What to Do Before and After Infrared Sauna Therapy Sessions

The Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Infrared sauna therapy has become an increasingly popular wellness treatment in recent years. Saunas that utilize infrared technology to generate heat have been shown to provide a wide array of health benefits, making them appealing to those looking to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Detoxification

One of the main proposed benefits of infrared saunas is their ability to help eliminate toxins from the body through induced sweating. The deep penetration of infrared rays is believed to mobilize toxins stored in fat cells and tissues below the skin, allowing you to sweat them out.

Numerous studies have linked sweating to the efficient elimination of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium, as well as environmental chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). The detoxifying effect of an infrared sauna session leaves people feeling refreshed and reenergized when they're finished.

Relaxation

Along with physical detoxification, infrared therapy also provides stress relief and mental detox. Just a few minutes in an infrared sauna can lower cortisol levels and help unwind both the brain and body.

The warmth from the infrared rays helps relax muscles, ease joint pain, and effectively deliver the benefits of heat therapy throughout the body. This can do wonders for reducing headaches, chronic pain, and muscle tension caused by daily stress or intense workouts.

Lower Blood Pressure

Research shows that regular use of infrared saunas can lower blood pressure in those with hypertension. The saunas ability to relax blood vessels and arterial walls likely plays a role here. Infrared therapy prompts the body to produce higher levels of nitric oxide, which helps encourage healthy blood flow.

Healthy Heart

Along with decreasing blood pressure, infrared sauna use has also been linked to improvements in overall heart health. Studies demonstrate sauna therapy enhances cardiac function and increases vascular elasticity.

Additionally, sweat-induced detoxification can help reduce cholesterol levels in regular infrared sauna users. By eliminating plaque and toxins, infrared rays may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What to Do Before Your Infrared Sauna Session

Hydrate Well

Drink plenty of water before your infrared sauna session to avoid dehydration. The process of deep sweating can quickly sap your bodys hydration levels. Make sure to focus on electrolyte replacement too. Coconut water or an electrolyte drink make good choices.

Pre-Cleanse Skin

Take a quick shower before your sauna session to wash away lotions, cosmetics, perfumes, and any other skin products. The cleaner your pores are, the more sweat and toxins will be able to efficiently exit your body once inside the hot sauna.

Safety Check

Make sure you don't have any health conditions that may interfere with infrared therapy. While generally safe for most healthy adults, people with certain medical conditions like pregnancy complications, unstable heart issues, or recent stroke may want to avoid infrared saunas.

Set a Timer

Infrared therapy works best in shorter intervals. Beginners should start with just 10-15 minutes at moderate temperatures in the sauna. Set a timer to avoid overdoing it your first few sessions.

Grab a Towel

Be sure to bring a large towel into the sauna not only for sitting/laying on, but also to periodically wipe sweat off during your session. Keeping sweat from pooling on your skin will best allow your pores to continue releasing toxins.

What to Do After Your Infrared Sauna Session

Slow Rehydration

After sweating heavily in the infrared sauna, avoid chugging ice cold water or sugary sports drinks which can shock your system. Instead, gradually rehydrate with cool electrolyte water. Take small sips at first.

Eat a Healthy Snack

Replenish nutrients after your sauna session with a balanced, protein-rich snack. Try eating a banana along with nuts or seeds, a vegetable-packed smoothie, or yogurt topped with fresh fruit.

Take a Cool Shower

Hop into the shower after infrared therapy and rinse off with cool water for a few minutes. This helps close your pores, wash away dead skin cells, leftover sweat, and outdoor pollutants that may have exited through your skin.

Relax and Restore

Infrared therapy opens elimination channels and allows the body to release both physical and mental toxins. Be sure to give yourself time to recover after your sauna session with relaxing music, gentle stretches, meditation, or rest.

Continue Flushing Toxins

Keep toxins moving out by drinking plenty of water and herbal tea over the next few hours after your infrared sauna session. You may also notice increased urination or bowel movements thanks to the detoxifying effects.

Who May Benefit Most From Infrared Sauna Therapy

While virtually anyone can benefit from infrared sauna use, some populations may find regular sessions particularly therapeutic.

Athletes

Infrared therapy promotes muscle recovery by increasing circulation, delivering oxygen, and eliminating lactic acid buildup. This makes it a useful training tool for competitive athletes and exercise enthusiasts alike.

Individuals with Chronic Pain

For those suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions causing muscle or joint discomfort, infrared saunas can provide natural pain relief through soothing heat therapy and detoxification.

People with Autoimmune Diseases

The deep sweating prompted by infrared saunas may help those with autoimmunity eliminate toxins and bacteria linked to flare ups. Saunas also reduce inflammatory markers shown to aggravate autoimmune diseases.

Cancer Patients

Infrared therapy is believed to limit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Sauna use supports detoxification and immune function as well, which further helps battle cancerous cells in the body.

Those with Skin Conditions

The elimination of toxins through infrared-induced sweating can greatly benefit certain skin disorders. Sauna use may also help reduce cellulite. However some skin conditions like psoriasis may initially worsen with heat therapy.

Potential Side Effects of Infrared Saunas

While generally safe, especially when proper precautions are taken, some side effects can occasionally accompany infrared sauna use. Being aware of the common reactions can help ensure safe and comfortable at-home sauna therapy.

Dehydration

Failing to adequately rehydrate before and after sessions may lead to fluid loss dehydration. Symptoms like muscle cramps, dizziness, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, or headaches signal its time to immediately drink electrolyte water.

Burns

Sauna-induced skin burns may develop from direct contact with heating elements inside the infrared cabin or sitting too closely to the heat source for a prolonged period.

Blood Pressure Changes

Those with low or high blood pressure issues must carefully monitor body response during infrared therapy. Dizziness upon standing after a session generally means blood pressure dropped too drastically.

Nausea

If toxin elimination happens too rapidly, some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea afterwards. Using lower temperatures and spacing out sessions helps minimize this.

While infrared saunas dont pose serious risks for most people, it's still smart to discuss introducing heat therapy with your doctor if managing any health conditions or on medications that impair thermoregulation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.