Saunas have a long and varied history across many cultures. The Finnish are said to have almost as many saunas as they do cars, the Greek baths were frequented by such philosophers as Socrates and Plato, and First Nations sweat ceremonies have remained an integral part of native rituals.
Today, saunas are generally regarded more for their health benefits than for any spiritual or meditative opportunities. The infrared sauna is no exception and is touted as an extremely effective tool for purification of the physical body.
Infrared Heat
Far Infrared heat (FIR) is a requirement for the existence of all life forms. The sun is the primary source of infrared rays, which have the ability to heat mass without heating the air around the mass (which is why infrared saunas don’t seem as hot as regular saunas).
Though the suns FIR is a form of naturally occurring energy, not all of its properties are beneficial to humans. Properties like UV rays and solar radiation are hazardous to humans and should be avoided. That’s where infrared saunas come in, using heaters that convert light directly to heat without the damaging properties found in the sun’s rays.
The heat from an infrared sauna travels two to three inches into the human body, penetrating joints, muscles, and tissue. This deep heating is believed to be responsible for the benefits and healing effects of sauna treatment.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna Treatments
As the largest organ in the body, the skin has a major role to play in the process of detoxification. It has the unique ability to transform toxins from lipid-soluble into water-soluble states, which are easier for the body to eliminate. Sweat produced by infrared heat contains up to six times more toxins, fat, and other impurities than regular sweat.
FIR is absorbed by the human body on a cellular level. The activity produced in the cells increases the flow of oxygen, blood circulation, and improves metabolism.
Sauna treatments expose the body to a brief increase in temperature which increases white blood cell production, thereby improving immune system function. Regular treatments can increase the body’s resistance to disease and improve overall health.
The body works hard to produce sweat, pump blood, and burn calories while exposed to an increase in temperature. These efforts can increase and strengthen the body’s cardiovascular conditioning.
How to Get the Most Out of a Sauna Treatment
One of the first things to consider for a successful sauna treatment is to have a friend or attendant available for supervision in case of emergency. Though most people never experience any side effects, it is possible to feel dizzy or even faint due to the heat.
Hydration is especially crucial during such an intense sweating process, so it is also recommended that eight to 16 ounces of water are consumed prior to entering the sauna. For first-timers, it is best to begin with only one 15 minute treatment to ease the body into the cleansing process.
Some people prefer to do a full hour of sauna treatment then have a cooling shower afterwards. Others believe that the contrast approach is more beneficial for cleansing. This consists of a 15 minute sauna then a 30-second cold shower repeated up to four times (always ending on cold). The contrast method is believed to stimulate vitality and promote detoxification.
During a sauna treatment, try to practice relaxation. A quiet, warm space is the perfect place for reflective thoughts or even meditation. Once the treatment is over, make sure to take at least 15 minutes to rest. During this resting period, drink lots of water and practice mild stretching or breathing techniques.
References
McCooey, Paula, Sweating it out in the (infrared) Sauna, Nationalpost.com(2010)
Wilson, Lawrence, Infrared Sauan Therapy, The Center for Development, Dr.lwilson.com (2010)
Howard, Alex, Find the Benefits of Infrared Saunas, NaturalNews.com (2009)
Aalana, Mikkel, Finnish Sauna: A Visit in the Dead of Winter, Cyberbohemia.com (2010)
Johanna Bailey - I am a freelance writer and editor with an honours degree in Professional Writing from York University. My greatest passion is the ...
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