In modern times, we are moving further and further from nature, which naturally pushes us closer and closer to disease. All day long we sit under artificial light, stare at blue screens, lack grounding etc, and so we are living so far away from what nature intended. So, to have tools such as an infrared sauna can potentially put us at a great advantage. They are a great tool to help towards increasing our ability to maintain optimum health.
I don't like to move away from real foundational health too much, and get into all the biohacking modalities, but they do have benefits. So, it is each to their own!
Infrared saunas are a great tool to help support detox. They have many other benefits too, but we are exposed to so many toxins on a daily basis, that infrared saunas can be a great tool to support the body to excrete waste. We are bombarded with toxicity, and whether you are struggling with your health, or not, infrared saunas can be a great tool for us all. We should be aiming to sweat four times each week!
Incorporating the infrared light means the body is heated from the inside out, rather than just on the outer surface of the body. The infrared spectrums of light penetrate deep into the body's tissues, joints and muscles. All of our cells, and their mitochondria (the power station of the cell that produces energy), have infrared receptors. We require energy for every single process in the body, which enables us to heal, and thrive. A bit like a car, which requires fuel to function! So, an infrared sauna is in a different league to a regular sauna.
When looking for an infrared sauna, you'll usually find two options:
- Far infrared
Supports weight Loss, detoxification, healthy blood pressure, and relaxation
- Full spectrum
Made up of far infrared and its benefits, as well as near infrared that supports cell health/immunity, wound healing, healthy skin, and pain relief, and also mid-infrared, that supports pain relief, improved circulation weight loss. When combined together to create the full spectrum of light 100% of the time, you can fully optimise your sauna session, receiving the full benefits of whole-body healing.
So, which one you choose, will depend on your goals and your financial budget
Let's look at an overview of all the benefits of infrared saunas:
Immune system
Infrared saunas are the perfect way to boost your immune system and kill viruses. Raising the core body temperature above 56-degree celsius means RNA viruses die within 15 minutes. High core body temperatures help fight viruses and infections. Let's take children for example. Children get a fever and lots of care givers will try and lower the temperature, when there is no need (assuming the temperature hasn't risen dangerously high). The body raises the body temperature for a reason, to stimulate the body's defences, sending white blood cells and other "fighter" cells to fight and destroy the cause of the infection. So, utilising a sauna to raise the core body temperature and sweat it out at least 4 times a week can be very supportive.
Detoxification
A good infrared sauna will increase the core body heat, and support detoxification deep into the body, on a cellular level, which is where you'll find a lot of toxins. The deeper level of detoxification from a sauna that uses infrared, can help push toxins such as heavy metals, chemicals. effects of mould, toxic building materials etc, out of the body, promoting healing, and overall health and vitality.
Circulation
The heat increases the heart rate, which improves blood circulation.
Pain management
Infrared sauna therapy can help relieve muscle aches and pains and can support a quicker healing process post injury. studies show that infrared sauna treatments can lower chronic pain, particularly arthritis.
Decrease inflammation
Infrared saunas can increase oxygen-rich blood flow, which promotes the production of white blood cells, which not only help fight infection, but are also able to help alleviate inflammation as well as reduce swelling.
Skin healing
Stimulates production of collagen and elastin, and promotes cell renewal, and healing, leading to healthier looking skin. Possible cellulite reduction can also take place.
Calorie burning
Infrared saunas induce a raised body temperature, and so your internal thermostat will try to bring down that temperature, which uses energy, hence calories burned. The raised body temperature improves metabolic rate, meaning the infrared sauna is said to burn up to 600 calories in a 30-minute session.
Stress relief, relaxation and sleep
Releases muscle tension, inducing feelings of calm and relaxation throughout the body, triggering the brain, restoring overall sleeping patterns, and communicates that the body is ready to go to sleep.
What else to look for in an infrared sauna
In my opinion, the main things to look for would be:
- Low or zero EMFs, EFs, or ELFs
- Non-toxic materials as much as possible
- No off-gassing from VOCs
Portable options to consider:
1. Orion Embers Infrared Sauna Blanket GBP 499 (slightly higher power than the HigherDOSE, and comes with a carry case!) Discount code: SIAN10 for 10% off.
2. HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket GBP 539 (Discount code: BIOHACK - not my discount code)
3. Therasage Portable Sauna EUR 1443.99
4. Prassana infrared sauna blanket. This is a new find for me and I am still delving into the power, safety, spec, material quality etc. A higher price point than my favourite Orion Embers blanket, but it does tout itself as the first true zero emf infrared sauna blanket.
I would consider that the HigherDOSE and Orion blankets offers far infrared light (great), whereas the Therasage portable sauna offers full spectrum light (even better).
Entry level wood cabin sauna:
1. Clearlight Sanctuary Full Spectrum EUR 8700
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