Infrared Sauna Benefits (and Getting the Most Out of Using One)

You may be surprised at the ways an Infrared Suana benefits the body. Saunas are frequenty used in health regimens these days and this is for good reasons. The infrared light of an infrared sauna can help the immune system in many as well as with other health issues.

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Saunas have used around the world for centuries. The word sauna itself indicates dry heat, although some types of sauna use moisture. We are going to focus on dry heat saunas.

My family has reaped the many benefits a near infrared dry sauna has to offer. So many toxins are all around us and our body becomes overloaded quickly. If a body is compromised, it has even more difficulty filtering toxins. This may be due to a congested liver or another problematic pathway. A sauna is able to help lessen the toxic load for many.

you will learn what saunas are, how they are beneficial, if one is right for you, supplements and practices to take to maximize your sauna benefits, and more.

This post is about sauna benefits and the concerns you may have

when thinking about using one.

What is a Sauna?

A sauna is made up of a wooden or fabric enclosure that uses bulbs as a heat source. The enclosure traps in the heat that is provided by the heating element.

The dry sauna provides a dry heat which heats up the body's core temperature to induce sweating. Infrared saunas use infrared incandescent lamps as a source of heat which are reddish in color.

The wavelength given off by the lamps mimic the sun's infrared wavelengths but do not contain the sun's harmful ultraviolet wavelengths.

How Long have saunas been around for?

Sauna usage has been around for many years, however, the time frame varies according to the type of sauna being discussed.

My focus is on the infrared sauna, which is the one my family and I use. Many studies have found that not only are saunas safe for users, but they offer an array of health benefits.

I have asked a health specialist for advice when choosing which sauna to use and have researched sources that I find extremely credible. I have found it safe for our family to use. Additionally, it has provided us with many health benefits.

Ask you health care professional if using a sauna is right for your body. There are certain circumstances where sauna use should be cautioned or began very slowly, which will later be discussed.

10 Important Sauna Benefits

1. Maintains and improves health Conditions

According to this science article, there are many ways saunas have been shown to help maintain a healthy immune system.

Firstly, it triggers a function called hormesis. Hormesis triggers cell repair and activates antioxidants.

Additionally, there is creation of Heat Shock Proteins. This occurs with continuous heat exposure. These proteins help with homeostais, immune function, helps with oxidative stress, and aids in better singaling of cells to each other.

A direct quote from the article states:

Compelling data from observational, interventional, and mechanistic studies support the assertions that sauna use extends healthspan

2. Cleanses, Detoxes and Purifies

Sweating promotes the excretion of some heavy metals from the body. Some of these metals include aluminum, lead and cadmium.

Humans are exposed to a high level of toxins every day. These include chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, toxic metals such as mercury, aluminum, lead, arsenic.

Mold, bacteria, fungi and parasites are also highly problematic and cause health issues. Mold has caused an array of health issues for my own family.

80% of deaths related to cancer are associated with toxic chemicals in accordance to the EPA, (United States Environment Protection Agency).

A near infrared sauna can pull some of these toxins out of the body through water molecules when sweating occurs.

Fat Soluble Versus Water Soluble Toxins

Keep in mind-most toxins are fat soluble. Toxins are attracted to fat cells. The toxins are the converted to water soluble as long as the digestive and detoxification systems are working properly.

However, if a body is compromised, then the process for turning the toxin into a water soluble to be excreted may be compromised as well. The body needs to be able to convert a fat soluble toxin into a water soluble compound in order for it to be eliminated from the body through sweating.

3. Helps with joint pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies have shown the potential for pain to decrease in patients with joint pain. Continue sauna use may need to occur in order for pain relief to stay, however.

4. positively impacts Hypertension and Cardiovascular System

Blood flow is increased when the body's temperature is heated by the infrared light. The increase in blood circulation is similar to exercising. This is due to the way the heat penetrates the human body. Therefore, one may be able to fight off cardiovascular disease with infrared sauna therapy.

5. Can Boost Mood

According to Christopher Lowry at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a group of neurons, called the dorsal raphe nucleus, release serotonin into part of the brain when body temperature is raised.

Serotonin is a chemical that sends signals between nerve cells. One of the jobs of serotonin is to balance mood and happiness.

Different mood experiences may occur, however, as the body initially works through the beginning stages of detoxing with a sauna. This is according to Dr. L. Wilson.

Body's work differently depending on a person's previous exposure to toxins, diet, mental and emotional state of health, etc. But even with this being the so, infrared sauna use and the high temperatures they create in the body

6. Eases Sore muscles

Infrared heat is known for lessening inflammation in the body. Additionally, it the increase in blood flow provides more oxygen to the muscles. Better blood flow gets the body to recover better. This decreases soreness in the body.

7. Helps with chronic fatigue

Better blood flow throughout the body due to infrared sauna treatments means less fatigue. Not only is oxygen increased and cycled to all parts of the brain, but toxins and waste materials are also cycled better to be filtered out of the body.

8. An anti-aging treatment

The amount we sweat, heal time the and rate which we eliminate toxins are reduced as we age. A sauna reverses those traits, providing a highly effective anti-aging effect on the body.

10. May Help to prevent and ease viruses -

The heating up of the core body temperature has the potential benefits of preventing bacteria from multiplying. It also may kill the bad bacteria helping the body to fight the cold or virus.

Supplements to consider with sauna use

Supplements may be taken in order to help with this conversion process. However, assistance from a trained health professional to ensure the appropriate supplement is taken is something to strongly consider.

Supplements for helping toxins to become watersoluble and be eliminated:

Zeolite - Findings show that a high quality zeolite can help eliminate toxins from the by binding them and carrying them safely out of the body. This zeolite is one of the high quality we have used.
Toxin Elimination Elixir from GHA-
Freeze dried garlic - sulfur compounds contains in garlic allows lead, cadmium and mercury to be oxidized, helping to become water soluble

Supplements for binding and refueling the body

Electrolyte Supplement - for replenishing and balancing electrolytes during or after sauna use.
We use the lemon flavor from Seeking Health because of their clean ingredients. I enjoy the flavor as well and find it to have a pleasant taste.
PectaSol C Binder - This is another products that gives toxins something to bind to as it leaves the body. However, citrus is high on the histamine trigger list.
Reading the reviews, I noticed someone actually did have a histamine reaction. If you are histamine sensitive, then this may not be the product for you.

How to best use the sauna

Drink Water & replenish yourself

It is extremely important to make sure your body is wee-hydrated prior and during sauna use. Have a nearby glass of water to drink while in the sauna. Room temperature water would be best.

Play relaxing music

Try playing music at 432 hz frequency to give your body a natural healing frequency.

Dry brush while in sauna

Dry brushing stimulates the liver.

Pray

Read scripture verses or meditate on scripture during this time.

Deep Breathing exercises

Deep breathing allows the body to push energy downward promoting an increase in sweat.

Practice Good Posture

The better your posture is, the easier it is for oxygen to flow through the body.

Use a Foam Roller

Using a foam roller helps to stimulate further circulation during infrared sauna sessions. This one has small squares on it. If you find this too intense, try one of the smoother foam rollers. I liked this roller for the size, the intensity, and due to the fact it comes as a set. You get a lot of bang for your buck!

Use Colors

Different colors can stimulate different systems of the body and enhance your sauna experience. Consider using a certain colored towel to sit on, a washcloth or a picture of a certain color to view while relaxing. The color you choose will depend on your target area.

Palms towards light waves

According to Dr. L. Wilson, placing hands with the palms side facing the infrared bulbs helps to increase the effects of the sauna. Many reflex points are found in the palm of the hands.

Turn Your Body when hot

Turn the body if a side becomes to hot. End the sauna session if you becomes dizzy, weak, or feel as if your body has had enough.

Use safety glasses and slowly stand

Use Safety Glasses if facing the infrared lights.

Make sure you are a safe distance away from the red light, and slowly stand up when finished. One may feel light-headed or off balance, so take it easy.

Choosing the best sauna

saunacomfort

There are many saunas on the market. Choosing one may become overwhelming. It is important to choose a high quality sauna that is safe and effective. I have used two that are both great saunas. I have one from the company above that we all use often and love!

They offer a canvas based enclosure and a wooden sauna made from basswood. The types of saunas they offer are created from all natural materials that are safe and of the highest quality.

This near infrared sauna emits zero emfs. I have the fabric enclosure design due to moving and space ease. It was easy to put up, fits nicely in a space and also allows for conversion depending on your set up needs. This is the nice thing about portable infrared saunas.

SaunaSpace

This near infrared sauna, which claims to emit zero emfs, is a fabric enclosure system around a wooden frame. I used this sauna often at my health specialist’s office, and I loved it! There are several choices to choose from including one that converts your shower into a sauna for affordability and space saving purposes.

Saunas can be a great addition to an overall health routine. Proper precautions just need to be kept in mind when using one. Using the above supplemental resources above will provide you one of the best sauna experiences.

This post is about Near Infrared Sauna Benefits, best supplements to take during a sauna session, and what to do to get the most out of a sauna session.