Chances are you’re at least somewhat familiar with traditional steam saunas. Frequently utilized as settings in movies and television and found in gyms and spas worldwide, steam saunas are as iconic as they are prevalent. But did you not all saunas operate using steam? For instance, dry saunas use the conductivity of wood to transfer warmth from a standard heating system.
There’s also a third option: infrared saunas. As the name suggests, an infrared sauna uses infrared light to generate radiant heat. The result is a sauna experience that is simple and streamlined without losing any of the health benefits of a traditional sauna setting.
In fact, if anything, infrared saunas have more to offer in terms of health and wellness. Get your glow on! Here are six health benefits of infrared saunas.
Pain Relief
Heat is an effective way to manage pain associated with a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle aches. As a result, infrared saunas can be an effective pain relief solution for those suffering from these and other conditions where heat therapy is shown to work. The science behind it is simple: heat improves circulation, reducing inflammation while increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected body parts.
Improved Circulation
Improved circulation does more than provide pain relief. Improved circulation also lowers blood pressure. Over time, this can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Better circulation also helps wounds heal faster and can even improve cognitive function.
Stress Relief
Infrared saunas – like their steam-driven counterparts – are ideal for achieving rest and relaxation after a long day. The quiet warmth and dim lighting create an environment not unlike a womb. The result is an almost instant reduction in stress and anxiety.
With this in mind, daily infrared sauna sessions effectively manage your mental health and improve your well-being.
Detoxification
Our bodies push various toxins out through our pores when we sweat. As a result, infrared saunas are great for those in need of detox. Whether you’re working to undo the damage of a night out drinking, recovering from an illness, or trying to reset your body and mind, the detoxification experienced from even a single sauna session can result in an almost instantaneous rejuvenation of body, mind, and spirit.
Youthful Appearance
While the fountain of youth remains elusive, humans have found various ways to maintain a youthful appearance in spite of age. For example, the heat from infrared light can increase collagen production, which can lead to improved skin health. Exposure to the heat generated from infrared light can even improve skin tone and texture while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While nobody can reverse aging, infrared saunas help us stay looking younger for longer.
Weight Loss
Yes, you read that correctly: infrared saunas may even be effective in promoting weight loss. That’s because exposure to heat leads to an increase in your heart and metabolic rates. The result is your body burns more calories.
