Whether you are an athlete or overcome the demands of day-to-day life, finding new ways to holistically release stress and relax can be extremely beneficial for your overall health. Infrared Saunas have become a popular option for rejuvenating your muscles while getting a deep sweat. In comparison to traditional saunas, infrared saunas provide therapeutic heat that helps to promote relaxation and improve sleep. A study that highlighted the clinical benefits of infrared sauna treatments, showed that the health and wellness in populations that have a hard time exercising benefited greatly from these treatments.
Rachel Bantelman-Evans, Owner & Founder of Lumos Infrared Sauna Studio, knows the importance of these types of treatments as a former collegiate athlete. She sought out proper recovery methods after experiencing several injuries and surgeries during her basketball career. “Regular infrared sauna use truly changed my life in so many ways. My body feels so much better – overall less achy, more nimble and agile,” Rachel explains.
Below are reasons why you should consider infrared saunas for your wellness plan.
Recovery/Pain Relief
If you have been feeling aches and pains, infrared sauna sessions can help relieve these feelings. A research-based study from NASA has shown that infrared sauna therapy has the ability to speed up the wound healing process. Many professionals that deal with pain management incorporate infrared sauna heat therapy into a recovery plan. “Infrared works to raise your core temp, promoting an increased rate of healing and recovery of your muscles and tissues. This process offers a reprieve for everyday aches and pain as it helps to reduce inflammation,” says Bantelman-Evans. This is because the LED technology in these saunas allows for deep penetration of tissue that helps to increase the cell growth from the inside.
Chronic Pain
Those that suffer from illnesses like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or circulatory issues can find a lot of relief through this type of therapy. Infrared light supports cell regeneration, improves circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body while promoting faster healing of deep tissues. If you are suffering from an ailment that requires extensive pain management this has shown to have long-lasting results of pain relief with consistency.
Mental Health
The physical impact that your body can go through when you are faced with psychological issues is evident. Regular sauna sessions have been shown to lower anger levels and boost dopamine in the brain. “It helps to reduce cortisol levels while promoting the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. In addition to this, it requires users to ‘unplug’ from their devices. Because phones cannot be used within infrared saunas (for long due to high temps) users are able to have a few media-free minutes,” Rachel says.
Skin Health
You are sure to get a good sweat from these sessions and it can also address problematic skin conditions like acne or texture. The near wavelengths of the infrared lights help to stimulate collagen production which helps to reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone overall. Far wavelengths (heats your body directly without heating the air around you) can get deeper and remove toxins beneath the skin that may be causing a negative impact. Bantelman-Evans explains, “It promotes regeneration of new skin cells, but also works to help shed dead skin cells. It also helps to combat aging and skin ailments like rosacea and eczema,”
So who should not participate in an infrared sauna session?
- If you have known heart disease and/or major cardiovascular issues, you should definitely consult with your physician before booking a session.
- Women that are pregnant should also consult with their prenatal care specialist.
- Kids under 14 years of age need to discuss this with their pediatrician before using an infrared sauna.
When you are trying to find the right infrared sauna you want to make sure you do the proper research. The brand should be trustworthy and use clean as well as safe heating methods.
It’s clear there is a number of benefits from infrared sauna sessions however you want to make sure you find the recovery options that work best for you.