Introducing the Infrared Sauna for Increased Health
As soon as humans developed the ability to create fire, the first saunas were established. These early saunas originated in Africa and were used to help eliminate infections, which proved effective. Saunas have been significant in various cultures throughout history, as seen in Roman and Greek bathhouses, sweat lodges, and Turkish hammams. While sauna design has evolved considerably over thousands of years, most modern dry-heat saunas are based on the Finnish model –perhaps best known for their sauna practices.
What is an Infrared Sauna? Infrared wavelengths of light are what make the sun feel warm. Scientists have established that these infrared wavelengths benefit the human body, increasing its thermal energy. Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly rather than heating the air around it, like traditional saunas. The infrared waves penetrate deeply into the body to raise the body’s core temperature, similar to the effects of exercise. These light waves interact with water molecules in the body, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (around 120-140°F) than traditional saunas (150-195°F) due to the direct heating effect.
Sauna Benefits How our bodies react to heat has profound physical and mental health benefits, and this connection is well-researched. The high heat of a sauna releases endorphins, raises body temperature, and dilates blood vessels, allowing for increased blood circulation. The deep penetration of infrared relaxes muscles and soothes aches. It also carries off metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, while delivering oxygen-rich blood to the muscles for faster recovery. Additionally, saunas facilitate calorie burn, as the induced sweating requires considerable energy.
Deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce toxins, including food additives, preservatives, and other environmental toxins, that the body absorbs simply from interacting with its daily environment. Sweating flushes dirt and bacteria from the epidermal layer while leaving behind a minimal amount of beneficial oils. This pore cleansing has been shown to improve capillary circulation and give the skin a healthy glow.
Research has suggested that infrared saunas support a deeper, more relaxed sleep, relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), enhance cognitive health, regulate immune system function, and promote and protect cardiovascular health. Heat stress via sauna use elicits biological responses that protect the body from damage and may offer a means to slow the effects of aging.
Sauna Use Most facilities recommend a frequency of at least three times a week. If you are in good health, you can use it daily. A good rule of thumb is to start slow. After you break a sweat, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, an additional 20 to 30 minutes is recommended. After becoming acclimated to infrared heat, users average 20 to 60-minute sessions.
Although no harmful effects have been reported when healthy individuals properly use infrared saunas, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using one, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Jennifer Savage is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the owner of Wú Wéi Wellness in Old Town Beaverton, with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. To schedule an appointment in our Infrared Sauna, call 503.530.8097 or visit www.bewuweiwell.com.
