USING A full-spectrum
INFRARED SAUNA
- What is the difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna?
Traditional saunas use a heat source to heat the air, and often include steam to create humidity as well.
Fire and hot rocks were common sources of heat in traditional saunas; modern saunas use a heater or steam generator to create the temperature increase.
Traditional saunas heat the air to a point that initiates the body’s natural cooling process. This means blood comes to the surface of the skin and opens the pores.
Infrared saunas emit lightwaves that penetrate the body to stimulate the health benefits from within at a cellular level.
TRADITIONAL SAUNA
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- 150-210O F
- Surface heat
- Sweat happens at higher temps
- Extreme heat, shorter session
- Requires more power
Uses heat stove at heat source - More humidity
INFRARED SAUNA
- 110-140O F
- Deep, penetrating heat
- More sweat at lower temps
- Enjoyable heat, longer session
- Requires less power
- Uses infrared light panels as heat source
- Less humidity
- How do I prepare to use the sauna?
• Hydrate with at least 8 oz (.24 L) of water to prepare your body for an increase in core temperature.
• Use towels to absorb sweat during sessions.
- How hot should the sauna be and how long do I stay in for?
• Begin your session when your sauna reaches 100.4°F (38°C).
• The optimal sauna experience occurs between 100.4°F (38°C) and 129°F (54°C).
• To get your body accustomed to infrared therapy, start with 15-20 minute sessions at 100.4°F (38°C) every other day.
• Gradually increase towards 40-minute daily sessions in the optimal temperature range.*
• Don’t be surprised if you don’t sweat during the first few sessions. Sweating will increase with regular use, removing toxins and leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
* Listen to your body. Be aware of excessive detoxifying. If you begin to feel symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms during your sauna session, discontinue use immediately. If these symptoms continue, consult your physician.
- What do I do after I use the sauna?
• Dry off with a towel. Cool down naturally.
• Drink at least 24 oz (.7 L) of water or electrolyte to rehydrate.
- What are the benefits of using the sauna?
SLEEP:
Many people who use an infrared sauna regularly report that they have noticed a positive effect on their sleep.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH:
A double-blinded placebo study showed the sauna significantly reduced blood pressure temporarily, with regular use.
The cardiovascular benefits of an infrared sauna have been proven and offer a valid and effective form of heart exercise. Cardio exercise creates good circulation, which in turn provides many positive effects for your body. This activity also helps manage blood sugar levels and can reduce depression symptoms by producing serotonin.
Find out more here: https://beverlychiropractic.com/blog/move-by-design/cardio-benefits-sauna/
WEIGHT LOSS:
The sauna can aid in weight loss. An independent study found that infrared sauna use reduced waist circumference in a 3-month period.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Infrared saunas are one way to help boost your immune system to help your body fight off illness. Heat is one of the key elements in training your body to stimulate immune function and make the body less habitable for pathogens. Infrared saunas can penetrate deep into tissues to raise core body temperature just enough to help your immune response.
Regular infrared sauna use can also reduce incidences of the common cold. An Austrian study showed that subjects who regularly used saunas had significantly fewer episodes of common colds than those who did not.
Find out more here: https://beverlychiropractic.com/blog/life-by-design/immune-system/
MUSCLE OR JOINT SORENESS:
Research shows that infrared saunas are useful in enhancing muscle recovery and performance for athletes of all levels thanks to a cascade of benefits that are triggered by various infrared wavelengths. In order to heal properly, good circulation is critical and sauna use is proven to help with circulation and many other bodily processes.
A third-party study found that full spectrum infrared sauna increases flexibility up to 3 times.
Find out more here: https://beverlychiropractic.com/blog/move-by-design/sauna-muscle-recovery/
MENTAL HEALTH:
New, groundbreaking studies are beginning to spark hope that heat and infrared may play a key role in treating depression.
The cardiovascular benefits of an infrared sauna offer a valid and effective form of cardio exercise that can reduce depression symptoms by producing serotonin.
Find out more here: https://beverlychiropractic.com/blog/think-by-design/sauna-depression/ and here: https://beverlychiropractic.com/blog/move-by-design/cardio-benefits-sauna/
DETOXIFICATION:
The sauna increases body temperature by up to 3 degrees for a deep, detoxifying sweat.
BLOOD SUGAR:
The cardiovascular benefits of infrared sauna offer a valid and effective form of heart exercise that helps manage blood sugar levels.
Find out more here: https://beverlychiropractic.com/blog/move-by-design/cardio-benefits-sauna/
- Are there any contraindications to using the sauna?
Like all professional medical equipment, you may put yourself at risk if you do not fully understand how to use the sauna. Infrared sauna use as creating a cure for or treating any disease is neither implied nor should be inferred.
Drinking electrolyte-replacing water or a sports drink is strongly recommended before and after use.
If any of the below apply to you, consult your physician prior to sauna use:
Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes – Individuals suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.
Medications – Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat-loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics, such as amitriptyline, may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse – Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “sweat out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore, he/she may not realize when the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by heat stress. The use of alcohol, drugs, or medications prior to a sauna session may lead to unconsciousness.
Elderly – The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. If elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Children – The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. When taking a sauna session with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time. A general rule of thumb is one minute inside the sauna per year of age for the child but always accompanied by an adult. And remember to keep your children hydrated, even if you don’t see them sweating.
Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated with Reduced Ability to Sweat or Perspire – Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors, and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Consult a physician.
Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone to Bleeding – The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
Fever and Insensitivity to Heat – Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the sauna until the fever subsides.
Pregnancy – Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.
Menstruation – Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. This should not preclude sauna use.
Joint Injury – Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.
Implants – Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using.
Pacemakers / Defibrillators – The magnets used to assemble our saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.
In the rare event that you experience pain or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.