Infrared Saunas: New Craze?

Have you heard about the new health concept of infrared saunas?

 

Here’s the deal: they aren’t your typical sauna sweat session!

 

In an infrared sauna, your blood vessels dilate, mimicking the same increase in heart rate that you experience when exercising. So when you leave the sauna, you feel the same way you might feel after a workout, endorphins and all!

 

Some of the claimed health benefits of an infrared sauna?

 

• Detoxification
• Muscle Relaxation
• Pain Relief
• Skin Purification
• Improved Circulation
• Improved Skin
• Weight Loss

 

Medically-speaking, many studies have explored the use of infrared saunas in the treatment of specific health problems, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic headaches, type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Some medical benefits have been linked to this new health trend, like blood pressure stabilization, lower inflammatory markers and lower blood mercury levels.  

 

Of course, larger studies are needed to confirm these results and prove efficacy!

 

My take? There are no adverse reactions reported with the use of infrared saunas, so it’s worth a try if your wallet allows. Many gyms and medical wellness centers have them available for nominal charges or as part of packages.  Many cryotherapy centers have added infrared saunas for a post-cryo session: the idea is work the body up in temperature from cryo and then make the body work to keep up with the heart rate in the sauna. More on my love for cryo here!

 

When it comes to weight loss, the calorie burn in the sauna will help your diet and lifestyle changes, but don’t count on weight loss from the sauna alone!

 

In the least, time spent in the sauna is a great relaxing mental break and reminder of how important self-care and meditation can be in our daily lives. (For more about my love of meditation, read this!)

 

Remember to start off slow if you are new – a few 5-10 minutes sessions are wise before building up to 30 minute sessions! And stay hydrated as you will sweat a lot!

 

If you are a local NY, NJ, or CT resident, here are some places you can try to test it out yourself:

 

Higherdose.com: New York City Infrared Saunas (With locations in Newport and Montauk)

Inner Light Wellness: Darien, Connecticut Infrared Sauna

NLighten: Hastings-on-Hudson, New York Infrared Sauna

om.life: Jersey City, New Jersey Infrared Sauna

 

Comment on my latest post to let me know if you’ve tried it!