The Amazing Health Benefits of the Far Infrared Sauna

Want to burn 700 calories…without lifting a finger? Then it’s time you learn about the far infrared sauna. Far infrared sauna’s are frequently recommended by medical professionals to address a number of health concerns, from pain relief to weight loss –even to preventing illness.

What is the Far Infrared Sauna and how does it work?

Far Infrared heat provides all the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation.

Conventional saunas rely on indirect means of heat; they warm the air in a room and only 20% of the beneficial radiant energy reaches the body, while 80% of it remains in the air. Infrared saunas, by contrast emit heat that is directly absorbed by the body, penetrating the body’s tissues to a depth of over 1.5″ – resulting in a 93% absorption rate. But, the temperature in a Far Infrared Sauna is not uncomfortable or hot; this is because all the heat goes directly through your skin instead of being dispersed in the air.

We believe very strongly in the health benefits of far infrared saunas. There is a wide body of both scientific and anecdotal evidence regarding the effectiveness of sauna heat therapy.

Here are some of the health benefits of the Far Infrared Sauna (FIS):

Weight Loss

We don’t want to suggest that FIS sessions are the ticket to overnight weight loss, but an infrared sauna can help play a roll in maintaining a healthy weight or shedding a few pounds, especially when combined with a regular exercise routine and healthy eating. The average FIS user can easily produce 500-1000 grams of sweat during an effective FIS session, thereby burning close to 300-700 Kcal; this is equivalent to running 2-3 miles! Some research also suggests that FIS use may help melt and sweat out cellulite.

Detoxification

Not only is the skin our largest organ, it plays an important role in detoxifying the body by eliminating undesirable chemicals and compounds. The skin is sometimes referred to as the body’s third kidney, because it is thought by many to be responsible for eliminating up to 30% of the body’s wastes. The process of toxin elimination through the skin is greatly enhanced by perspiration (sweating). Since infrared saunas heat the body directly and profuse sweating begins quickly, they offer an excellent means of general detoxification. Infrared heat penetrates well below the surface of the skin, right into the joints and muscles. This increases metabolism and allows body cells to eliminate toxins more readily.

It may seem unusual to say this, but we don’t sweat like we used to. Synthetic clothing fabrics, our more sedentary lifestyles, and indoor air conditioning, reduce the opportunities that our bodies have to sweat out toxins. Further, sun damage to our skin and the chemicals found in skin lotions, soaps, creams and deodorants also affect the rate that we perspire. Repeated use of a FIS slowly restores skin elimination better than any other method without the need for rigorous exercise, which may be difficult or impossible for many people.

Skin Health / Beauty

FIS use has many positive benefits for our skin. In addition to freeing our skin of many of the toxins that accumulate as a result of the use of chemical-laden soaps, conditioners, make-up, etc., the increased blood circulation to the skin brings more nutrients to the surface, thus promoting healthy tone and texture.

Circulation and Healing

The infrared energy released by a far-infrared sauna penetrates deep into muscle tissue. It enhances circulation and thereby promotes oxygenation of body tissues. Like other heat therapies, FIS heat therapy relives muscle aches, pains, stiffness, and muscle spasms. In addition, by stimulating vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels and enhancing the body’s delivery of oxygen to joints and extremities, it is believed to speed the healing of sprains and strains, thereby relieving pain and reducing the time it takes the body to recover from an injury.

Pain Management

FIS heat therapy is also recommended by many therapists and physicians to treat chronic pain, including joint pain, arthritis pain, and fibromyalgia. It is also effective in reducing inflammation and swelling by improving lymph flow.

Cardiovascular Health

As mentioned above, FIS use enhances circulation by stimulating vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels. During a sauna session, the heart rate increases, providing mild cardiovascular conditioning. Some researchers have also suggested that regular heat therapy in a sauna can help reduce blood pressure (perhaps by providing an environment where you can just relax and let go of stress) and also lower cholesterol. We feel that more research in this area is required to confirm these additional benefits, however, the initial research does look encouraging.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

In today’s fast-paced world, we are rarely able to take time for ourselves, to relax, and just let our bodies rest. It has been proven time and time again that stress plays a huge role in our physical health and metal well-being. A FIS session is a great way to kick back with a good book or your favorite music and just relax.

Other Potential Health Benefits

It is believed by many health practitioners that a FIS can help stimulate the body’s immune response by elevating the body temperature – many viruses, tumors and toxin-laden cells are thought to be weaker (poor tolerance to heat) than normal healthy cells. Proponents believe that by elevating the body’s temperature much like the body does naturally during a fever, the sauna will help the body fight various diseases. Given the human body’s effectiveness in fighting disease by inducing a fever, the science behind this theory is very plausible.

Another less studied benefit that we have seen strong anecdotal evidence to support is that FIS therapy can help open nasal passages and thereby assist the sinuses to drain. Persons suffering from chronic sinusitis may experience either short-term or lasting relief of sinus headaches, and find it easier to breath after a sauna session.

If you are in the San Diego area, come in and visit Vasseur Skin Clinic and Spa for a Far Infrared Sauna session; our clients are amazed by how instantly refreshed and invigorated they feel after just 30 minutes!

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Research source: http://www.mediawaveonline.com/infrared-sauna/sauna-benefits.php