Infrared Sauna
Infrared Sauna Therapy
Sauna proponents say regular use of infrared saunas helps with everything from blood pressure to weight loss. There have been relatively few scientific studies into the effects of regular sauna use. The results show there are some health benefits to spending time in a sauna, especially if you have certain health conditions.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
Saunas use heat or steam to create an atmosphere that will raise your core body temperature. You'll sweat and your heart rate will increase to pump more blood to your skin. This is your body's way of cooling you down. The idea is that this process mimics the effects of exercise and provides similar health benefits.
Where traditional saunas use heating elements to raise the temperature of the air inside, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body while the air around you stays unchanged. The result is your core temperature rising without having to sit in a room where the ambient temperature is close to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people find this more comfortable than traditional saunas.
Do Infrared Saunas Have Any Health Benefits?
While saunas aren’t an express path to weight loss, they appear to benefit some conditions. Evidence suggests that you can use infrared saunas and the traditional sauna in addition to other treatments for multiple health issues.
Cardiovascular Conditions. Saunas may be good for your heart. Some studies have shown that people who have regular sessions in saunas can lower their blood pressure. Other studies show improvements in symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Lung Health. In some studies, people who used saunas had a lower risk of pneumonia. Other people experienced an improvement in asthma symptoms.
Pain Management. Another benefit of saunas is that they may ease pain when using them regularly. Some people reported fewer symptoms associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. One study also showed that saunas might help with tension headaches.