The argument about whether infrared saunas are beneficial or not still stands today. Similar to every other health product, some people suggest that infrared saunas have a positive impact on your health, whereas others say that you won’t see real differences in your health after sauna sessions.
What is clear to see is that numerous cultures all over the world have used saunas for thousands of years. For example, ancient Mayan transcripts highlight the use of heated rooms. Additionally, Romans and Turks were fond of steam baths. Without a doubt, Finland is an avid supporter of saunas.
It’s important to understand that there are different types of saunas. Today, we are going to talk about the infrared variety. These will heat the body directly rather than the surroundings in comparison with the traditional ones where the air rises in temperature. Thus, by using this sauna, you benefit from deep tissue penetration.
Before getting into the benefits and disadvantages, we are going to highlight how to use it properly. If you don’t use it as intended, you are wasting your time so you won’t see any differences after your sessions.
How To Use It Properly?
Whether you want to purchase a sauna for your home or you’re enjoying treatments in salons, it’s essential to understand how to use it. Follow the guide below:
- Step 1 – Keep yourself hydrated. It’s essential to drink water as much as possible. Before your sessions, you should drink at least a glass of water, and you can bring water with you as well.
- Step 2 – If you’re a beginner, you should start at a lower temperature of 100-degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it at that temperature for the first few sessions. If you’ve used it before, you will already know what the most comfortable temperature is for you.
- Step 3 – Decide how long you’re going to last. Generally, beginners start at a maximum of 15 minutes. However, if this isn’t the case for you, set the timer up to 30 minutes. Don’t forget to keep hydrated.
- Step 4 – Whether you want to go in naked or use it lightly clothed is your decision. For the best results, avoid thick clothing or materials.
- Step 5 – After you finish, allow yourself a few minutes in the room’s temperature air to cool down the body, then take a shower. You can take a bath as well.
It’s important to highlight that you shouldn’t fall asleep while you’re using the sauna. While the session is taking place, you can relax and enjoy other people’s company.
Now that you know how to use it efficiently, let’s take a look at the benefits and disadvantages.
Benefits
Reduced Stress Levels
One of the most common feelings that most people have is high-stress levels. Some people blame it on the constant rush that we are in. Whatever causes you to stress, an infrared sauna will help. After all, while enjoying the sauna, you can relax and take your mind off things that are causing you stress.
Researchers say that high-stress levels contribute negatively to the cardiovascular system. Thus, you are exposing yourself to heart diseases. The sauna will soothe your skin using warm air, while the infrared light encourages your body to eliminate toxins, flushing out of your system impurities that would have otherwise led to health problems. While in the sauna, your brain also releases endorphins, so your body enters into a deep relaxation state.
Some people have suggested an increase in the heart rate after the sessions. This action has a positive impact on the arteries.
Muscle Recovery
If you’ve exposed your body to a lot of physical strain or if you have arthritis, you must give the infrared sauna a try. As highlighted above, the brain will release several endorphins. These hormones will allow your body to enter a relaxation and happy mode. Consequently, you will experience less pain after a sauna session.
Another highlight is the fact that the high temperatures will improve blood circulation while dilating the blood vessels, encouraging your body to repair at a faster pace. Furthermore, due to the muscles being able to relax, they will eliminate lactic acid.
Immunity Boost
Researchers have found that the body will be able to deal better with the symptoms of flu and colds without pushing to exhaustion. Due to the constant high temperature, the body will be encouraged to increase the production of white blood cells. The higher the number of white cells, the stronger the body will be when it comes to killing viruses and bacteria.
When you have congested nasal passages the best infrared sauna will provide relief of the unpleasant symptoms so that you can breathe normally again. Moreover, if you’re having allergic reactions, a 15-minute session can help calm you down and go back to normal once again.
Disadvantages
High Body Temperature
As you may know, we have a cooling system within our bodies. Thus, every time the body gets heated more than usual, the mechanism begins to work to cool it down. If you continuously use the sauna, you may overwork the system. Therefore, there is a risk that the cooling system will not be able to cool the body down as efficiently.
The solution would be to use the sauna wisely. Therefore, we suggest that you have two sessions per week, and you don’t fall asleep while using the sauna. Additionally, by keeping yourself hydrated, you’re helping the cooling system to function correctly.
Bad Skin
As you will be eliminating all of the toxins and chemicals that are in your body, your skin may suffer the consequences. As you may know, bacteria tends to grow in places with high moisture. Thus, you are risking the development of problems caused by fungus growth on the skin.
Nonetheless, this shouldn’t be a concern if you keep on top of personal hygiene. If you wash your body regularly, you get rid of the excess bacteria on your skin. We also recommend that you shower after every session.
Conclusion
Specialists support all of the advantages and disadvantages mentioned in this review. As you may know, the internet is full of articles similar to this, but they are hear-say. We suggest that you try at least a few sessions for yourself to notice whether it has any effects on your body. Bear in mind that you will not see significant differences after the first one. It’s critical to use the sauna properly to get the positive effects as well, so keep this aspect in mind.
