What is an Infrared Sauna?

We all know what it’s like to get a fever… Your body temp rises, and you start feeling cold, tired, and generally icky. While the process of getting a fever isn’t fun, it actually serves a very important purpose. A fever is the body’s way of “burning out” microscopic invaders that are making you sick! Of course, we have no control over when our bodies do this, but what if there was a way to get targeted heat treatments for all kinds of health problems? In this blog series, I’m going to share some amazing things I’ve discovered about something called the “infrared sauna.” Before we go into all the benefits, let’s talk about what it is… 

Backed by History

From ancient Greece to Native American practices, heat has been used in medicine as a way to “purify” the body and even the mind. This practice continues today in common ways like spa saunas, and even medically induced fevers for certain situations/conditions. Being able to take advantage of a healing process the body does on its own is something that has been harnessed and used for centuries. However, with modern technology, we are able to really use this as a targeted treatment for many things from bronchitis, to autoimmune diseases, cancer, and more. How does this work though?

How Do Infrared Saunas Work?

There are many different kinds of light energy waves that the sun produces. For example, UV rays are what we try to avoid with sunscreen. However, not all of the sun’s rays harm us. The waves of sunlight that cause us to feel warmth/heat is called the “far infrared radiant (FIR) light.” This part of the sun’s light doesn’t harm us, and can actually penetrate our skin on a cellular level to promote a version of a “fever.” However, instead of feeling sick and tired, this kind of light actually helps to promote circulation, trigger healing in the body, encourages cells to be hydrated, and more! By mimicking and tweaking these rays, doctors can help you to absorb over 90% of them, so that you can get the full benefits. There are many different devices and products that use this technology now, so finding the right doctor to help you with trying this amazing process should be easy! However, you’re probably curious about what to expect from infrared sauna treatment… 

What Should You Expect?

If you’ve ever been in a traditional steam sauna, you know that it makes you sweat. However, with infrared saunas, the temperature is much lower; but creates even more sweat. This helps your body get a full detox, from the inner tissues to your skin itself. Since FIR light penetrates more than two inches into the skin, you’re getting a lot more out of it than you would from a steam sauna. In addition to detoxing, the most common benefits you’ll get from this also include balancing your metabolism, strengthening your immune system, and regulating your overall body temperature. Sessions will range from 15 to 40 minutes depending on your body’s needs, but all that you will physically feel during the treatment is warm and a bit sweaty. Nothing a quick shower won’t fix! ;)

Now that you know what an infrared sauna is and how it works, I hope you are inspired to give it a try for yourself! Stay tuned for the next blog where we will discuss some of the specific benefits that FIR light therapy can provide. 

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