Tagged: Infrared sauna

What are the Health Benefits of Infrared Therapy?

Author: Pure Body Health Victoria

Infrared Sauna Entrance

Infrared therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for your health and well being, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Treatment for chronic pain
  • Relaxation of muscle tension
  • Detoxification
  • Skin purification

Infrared technology is a wonderful addition to your wellness routine as it gives you the benefits of time spent in the sun without exposing yourself to harmful ultraviolet rays.

Imagine the feeling of refreshment and relaxation after a day in the sun without having to be concerned about the adverse side effects on your skin and health.

Infrared light has been shown to promote faster healing and relief for muscle tension or chronic pain by initiating the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body.

It’s a safe and effective rehabilitation method, demonstrated by its use for infants in neonatal intensive care.

What are Infrared Saunas?

Infrared saunas are similar in structure to traditional saunas – they are both typically small enclosed rooms – however they differ in how the heat is transmitted to your body and the resulting benefits.

Traditional saunas heat the body through the conduction of warm air – as the air in the room warms up – your body begins to heat up.

Infrared saunas heat your body directly with 80% of the heat going into your body and 20% warming the air around you.

The infrared light is absorbed by photoreceptors in your cells and is converted into heat energy, which then begins to warm up your body.

When the light energy is absorbed it triggers a series of metabolic events and natural processes in your body.

Do Infrared Saunas Burn Calories?

Infrared saunas promote weight loss as they produce conditions that mimic exercise.

As you begin to sweat, your heart rate increases and this kickstarts a caloric burn. The same is true for traditional saunas, however, if you find the intense heat of a traditional sauna overwhelming, infrared saunas are a great alternative.

Since infrared saunas warm your body, not the air – the thick feeling or heaviness of air that can be felt in traditional saunas doesn’t occur, so you are able to receive the benefits of calorie loss without discomfort.

Detoxification and Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are effective at detoxifying both your body and mind. The induced sweating has been shown to help eliminate heavy metals, BPA’s and other toxic chemicals from your skin.

BPA’s are an industrial chemical that has been used since the 1960’s to make certain plastics and resins. It’s common to absorb these chemicals in your day-to-day life and therefore important to detoxify them from your skin.

Infrared saunas are also excellent places to detoxify your mind. In the sanctuary of the sauna while your body is receiving the benefits of infrared wave energy, it provides a powerful space for meditation, reflection and relaxation.

Do Infrared Saunas Help Rejuvenate Your Skin?

Infrared wave energy has been shown to help cells repair and regenerate, including your skin cells, improving your skin elasticity and tone.

Infrared therapy has also been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite, clearing acne, psoriasis, eczema and reducing the appearance of scars.

This combined with the required rehydration after time spent in the sauna results in a purification and refreshment of your skin.

Considerations

Infrared therapy can help with a number of things but it’s always important to take certain considerations into account when deciding if it’s right for you, a few of which include:

  • Avoid the sauna if you have been consuming alcohol
  • If you have heart problems, issues with your blood pressure, or pregnant it’s advised you consult your doctor before booking an appointment.
  • It’s important to rehydrate after your session to avoid dehydration

If you’re ready to try Infrared Therapy, schedule your appointment at Pure Body Health Victoria here!

The Inside Scoop on Our Infrared Sauna

Author: Abbie Hentges, Clinic Manager

I think the question I get asked most by people who are curious about using our sauna is: How is an infrared sauna different from a conventional sauna? That’s a good question!

The main difference is the way the heat is produced. In a conventional sauna, heat is created indirectly through convection (air currents) and conduction (direct contact of hot air with the skin) This is why some people (myself included) find it difficult to stay in a conventional sauna for long because breathing warm air can feel quite uncomfortable.

In infrared saunas less than 20% of the infrared energy heats the air leaving over 80% to be directly converted to heat within our bodies. As the body’s core temperature slowly rises, blood vessels dilate increasing blood flow. As heat from the blood moves toward the skin’s surface, the body’s nervous system sends signals to the sweat glands stimulating perspiration. This allows for a greater depth of heat penetration while the surrounding air remains at a relatively low temperature.

This difference explains the unprecedented health benefits of far infrared saunas not attainable with conventional saunas.

I am fortunate enough to have regular access to our sauna. I go on average 3 nights a week after work and it’s the perfect way to end my day. It’s just a quiet warm place for me to go where I can process my day, relax and unwind. I have found a 30 minute session to be my sweet spot, enough time to get a good sweat on but not so long that I feel restless or bored.

I had never used an infrared sauna before I started working at Pure Body Health but I had heard good things about them from friends. I definitely notice a difference in how I feel after using the sauna. I think the word serene most accurately describes my experience. I feel calm and clear and a tangible increase in well being.

Here’s what some of our regulars have to say:

I wanted to try it out because I had read it would be good for my health. I have tried regular saunas before but found the hot dry air hard to breathe. I like the  infrared sauna because it gives a good heat and I sweat a lot. I also enjoy the sauna because it gives me a quiet moment in my day.” – Robert

I am a major infrared sauna fan, I come at least 4 times a week. I definitely notice if I don’t come for a while. The sauna is my hot box, I actually work in there! It’s a space of hyper focus for me, a clarity spot for my day. It’s great for my skin and I feel revitalized afterwards. Regular sauna use allows me to stay focused and on top of my game. I have found the sauna to be one of my keys to wellness and managing stress. I love the lights and find them very therapeutic.” – Sasha

Intrigued? Book your first infrared sauna session with us today!