According to research, using an infrared sauna 4-6 times per week is associated with an improved immune system, with benefits to the heart, brain, and joints. An infrared sauna is a hot room that uses an infrared light to heat. Similar benefits can be achieved through a steam room, where the idea is to get your sweat on!
Some of the benefits I’ve observed include:
• Skin clearing. The steam helps clear skin impurities
• Opening of sinuses. Opens up and thins mucus membranes in the body, which can enable free breathing.
• Circulation boosting. The heat promotes circulation which also makes your skin glow.
• Tension/ stress Relief. The heat relaxes the muscles, and soothes the mind with endorphin release. The end result mimics a post-workout relaxation which is a sense of readiness to tackle the world!
• Pain relief. The study discussed the benefits to relieving pain from joints – which is so good for those with arthritis, but also it helps people with headaches.
• Detox boost. Detoxification is defined as eliminating toxins stored in the body. Everyone is unique in the varying methods that work best (a short –term liquid diet, anti-inflammatory elimination diet, or even… regular steaming). Our bodies are always detoxifying on their own to each of our maximum capabilities, but we all have a different amount of toxin exposure from the air (think smoke and pollutants), water (think contaminants and microbes), and food (think GMO changes and pesticides). And we all have differing detox capabilities. Some of us can detox much faster, and others need more time. The truth is detoxifying is such a bio-individual process, and over time our changing world brings more toxin challenges (think changes from agriculture, beef, and dairy industries). While we hope our bodies can handle it all without additional measures, it would be foolish to think that our bodies will never be overwhelmed. Some of us could use a little additional support. So using a Jacuzzi, steam room, or sauna could help us boost our body’s ability to detoxify.
• Flexibility improvement. Heat penetration makes muscles more fluid and loose.
Remember to consult with your doctor before starting ANY new exercise or sauna habit. You’re your doctor’s approval, start out slowly – just a few minutes at a time; and then gradually increase. Saunas are found in spas and many gyms throughout the country. Enjoy getting your sweat on!
The evidence on regular use (4-7 times/week for 5-20 minutes) in hot saunas ((175-210°F) suggested some reduction in the overall risk to vascular diseases (think high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases); non-vascular diseases (think pulmonary diseases); mortality; and other miscellaneous conditions (think arthritis, headaches, or flu). So lately I find myself telling my clients to make time to sweat – even if they don’t have time for regular gym activity.
