|
By Tracy Gilbert
Today's question: What exactly is an infrared sauna and are there any benefits over a traditional sauna?
Answer: Infrared saunas provide a warm, gentle environment that encourages profuse sweating.
This type of sauna uses radiant heat (also known as infrared energy) - this is not to be confused with ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn and damages the skin. Radiant heat is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly, without heating the air in between. In other words, when using an infrared sauna, you are being heated and not the air surrounding you. This effect provides a more comfortable experience compared to a traditional sauna. The infrared sauna operates at a lower temperature (allowing you to stay longer) and provides a soft, dry heat that makes breathing comfortable. In addition, infrared sauna rays safely penetrate the skin (up to two inches deep), making you sweat 2-3 times more than you would in a traditional sauna. The more you sweat, the greater the cleansing effects you will obtain. Let me guess your next question: "Is it safe?" The answer is yes. Infrared rays are from the healing portion of the light spectrum - they are naturally occurring and highly beneficial to the human body. In fact, this type of heat is so safe it is used by hospitals to warm premature infants in incubators. Many studies have been conducted in recent years that demonstrate the benefits of infrared saunas. Some include:
Weight loss: Your body is actually working hard to produce sweat, pump blood and burn calories. In fact, one 30-minute session burns up to 600 calories - the equivalent of 30 minutes of jogging or rowing.
Detoxification: Profuse sweating can reduce the body's accumulation of pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.
Pain relief: Infrared saunas are extremely beneficial for arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, sports injuries, back pain, and other chronic pain conditions. The deep, penetrating heat helps to ease pain while the increase in blood flow promotes healing.
Improvement in skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis and acne can all benefit greatly from regular infrared sauna use due to the profuse sweating.
I hope you all continue to explore and implement natural ways to improve health and prevent disease. After all, health is our most important asset. Wishing you health and happiness.
Tracy Gilbert is a naturopathic doctor, author and yoga instructor. She practices at Ezentials, Natural Health Centre and Spa, on Highway 69 in Hanmer.
|
