Keep reading to learn the top 7 health benefits of infrared sauna therapy and how it could help you feel healthier, happier, more energised and alive.
Infrared sauna benefits (Weight loss, muscle recovery, stress-relief and more…)
Do you have aches and pains? Feeling stressed? Looking for relief from specific health issues? An infrared sauna could be just what you need.
Watch: What is an infrared sauna and how does it work?
1. Infrared saunas may relieve muscle, joint, back pain and stiffness
Heat has long been known to improve a vast array of musculoskeletal ailments.
The ability of infrared heat to penetrate up to 50mm into our bodies means it can get right into joints and may provide pain-relieving benefits.
The heat from infrared saunas has been known to work on inflamed or injured joints and muscles to alleviate muscle spasms, joint stiffness, sprains and back pain.
2. Infrared saunas may help you lose weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of any wellness plan. There are some studies showing a correlation between sauna use and weight loss.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, regular use of a sauna imparts a similar boost on the cardiovascular system as running.
As you relax in the gentle infrared heat, your body is hard at work producing sweat, pumping blood and burning calories.
As your body increases sweat production to cool itself, your heart works harder to pump blood at a greater rate to boost circulation. This increase in your metabolism may help burn calories.
Tests have shown that for each gram or millilitre of sweat a body produces, it burns 0.586 of a calorie. This means that if you sweat 1 litre or 1 kg of sweat, you will burn 586 calories, the same as a brisk 1-hour walk.
It is possible to produce 1 litre of sweat during a Vortex™ Infrared sauna session. What better, or more relaxing way to burn calories?
3. Infrared saunas may help you relax and reduce stress
Numerous studies show that stress can shorten the average lifespan and increase the risk of chronic illness.
Stress relief is one of the greatest benefits of using an infrared sauna.
The heat penetrates deep into muscle tissues, helping your body relax. It can also help ease pains and aches that are bothering you, further adding to the stress relief.
Infrared saunas have also been shown to affect the autonomic nervous system putting you in the parasympathetic (rest and digest) state allowing your body to heal.
4. Infrared saunas may improve circulation and lower blood pressure
High blood pressure has been shown to lead to an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular illnesses.
Studies have shown that use of an infrared sauna has lowered blood pressure in some people.
As the body is heated, the heart rate increases and capillaries under the skin dilate to dissipate the excess heat. This natural reaction gives a great low-intensity workout for your circulatory and cardiovascular system.
5. Infrared saunas may make you look healthier
Our skin is the largest organ we have. The body’s natural way to clear pores and clean the skin is to sweat.
Beauty therapists often use a steam machine to help clear pores but for most, it is impractical to visit a beauty therapist on a daily basis. You may achieve similar effects through daily use of an infrared sauna.
Sweat literally cleans and clears the skin from within. Saunas open your pores and allow your whole body to sweat them clean. In this way, infrared saunas may help give you the younger, healthier-looking skin we all desire.
6. An infrared sauna may help support a healthy immune system
We all understand that a strong immune system is vital in defending against viruses and bacteria, as well as naturally occurring cancer cells.
Deep heating from infrared saunas raises the body's core temperature, this creates an artificial fever and this is the body's natural way of strengthening the immune system.
The concept of heat therapy (also known as Hyperthermia) to improve the immune system and treat some illnesses, was first published by Hypocrites around 400 BC.
The American Cancer Society has investigated the use of hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer but although it has concluded that more research in this area is needed, infrared therapy can (in most cases) assist in improving immune systems and recovery times.
7. Infrared saunas are great after workouts for muscle recovery
An infrared sauna can be an incredible tool to help take your training to the next level.
There are many health benefits to using a sauna after a workout. Infrared saunas can help relax the body, and relieve muscle tension, soreness.
When should I avoid saunas?
While many people use saunas as part of a healthy lifestyle, what’s best for you may not be what’s best for someone else.
We do not recommend using a sauna before a gym or fitness workout as it can lead to a number of risks during your workout such as relaxed muscles, lower energy, dehydration and overheating.
Additionally, certain health conditions are not compatible with saunas or steam rooms. As a rule, we always recommend that you consult with your medical practitioner before buying any sauna.
Are there any infrared sauna studies?
The benefits of infrared therapy have been researched for many years worldwide.
To know more about the list of studies, articles and clinical trials that focus on infrared therapy, click on the button below.
Learn more...
Now that you know all about their wonderful benefits, we hope you have a better idea how an infrared sauna can help your mind, body and soul.
To learn more about installing an infrared sauna in your home contact us or visit your nearest Spa World store.
With over 30 years in the industry, we're experts in spas, swim spas and saunas and are passionate about health and wellness. We back every product we sell with industry-leading warranties and offer a ‘no-risk’, 60-day money-back guarantee.
Download our Sauna Buyer’s Guide below for more tips, ideas and advice on finding the right sauna for you.
Disclaimer
The health information contained in this article is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. If you have any concerns about your current health or wellbeing, please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice.
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