One of coolest things that has happened recently at my Spa and Aesthetics Center is the addition of a new Wellness Suite that includes, among other things, an infrared sauna. We are excited to offer it to our clients, but also to enjoy it ourselves. Most of us in the over 50 set will notice at least a slight tendency to have more aches and pains than when we were younger, and the infrared sauna is wonderful for soothing those achy muscles and bones, but it also does so much more.
Before we purchased the Wellness Suite, we really did not know the difference in types of saunas and the benefits that they offered. We learned a lot, and what we ended up choosing was a far infrared sauna.
People have used sauna therapy for many centuries for improving circulation, relaxation and to promote sweating. I think that when most people think of saunas, they imagine the steam (wet) sauna that use a steam generator that produces moist heat. This heats the air in the sauna and makes you sweat. There are also wood burning saunas and electrically heated saunas. The infrared sauna is different in several ways. Infrared saunas use infrared lamps and electromagnetic "magic" to emit radiant heat that heats your body instead of the air around it. This allows you to gain the benefits of the sauna at a lower temperature than other types of saunas and warms your body from the inside out. This can be more tolerable and comfortable for many people while delivering the same health benefits.
Some of the health benefits you can enjoy from using the infrared sauna include:
1.Pain relief by warming and soothing muscles, increasing circulation and reducing pain sensations. According to a 2024 article from Forbes Health online, there is promising research concerning the treatment of chronic issues such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.
2. Improves heart health. Within minutes of starting your sauna session, your body warms, your blood vessels relax, circulation to your heart rate increases and your heart rate goes up. This mimics beneficial exercise. The heart benefits are scientifically backed. One 20-year cohort study of over 2,000 people suggest that regular sauna use was protective against the risk of death from cardiac events such as heart attacks, stroke and all-cause mortality and the more you use sauna, the better the benefit (Borst& Cangeloso, Forbes Health Online, 2024).
3. Relaxation. Warming your body helps "warm your soul". It is a good way to
decompress and take some time to let tensions melt away. Sauna use has been
associated with an improvement in depression, anxiety and sleep patterns
(Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials online, April 13, 2022).
4. Improving Immunity to fight off illness and improving respiratory health. The
warmth of the sauna humidifies your airways and relaxes your bronchial tubes and lungs, helping reduce airway inflammation. Saunas also reduce oxidative stress which improves your immune system and helps you fight off infections and avoid things such as the common cold.
Even though there are many great benefits of infrared sauna use, you should always consult with your own healthcare provider to make sure it is suitable for your own health situation. There are some patients who are not good candidates for sauna use. These include people with Multiple Sclerosis, certain cardiovascular conditions and pregnant women. You should avoid the use of alcohol while using a sauna because it can increase the risk of dehydration and your ability to regulate body temperature.
Some tips and suggestions for enjoying your sauna sessions including keeping your sessions within the recommended timeframe. Start low and slow and work your way up. Infrared sauna sessions are generally a little longer than traditional sauna sessions, usually lasting 30-45 minutes after you get used to them, definitely not longer than 60 minutes. Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks. It is a good idea to shower after your sauna session, rinsing off any toxins you have sweated out.
We are proud of our new Wellness Suite at Foothills Center for Women Spa and Aesthetics Center and would love for you to stop by if you are in our area. More information about us can be found at Foothillscenterforwomen.com in the Spa section. No matter where you are, check out the benefits of infrared saunas!
Comentarios