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

You may be surprised at the ways an Infrared Sauna benefits the body. Saunas are frequently 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 been 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 bodies become 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 the heat provided by the heating element.

The dry sauna provides a dry heat that heats 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 mimics the sun's infrared wavelengths but does 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.

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 also offer many health benefits.

Ask your health care professional if using a sauna is right for your body. There are certain circumstances where sauna use should be cautioned or begun very slowly.

10 Important Sauna Benefits

1. Maintains and improves health Conditions

According to this journal article, there are many ways saunas help maintain a healthy immune system.

Firstly, it triggers a phenomenon known as hormesis. Hormesis triggers cell repair and activates antioxidants.

Additionally, there is the creation of Heat Shock Proteins. This occurs with continuous heat exposure. These proteins contribute to homeostasis, immune function, help with oxidative stress, and aid in better signaling 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, and 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 with the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency).

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

Sauna Comfort will give you 5% discount when you purchase a sauna product by clicking here

3. Helps with joint pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies have shown a decrease in pain for patients with joint pain. Continued sauna use may be necessary for pain relief to stay, however.

4. Positively impacts Hypertension and Cardiovascular System

Blood flow is increased when the body's temperature is raised 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, releases serotonin into the 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.

The body works differently depending on a person's previous exposure to toxins, diet, mental and emotional state of health, etc.

But even with this being 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, 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, healing time and the rate at 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 prevent and ease viruses

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

Supplements to consider with sauna use

Supplements may be taken 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 water-soluble and be eliminated:

Zeolite - Findings show that a high-quality zeolite can help eliminate toxins from the body by binding them and carrying them safely out of the body. This zeolite is one of the high-quality ones we have used.
Freeze-dried garlic - sulfur compounds contained in garlic allow 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 its clean ingredients. I enjoy the flavor as well and find it to have a pleasant taste.
PectaSol C Binder - This is another product 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 well-hydrated prior to 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 the 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.

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 facing the infrared bulbs helps to increase the effects of the sauna. Many reflex points are found in the palms of the hands.

Turn Your Body when hot

Turn the body if a side becomes too hot. End the sauna session if you become 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

Sauna Comfort - 5% off when purchased here

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 safe and natural materials and of the highest quality.

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

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.