All You Need to Know About an Infrared Sauna
A sauna is a relaxing way through which you can clean and refresh your body. There are few if anything that can beat the experience of a 20-minute steam bath that help you get rid of toxins from your body. After the session, you will feel more rested and relaxed, proving that a sauna session can be good for both mind and body. The heat from a sauna is can help treat sore muscles and it can help you maintain optimal wellness and health.
The high temperatures of a traditional sauna have in the past been cited as a major setback for people looking for this uplifting experience. If the heat has proved too much, there is an alternative option in the form of an Infrared Sauna. An infrared sauna comes with a range of benefits and it can be just what you need for an amazing experience.
Understanding an Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna works differently from the conventional saunas, in that it does not heat the air around the body like a traditional sauna, but rather it heats the body directly. Infrared lamps are used to directly warm the body through electromagnetic radiation. The saunas use infrared panels in place of the traditional heat, which can then easily penetrate the human body tissue. The panels heat the body first before heating the air.
The infrared saunas can also be used in lower temperatures, unlike the conventional sauna. The infrared sauna can operate on temperatures ranging from 1200 F to 1400 F, while the conventional saunas usually operate at higher temperatures ranging from 1500 F to 1800 F. the manufacturers of the infrared saunas claim that most of the heat (up to 80 percent) is channeled towards heating your body, while the remaining 20 percent heat the air around you.
The people who are pro infrared saunas also claim that the heat from the panels penetrates the body more deeply than from the heat from traditional saunas. Therefore, you are more than likely to enjoy an experience more intense sweating session and at reduced temperatures. Also, because the infrared sauna operates at a much lower temperature, you will be able to stay longer in the sauna. In the process, you will be able to increase the body temperature by up to three degrees.
How beneficial is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna brings the benefits such as those of a conventional sauna. The major benefits include:
- Improved relaxation
- Improved sleep
- Weight loss
- Detoxification of the body
- Sore muscle relief
- Tighter and clear skin
- Offers relief from joint pain such as from arthritis
- Better circulation
- Helpful for people suffering from severe fatigue syndrome
How to use an infrared sauna?
Usually, an infrared sauna treatment is done at a doctor’s office, spa, or health club. Some people also decide to build one in their homes to enjoy the experience whenever the need arises. There are no universal instructions on how to use infrared saunas. How you decide to use them is upon your discretion. However, if you decide to use the infrared sauna, the following tips will be of great help:
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Drink plenty of water: it is very important to hydrate yourself before stepping into the infrared sauna. You can drink water before going in and you can also bring a water bottle into the sauna if you are sensitive to higher temperatures.
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Select the right temperature for yourself: the optimal temperature is between 100˚F to 150˚F. if you are just starting on using the infrared sauna, it is best if you begin at the lower temperatures as you progress with increased experience. Experienced users can use 150˚F but this has come after using the sauna severally and can withstand the higher temperatures.
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Carefully consider the length of the session: if you are a beginner, you can start with a 10 to15 minute session. As you build up your experience, you can add several minutes after each session until you reach the recommended time of a 20-to-30-minute session. There is always a timer provided in the infrared saunas, and make sure to make use of it. It is important to keep the time so that you do not overstay and risk dehydration.
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Type of Clothing to Wear: it is ultimately your choice what you put on while stepping into the sauna. You can go in with your birthday suit, or you can simply wear a bathing suit. What is important is that you are comfortable while in the infrared sauna.
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What are some of the things you do while in the Sauna: you can do a lot of things such as catching up with friends, listen to relaxing music, read a novel, and meditate. Do not go into a sauna to sleep.
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What to do after the session: it is recommended that you give your body time to cool down, after which you can bathe or take a shower. Hydration should continue after the session.
- What is the recommended number of sessions per week: many providers suggest that three to four times a week is the best for many people. However, if you feel you can sustain the heat and you healthy, you can use infrared sauna treatment every day.
Vital things to keep in mind before you try infrared sauna treatment
Before going into your first infrared sauna session, you must remember the following:
- You should avoid the treatment completely if you have been indulging in alcohol
- Do not go into the sauna if you feel like you are suffering from a fever
- You will sweat a lot while in the sauna. You might therefore feel a bit lightheaded when you first stand up after your session is over. Get up slowly and sit down after you step out of the sauna. Continue to keep hydrating since this will be critical.
- In extreme and rare cases, some users suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
If you believe that you may be suffering from health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart illnesses, you should consult with your doctor. before getting an infrared sauna treatment. Infrared saunas can be considered to be safe, but that should not make you neglect your overall health and wellbeing.
