By Janet Thompson –
Sweating is a great way to burn calories and rid your body of unwanted toxins. But how do you sweat when you’re injured, or unable to exercise? An infrared sauna! Why is an infrared sauna superior to the traditional steam saunas? Because it heats the core of your body.
Sweating in an infrared sauna helps your body release a number of toxins, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, and environmental chemicals. The benefits don’t stop there; infrared saunas can also assist in weight loss, relaxation, relieve arthritic and joint pain, increase circulation, and purify your skin – all at the same time!
Detoxification
When compared to traditional Swedish saunas, infrared saunas allow you to eliminate about seven times more toxins . . . SEVEN TIMES MORE!
Frequent heat exposure from sauna use throughout the week is associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a first-of-its-kind study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF). The findings were published in the December 2016 issue of the journal Age and Ageing.
Relaxation
Infrared sauna therapy promotes relaxation by helping to balance your body’s level of cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. The heat generated by the sauna will also help to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, allowing you to relax.
Pain Relief
If you suffer from muscle aches or joint pain, infrared saunas can relieve this form of inflammation by increasing circulation, among other benefits.
Weight Loss
The heat generated by an infrared sauna will cause your core temperature to increase, which can also lead to an increased heart rate; the same increase in heart rate that you experience when exercising. When your body has to work harder to lower your core temperature, or keep up with an increased heart rate, your body will burn more calories, resulting in weight loss. An article, titled Effect of Sweating, in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that a 30-minute infrared sauna session could burn up to 600 calories.
Improved Circulation
As the heat from infrared saunas increases your core body temperature, your circulation will increase along with it. Consistent infrared sauna sessions can stimulate blood flow, improve muscle recovery, and decrease pain and inflammation after intense exercise.
Skin Purification
Infrared sauna technology can help purify your skin by eliminating toxins from your pores and increasing circulation, resulting in clearer, softer, and healthier-looking skin.
Infrared Levels
Infrared sauna treatments may be available at different levels: near, middle, and far.
These different levels represent the different sizes in infrared wavelengths, and refer to the intensity of the treatment.
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near-infrared levels are best for wound healing, and increased immune function
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middle-infrared levels are ideal for increasing circulation, and promoting muscle relaxation
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far-infrared levels are used primarily for detoxification purposes
If you're interested in trying out an infrared sauna, give us a call! Our infrared sauna has all three (near, middle, and far) infrared technology, so you get the full health benefits available, in addition to the privacy of your own room with a shower.
Janet Thompson is the Owner/Esthetician of Spa La Vie Organic Skin Spa, located at 40W484 Rt. 64, Wasco, IL. 630-485-2788. SpaLaVie.info. Janet loves helping people achieve their skin care goals – the natural way.