health

The benefits of infrared sauna don't just include a good sweat that gets your heart moving. It also lowers your blood pressure, which decreases your cholesterol levels.

These reactions to a sauna lead to a healthier heart, which can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.

8. Improve Cognitive Ability

The exposure to heat increases the brain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNFD). This component is known as the body's natural defense against depression.

It also leads to the growth of new brain cells, limiting the deterioration of cognitive function.

Saunas are the perfect way to put yourself in a better mood and provide food for your brain.

Near Infrared Sauna Benefits in the Comfort of Your Home

You may think that you will need to join a gym or a health club to enjoy near infrared sauna benefits. Unfortunately, gyms are costly, require time to commute to and from, and simply do not offer the convenience of at-home sauna. Not to mention, you won't find a full-spectrum, near infrared bulb sauna offered in your local gym, and therefore, would miss out on all the additional benefits outlined above. You can create a near infrared sauna right in your home to treat yourself year-round to the benefits of this powerful heat therapy.

Visit our Sauna Fix section to browse sauna tents, apparel, and accessories to start your treatment at home.

This article is republished from the original at Go Healthy Next.