When it comes to taking care of your health and well-being, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But there sure is one cutting-edge treatment that ticks a lot of boxes, and this is infrared red sauna therapy, which many have found safe and effective.
As a result, infrared sauna sessions have become a crucial part of their wellness journey, whether at home or the spa. Yet, this treatment is not novel; it has actually been around for centuries.
Recently, it has become more popular as research into its advantages continues to grow. From enhancing circulation to providing pain relief, there are many great reasons to try infrared saunas. So let’s dive in and check out the evidence-based health benefits you can score from this hot experience.
Table of Contents
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna (1) is a type of dry heat therapy that doesn’t use water or add humidity. Instead, it uses infrared light, which is in the invisible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It works powerfully by warming the body directly with infrared waves. This contrasts with traditional saunas that heat the air around you.
So this means that infrared saunas can get you warmer faster. Plus, you can enjoy deeper heat penetration into your muscle tissues and other areas without feeling too hot or uncomfortable. The typical temperature in an infrared sauna runs from 45°C to 60°C, lower than traditional steam or wood-burning saunas.
And, yes, it’s safe for kids of all ages!
At low temperates, your children can enjoy the health benefits of infrared saunas outlined below. Here’s a pic of our eldest daughter Esther inside our HigherDose infrared sauna blanket during ‘movie night.’
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8 Benefits of Infrared Sauna
Step into an infrared sauna cabin or slip inside an infrared sauna blanket, and get ready to be amazed at its positive effects on your mind and body. This innovative treatment can:
1. MAKE SKIN GLOW WITH HEALTH
Regular infrared sauna sessions can stimulate collagen production over time. This makes the treatment highly beneficial in preventing premature skin aging. (2) Collagen plays a vital role in keeping our complexion looking youthful with its ability to lock moisture into cells and maintain elasticity levels. In one research, it was revealed that collagen levels of participants increased within two hours of their exposure to infrared radiation. This resulted in fewer wrinkles, better skin color tone, and more supple and smoother skin.
2. IMPROVE BLOOD CIRCULATION
The intense, short-term heat from an infrared sauna helps raise the body’s core temperature. (3) This, in turn, causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow. (1) Consequently, this enables the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to support cellular repair and regeneration.
3. RELIEVE CHRONIC PAIN
Being exposed to gentle heat can cause tired and worn-out muscles and tissues to relax and receive accelerated healing. (4) Thus, infrared saunas can provide relief from body aches or discomfort caused by inflammation or injury. Studies show that they can also help reduce chronic pain (5) caused by conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. This allows athletes and weekend warriors alike to get back on their feet more quickly with less downtime!
4. FIGHT OXIDATIVE STRESS
Over time, heavy metals and environmental pollutants can build up in our bodies.
These dangerous substances can form free radicals, (6) unstable atoms that can destroy DNA and cells. When an imbalance exists between over-excitable molecules and antioxidants, you get oxidative stress. And this causes diseases and premature aging.
Studies show that infrared light can effectively reduce oxidative stress. (7) The electromagnetic radiation from an infrared sauna stimulates the mitochondria. These are the power generators of cells that boost ATP production (8). ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) (9) are molecules that support the various metabolic processes. The energy they supply helps the body overcome cellular degeneration from oxidative stress.
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5. REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Major depressive disorder (10), or MDD, is a severe psychiatric disorder that has become one of the primary causes of disability today. It is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Agitation
- A persistently depressed mood
- Inability to focus
- Suicidal thoughts
Infrared light has been found to be effective in helping address the growing concern of MDD, which is projected to be the number one disorder by 2030. Studies show that dry infrared heat can help reduce symptoms of depression (11) in individuals clinically diagnosed with MDD. It can also benefit those experiencing physical symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, in mild depression.
In yet another study, infrared light therapy was demonstrated to increase serotonin levels (12) in the brain, leading to mood enhancement. Serotonin is a feel-good chemical essential to an overall sense of well-being.
6. IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY
The lulling warmth emitted during a session also helps improve sleep quality (1) over time when used regularly. In one research, the participants who received infrared light therapy were able to sleep longer. This may be attributed to the potential of the technology to promote deeper sleep cycles, leaving us feeling more rested when we wake up in the morning!
7. BOOST PERFORMANCE
Infrared light therapy can go beyond the superficial layers of the skin. It can cut through 3-4 cm into the fat tissues, muscles, and nerves serving these muscles. Thus, it can be effective in helping reduce lactic acid buildup (13) in the neuromuscular system. Lactic acid is a substance that causes soreness after strenuous physical activity, which can prevent optimal recovery. Also, the muscles benefit from the boost in oxygen supply, enabling better performance in sports and during workouts.
8. ENABLE OPTIMUM RELAXATION
The powerful penetrating capability of infrared heat can also help provide deep and gentle relaxation. (14) With its mild temperature and light humidity, infrared bathing can drain away all the tension and stress from a hard day’s work. At the same time, it helps ensure that your body doesn’t get overtaxed by heat, which one may experience with traditional Finnish saunas. As a bonus, the relaxation you enjoy can aid in better cognitive performance and mental clarity!
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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687728/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7372531/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16088266/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15892631/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26850477/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21678421.2021.1883668
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985968/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02656736.2021.1991010
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935433/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26180741/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935433/
