What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a unique type of sauna that uses safe, infrared light to generate heat. Unlike traditional saunas, which warm the air around you to heat your body, infrared saunas directly heat your body using infrared light. This method allows for an intense sweat session without needing to crank up the temperature to the extreme levels found in conventional saunas (often 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit). Instead, infrared saunas operate at a more comfortable range of 110 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower heat level still offers a plethora of health benefits and makes it accessible for those who are sensitive to high temperatures.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Work?
Infrared saunas operate by emitting non-invasive "infrared light" to produce heat. Some also provide heat from alternative heating sources, depending on the Sauna, but they all work utilizing the same principles. This type of light is widely used in clinical and health settings through various devices and therapies.
When infrared light penetrates the skin, it reaches deeper tissues, offering a host of positive effects. Though we can't see infrared light, we perceive it through its warmth. This same type of light is also employed in red light therapy devices, a topic we've previously explored in our red light therapy blog post.
While humans can see red light—part of the visible spectrum—we can't see infrared light because its wavelengths fall outside what our eyes can detect. Despite this invisibility, the benefits of infrared light are both tangible and profound, making it a cornerstone of effective therapeutic practices.
3 Types of Infrared Light
Infrared saunas typically utilize far-infrared light, but some advanced models incorporate a blend of all three infrared wavelengths: near, mid, and far. Understanding the distinct benefits of each type can help you make an informed choice for your health and wellness journey.
Near-Infrared (NIR)
Near-infrared light is renowned for its ability to promote wound healing, enhance cell regeneration, and improve skin health. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines—a feature commonly leveraged in red light therapy devices.
Mid-Infrared (MIR)
Mid-infrared light plays a crucial role in improving circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen to injured areas, facilitating faster recovery. It is also effective for pain relief, muscle recovery, and detoxification through increased sweating, penetrating safely and deeply into body tissues.
Far-Infrared (FIR)
Far-infrared light induces deep sweating, aiding in the detoxification process by helping expel toxins such as heavy metals from the body. It supports weight loss by boosting calorie burn, reduces pain, and alleviates joint stiffness thanks to its deep tissue penetration.
Our Combination Saunas
Combination saunas are an amazing and holistic approach to peak health by integrating Near-Infrared, Mid-Infrared, and Far-Infrared lights. These saunas address various health concerns simultaneously, providing a tailored experience. For instance, our sauna by Spiritual Quest™, incorporates all three infrared wavelengths alongside red light therapy, maximizing the benefits of these diverse light sources in a single session!
By understanding the unique advantages of each type of infrared light, you can better appreciate how a comprehensive sauna experience can significantly enhance your overall well-being, especially when done regularly.
What Are The Top 10 Benefits of an Infrared Sauna
1. Detoxification
Sweating in a sauna provides a much-needed detox as your body releases various toxins. Environmental pollutants, air contaminants, and remnants of skin-care products are commonly purged during a session. According to Clearlight Saunas (2020), and similar 3rd party studies since, state the heat can also help expel heavy metals, phthalates, pesticides, and other harmful substances from your system.
2. Immune System Boost
While more research is required, anecdotal evidence suggests that regular sauna use may reduce the frequency of common colds. Many users report fewer occurrences of illness, hinting at potential immune-boosting properties.
3. Inflammation Reduction
Chronic inflammation can negatively impact long-term health, accelerating aging and contributing to various ailments. The deep-penetrating heat from infrared light causes blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow. Enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to inflamed areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
4. Pain Management
Infrared saunas help alleviate pain by boosting blood flow, reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles and joints, and increasing endorphin levels—the body’s natural painkillers. This can also shorten recovery times for those experiencing muscle soreness or fatigue.
5. Improved Sleep & Recovery
Many sauna users experience better sleep after evening sessions. This may be because the body naturally cools down post-sauna, a key factor in maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Current sleep science indicates that core body temperature needs to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep (Walker, 2022).
6. Stress Relief
Sauna sessions act as a form of exercise, albeit a passive one, helping to reduce stress and promote dopamine production—our brain's pleasure and reward chemical. However, it’s crucial to combine sauna use with more active forms of exercise for comprehensive health benefits.
7. Skin Health
Near-infrared light (NIR) in saunas improves skin tone and texture by boosting collagen and elastin production, akin to red light therapy. This combats fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin while enhancing wound healing, skin hydration, and pore appearance. Both NIR and far-infrared light (FIR) can even block some UVB skin damage when used before sun exposure.
8. Improved Heart Health and Decreased Blood Pressure
Infrared therapy has shown promise in laboratory studies, such as those reported by the Cleveland Clinic (2022), for lowering blood pressure. Sauna sessions mimic the effects of light to moderate exercise, leading to improved circulation and heart health.
9. Calorie Burn
When combined with a balanced diet and exercise, infrared sauna sessions can be an effective supplemental tool for weight loss, aiding in burning additional calories.
10. Improved Energy Levels
Improved blood flow, reduced stress and inflammation can significantly boost energy levels. Although initial detox sessions may make you feel tired, this sensation typically subsides as your body adjusts and begins expelling toxins efficiently through sweat.
By incorporating these benefits into your routine, an infrared sauna can be a powerful ally in achieving better health and well-being.
Bonus Benefits
Improved Athletic Performance: This therapy helps train your sweat response and your body’s ability to sweat when it needs to cool down. While sweating more may turn some people off, this natural and positive body adaptation develops over time. The more you sweat, the cooler your body is and the better your cognitive and physical performance.
A Combination of Health Benefits at Dr. Dekel's Office
Our clinic here in beautiful Bluffton, SC, has the experience, the knowledge, self inspired staff that practice patient focused care, and state-of-the-art equipment for healing a variety of chronic conditions & pain management. But, we didn't stop there, we have invested over a million dollars in renovating, redecorating and acquiring the top tier in skincare aesthetic products as well.
We are a one stop shop for a Holistic HealthSpa experience unlike any other clinic. And we can't wait to share more information with you! Sign-Up for our newsletter by clicking the link below, and enjoy getting emails about things that actually improve your life, not sale pricing on items you don't need or trash spammy emails. By signing up you are also helping us share our message of love, holistic healing and a pathway to living your best life!
Thank you all for your time today, we appreciate the support and look forward to helping you all achieve your health and wellness goals! We offer a 100% FREE 15-minute consultation with our Medical Director, Dr. Dekel MD, himself. To schedule your first Free Appointment, just call us at our office at (843) 757-STEM (7836), or email us at Brandon@drdekelsoffice.com.
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Love to All,
Team Dr. Dekel MD.
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