INFRARED SAUNA

What is an infrared sauna?

Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you. Instead, they use infrared lamps (that use electromagnetic radiation) to warm your body directly.

“These saunas use infrared panels instead of conventional heat to easily penetrate human tissue, heating up your body before heating up the air,” explains physical therapist, Vivian Eisenstadt, MAPT, CPT, MASP.

An infrared sauna can operate at a lower temperature (usually between 120˚F and 140˚F) than a traditional sauna, which is typically between 150˚F and 180˚F.

 Is an Infrared Sauna Better Than a Traditional Sauna?

There’s nothing quite like a 20-minute sweat session in a sauna. You feel more relaxed and rested after you’re done, and the heat helps relieve sore muscles and improves your overall health and well-being.

But if the high temperatures of a traditional sauna are just too much for you to handle, an infrared sauna may offer the benefits of a sauna without the extreme heat.

What are the benefits of using an infrared sauna?

The reported benefits of using an infrared sauna include:

• better sleep
• relaxation
• detoxification
• weight loss
• relief from sore muscles
• relief from joint pain such as arthritis
• clear and tighter skin
• improved circulation
• help for people with chronic fatigue syndrome

Tips for a successful infrared sauna experience:

• Drink water. Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna. Drink a glass of water before your session. You can also bring water into the sauna, especially if you’re sensitive to higher heats. (we provide water at H2O Wellness, of course!)
• Length of time. Our sessions run either 20 minutes or 40 minutes.
• Clothing. Our sauna room is private, so clothing is optional. Some people prefer to wear bathing suits or loose fitting clothing. If you choose to wear clothing, be prepared for it to get sweaty.
• What you can do while in the sauna. Relax, read, meditate, listen to music, or visit with friends. Just don’t go to sleep.
• After the session is over. When your session is done, it’s suggested that you take your time and let your body cool down. Make sure you drink plenty of water.

What should you know before you try an infrared sauna?

There are a few things you should know before indulging in your first session.

• Avoid using an infrared sauna if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• If you feel ill or have a fever, it’s best to wait to use the sauna until you’re feeling better.
• Using an infrared sauna will cause you to sweat a lot, so you may feel lightheaded when you stand up. If this happens, make sure you get up slowly and sit down once you leave the sauna. Drink water immediately after finishing your session and wait for your body to cool down before doing anything else.

If you have any health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or are under medical care, get cleared by your doctor before your first session. Even though infrared saunas have been found to be safe, you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your health and safety.