I am one that would rather be warm than cold, so it makes sense that I enjoy my time in the sauna. I admit that when I think of traditional saunas I do not think of comfort. Though I enjoy the warmth and the benefits, I often get uncomfortable on the wooden benches or I get slightly less relaxed when someone else enters the sauna. So how does one get the benefits of a sauna, but without the discomfort?
Boy, do I have the answer for you!
Here at BeYOUtiful Escape, we offer a one-person infrared sauna so you can enjoy the comfort, the benefits and the peace of an extraordinary sauna experience. Before you rush to schedule your sweet sweat session, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
What is infrared?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, infrared (or infrared light) is “situated outside the visible spectrum at its red end used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter”. Using the same chart in the LED article from last month, you can see that infrared light is just outside of the visible light spectrum. Infrared is then subdivided based on wavelength and photon energy: near infrared, mid infrared and far infrared
Far infrared, as used in our sauna, has been researched and studies have shown that it provides a host of benefits to the human body, being widely used as a source to generate therapeutic effects.
So how does an infrared sauna work?
A traditional sauna that you may be used to seeing heats the air around you which triggers the body to kickstart its natural cooling process. An infrared sauna emits a wavelength of light that is absorbed by the body – it warms up the body from the core rather than the skin’s surface. This absorption of the light kickstarts the same cooling process.
Because traditional saunas heat up the air, they can often get up to 185° Fahrenheit. Because infrared saunas work by heating up your core, they are often at much more tolerable temperatures, between 120° and 180° Fahrenheit, which is great for those who are more sensitive to heat.
Though it is common and expected to sweat during a sauna session, it is not indicative of how well the sauna is working or of the temperature, but of how well your body is reacting and adapting to the heat. It is common for people to not sweat for the first few infrared sauna sessions. As your sauna sessions increase, your body’s ability to respond (ie. sweat) will also increase.
What are the benefits of an infrared sauna session?
Of course, sauna sessions are not everyone’s cup of tea. I highly encourage you to try it at least once so you can decide if it’s something you want to regularly add on to your facial or massage sessions. Benefits of an infrared sauna session include:
Increase of circulation – Healthy blood and oxygen flow is vital to our bodies. With this circulation, it leads to…
Boosted immune function – With good circulation, white blood cells in your immune system will be transported to the body as needed
Pain relief – The infrared waves penetrate the body, affecting the joints and muscles. With the increase of circulation, the blood brings oxygen to the tissues allowing them to create more energy to heal. If you’re an avid exerciser, this also helps to reduce muscle recovery time. Studies have shown that patients with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, report a decrease in pain with continued use of an infrared sauna.
Lowers blood pressure – Clinical studies done by Sunlighten (the creator of the sauna we use at BeYOUtiful Escape) have shown that regular infrared sauna treatments improved the condition of impaired vascular endothelial function.
Weight Loss – Raising the core body temperature means the body has to work hard at cooling it off, causing a healthy sweat and expending calories to do so. An infrared sauna session increases heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate, much like the effects you get from exercise.
Mental – We are all probably well aware of the impact chronic stress can have on our brains and bodies. Neuroscientists have shown that high levels of stress can even impact the number of neurons found in the brain. The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems. And considering all that has happened in 2020 alone, I can only imagine that those estimates may rise in the near future.
What can I expect from an infrared sauna session?
Though we have been offering infrared sauna sessions since 2015, there are many people who have yet to discover how great their treatments can benefit by starting with an infrared sauna session. Though you can certainly schedule an infrared sauna session with a facial, most people schedule it in conjunction with their massages. Upon arriving at our office for your treatments, you will be led to the sauna room. Yes, we have a room dedicated to your infrared sauna session! The atmosphere in the sauna room is much like that of our facial-massage treatment rooms: clean, inviting and relaxing. We have chosen to go with a one-person sauna system (like the one shown in the picture at the top of the page) so that you can truly experience the relaxation benefits of the sauna – you won’t have to worry about another customer disturbing your session! Your 30 minute sauna session is for you and you alone. One of the great things about the solo sauna domes is that you can leave your head out if you wish. This is great for those who are claustrophobic or just want a breather from the heat without totally getting out of the sauna! With the comforting heat of the sauna, the dim lights and the relaxing music, you will soon be off to a state of relaxation you didn’t know you were missing. After the sauna session, your muscles will be warm and ready for your treatment!
Doesn’t that sound amazing?! We think so!
If you think so, too, head on over to our Appointments page to view our hours and schedule your appointment.
