Article originally posted on HealthspaceClinics.com

So what is the difference between an infrared sauna and any other sauna?

Far infrared heaters, on the other hand, are heated by metallic or ceramic elements that emit a narrow spectrum of mainly far infrared energy. They were introduced in the early 1980’s and use radiant energy that heats the body from the inside as well as the surface. Research shows that the infrared can penetrate about 3.5 - 4cm into the body and for this reason they get great results at much lower temperatures. Not only is the cooler temperature more comfortable for people, but far infrared also cleanses the tissues more effectively. The heat is not just effective for bacteria die-off (by creating an artificial fever), but has a whole host of other detoxification effects, as it allows the skin to detoxify toxins, including heavy metals, more effectively, essentially taking pressure off the internal detoxification organs. In many infrared saunas, there is the option to turn on the colour therapy, which is an ancient and often highly effective healing modality. Different spectrums of light provide different healing qualities, including nourishment of vital organs, emotional release and the movement of chi/vital energy from the head down the body, where we are often deficient, to improve healing capacity.

How does an infrared Sauna help your health?

Saunas provide many benefits. In Australia, saunas are not used as regularly as in other parts of the world to improve health. In many European countries there are many health recovery centres around that include saunas to improve healing, recovery and optimisation of health. Some of the many benefits include:

• Sweat releases heavy metals, chemicals, radioactive particles and other toxins
• Improves circulation
• Enhances immune system
• Relieves internal congestion
• Destroys microbes (bacteria, viruses, tumors, fungi, parasites)
• Gives the body the effect of gentle exercise without the exertion
• Relaxes tight muscles
• Cleanses the skin
• Heals infections
• Improves alkalinity of your system
• Improves your DNA
• Decreases swelling in the body
• Normalises enzymatic function
• Assists weight loss programs
• Fights aging by boosting the metabolism and releasing toxins
• Reduces stress by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system (fright/flight system)
• Balances the autonomic nervous system to enhance parasympathetic activity (rest and digest), which is essential for healing

Phases of Healing in an Infrared Sauna:

The effects occur in two phases:

Phase 1: the body temperature remains at basal level and sweating is minimal to light. Although tissue heating occurs, the body is able to dissipate the extra heat by increasing circulation and shunting blood to the skin in order to release heat instead of increasing body temperature.

Phase 1 sauna effects: inhibition of sympathetic nervous system (stress), light sweating, pain relief, improved circulation due to dilation of blood vessels, improved oxygenation, muscle relaxation, improved flexibility of tendons and ligaments & internal organ congestion relief.

Phase 2: After 10-30 minutes*: the body can no longer dissipate the heat of the sauna, which causes the body temperature to rise. Heart rate and sweating increase, and blood is shunted to the surface more forcefully. It can recreate the feeling of a fever including the light-headedness and laboured breathing. Start slow and build up your tolerance as the greatest effects occur in Phase 2.

(*Note - Phase 2 begins at different times depending on your health and your acclimatisation to the sauna. If you want to know when your Phase 2 starts, you can measure your temperature, as basal temperature jumps up quite quickly once your body can no longer deal with the heat! Most people have a basal or resting temperature around 37.5? C. Once you see your temperature jump above your resting temperature, then you know you have gone into Phase 2).

Phase 2 sauna effects: all the benefits of Phase 1 plus increased body temperature which hastens the death of weaker cells, increased heart rate and circulation, disabling of pathogenic microorganisms.

Do the effects of the sauna continue even after I am out?

Your basal temperature can stay elevated for up to 15 minutes after your sauna. If it suddenly drops back down to basal level, you may feel lightheaded or tired for 10-15 minutes. Therefore, resting for 10-15 minutes post-sauna is important to give your body a better opportunity to gradually return to normal functioning.

What does sauna therapy mean?

It means that you are following set protocols to achieve a specific healing goal; this is usually associated with regular use. Although saunas can be used any time, once a week is good for maintenance. To release toxic loads, a year of sauna therapy is often required, but intermittent use still has its benefits, of course. Those that are chronically ill often need a therapy program of at least one to two years.

How do I prepare for a sauna session?

1. Ideally wait until 1-2 hours after a meal
2. Drink at least half a litre of water BEFORE starting your sauna
3. Bring towels with you to sit on and wipe your sweat
4. Bring your swimmers to wear if you are sharing the sauna
5. Bring a bottle of water to sip on during the sauna
6. Some places allow you to bring a CD with music/meditation/visualisations
7. Remove all jewelry and as much of your clothing as possible to get the maximum effect of the infrared rays