Some of us may simply see saunas as a means of relaxation but there are also a number of health benefits to using infrared saunas that should not be overlooked. This seemingly simplistic technology is said to also help people with everything from losing weight, turning back the hands of time, dealing with chronic pain and detoxification.
In fact, a study into rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis sufferers showed that therapy with infrared saunas was influential on the reduction of pain, stiffness and fatigue. The potential is impressive but it varies depending on the type of infrared used, which is where this guide aims to help.
Near-infrared level saunas offer a more general approach to wellness and an alternative when exercise is not possible.
This option has many possible benefits and is best recommended for those with chronic illness, immunity issues and mobility problems that restrict exercise.
Weight loss and well-being can be improved through an act as simple as sweating and an increased heart rate, which is why aerobic exercise is such a big help. The Journal of the American Medical Association states that a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn around 600 calories.
Furthermore, sessions in these saunas can aid wound healing via cell regeneration, stimulate collagen production to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and increase immune function.
Middle-infrared level saunas are the middle ground of pain relief and relaxation through heat therapy.
Saunas in this mid range are better used for more specific ailments and relaxation where the muscles are targeted and there is a need for improved circulation. This level of heat relaxes the muscles to the point where stress relief and pain can be managed more effectively and these results are also due to better regulation of stress hormones (cortisol) and increased circulation.
It is easy to underestimate the effect that healthy circulation can have on our bodies and a session in these saunas can reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of skin.
Far-infrared level saunas are the best choice for therapeutic detoxification.
This final type of sauna is primarily used for more intensive detoxification. The body sweats in order to remove nasty toxins, environmental chemicals and heavy metals from its systems.
Many of which are said to be influential in a number of common illnesses, so this therefore means that sweating in a sauna can be a quick and easy means of detoxification. Not only could this improve current symptoms, it can be used as a form of regular therapy for illness prevention.
Get to know the type of infrared you will need and then enjoy the health benefits in your own personal sauna.
This guide essentially tells us two very important things: firstly, the potential health benefits of infrared saunas are much more wide ranging and impressive than first expected; secondly, these benefits depend on the type of infrared being used so you need to be careful when you pick out your home sauna.
Each type has its own benefits from the gentle, yet varied improvements in health seen with near-infrared to the more intense and therapeutic detoxification on far-infrared. So think carefully about which is best for your needs, find the perfect model and relax as the heat gets to work.