Because infrared saunas significantly increase blood circulation, they’re effective for relieving pain in individuals with arthritis and other connective tissue disorders; relaxing muscles and joints; causing a sense of well-being; promoting weight loss; improving skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cellulite, and acne; and inducing detoxification.
Infrared Technology
The infrared sauna uses a heater, which emits infrared radiant heat, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation. An infrared sauna uses a variety of heater types ranging from steel incoloy rods and highly efficient ceramics plates, to newer "carbon" heaters that use far infrared technology.
Because infrared saunas heat clients directly, rather than heating the air, temperatures in infrared saunas typically do not rise as high as traditional saunas. Infrared saunas use temperatures from 110 - 130 degrees in Fahrenheit, or 43 - 54 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the heat is gentler and more soothing to the body.
Arthritis
Infrared saunas are reported to penetrate tissues to a depth of about two inches. Short-term studies involving the use of infrared saunas have shown a temporary improvement in pain and stiffness, a reduction in fatigue, and potential long-term beneficial effects in patients with arthritis and related disorders.
Weight Loss
The radiant heat produced by infrared technology penetrates tissues deeply and increases metabolism. As a consequence of more intense sweating, exposure to radiant heat causes the body to burn more calories and promotes weight loss.
Detoxification
Infrared saunas are reported to remove toxic waste products as well as excess fluids more effectively than traditional saunas. Toxins removed through infrared saunas include chemical pollutants such as pesticides, DDT, PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), heavy metals, endocrine disruptors and food additives.
Detoxification therapy is reported to offer benefits for individuals with allergies, chronic infections, asthma, psychological and physical distress, anxiety, headaches, depression, obesity, lipid disorders immune system problems including chronic fatigue syndrome, environmental illness/multiple chemical sensitivity, and fibromyalgia.
Spas with Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular in Europe and the United States during the last decade. Some North American spas with infrared saunas include the following:
Sunlight Day Spa, Overland Kansas
Featured on a recent segment of Oprah, Sunlight Saunas have been promoted by Dr. Oz for their weight loss and relaxation benefits. Special pricing is available through the end of July 2009 for weekday afternoon infrared sauna treatments.
Shizuka New York City Day Spa The Shizuka Day Spa uses far infrared heat technology in its sauna. Here, infrared sauna treatments are complementary when they are combined with another therapy such as a massage.
A list of spas offering infrared saunas can be found on spafinder.
Contraindications
Individuals with specific health conditions should check with their doctor before using an infrared sauna. Contraindications include conditions of heat insensitivity or intolerance; bleeding disorders; congestive heart failure; cardiovascular disease; dehydration; seizure disorders; and pregnancy. Infrared saunas are also contraindicated in individuals with silicone and other implants.
Infrared saunas can cause dehydration. It’s important to drink 8 oz of fluid for every 15 minutes spent in the sauna.
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