Infrared saunas not only helps with detoxing
Over the last few years, I have spent a lot of time researching how to restore my health and vitality. I became so aware that every day we ingest toxicants that affect our epigenetics. They’re in the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products our skin absorbs. It became very apparent to me that I needed to limit the number of toxins I was taking into my body. I also needed to support my body in its detoxing process and this became an important part of my daily routine.
Many different ways to help eliminate toxins
Sweating is the body’s natural way of releasing toxins. Exercise of course is a fantastic way to encourage the body to sweat. In the past, I liked to swim but I knew the chlorine in the water was a toxin I needed to avoid. I joined Bikram (hot) yoga classes a few years ago, straight away I felt the benefit of the yoga exercises in a room that was heated up to 40c degrees. I just loved the feeling I felt after a good workout. The amount of sweating from one class was exactly what I needed. Unfortunately due to the Covid, I no longer could attend Bikram yoga. During this time I needed to find an alternative to support my body in detoxing. So I decided to invest in a home sauna as they are recognised as an effective way to cleanse the body and eliminate waste via the skin. A sauna routine can help detoxify the body as it releases heavy metals (lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sulfuric acid and other organic and inorganic compounds
Benefits of an Infrared Sauna
I purchased a medical-grade infrared sauna from Sunlighten, Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas can operate at a lower temperature than a traditional sauna. Manufacturers claim that in an infrared sauna, only about 20 percent of the heat goes to heat the air and the other 80 percent directly heats your body. The infrared saunas are based on radiant heat, and this heat penetrates more deeply than warmed air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature. I decided on Sunlighten as they were recommended by many health experts including Dr. Mark Hyman and also Ty Bollinger. Their saunas have very low EMF’s and this was an important factor for me. I choose an infrared sauna that utilizes three wavelengths of infrared technology. These wavelengths penetrate soft tissue up to an inch and a half, warming the body and opening blood vessels. Each offers substantial benefits that target different areas of the body.
- Far IR permeates far into the body to reach the organs
- Mid IR affects the muscles
- Near IR impacts the surface of the body – skin
Infrared Saunas not only have powerful relaxation and stress-reduction benefits, but studies also show that sweating from infrared saunas may help with:
1. Reduce pain
3. Strengthen the immune system
5. Promote detoxification of the body
6. Increase blood flow in the body
7. Improve the healing of wounds
How you choose to use an infrared sauna is up to you, but this is what I normally do:
- Drink water. I like to make sure I’m well hydrated before going into the sauna, I also bring 2 glasses of water into the sauna.
- Choose the right temperature. My sauna can reach 70c degrees, but I usually go into the sauna well before it reaches this temperature as I find it easier on the body. Make sure that you set the sauna temperature at a level that you can tolerate safely and that you are comfortable with.
- Length of time. I stay in the sauna for 45 – 60 minutes. For first-time users, start with 10 to 15 minutes and build on your time on each session. Sometimes you will feel like staying longer but it’s best to listen to your body.
- What you can do while in the sauna. I like to relax, read, meditate, listen to health podcasts.
- After the session is over. When my session is done, I like to have a cool shower straight away to cool down. My goal is to have a cold shower but I’m not there yet !
- Number of sessions per week. I like to use the sauna 2 – 4 times a week depending on my weekly schedule.
There are a few things you should know before enjoying your first session.
- Avoid using an infrared sauna if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna.
- Even though infrared saunas are known to be safe, if you have any health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or are under medical care, get cleared by your doctor before your first session.
What size sauna to purchase
Sunlighten has many different size saunas, they also have portable saunas. The one I choose was the mPulse Conquer, it is comfortable for me to lie down in it. If you’re not in a position to purchase a home sauna it certainly would be worth seeking out the opportunity to use a sauna through a gym membership or with your local hotel.