6 Benefits of Using an Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas offer plenty of benefits and are quickly becoming one of the most popular treatments for many ailments. However, infrared sauna treatments have been around for over 25 years, with plenty of research on their benefits and uses being published for public convenience. Some countries, such as Japan, even have their own ‘infrared society’ which is a team of medical professionals dedicated to research on the impact of using an infrared sauna. 

But what can a session in your local infrared sauna do for you? Keep reading to learn the benefits of this alternative treatment. 

Muscle Pain, Arthritis, and Strain 

Infrared saunas release a specific type of energy that can penetrate the muscle up to 1.5 inches, reaching further into your muscle tissue than many other treatments. When in the sauna, up to 93% of this energy is absorbed by the skin and used to heat the tissues underneath. This allows our peripheral blood vessels to go through a state of vasodilatation, reducing muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and general discomfort. 

Research has shown that infrared saunas can help pain from conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It has also been shown to reduce the healing time of injuries when used within 48 hours of the incident. 

Detoxifying the Body

Infrared saunas use a number of infrared waves to penetrate the body which can remove toxins as they go. The removal of these toxins often helps reduce the symptoms of various health issues, which can make you feel and function healthier as a whole. 

Infrared energy finds water molecules within the body, making them vibrate and release the gases being held within them. These toxins are then released back into the body to be removed through its natural detoxification process, taking them safely out of your body within no time at all. 

Immune System Function

Infrared saunas work by raising the body’s core temperature, which has been shown as an effective method of killing bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Some people struggle to fight these illnesses on their own due to low body temperatures, so infrared sauna sessions can help with this. 

Studies have been conducted on how infrared saunas can create an artificial fever, noting how the white blood cells leapt into action to attack the fever, finding the illness instead and attacking it. Even without an illness within the body for your immune system to attack, the ‘practice run’ an infrared sauna stimulates can help strengthen it by strengthening your white blood cells’ response time. 

Skin Appearance Benefits

Using infrared saunas can restore the skin to its natural, healthy state through detoxification. The skin is a largely underappreciated organ, and it’s one of the major ways your body eliminates toxins and congestion. However, when not looked after properly, the skin can become clogged up and inactive. 

The infrared waves from regular sauna use can promote a healthy glow by improving blood circulation. The blood will deliver nutrients to the skin to rejuvenate it. Sweating can also open pores and decongest them for a smoother, less textured appearance. Finally, the heat can cleanse the skin gently rather than using abrasive, harsh exfoliants. 

Better Blood Circulation

Infrared saunas can increase the heart rate and therefore blood circulation, which allows the blood to get to your organs and extremities without increasing your blood pressure. This is a massive benefit for those with existing poor blood circulation or high blood pressure, as it helps protect the heart from overworking itself. 

When the blood moves more efficiently around the body, it also takes oxygen with it. This is delivered to tired and painful joints, which can heal them more effectively and relieve your pain while you wait for them to fix themselves. 

Promotes Weight Loss

Infrared saunas help to speed up your metabolism and can promote sweating, which can lead to impressive caloric loss during the sauna session. When you sweat in the sauna, fat deposits are burned. In fact, it’s possible to burn up to 600 calories within just one hour in an infrared sauna, depending on how much you sweat. 

However, it’s important to recognise that weight loss is not the number one reason why people use infrared saunas and it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for regular exercise. Sauna sessions put the body through a lot, so make sure you drink plenty of water to replace what you lose through sweat during your session.