Have you ever wondered what an infrared sauna is? Does the ‘infrared’ aspect of its name worry you that it might not be entirely safe? If so, then this is the article for you. We’re going to talk about whether or not taking infrared saunas is good for your health and if there’s a limit to how often you should have them.
What is an infrared sauna?
The name infrared sauna refers to a type of sauna that uses infrared to light to generate heat, as opposed to the traditional method of using heated stones and water to create a hot and humid atmosphere.
The magnificent thing about using infrared saunas is the fact that the infrared doesn’t heat up the air around you, but targets your body directly instead.
One of the biggest things that puts people off the thought of using an infrared sauna is the fact that the infrared light targets and heats your body directly. Rest assured that this is a safe practice and not to be confused with electromagnetic radiation used in microwaves. You will not be unwitting cooking your insides, but enjoying all the benefits of a standard sauna, only at a lower and thus more comfortable temperature.
Is using an infrared sauna good for you?
Using an infrared sauna is not only perfectly safe for use, but it is incredibly good for your health as well.
Infrared saunas cause you to sweat and increases your heart rate just like a normal sauna would, however, as mentioned above, it is done so at a much more bearable temperature.
If you have tried traditional saunas before but struggled to endure the heat for more than a few minutes at a time, then an infrared sauna will be far better suited to you.
As it stands, there are many studies being carried out to determine as to what the long-lasting health benefits of infrared saunas are. Some of the conditions being studied in this regard include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Headaches
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
While larger and more exact studies are required in order to prove these results definitively, there is growing evidence to support them.
Not only that, but there hasn’t been a single report of any harmful or negative effects to using infrared saunas so far, so all evidence points toward the positives.
Is it ok to use infrared saunas every day?
So, how often can you use an infrared sauna? Would it be unsafe to use one every single day? The short answer is no. There isn’t any evidence to suggest that using an infrared sauna on a daily basis will have any negative impacts on your health.
In the same breath, there’s no single answer for the number of infrared sauna sessions that you should have each week.
Generally speaking, most people aim for 3 or 4 sessions a week at about 30 minutes at a time. You can vary your schedule accordingly.
Those who have used their infrared sauna on a daily basis have reported to notice significant improvements in their general health and well-being.
As such, not only is it safe to use every single day if you choose to, but it can actually be great for your overall health.
What are the other benefits of using an infrared sauna?
As more and more studies are being carried out surrounding the health benefits of infrared sauna use, we are discovering some incredible advantages. Such as:
- Detoxification in fat tissue (which is ideal for healthy and sustainable weight loss). Naturally, you will need to pair this with a good diet and plenty of exercise, however, it has been proven that an increase in core body temperature can indeed reduce body fat.
- Increased metabolism (which also aids in weight loss).
- Improved blood circulation (perfect after a solid workout).
- Anti-aging impacts on the skin.
- Skin rejuvenation.
- Improved cardiovascular function.
- Bolstered immune function.
- Improved sleep patterns.
In addition to all of these amazing benefits, using an infrared sauna is an excellent way to manage your stress levels and unwind. If you’ve been feeling very tense or have a demanding job, enjoying a few sauna sessions a week can be transformative. And of course – reduced stress leads to a multitude of additional health benefits as well.
Can infrared saunas cure a hangover?
As we get older, our ability to recover from a hangover can get incredibly difficult. Remember the good old days of getting drunk with your friends, only to wake up the next day fresh as a daisy? Well, if those days are long behind you and the hangovers are significantly harder, you’ll be pleased to learn that using an infrared sauna can indeed help speed up your recovery.
Using an infrared sauna can reduce the symptoms of a hangover by increasing your blood circulation and sweating out all of the nasty toxins from the alcohol you’ve consumed over the last 24 hours.
While we certainly don’t encourage that you invest in a sauna solely so that you can continue heavily drinking and recover from it without repercussion, it is almost certainly an excellent bonus for when you enjoy the occasional overindulgence with friends.
Final thoughts
All in all, infrared saunas are an impressive innovation in the field of health and well-being. If you have always struggled to enjoy traditional saunas due to the unbearable heat, you will absolutely love the fact that infrared saunas provide all of the same benefits, only at a much more bearable heat.
The best infrared sauna can be yours and if you commit to using it daily, or at least 3 or 4 times a week, you will soon notice some incredible health advantages.
