If you’re a wellness lover like us, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about infrared sauna treatments. Or, more realistically, you’ve probably seen images of them grace your Instagram feed. While models and everyday folks are getting in on the sweaty trend, you might be wondering whether or not these saunas are actually worth the hype. Here at Executive Spa & Massage, we can say that it definitely is.
Below, you’ll learn what an infrared sauna is and what benefits it can deliver to help you decide if it’s something you want to explore further.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a (wooden) box equipped with infrared heaters that are designed to detoxify and heal the body, boost the mood, and more. Unlike traditional saunas that feature steam or dry heat to warm a room, infrared saunas use infrared heat lamps in confined spaces to raise body temperature directly.
Infrared heat is very gentle, the experience is similar to lying in the sun on a warm day and feeling the heat radiate to the core of your body. Unlike traditional (hot rock or steam) saunas—which operate at 200°F—infrared heat has the benefit of being effective at a more comfortable operating temperature of 100°-150°F, which is why it’s less likely to interfere with breathing and more likely to be manageable for an entire session’s duration.
Benefits of an Infrared Sauna
- Detoxifies
- Promotes circulation
- Relieves pain
- Boosts mood
Because infrared heat penetrates human tissue versus simply heating the surface of the skin, infrared saunas are seven times more effective than traditional saunas at detoxifying the body. By raising the body’s core temperature, infrared saunas can produce a sweat composed of 20 percent toxins versus only 3 percent of toxins with a traditional sauna. Since infrared is so effective at shedding toxins, it’s able to assist with myriad bodily concerns. The powerful heat of the infrared lights promote circulation in the body, which can lead to increased metabolism, muscle, and joint pain relief, boosted immune system, and, of course, stress and fatigue reduction.
Beyond heat-induced detoxification, infrared saunas may boost collagen production and mood. Best of all, the mood-boosting benefits are immediate— you’ll start to sweat and feel the benefits within the first 10 minutes or so. Though, if you’re aiming to witness a major skin or weight transformation, continued sessions are necessary.
How to Prepare for an Infrared Sauna
Make sure to drink plenty of water and get an ample amount of sleep the day before your sweat sesh. This ensures you’re less likely to feel faint or get dehydrated during the experience. You might also want to bring some form of entertainment along, just in case you get bored. If you’re a fidgety person, it helps to have a podcast or your favorite music on hand, as sitting silently while sweating can make you antsy quick.
What to Expect at an Infrared Sauna
Whether you’re a first-time infrared user or a seasoned veteran, expect to sweat like crazy and feel amazing after. Though it’s one of the most relaxing ways you can break a sweat and burn calories, the heat can be particularly intense for newbies. Also, keep in mind that the purpose of this service is to sweat out toxins, and it’s not uncommon to sweat for up to 30 minutes following your session.
In terms of the treatment itself, most studios offer 20- and 40-minute sessions (Executive Spa & Massage offers 15-, 30-, and 40- minute sessions, plus they have packages available). As with most wellness treatments, many people think that infrared sauna seshes come with a pretty price tag. However, they’re more approachable than you might think. A 15-minute session at Executive Spa & Massage costs $3 and a 45-minute session rings up at $7.
A daily sweat is acknowledged as one of the single best things you can do to stay healthy. The production of white blood cells is stimulated, strengthening the immune system. Toxins are flushed out through the skin’s pores. In a Pure Infra sauna, the ambient air temperature settles at your preset comfort level — while the safest infrared waves possible penetrate deep into your body, warming you inside and out at the same time. This means you can detoxify comfortably and safely for longer periods. And come out feeling stronger, healthier, and in better balance.
Treating yourself to the relaxation and detoxification benefits of infrared technology is now safer than ever, book your appointment with Executive Spa & Massage here!