Infrared Sauna
Why You Need an Infrared Sauna
The use of heat treatments to heal the body began centuries ago. Numerous communities around the world had unique sauna techniques. Eastern Europeans, Ancient Chinese, and Native Americans, for instance, employed hot air baths and sweat lodges for detoxification, increasing relaxation, and relieving stress.
These kinds of Saunas were achieved through various ways such as making a fire under an enclosed room and using hot rocks among other materials to carry the heat and/or smoke up to the lodge. Today, however, advancements in science have brought forth more innovative and tolerable heat treatment techniques – like the infrared saunas, which Mints Medical Spa Chicago is championing.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
This is a type of sauna that takes advantage of heat and light to bring about detoxification of the body. It emits waves in the form of infrared light to create heat and stimulate the body into sweating and releasing toxins.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna
Studies and research on the benefits of saunas to human health have been conducted for decades. While infrared saunas are relatively recent compared to traditional ones, they have attracted a lot of attention from the health and aesthetics industry. One of the most basic and obvious reasons for this is because of the ability of infrared waves to crank up the body’s temperature without affecting the surrounding environment, which makes them much more tolerable, especially for people who can’t stand the extreme heat of traditional saunas.
There is ongoing research to uncover the health benefits of infrared saunas and to establish the long-term effects. So far, from several studies that have already been carried out and user testimonies, here are the advantages:
Detoxification
The heat treatment results in increased or vigorous sweating. As you already know, sweating is among the most natural mechanisms through which toxins are removed from the body. Also, infrared saunas enable you to significantly eliminate more toxins than traditional saunas.
Pain relief
Infrared saunas increase circulation and relax your muscles, which results in decreased muscle aches as well as joint pain. Researchers at Saxion University of Applied Science, Netherlands, found that the therapy was useful in dealing with chronic pain and that it did not cause any undesired side effects.
Cardiovascular Healing
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the use of infrared saunas in the treatment of chronic health issues such as congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. And, there is evidence of benefit. For instance, a study published in the Journal of The Japanese Circulation Society found that infrared sauna therapy was beneficial to patients who suffered from chronic heart failure.
Furthermore, a review by scientists from the Department of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver suggested that the use of infrared sauna treatments was effective in normalizing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. This means that the infrared sauna can be used to help prevent high blood pressure and boost heart health.
Weight Loss
An infrared sauna generates a lot of heat which causes your core temperature to rise. It also increases your heart rate just as exercise would. This causes the body to work harder to cool down your temperature and keep up with the increased heart rate.
In other words, you burn more calories and, consequently, experience weight loss.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Infrared sauna has been found to have a parasympathetic healing effect. In simpler terms, it enables the body to deal with stress. It promotes relaxation by enhancing the regulation of your body’s cortisol – the primary stress hormone. Not to forget, the heat helps relax your muscles as well as relieve tension.
Who is Eligible for Infrared Saunas?
Infrared saunas are beneficial to everybody. However, your physician might recommend a few exceptions like in the case of pregnant women.
Are you interested in keeping your health in check with an infrared sauna session yet? Book an appointment with MINTS Medical Spa Chicago and enjoy these outstanding benefits.
