Understanding Infrared Saunas and Their Health Benefits
You’ve probably seen a rainbow and can list its colors in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This sequence represents the visible spectrum, a small part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that our eyes can detect. Beyond this visible light, however, lies infrared light, which has been shown to have significant health benefits for humans.
What Is Infrared Light?
The colors of the rainbow are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation—found just beyond the violet color in the spectrum—is often associated with risks like skin cancer, infrared light, located beyond the red end of the spectrum, offers various health benefits. Though we can’t see infrared light, we can feel it as heat.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Infrared saunas emit infrared light, creating radiant heat that is absorbed by the skin. This “deep heat” penetrates more profoundly into the body than the heat from traditional saunas. Unlike conventional saunas that operate at around 185°F, infrared saunas run about 45°F cooler, making them more comfortable for many people. Despite the lower temperature, infrared saunas can induce more vigorous sweating and promote detoxification.
Proven Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Scientific studies have demonstrated several health benefits from using infrared saunas:
- Normalizing Blood Pressure: Infrared saunas can help stabilize blood pressure by improving circulation and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Treating Congestive Heart Failure: Research indicates that infrared sauna therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for congestive heart failure, helping reduce symptoms and improve heart function.
- Reducing Chronic Pain: Infrared heat has been shown to alleviate chronic pain, including conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Reducing Abnormal Heart Rhythms: For those with congestive heart failure, infrared sauna use can reduce the incidence of irregular heart rhythms.
- Protecting Heart Health: Infrared saunas may reduce damage to the heart caused by diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or physical inactivity.
- Improving Sleep and Low-Grade Fever: Sauna use has been linked to improved sleep quality and a reduction in low-grade fevers.
- Managing Lifestyle-Related Diseases: Studies suggest improvements for individuals suffering from hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
Additional research has shown promising results in other areas, including:
- Helping with chronic fatigue syndrome
- Reducing obesity
- Mitigating the adverse effects of smoking
How Infrared Saunas Affect the Human Body
Infrared saunas influence the body’s thermoregulatory homeostasis, which is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal temperature. When you use an infrared sauna, your body reacts similarly to how it would during moderate physical exercise:
- Sweating: Helps detoxify the body by removing toxins through the skin.
- Vasodilation: Blood vessels widen, reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.
- Increased Heart Rate: The heart pumps more blood, enhancing cardiovascular fitness.
These responses are especially beneficial for individuals with sedentary lifestyles due to health conditions like heart disease, breathing issues, or osteoarthritis.
Are Infrared Saunas Safe?
Infrared saunas are safe. They utilize the same infrared technology found in newborn baby resuscitation beds. Infrared sauna therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for conditions like congestive heart failure and certain heart defects in children. Studies have also indicated that infrared saunas are safe for breastfeeding mothers and may even increase lactation.
However, there are some considerations:
- Pregnancy: While infrared saunas are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider.
- Male Fertility: Infrared saunas may temporarily reduce sperm counts in men, but this effect is reversible once sauna use is discontinued.
Out of nine studies available in English on the safety of infrared saunas, none reported adverse effects, highlighting their safety and efficacy for various health conditions.
Infrared saunas provide a holistic approach to health, offering a safe and effective means of promoting cardiovascular health, reducing pain, and aiding in relaxation.
