A few months back I signed up for a monthly massage membership and included in the plan was infrared sauna time. I took advantage of this and spent an extra 30 – 45 minutes after my massage sweating it out.
All I can say is, what a difference! I’m setting an intention now to have my own far infrared sauna in my home so I can use it all the time.
How does the Infrared Sauna Work?
Infrared saunas use the same type of radiant energy that the sun produces. Infrared’s radiant heat is said to go deeper into your skin than traditional saunas to improve cell health, aid in muscle recovery and strengthen your immune system.
When your body temperature rises in a sauna session, your white blood cells and killer T cells are produced and mobilized. In a nutshell, this means that your body’s natural healing mechanisms are optimized.
At your cellular level, these light waves can alter membranes, DNA/proteins and cell fluids. Altered cell membranes and mitochondrial activity take place, impacting your body’s energy and metabolism.
With infrared saunas the light directly penetrates your skin, but does not warm the air around you. So, the temperature rises in your body, but the light does not impact your surrounding environment. This allows for the use of them at home 🙂
It also makes it more tolerable for those of us who can’t handle very high heats of other dry saunas or even steam rooms.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna Time
The radiant energy from the infrared sauna increases your blood flow and regenerates damaged tissues in your body.
Sauna time stimulates your lymphatic system, which is responsible for releasing toxins from your body. It purifies your skin.
Sauna time stimulates your circulatory system to oxygenate your cells. This increase in circulation stimulates blood flow. Better blood circulation means more toxins flow from the cellular level to your skin’s surface.
The best way to release heavy metals and chemicals that accumulate in your fat cells is through sweat.
Sauna time stimulates the production of endorphins in your body, which help to alleviate pain. Heat relaxes your muscles.
Sauna time has a parasympathetic healing effect, which means it helps your body better handle stress. It promotes relaxation and balances your body’s cortisol levels.
On the Positive Side?
My time in the infrared has been well worth it. I’ve left feeling relaxed and clear headed.
In the day(s) to follow these sessions I was super tired! On the surface this isn’t a positive, but the fatigue means that my body is releasing toxins and needs to rest.
Only 15 – 20 minutes of time in an infrared sauna can impact your health dramatically. This time is capable of causing changes in your body chemistry and has the potential of helping restore balance if are dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, low energy or poor circulation.
My time brought with it less pain and stiffness in my body, relaxation and an improvement with my skin. When I did the massage and sauna combo a couple of days before the start of my period, I felt a big difference. Things flowed better and I experienced less pain with the start to my period.
It’s important to drink lots of water following your session and be prepared to rest, as your body could react to the release of toxins.
Have you tried an infrared sauna? How did it impact you? Is this something you do on a consistent basis?
I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below.
I loved this article!! Actually this is my first time commenting on any article ever lol and I’ve read tons. I just 100% agree with everything you said. In a few months I will be getting laparoscopy surgery for endometriosis. A sufferer for 15 years without a doctor who actually listened to me till now. Infrared sauna combined with a no sugar & no processed food diet has helped dramatically! I also add in a fresh juice(with liquid chlorophyll) and make sure to eat an inflammatory diet everyday. Anyways, the infrared sauna(the place I go to is a slim capsule pod) has dramatically changed my life. In no way am I pain free but it’s a huge change. Happy someone like yourself is spreading the word! Have a great day!
I meant to write *antinflammorty diet. Not inflammatory diet 🙈 Lol. That would totally defeat the purpose of healthy eating haha.
Thanks Jessica! Good to hear it’s helped you too. Sending Love.
I just found out about an infrared sauna near my work and I’m planning to try it soon. I have a genetic hypermobility condition (which causes a lot of body tension) along with thyroid issues and Endometriosis. I used to use tanning beds and the warmth helped my body pain (and vitamin D levels) but I have stopped using tanning beds because of the obvious safety concerns. What are your thoughts on infrared saunas since your more recent post on heating pads and heat being bad for adhesions? I have stopped using heating pads but it seems like the infrared sauna may be a safer type of heat compared to the direct heat from the heating pad? I would appreciate your thoughts and to know if you are still using the infrared sauna. Thanks for all of your great posts!
Hi Christina. I think that there’s great benefit from the infrared sauna and I don’t think it’s the same as applying a hot heating pad right on your skin. I’ve been sitting in one of the Sunlighten Infrared Saunas and it doesn’t really get that hot. I think it’s working on a deeper cellular level, rather than on the surface like a heating pad. I’m still using the sauna at least once a month. I’d love to do it more. My goal is to get one for my home 💛
How much does a session run?
Depends on where you go. Ours was $10 for the hour.
Hi I’ve never posted a comment but felt i needed to after reading this article. I have endometriosis (as well as other health issues) and recently had my first experience of infrared sauna. We recently stayed at a holiday park which had a sauna inside our accommodation so I was able to use it every day for 5 days….. I can honestly say the the results were amazing. After my first session the glands under my arms and at sides of my neck, that had been painfully swollen for the past 2 months, went down and have stayed down. The first thing I did when I got home from our holiday was order an infrared heat lamp and so far the positive effects have lasted….. I have gone from taking strong painkillers every 4 hours every day, to taking maximum of 1 dose of painkillers a day. And I’m only 2 weeks in!!…. Would recommend to anyone.
Hi Gemma. That’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experience.
It’s great reading this piece. As I lay here googling infrared and endometriosis- this article resonates. I have been using the FIR saunas now for one month almost daily. I actually own a red light joovv machine for home. I have fibromyalgia and so these two modalities have been a godsend. Right now I could not speak highly enough of infrared benefits. Week 2.5 I am detoxing 😒 the headaches have begun. But I am thrilled- that the actual point. To purge your body of toxins and start to heal again. Pain all over my body has diminished ( headaches mean I am detoxing) so I will proceed gently. I saw seasonal dermatitis disappear in 5 days! My immune system is stronger, I have more energy, I heal faster, I lost 9lbs with no change of diet or exercise, skin is glowing, pain is diminishing. Make sure you work up to the higher heats. 135 is a great spot to be. Took me 1.5 weeks to start to sweat so be patient. It’s a marathon not a sprint. I too have set the intention of owning one too. Clearlight or Sunlighten are the best (full spectrum) make sure they are low EMFs! I was treating fibromyalgia and realised as a side benefit my endometriosis is less painful. Love this modality! Wishing you all great health ❤️
Amazing! Thanks for sharing, love.
What places can you get the infrared light therapy. Thanks for letting me know
Spas or maybe even some gyms. The place I went to offered massages and other services like that.
Hi! Have you tried near infrared sauna as well? I’ve read that it might be more effective, but I’m a bit confused about all the information available online. Thanks!
I haven’t. From what I can tell the near helps improve topical surface of the skin, while the far helps release toxins.