Enjoying an infrared sauna can be a wonderful way to boost your overall health, particularly if you are limited in your abilities by injury or illness.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared radiation to create heat, rather than the traditional approach of hot stones and steam. A normal sauna will heat the air, which gradually heats your body, causing you to sweat, but infrared saunas can work more rapidly to heat the body, providing similar health effects. There is some debate over the safety of infrared saunas, but there is little evidence of any danger, aside from the basic side effects of overheating in any type of sauna. [1]
Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas can work much more quickly, heating the body within a matter of minutes. For those who want the effects of a sauna, without sitting in a sweltering room for thirty minutes, this is a popular option. While these saunas aren’t as widely available as traditional saunas, they are increasing in popularity. The two main types of the infrared sauna are far-infrared saunas and near-infrared lamp saunas. The former uses radiation waves on the far end of the infrared spectrum, while the latter uses waves that are better able to penetrate the body and heat it effectively. These near-infrared lamp saunas can heat the body without heating the air around you, which is more comfortable for some people.
Saunas are a great way to unwind, relax, and warm up during cold weather. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Infrared Sauna Benefits
The most impressive benefits of an infrared sauna include the following:
- Healthy heart
- Weight loss
- Pain relief
- Skincare
- Relief from stress and anxiety
Let us discuss them in detail below.
Heart Function
It is important to get your heart rate up at least 5 times a week if possible, but this is difficult if you are injured or ill. The heat of an infrared sauna will create similar conditions in your body, as though you were exercising, which can prevent various cardiovascular problems. [2]
Arthritis
These types of saunas generally have a relaxing effect on the body, as well as the muscles and joints, which can relieve the pain and discomfort of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. [3]
Skin Care
One of the main reasons people use infrared saunas is to eliminate toxins from the body and purify the body through sweating. This can also help to clear out the pores of the skin, cutting down on breakouts and irritation. [4]
Weight Loss
Not only does excess sweating eliminate water weight from the body, but raising your heart rate and circulation can boost the metabolism and increase your passive fat and calorie burning. [5]
Stress and Anxiety
People suffering from chronic stress and anxiety are often recommended to use infrared saunas, as it is a short and effective means of relieving anxiety in the body and mind, without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. [6]
Infrared Sauna Side Effects
There are some potential side effects to be aware of when it comes to infrared saunas, such as the following:
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Joint injury
- Eczema
When you use this therapy, it will cause sweating, which is good – to a point. Eventually, your body will become dehydrated, which has many negative side effects. If your body becomes unable to cool itself, due to various diseases, these saunas can be dangerous and cause heatstroke. When it comes to joint injuries, heat can exacerbate inflammation and worsen the pain or discomfort.
