Infrared Sauna

Infrared Saunas use Far Infrared energy to penetrate the body’s tissue. Tests have shown that the energy output is tuned so closely to the body’s own radiant energy that our bodies absorb as much as 93% of the far infrared waves that reach our skin.

By comparison, conventional saunas must rely only on indirect means of heat: first, on convection (air currents) and then, conduction (direct contact of hot air with the skin) to produce its heating effect. Your Infrared Sauna is best used at temperatures between 100 to 125F versus 180 to 220F for traditional hot-air saunas.

Yes! Infrared heat is all around us. The photo below shows that all things give off and receive infrared heat. This image was taken with a camera that takes a regular photograph and an infrared image of the subjects at the exact same time.
The human body gives off and receives infrared heat and in the far infrared band. Other surfaces, like a warm street or heated vending cart give off infrared in the middle and near infrared band.

Do you want to experience far infrared heat right now? Take you hands and put your palms together. Move your hands about 1/2 an inch apart. You will feel warmth eminating from your palms. This is far infrared heat very similar to the infrared heat emitted from the carbon panels. Radiant far infrared is all around us and is essential for human life.

Our Infrared far infrared saunas use low-EMF carbon paneis, which do not turn red hot, but instead produces invisible, far infrared heat. This is the same type of heat as produced by the sun and our bodies. Infrared heat is very safe and not at all like the heat produced by microwaves. In an infrared sauna, only 20 percent of the energy is used to heat the air, leaving the rest of the energy to heat the body. The radiant heat can penetrate deep below the skin producing a gentle warming inside the body. The temperature inside an infrared sauna is adjustable and averages a comfortable 100 °F to 140 °F This allows a person to sweat faster and to tolerate a longer period of time inside the sauna, allowing for the therapeutic effects to occur. Typical sessions last 20 to 45 minutes and can be repeated once or twice during the day to maximize the benefits. Infrared saunas leave you feeling invigorated, not depleted like conventional saunas.

Infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight. Far Infrared Heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sunlight that heats the body normally. Traditional saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level within the chamber to warm the body. Some people have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air. Far infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, far infrared saunas heat the body directly. The result is deeper tissue penetration. In the far infrared sauna, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot air of a traditional steam sauna.

It is considered inadvisable to raise the core temperature too high in someone with adrenal suppression and systemic lupus or multiple sclerosis, by some authorities.

For patients with these health considerations, some physicians recommend shorter IR sauna sessions at lower temperatures with a friend nearby in case a physical weakening may occur. We have had good reports from our clients with lupus and multiple sclerosis. Mild radiant body heating produces a wonderful cardiovascular improvement, carrying increased amounts of healing oxygen throughout the body, even if clients do not sweat profusely.

Individuals with total Heat Insensitivity or who lack the ability to perspire or sweat or to emit body heat should probably refrain from IR sauna use. As always, check with your doctor first.

If you have a sprain, bruising, laceration or surgery, the affected area(s) should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury OR until the swelling has reduced. Start with short sessions of 15-20 minutes at a lower temperature (115-120 degrees) and work your way up. Mild stretching exercises work wonders for rehabilitating injuries like ACL and Rotator Cuff surgery. Proper IR Sauna Therapy speeds healing of wounds and injuries dramatically.

Two special benefits make contact lenses ideal for the infrared sauna: they do not ‘steam up’ in humid conditions or as a result of temperature fluctuations. They always remain at body temperature.

Any mention of contact lens contraindication that I researched gave no specific reason why contact lenses could not be worn. I have told my clients for many years that contact lenses are safe to wear in your sauna and have never received any negative feedback.

Bottom Line: As always, when any health condition is in question, I ask that you check with your eye doctor and/or the manufacturer of the lenses!

If you are pregnant, limit your sessions to 10 minutes with a maximum of four sessions per week. **** NOTE: Exposure to intense heat during the first trimester of pregnancy may slightly increase the risk of birth defects. Consult your physician, as opinions on use during pregnancy vary.

Breastfeeding: There is insufficient empirical evidence to establish whether or not toxins are released, during IR sauna use, that could enter into breast milk. It would be prudent to reduce or avoid intense sauna therapy during the breastfeeding period.

Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared rays and thus are not heated by the infrared sauna; nevertheless, you should consult your surgeon prior to using an infrared thermal modality.

Silicone does absorb some infrared energy. Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed slightly by the infrared rays. Since silicone melts at over 200 degrees, it should not be adversely affected by the usage of an infrared thermal system and is considered safe in most circumstances.

Saline implants may warm slightly as the body core temperature elevates, but IR sauna use should be safe and without discomfort or problematic symptoms.

**** We always recommend that you check with your surgeon and/or the product manufacturer’s representative before use. ****

Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow. Once a woman is aware that this may occur, she can choose to allow herself to possibly experience this short term effect without worry or to simply avoid use at that time of her cycle. Many women do report relief of other common symptoms related to menstruation including relief of bloating, cramping and headaches.

If you are using any prescription drugs, check with your physician for any possible change in the drug’s effect due to any interaction with infrared heat. Very rarely does heating the body alter the properties or effects of a prescribed medication. Cortisteroids may be a contraindicated substance. Some antihistamines contain ephedrine and may increase heart rate inordinately during sauna use.

Hemophiliacs and anyone predisposed to hemorrhage should avoid usage or any type of heating that would induce vasodilatation or stimulated circulation, which can increase the tendency to bleed.

According to Dr. J. Halperin, M.D., Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, “Moderate sauna use is safe for most older people. Diabetics or anyone being treated for heart conditions, circulatory issues or prescription medication should check with their doctor.”

Age is not a contraindication for IR sauna use. We have clients in their 90’s who enjoy the benefits of regular sessions.

Young children have a high metabolic rate and are less adaptable to higher body core temperatures than adults, due to their limitations of circulatory adaptation and body temperature regulation (sweating).

Ages 6 – 12 should spend no more than 20 minutes in IR saunas, and should be accompanied by an adult. Start with lower temperatures and work up gradually as child demonstrates the ability to perspire freely.

Ages 6 and Under should avoid use unless prescribed by a doctor.

Teenagers may safely use IR saunas, taking particular care to hydrate liberally and not become overheated.

Start your IR sauna program slowly and monitor any unusual changes in blood sugar. Infrared sauna use does not increase the blood sugar level or the body’s consumption of glucose.

Using an IR sauna does not normally raise blood pressure. You may use a blood pressure monitor during your session to observe BP rates. Although the heart rate is increased during use, vasodilation of all the blood vessels in the body and increased blood circulation actually allows for a lowering of blood pressure in many users, both short and long term. Regular infrared sauna use is a highly effective, passive cardiovascular activity for folks with limited physical exercise capability.

During IR sauna therapy, it is common for the body to eliminate residues of prescription and “over the counter” medications… even those ingested many years past. Such residues can include ingredients found in antibiotics, narcotics, sedatives, stimulants, chemotherapy, cold medicines, sleep and allergy aids, etc. Occasionally, the release of these substances can result in temporary effects similar to the action of the drug when first taken, i.e., novocaine expulsion may temporarily produce a slight numbness in the jaw from a previous dental injection.

Purging your system of antibiotics can sometimes alter digestive bacteria balance and constipation or diarrhea may be a symptom. In most instances, these effects pass quickly as residues are excreted.

“According to Dr. L. Wilson, M.D. and Homeopathic Practitioner, “Healing Reactions are temporary symptoms associated with eliminating toxic substances, healing chronic infections or due to other metabolic changes in the body. They are an important part of all deep healing.”

As some toxins are mobilized from storage sites throughout the body, they are transported by the blood to the liver, primarily. Toxins must be processed by the organs of elimination, including the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and skin. The metabolic process of expelling toxins sometimes results in mild and short lived “flare ups” or experienced symptoms of a previous illness, virus or physical trauma.

Most healing reactions are mild and pass quickly. Symptoms may include diarrhea, constipation, aches, pains, muscle cramps, sinus discharges, odors, minor rashes, headaches, irritability and fatigue. Mood swings and emotional reactions may occur on rare occasions and are the result of changes in body chemistry and neurotransmitter levels.”

Please call us for suggestions and support in handling a healing reaction.

Wait for an hour or two after a meal before engaging in infrared sauna therapy. Therapy right after a meal may interfere with proper digestion and cause mild stomach cramps.

Alcohol consumption during, or prior to, an IR sauna session, is prohibited! “Sweating out a hangover” is not advisable, but permissible, given that you limit your session to no more than 30 minutes and do not overheat! Drink lots of fluids prior, during and after your session.

In many instances, clients with stents and pacemakers may use the our units safely. Check with your physician and/or the manufacturer of the particular product.

Danger signals include a rapid increase of body temperature, a noticeable “racing” of the heartbeat, extreme redness of the skin and feeling light headed or extremely faint. If you notice any of these symptoms, end your session immediately. Occurrences of this nature are very rare.

Wait 20-30 minutes, following strenuous exercise, to use your infrared sauna. Allow your body to cool down completely before entering the unit. You are activating a different branch of your involuntary nervous system; The IR sauna is supplying your body heat passively, instead of actively, as in a physical workout.

People with advanced symptomatic heart disease or unstable angina should not use an infrared sauna unless supervised by a doctor.

If a person has suffered a recent joint injury that is considered acute, it should not be heated for at least 48 hours or until the hot and swollen symptoms diminish. Enthusiastic heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed infections in any of your tissue including dental.