Did I mention that saunas are relaxing, rejuvenating and even a little indulgent? They're also a fantastic way to detox your body and improve your health.
I rate infrared sauna therapy so highly that I purchased one for my home wellness clinic. I personally use it 4 to 6 times a week to support my detoxing efforts, relieve pain and inflammation, and improve my ageing skin.
One of the best chronic disease doctors, Neurologist Dr Dietrich Klinghardt, found something fascinating. The sweat from conventional saunas was 95-97 per cent water. But infrared sauna sweat was only 80-85 per cent water. The rest? Cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulphuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.
Far infrared (FIR) saunas have a cumulative effect. Daily use magnifies the benefits. Your first session will give some benefit, but after several days and weeks, detoxification, weight loss, immune building and other benefits increase dramatically.
8 ways infrared saunas can benefit you
1. Weight loss
In a FIR sauna, fat becomes water-soluble at 38 degrees Celsius and begins to dissolve, entering the bloodstream to be removed through sweat. Many people who've struggled with conventional dieting see results here, because often the inability to lose weight is linked to chemical and heavy metal toxicity.
The calorie burn is impressive. Peak output on a rowing machine or during a marathon burns about 600 calories in 30 minutes. An infrared sauna burns 600-800 calories in the same timeframe. That's equivalent to a 6-9 mile run.
2. Toxin elimination
Our bodies store biotoxins that trigger illness. When toxic heavy metals like lead and chlorine meet large water molecules, they get encapsulated and trapped, blocking circulation and impairing cellular energy.
FIR waves make these water molecules vibrate, breaking down the ion bonds and releasing the trapped toxins. Up to 300% more carcinogenic heavy metals, sodium, cholesterol, nicotine, and alcohol are eliminated compared to standard saunas. It's 10 times more effective than urinating toxins out.
3. Cardiovascular health
Far infrared strengthens your cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and cardiac output while decreasing diastolic blood pressure. Blood flow rises from 5-7 quarts per minute to as many as 13 quarts per minute.
German researchers found one hour of far infrared therapy significantly reduced blood pressure and improved blood viscosity. The heat also neutralises blood toxicity and smooths artery walls.
4. Immune system boost
FIR stimulates increased production of white blood cells and killer T-cells, boosting your body's ability to fight bacteria, colds, flu and other ailments. Many practitioners use FIR treatment in the early stages of illness to stop symptoms before they occur.
5. Pain relief
Infrared heat penetrates deep into tissues and peripheral nerves, reducing pain sensation. Pain often comes from lack of blood supply due to tension or spasms. The deep heat eliminates spasms and alleviates pain.
FIR promotes rebuilding of injured tissue by positively affecting fibroblasts (connective tissue cells needed for repair). It increases cell growth, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis, all necessary for tissue repair and regeneration.
Studies show FAR infrared helps with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and mild depression.
6. Reduced inflammation
Far infrared heat therapy:
- Decreases joint stiffness
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Increases blood flow
- Provides pain relief
- Helps soft tissue injury
- Increases collagen tissue extensibility
7. Better blood flow
FIR heat expands capillaries, stimulating increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation and oxygenation. This improved circulation benefits hair, skin, injury healing, and muscle and joint recovery.
8. Skin improvement
Infrared heat increases blood circulation throughout your skin, which is essential for glowing, youthful skin. The heat penetrates deep, pushing out toxins while rejuvenating skin.
Reported benefits include more youthful skin, decreased scars, clearer acne, and improved eczema and psoriasis.
Try this test: Wash your face with your best cleanser before your sauna session. Bring a small white towel, work up a good sweat, and wipe your face. You'll be shocked at the dirt on that towel. The infrared heat penetrates deep under your skin, pushing out toxins from deep in your pores.
Infrared therapy also breaks down cellulite. Many dermatologists now recommend infrared saunas with anti-cellulite programmes because the profuse sweating clears unwanted debris from your body.
Aim for 20 minutes minimum, building up to 40 minutes. You don't need to shower after as you're cleaner than when you got in. Just towel off the sweat.
