Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Not only do saunas feel great on a chilly day or post workout, but they are amazing for you. They hold so many benefits for your body to add to your health routine. Here are a few.
Detoxification/Sweating
Sweating is completely natural and one of the body’s ways to detox. It is one of the body’s safest and most natural ways to heal and maintain good health. And that’s why our Sunlighten sauna at Melita FItness and Rehab is specifically designed to promote a deep, healthy and natural detoxifying sweat. However, not all sweat is made equal. In traditional saunas, 95-97% of sweat is made up of water with the remaining being salt. In the Sunlighten Infrared Sauna, 80-85% of sweat is made up of water with the remaining consisting of toxins and heavy metals.
“Detoxification is important because it strengthens the body’s immune system and helps the body’s biochemical processes function efficiently so that we are better able to digest the nutrients in our foods.” – Dr. Rachel West
Immune Health
Infrared light stimulates the circulatory system, causing the heart to beat more vigorously and blood vessels to dilate, which helps cleanse the circulatory system and fully oxygenate the body’s cells. Better blood circulation means more toxins flow from deep tissue to the skin’s surface to help with cell health and the immune system.
Raising core body temperature is key to keeping you healthy. Although our Sauna at Melita Fitness and Rehab heats you up differently than a fever, the increased body temperature provides similar benefits, including white blood cell and T-cell production to help ward off viruses. This heat produces a deep, detoxifying sweat below the skin’s surface, where most toxins reside. Your sweat then pushes out the toxins, cleansing your body and rejuvenating your skin.
Weight Loss
In a 2009 study, our infrared saunas were shown to help lower weight and waist circumference in just a three-month period. The common theme among subjects in the study was that far infrared sauna use was similar to moderate exercise but “much more relaxing”. Therefore, our Sunlighten sauna at Melita Fitness and Rehab can be an effective lifestyle advantage for those who cannot participate in traditional exercise programs due to medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular or respiratory problems. In addition, according to information published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, infrared sauna weight loss sessions were shown to burn up to 600 calories. During a sauna weight loss session, core temperatures increase. The body has to work hard to cool itself, causing a healthy sweat. Using an infrared sauna increases heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate, burning more calories, leading to more weight loss.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75 to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems. Long-term stress is the cause of countless physiological effects on the body, including increased blood pressure, weight gain and weakening of the immune system.
The more stressed you are, the more cortisol your body produces. Cortisol is a “fight or flight” hormone made in the adrenal glands that raises heart rate and blood pressure and may lead to the deposit of excess calories in the midsection, an increased risk of mental illness, impaired sleep and memory, and more. Decreasing stress levels increases health in many different ways.
Skin Purification and Rejuvenation
A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of sauna skin therapy using near infrared technology. Participants experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.
Muscle Recovery
In 2015, the Journal of Athletic Enhancement published a study looking at the Effects of Far Infrared Heat on Recovery in Power Athletes. It found that far infrared (FIR) heat improves recovery of the neuromuscular performance during intensive training associated with the increase in the testosterone/cortisol ratio. Deep penetration of infrared with mild temperature and light humidity (vs. traditional saunas) appears favorable for the neuromuscular system to recover from endurance performance.
Regulate Blood Pressure and Improve Circulation
Time in a Sunlighten sauna heats your muscles with infrared rays and produces an increase in blood flow similar to regular exercise. In fact, blood flow during infrared sauna use has been reported to rise from a normal rate of 5-7 quarts per minute, to as much as 13 quarts per minute. It has also shown to reduce the inner lining of blood vessels increasing circulation. It even aids in diabetes and cholesterol levels. Increasing blood flow and circulation will also ease aches and pains, loosen tight areas, and relieve muscle soreness.
Feel the warmth and the benefits that come along with our infrared sauna at Melita Fitness and Rehab!
Written by Becca Petit and Danielle Barker