Benefits and Usage of Near Infrared Light Sauna Therapy

Exploring the Benefits and Use of Near Infrared Light Sauna Therapy

Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people discover the potential health benefits of near infrared light therapy. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas don't rely solely on heat to induce sweating and deliver results. Instead, they use targeted near infrared lighting to deeply penetrate the skin and promote detoxification, circulation, pain relief, and more.

As research continues to unveil the wide-ranging benefits of near infrared light, infrared sauna therapy has emerged as an accessible and non-invasive method to harness those benefits. Read on to learn how near infrared light saunas work, evidence-based wellness benefits, safety precautions for use, and what to expect during your first session.

What is Near Infrared Light Sauna Therapy?

Infrared sauna therapy uses controlled exposure to near infrared light in order to stimulate healthy bodily responses like sweating and increased circulation. Near infrared lamps emit light in wavelengths just beyond what's visible to the human eye, enabling deep penetration for maximum absorption.

During an infrared sauna session, the body's core temperature rises, inducing a deep, detoxifying sweat at lower temperatures than a traditional hot sauna. Exposure to the near infrared wavelengths also activates other mechanisms linked to overall wellness. Typical sessions last 20-40 minutes and are conducted 2-3 times per week.

Evidence-Based Benefits of Near Infrared Light

Here are some of the key ways researchers believe exposure to near infrared wavelengths may support better health:

• Enhances detoxification - Induces sweating to eliminate toxins, metals, BPA, and other impurities from the body.
• Increases circulation - Expands blood vessels for improved blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
• Reduces inflammation - Helps regulate inflammatory pathways associated with chronic diseases.
• Eases joint/muscle pain - Boosts nitric oxide levels to reduce common aches and pain.
• Promotes skin health - Improves collagen production, skin cell regeneration, and appearance of scars.
• Supports immunity - Stimulates white blood cell production to strengthen immune function.

Additional Purported Benefits of Infrared Sauna Use

Although more research is still needed, there are many other ways near infrared light sauna therapy is commonly thought to enhance wellness, including:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Increasing endurance and workout recovery
• Easing symptoms of depression
• Supporting weight loss
• Protecting against neurodegenerative diseases
• Balancing hormone and glandular function

Near Infrared Light Sauna Use for Detoxification

One of the core benefits of infrared sauna therapy is inducing detoxification through sweating. Here's an in-depth look at how near infrared light helps eliminate toxins for better health.

Toxins Eliminated Through Near Infrared-Induced Sweating

Research shows that the deep sweating provoked by infrared saunas helps expel many toxic substances from the body, including:

• Heavy metals - Such as mercury, lead, and aluminum
• BPA and phthalates - Harmful chemicals found in plastics
• Pesticides and herbicides - Common industrial and agricultural chemicals
• VOCs - Volatile organic compounds released from paint, fabrics, and other materials
• Sodium, cholesterol, and uric acid - Excess levels linked to chronic health issues

How Near Infrared Light Induces Sweating

Infrared saunas don't rely solely on heat to make you sweat. The penetrating near infrared light causes sweat gland stimulation deep under the skin that releases toxins.

In a traditional hot sauna, the heat causes surface-level sweating that draws out mostly water and minerals. Near infrared saunas still use heat, but at lower temperatures while the light accounts for up to 80% of perspiration response.

Increase in Detoxification Compared to Traditional Saunas

Multiple studies have shown that infrared saunas clear significantly higher amounts of toxic metals from the body compared to conventional steam saunas:

• In one study, infrared saunas helped eliminate over 5 times more toxins like lead, cadmium, and fat-soluble chemicals than traditional saunas.
• Another study found that 2 times the amount of heavy metals like mercury and arsenic were excreted via infrared sauna use versus steam saunas.

The infrared-stimulated sweat response provides a powerful detox that some health professionals believe is on par with intravenous chelation therapy for heavy metal removal.

Maximizing the Detoxification Effects

To optimize the detoxification benefits of your infrared sauna sessions, here are some tips:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of purified water before and after your sauna session to rehydrate and flush out expelled toxins. Some also drink electrolyte solutions or green tea to replenish nutrients.

2. Take targeted supplements

Some supplements like milk thistle or activated charcoal may help bind to toxins and escort them out of your system more efficiently.

3. Avoid alcohol/caffeine before use

Alcohol and caffeine can inhibit detoxification and cause you to sweat out more essential minerals. Avoid them in the hours leading up to your sauna session.

4. Dry brush your skin

Gently dry brushing your skin before an infrared sauna opens pores and prepares your body to sweat out impurities.

5. Shower after use

After infrared therapy, shower and use natural soap to wash away toxins expelled through sweat.

6. Give it time

It takes regular use to see maximum detoxification benefits, so stick to a consistent infrared sauna regimen 2-3 times per week.

Research-Backed Health Benefits

In addition to detoxification, studies suggest near infrared light sauna therapy may offer many other evidence-based health benefits. Here’s an overview of the science.

Inflammation Reduction

Chronic inflammation is at the root of most diseases. Emerging research shows near infrared light helps:

• Reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines
• Increase anti-inflammatory cytokines
• Inhibit activation of pro-inflammatory genes

This anti-inflammatory effect could help prevent and treat inflammatory conditions from autoimmune disorders to heart disease.

Increased Circulation

Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach your cells. Studies demonstrate near infrared radiation from saunas can:

• Expand blood vessel diameter
• Boost production of nitric oxide to open blood pathways
• Increase red blood cell flow

This improved circulation benefits your cardiovascular system and powers healing throughout the body.

Reduced Chronic Pain

Near infrared light has proven effective at easing different types of chronic pain, including:

• Joint pain - Reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen in cartilage
• Muscle pain - Boosts blood flow to improve recovery
• Nerve pain - Blocks pain signals and repairs nerve damage

The warming effect of infrared saunas further helps temporarily alleviate aches and pains.

Skin Purification and Anti-Aging

Studies demonstrate near infrared light rejuvenates skin through:

• Increasing collagen production
• Reducing wrinkles and inflammation
• Improving skin cell regeneration
• Killing acne-causing bacteria

This makes infrared sauna therapy a potent treatment for skin purification, anti-aging, acne reduction, and fading surgery scars.

Precautions and Safety Tips

Infrared sauna use is considered extremely safe as long as you take some basic precautions, including:

• Stay hydrated before, during, and after use to avoid dehydration
• Avoid alcohol intake prior to use as it increases dehydration risk
• Listen to your body and leave the sauna if you start feeling unwell
• Start with shorter 10-15 minute sessions to see how your body responds
• Avoid use if you are pregnant, have unstable heart conditions, or other serious health concerns
• Never use an infrared sauna under the influence of drugs or medications that impair sweating

Talk to your doctor before starting an infrared sauna regimen if you have any chronic medical conditions or take prescription medications.

What to Expect During Your First Infrared Sauna Session

Ready to see what all the hype around infrared sauna therapy is about? Here's a quick guide to what to expect during your first session:

1. Arrive hydrated

Drink at least 16oz of water in the hour before your infrared sauna session to prep your body.

2. Shower and relax

Take a warm shower before entering the sauna to open your pores. Then enter the sauna room, lie down, and begin taking slow, deep breaths.

3. Adjust to the warmth

Infrared saunas only need to reach about 120-150oF compared to 190oF for traditional saunas. You'll start sweating fast as the wavelengths penetrate deep under your skin.

4. Listen to your body

Typical beginner sessions last 10-15 minutes. Leave sooner if you start feeling dizzy or unwell. You can work up to 20-40 minute sessions.

5. Shower and cool down

After your session, shower again using cool or lukewarm water to lower your core body temperature.

6. Replenish fluids

Be sure to continue drinking extra fluids like electrolyte water and green tea to rehydrate and replace lost nutrients.

Over the first few weeks, take note of how you feel after sessions, and any positive impacts on your pain, sleep, mood, or other health markers.

Finding an Infrared Sauna Near You

With the wellness benefits backed by extensive research, infrared sauna therapy is worth trying to enhance your health. You can find an infrared sauna for sessions near you at:

• Gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centers
• Physical therapy and chiropractic offices
• Medical spas
• Massage therapy clinics

You can also purchase portable infrared sauna blankets or low EMF tent saunas to use conveniently at home. Just be sure to educate yourself on the technology and precautions before investing in home sauna equipment.

The Infrared Sauna Experience

As research continues to demonstrate the diverse wellness benefits of infrared therapy, Near infrared light sauna use is rightfully gaining popularity. While traditional saunas rely solely on heat, infrared saunas leverage safe, targeted near infrared wavelengths to take detoxification, relaxation, pain relief, and anti-aging to the next level.

Give your body the deep cellular benefits of near infrared exposure in the convenient form of infrared sauna sessions 2-3 times per week. Be sure to stay hydrated, listen to your body, and consult your doctor if you have any health conditions before trying infrared sauna therapy.

Used properly alongside other wellness habits like eating clean and exercising, near infrared light sauna therapy offers a powerful way to purge toxins, reduce inflammation, ease pain, enrich your skin, and promote whole-body healing from within.

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.