We Sweat

What differentiates infrared sauna from a traditional sauna?

While traditional sauna warms the air around you, infrared sauna emits infrared light experienced as radiant heat which is absorbed by the surface of the skin. The result is a sauna with a lower ambient temperature while still experiencing a deep sweat. The benefit of the lower ambient temperature is that it allows the user to spend more time in the sauna comfortably, maximizing the benefits received. Additionally, some studies have suggested that since infrared saunas heat the body more deeply than traditional saunas, they may be more effective for weight loss, improved circulation, and pain relief.

10 Benefits of Infrared Sauna

Most anyone who has had the opportunity to spend time in a sauna would agree that it’s a very relaxing experience, but that’s only one of many benefits that an infrared sauna has to offer. We’ve compiled a list of 10 science-supported benefits of spending time in our Clearlight® saunas at We Sweat.

1. Improves muscle recovery and eases joint pain

   Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular over the years due to their ability to aid in muscle recovery and ease joint pain after strenuous physical activty. How does the infrared sauna help? The heat from the infrared rays dilates blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow through the muscles. This increased blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which aids in recovery. The increased blood flow can also help to reduce inflammation in the muscles.

   According to this study of the effects of far-infrared sauna (FIRS) on training recovery in men, FIRS bathing is beneficial “for the neuromuscular system to recover from maximal endurance performance”. Soothing achy muscles with heat is an age-old remedy, and there’s some evidence that it can help with muscle knots. Another study found that infrared saunas may be helpful in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, the kind of discomfort you feel a day or two after strenuous exercise. It’s possible that this is associated with the body expelling toxins through sweat in the sauna. This includes expelling lactid acid, which is a culprit for sore muscles.

   The ability of sauna to assist in rapid recovery is particularly great news for anyone training for an athletic event that involves consistent training over a lengthy period of time, for example, long distance running. Less down time for recovery means you can really stick to that training schedule and meet your goals. Another considerable benefit for runners training to run a race in a warmer climate is that regular sauna use (even in the summer!) can acclimate you to the heat, making those runs far more tolerable.

2. Promotes rapid detoxification

   We get to enjoy many benefits of living in an industrialized era, but there are certainly downfalls, one of which is the barrage of chemicals, contaminants, metals, radiation, other waste and biproducts that make their way into our air, water and food. We know that these toxins impact our healthy negatively, wreaking havoc on our immune systems, causing cancer, and more. So how do you cleanse your body?

   Heat for cleansing the body has been used for centuries. History shows that the Greeks, Romans, Turks, Russians, Asians, Australians, Mayans, and Native Americans all used some version of heat therapy for its healing properties. Even Hippocrates said "Give me the power to create a fever and I shall cure every illness."

   There is now scientific reasearch that indicates indicates "heat stress" can remove the deposits from the blood vessels, break down the scar tissue from the walls of the blood vessels, and release the fat stored toxins. This article reviews in detail the literature covering how sauna impacts the body and aids in detoxification.

3. Kickstarts the immune system & Reduces the frequency of recurring colds and flus

   In a COVID world, we all appreciate our immune system more than ever. With that, you’ll be grateful to know that sauna therapy can help support a healthy immune system. How exactly? In the sauna, your core body temperature will increase by about 3 degrees. This is great news for your immune system, because our immune cells like phagocytes, killer T cells, antibodies, and white blood cells operate at peak capacity at 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Even a 1% increase in core temperature correlates with a 40% increase in immunity per Dr. Nobuhiro Yoshimizu, MD, PhD (former director of the Yokohama General Hospital in Japan). This research also indicates that some cancer cells die at temperatures of 103-105 degrees!

   Numerous studies in Finland and around the world demonstrate increased immune system performance associated with sauna use. This study in Austria found that subjects who practiced regular sauna use suffered from half as many colds as the control group. Another study showed that those who sauna bathe twice weekly were 30% less likely to contract life-threatening pneumonia, and those who partook in four sessions a week lowered their risk by 40%. This study found that after just a 15-minute sauna session the white blood cell count of athletes were immediately increased.

   Do your immune system a favor and spend a little more time in the sauna this cold and flu season!

4. Improves cardiovascular health & increases blood circulation

   We all know how important heart health is. While monitoring your diet and staying active is crucial to heart health, those aren’t the only tools at your disposal to keep your ticker ticking stronger and longer.

   Consider this - a 20 year study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland tracked 2,300 middle-aged men for an average of 20 years. The subjects were categorized into three groups according to how often they used a sauna. At the end of study, it was found that 49% of men who went to a sauna once a week had died, compared with 38% of those who went two to three times a week and just 31% of those who went four to seven times a week. Frequent visits to a sauna were also associated with lower death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke.

   Another Finnish study on 102 middle-aged adults found that those who often used saunas had lower rates of heart disease. The subjects were in their 40’s and 50’s, and did not have heart disease but did have risk factors for it. The study found that use of sauna dropped the subject’s blood pressure by seven points and their arteries became more "elastic" (based on non-invasive tests). It was found that the heat from the sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure.

   Additionally, saunas are effective at increasing cardiac output (exercising the heart). For those with a heart condition that makes exercise potentially dangerous, consider discussing with your physician whether a sauna could be a safe alternative to exercise for you.

5. Increases metabolism and promotes weight loss

   Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health. Those who are overweight are at increased risk of developing serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers. On top of that, most people just feel more comfortable, confident and strong when they are at a healthy weight. This ongoing battle is easier for some than others. For those who do struggle, adding sauna to your routine may be the healthy and relaxing boost you need to complement all the work you’ve done to exercise and monitor your nutrition.

   A two phase long-term weight loss study performed by Binghamton University exposed subjects to 45 minutes, three days per week, in Clearlight® infrared saunas. It concluded that people who used a Clearlight Premier™ IS-3 infrared sauna dropped an average of 4 percent body fat over a four-month period - these results were achieved without change to diet or exercise. The hypothesis behind this result is that increasing core body temperature will increase human growth hormone production.

   Great news - at We Sweat we exclusively use Clearlight® saunas, the finest saunas on the market, and the very saunas used in this weight loss study!

6. Relieves stress, Anxiety, and Feelings of Depression

   
   Infrared saunas can relieve stress through a number of mechanisms. One is through the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. When the body is exposed to infrared heat, endorphins are released, which can help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

   Another way that infrared saunas can relieve stress is through the promotion of relaxation. The heat produced by the sauna causes an increase in blood flow, which can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This can help to reduce feelings of physical and mental tension, which can contribute to stress.

   Additionally, the sauna environment itself can promote relaxation. The quiet, dimly lit atmosphere can be conducive to relaxation, and the warm environment can be comforting and soothing.

   Finally, some studies suggest that regular use of infrared saunas can improve sleep quality, which can also contribute to the overall reduction of stress.

7. Alleviates allergic reactions

   Allergic rhinitis (more commonly simply referred to as ‘allergies’) is the sixth most common chronic condition on a global scale. Allergy season can be truly miserable, and over the counter medications may only provide partial relief. Infrared sauna could just be the trick to help you find comfort.

   According to this study performed by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, 31 patients received infrared light treatment for 40 minutes per day for a whole week. It was concluded that the participants experienced reduced allergy symptoms.

   Per the study, infrared sauna use helps alleviate the following allergic rhinitis symptoms:

   • Itchy eyes

   • Nasal itchiness

   • Stuffiness

   • Frequent sneezing

   • Rhinorrhea

   The reasoning behind the success of infrared saunas is its ability to heat the air around patients. First of all, infrared heat can kill unwanted airborne allergens that can be found in the area around you.

   Aside from that, it causes improved blood flow and increased heart rate– both of which are good for overall health and immunity. 

8. Reduces acne and improves skin

   The detoxification and inflammation reduction experienced through sauna use is highly beneficial for your skin.

   How does this work? The infrared heat accelerates cellular activity and increases circulation, bringing more nutrients to the skin. Through this process, the infrared heat causes sweating. Sweat helps purge dirt, debris, and toxins from your skin, making it one of the top natural anti-aging remedies. Unclogged pores means less breakouts and a smoother, younger-looking complexion.

   Want to maximize the skin cleansing benefits of sweat? Forego makeup and lotions, which can clog your skin and interrupt the sweating process, prior to your sauna session.

9. improves sleep

   Not getting enough sleep? Waking up in the middle of the night and getting low quality sleep? It’s time for you to try out infrared sauna!

   It really goes without saying that sauna is relaxing. The warmth surrounds your body like a blanket. Before you know it you are sitting peacefully, taking in the smell of cedar, closing your eyes, and letting your worries melt away. There is evidence to support that many people experience improved sleep after this restful experience, and sciene to explain why. In this study, 83.5% of respondents reported improved sleep sauna bathing 1 - 2 times a week. This article explains how infrared sauna activates the parasympathetic nervous system, putting you in a restful state making it easier to sleep.

10. Lowers the risk of dementia

    Several studies have been conducted to find out if there is a link between the use of sauna and dementia risk. One study reported that frequent use of the sauna could help to reduce the risk of dementia.

    The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, and it was filed in the journal Age and Ageing in 2016. It was reported that the group that used the sauna about 4-7 times in a week was 66% less likely to develop demntia of any type. Additionally, there was a 65% lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease as compared to the group that was using the sauna only once a week.