The idea of a sauna, of course, is relaxation and rejuvenation. Traditional saunas do that by generating steam and high temperatures between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared saunas generate heat like the soothing heat of the sun, only without harmful ultraviolet rays. Technically, infrared is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light and shorter than radio waves. Infrared penetrates the skin about an inch and a half deep and heats it directly. As a result, infrared saunas run at only 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but generate the same relaxation and health benefits, and then some.
For example, did you know that infrared saunas can offer pain relief as tissues are heated, blood vessels dilate? The result is a reduction in muscle spasms, stiffness in joints and general aches and pains from such conditions as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Similarly, the increased blood circulation in the skin can improve its elasticity, texture, and tone. Studies also show that if muscle tissue is stretched while heated, it retains the extra elasticity much longer. Amazing though it may sound, heat therapy in an infrared sauna even improves cardiovascular conditioning by increasing heart rate as the body attempts to cool itself via sweating. This can even have a positive impact on high blood pressure. This same cardiovascular workout, resulting in sweating, also burns calories. A single infrared sauna session can burn the equivalent in calories of running two to three miles. Although there are many reasons to own a sauna, weight loss is an added bonus.
In terms of infrared sauna health benefits, perhaps the most important is the detoxification that occurs as the deep heat penetration helps remove toxins stored in fat cells. Most people do not know that our skin is actually also our largest organ, acting very much like a third kidney. In fact, recent research suggests that individuals exposed to carcinogenic toxins may well benefit from infrared sauna therapy, as it helps flush out harmful substances.
Firefighters, the often-unsung heroes in our daily lives, are an excellent example. Few people know that firefighter health risks go well beyond getting wounded while working in burning buildings. Smoke inhalation and exposure to noxious chemicals and a large variety of carcinogenics can have devastating long-term effects. In fact, firefighters are at a far greater risk of developing cancer from exposure than the general population.
For a firefighter, detoxification can be a life-saving regimen, and again infrared saunas can help. In addition to some researchers' belief that infrared therapy can stimulate our bodies' immune system, tumor cells are thought to have less tolerance to heat than healthy cells. And infrared saunas' ability to detox the body by flushing out toxins stored in the skin helps get rid of residuals from exposure to diesel exhaust, chloroform, soot, styrene, benzene and carcinogenic heavy metals. Infrared saunas can also be beneficial in burn care, another professional firefighter hazard.
Be it detox and ridding your body of harmful chemicals, getting a good workout, or simply seeking deep, soothing relaxation, infrared saunas are a remarkably effective and beneficial means to good health.
Benefits Of Infrared Saunas
Steam saunas have been around for centuries, but infrared saunas are a relatively new invention that blows them out the water. The list of infrared sauna benefits is huge and many people really enjoy the addition of this technology to their daily routines.
Infrared technology is unique in that it allows for light to heat the body and can be aimed at very targeted areas. There are even portable infrared saunas that make it possible to continue your routine while on the road for vacation or business.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
Here we will look at just a few of the most popular reasons people are using infrared saunas.
- Safety. The heater in a steam sauna, as well as the steam, can be dangerous and it is quite possible to burn yourself. This poses a particular danger if you have children in the house. On the other hand, infrared saunas allow for a gentler heat and aren't as likely to burn anyone.
- Time. The amount of time you can stay in a sauna greatly depends on how much heat you can take. The average steam sauna is only bearable for up to 20 minutes, with many people unable to take more than 10. This means there is a limited amount of time to sweat and rid your body of toxins. The infrared sauna uses a gentler heat that penetrates about an inch and a half into the body, meaning greater benefits for a longer period of time.
- Health Benefits. There are a huge number of health benefits that are a direct result of infrared saunas. In fact, you'll find that the infrared heat can cure many skin issues like eczema and acne, get rid of candida, and even relieves pain in the joints, making infrared saunas pretty popular for these reasons.
- Weight Loss. It's no secret that saunas can help with weight loss. They do this in a variety of ways, breaking down toxins and fat cells and also by helping you sweat out excess water.
- Stress Relief. Today's average adult suffers a lot of stress. There are bills to pay, prices are ever climbing and it just gets to be too much. A relaxing sauna treatment allows people a little time off to sit with there with their thoughts, no laptops or cell phones allowed and they can feel better.
- Energy. Thanks to the toxin releasing actions of a sauna, you'll often have more energy afterwards. That, combined with weight loss makes for some added zip to your step and an extra bit of energy.
- Better Skin. Not only does the infrared sauna help with curing many common skin ailments, it's also great for giving you that healthy glow. Since you will be eliminating nasty toxins that tend to clog up pores and make sink look dull, you'll find that after a few treatments with an infrared sauna, your skin will really be brighter and healthier looking.
- Immunity. Did you know that infrared saunas can actually help boost your immune system? Getting rid of toxins and knocking out those bacteria that the immune system is normally fighting will allow your body to turn to things that really matter, invading viruses and bacteria.
Infrared saunas have proven their worth on the market and more and more people are finding that they enjoy using them and have also experienced many benefits and even cures for common problems like skin issues and yeast infections. Whether you use a public infrared or a home sauna version that you can install in your basement, infrared saunas have plenty of benefits that you won't want to miss out on.
Both Chris Robertson & Amy Nutt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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