The Benefits of Infrared Sauna
You may be familiar with the idea of traditional saunas, or may have even tried them yourself. If so, you’re likely thinking of a small wooden room that’s so hot it’s steamy, and if you step into it, you start sweating almost immediately!
While traditional saunas were popular for quite some time, today there’s an option that many people find more comfortable, yet with the same potential benefits— the infrared sauna.
This article explains what infrared saunas are, and their potential benefits. For personalised advice, contact our team at Muscle Joint Bone today.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
Saunas have existed for a very long time, possibly thousands of years. They’ve evolved over that time, from pits dug into the ground that were heated with campfires to the modern traditional saunas often found at pools and health clubs.
These traditional saunas are often relaxing, but only for a short period of time. They’re heated to 65 to 90 degrees Celcius, inducing sweating— and often a feeling of discomfort along with it. Thankfully, infrared saunas aim to offer the same potential benefits in a more comfortable way.
Infrared saunas use infrared light instead of heated air. These lightwaves are invisible to the naked eye, yet warm your body directly, penetrating the skin and tissues to generate heat from within. They operate at lower temperatures (49 to 60 degrees Celsius) than traditional saunas, making the experience typically much more enjoyable.
The Potential Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Despite the lower heat, infrared saunas aim to offer many of the same benefits as traditional saunas, including:
1. Improved skin tone
Infrared saunas are believed to increase blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This allows for better collagen production, helping to improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and leave your skin looking brighter and more vibrant.
2. Weight loss
Infrared saunas increase your heart rate, much like how your heart rate rises when you exercise. With this, your metabolism increases and your body works to cool itself down. Over time, this may lead to burning more calories and assisting in weight loss.
3. Improved cardiovascular function
With the increase in blood flow and circulation that sitting in an infrared sauna creates, this may be beneficial for your heart health. Infrared saunas may also lower blood pressure, which may be useful for people with high blood pressure. However, if you have a heart condition or other cardiovascular concerns, ensure you consult with your doctor before using any kind of sauna.
4. Pain relief
Whether you’re recovering from running a marathon or you suffer from chronic pain like arthritis or fibromyalgia, infrared saunas may be able to provide pain relief. The heat may assist in reducing inflammation and stiffness, potentially improving mobility and lessening discomfort.
5. Faster recovery
Active people of all levels, from casual walkers to professional athletes, may experience pain or deal with injuries from time to time. The improvement in circulation that infrared saunas may provide may assist with muscle recovery by reducing soreness and speeding up recovery.
Tips for Using an Infrared Sauna
There are ways you may be able to enhance your infrared sauna experience, and potentially maximise your chances of reaping the benefits. We recommend that you:
Stay hydrated— Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your infrared sauna session to aid in avoiding dehydration.
Start slow— If you’re new to using infrared saunas, begin with shorter sessions (about five to 10 minutes) at a lower temperature and gradually work your way up to longer sessions.
Set a timer— Try not to let the relaxation get the better of you! Avoid staying in a sauna for more than 15 to 20 minutes, especially if you’re a beginner.
Cool down properly— After your session, take the time to let your body temperature adjust to the outside world before going back to your day.
Relax With an Infrared Sauna at Muscle Joint Bone
If you’re looking for a way to relieve pain or even just to simply relax, an infrared sauna session may be a good option for you. Whether you dream of glowing skin, relaxed muscles, or a way to supplement your weight loss journey, our team at our Doreen, Epping, and Balwyn North clinics can’t wait to meet you. Contact us today to experience the joys of infrared sauna therapy firsthand!