Health Benefits of Far-infrared Saunas

Lyn and I went to a spa here in Denver that has a far-infrared sauna. Not really knowing the difference between a traditional sauna and a far-infrared sauna, I did some research and the results were definitely worth sharing. I have been back once since Lyn and I went last Sunday and I am going again tomorrow. I am not sure if this is contributing to my weight releasing, but I am down 8 pounds as of yesterday! WOOOHOOOO!!!!! Might want to check it out!

Health Benefits of Far-Infrared Saunas

Detoxification:

*Rids the body of toxins thereby helping to relieve current symptoms and preventing future illnesses

*Increases overall health and vitality

*The heat generated by far-infared saunas produces sweat that carries nearly 20% toxins compared with a traditional sauna where you can only expect 3% toxins in the sweat generated. This is due to the fact that far-infrared saunas raise the core body temperature 2-3 degrees versus simply heating the air around the body in a traditional sauna.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

According to New York Times best-selling author and fitness expert Jorge Cruise – as well as many other health professionals – the more stressed you are, the more cortisol your body produces. Cortisol is a “fight or flight” hormone made in the adrenal glands that raises heart rate and blood pressure and leads to the deposit of excess calories in the midsection.

Scientific evidence also shows that infrared sauna therapy helps the body maintain healthy levels of cortisol. While cortisol levels stay the same or rise slightly during a sauna therapy session, they drop immediately afterward.

Weight Loss

*Far-infrared saunas burn between 600-900 calories in a 30-45 min session.

*While using an infrared sauna, there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories.

Pain Relief

*Far-infrared saunas help to relieve tension and relax muscles by penetrating joints, muscles and tissues, increasing circulation and speeding oxygen flow.

Improved Circulation

*Far-infrared saunas heat your muscles with infrared rays and produces an increase in blood flow similar to regular exercise. In fact, blood flow during infrared sauna use has been reported to rise from a normal rate of 5-7 quarts per minute to as much as 13 quarts per minute.

The elevation in body temperature from far-infrared sauna use also produces an increase in blood flow that mirrors the benefits of a passive cardiovascular workout. The increased peripheral circulation from our infrared heat reduces inflammation, decreases pain and speeds healing, all important steps in helping the body recover from strenuous activity.