Far Infrared Sauna Benefits: Detox, Weight Loss & More

What is a Far Infrared Sauna?

A far infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared wavelengths to heat the body instead of conventional heat. Rather than warming the air to high temperatures, far infrared waves permeate the body to heat you from the inside out.

How Do Far Infrared Saunas Work?

Far infrared saunas use infrared heaters or emitters to direct waves of infrared light onto your body. The wavelengths easily penetrate below skin level, raising core body temperature. This induces a deep, detoxifying sweat at temperatures around 120-150F versus typical saunas heated to 180-220F.

The lower temperatures allow for better tolerance and longer sauna sessions compared to standard dry or wet saunas. Infrared waves also activate the vibrational energies in body cells to aid healing.

Differences from Traditional Saunas

Far infrared saunas offer key advantages over traditional styles including:

• Lower temperatures allowing for longer sessions
• Deeper tissue penetration to aid detoxification
• More calories and toxins burned per session
• Often use less energy and are more eco-friendly

Proven Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Extensive research shows spending time in an infrared sauna offers many science-backed health benefits. Regular use delivers improvements in:

Detoxification

Sweating stimulated by infrared heat mobilizes toxins like heavy metals, BPA and pesticides stored in fat cells and organs for excretion through sweat.

Weight and Fat Loss

Infrared waves boost metabolism while raising heart rate similar to moderate exercise to aid fat and weight loss. Sessions burn 200-600 calories.

Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Studies demonstrate infrared sauna use significantly reduces blood pressure in those with hypertension and enhances overall cardiovascular function.

Chronic Pain Relief

The deep heat action of infrared therapy decreases inflammation and blocks pain pathways to relieve painful conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia and migraines.

Improved Immunity

Sweat out toxins, rev up circulation and relax stress hormones that suppress immunity with consistent infrared sessions.

Healthy, Younger-Looking Skin

Infrared rays stimulate collagen production to reduce wrinkles and acne while giving skin a gorgeous glow.

Maximizing Benefits and Safety

Following best practice guidelines optimizes positive results from your infrared sauna sessions while ensuring safety.

Start Low and Slow

When first starting, begin with 10-15 minutes daily at low temperatures around 100F and slowly increase heat and session length weekly.

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 16 oz water before and after use to counter fluid losses from sweating and prevent overheating.

Listen to Your Body

Infrared rays penetrate deeply so monitor how you feel. Discontinue use if you experience nausea, dizziness or headaches.

Allow Body to Cool

Never plunge into cold water after sessions since sudden temperature changes can cause dizziness or fainting.

Avoid Alcohol

Consuming alcohol is dehydrating and impairs your bodys ability to regulate temperature, so avoid intake before or during sessions.

Customizing Infrared Sauna Use for Different Goals

You can target specific wellness objectives by customizing your far infrared sauna session duration, intensity and frequency.

Detoxification

Use 2-3 times weekly for 30-45 minutes at highest comfortable temps around 140F to purge toxins.

Pain Relief

For chronic injuries, joint pain or sore muscles session daily for 15-30 minutes at around 120F directing emitters on affected areas.

Healthy Aging and Skin Rejuvenation

Leverage collagen-boosting benefits using 3 times a week for 20+ minutes with infrared targeted facial unit.

Weight Loss

Optimize fat burning potential with 45-60 minute sessions 4 times weekly while tracking calories burned per session.

Choosing the Best Far Infrared Sauna

With so many infrared sauna brands and options, use this checklist when investing in your own system for home use:

• Medical grade infrared emitters
• grids for even heating
• EMF and RF shielding
• Quality sustainable wood choices
• digitally controlled keypad
• testing for safety certifications
• reputable company with warranty

Select a size that fits your space needs while accommodating 1-2 people comfortably reclined during use.

Using Infrared Saunas with Health Conditions

Infrared saunas are appropriate for most healthy individuals. However those with certain medical diagnoses should exercise caution or avoid use in some cases.

Safety Tips for Health Conditions

• Pregnancy - Avoid due to risk of birth defects from overheating
• Cardiovascular disease - Consult doctor before use
• Diabetes - Carefully monitor blood sugar and hydrate well
• Metal implants - Ensure safe distance from emitters
• High blood pressure - Use lower temps and track vitals

Discontinue immediately if you feel light-headed, weak or unwell and follow your doctor's guidance regarding any health concerns.

The Bottom Line

Far infrared saunas offer superior detoxifying and healing benefits compared to traditional saunas. Customizing frequency, session length and intensity allows you to target specific wellness goals from pain relief to healthy aging and beauty.

Using proper safety protocols and investing in a quality system enhances positive outcomes over time. Consistency remains key - commit to regular use to unlock the many rewards infrared heat therapy has to offer.

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.