Like many emerging wellness trends, the infrared sauna
promises a long list of health benefits, from weight loss and improved
circulation to pain relief and detoxification.
It has even received endorsements from various lifebloombeauty celebrities
such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Lady Gaga, and Cindy Crawford.
But, as with so much health frenzy, if that sounds too good
to be true, it is worth doing your due diligence to figure out how credible
these impressive claims are.
To help you understand the science behind infrared saunas
and find out if these health promises really have any merit, we asked three of
our health experts futuretechexpert for their views on the matter: Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN. a nurse specializing in women's health, aesthetics, cosmetics, and skincare;
Daniel Bubnis, MS, NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, Personal Trainer and Nationally
Certified Teacher-Instructor at Lackawanna College; and Debra Rose Wilson,
Ph.D., MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Assistant Professor, and Holistic Health
Specialist.
Cindy Cobb: When a person spends time in a sauna, no naturalbeautytrends matter
how hot, the reaction of the body is the same: pulse quickens, blood vessels
dilate, and sweating increases. When this happens, blood circulation increases.
This response is very similar to how the body responds techsmartinfo to
mild to moderate exercise. The time you spend in the sauna will also determine
the exact reaction of the body. It has been observed that the heart rate can
increase from 100 to 150 beats per minute. The physical reactions described
above often provide health benefits by themselves.
Daniel Bubnis: Research is currently underway smarttechpros on the health
effects of infrared saunas. However, medical science believes that the effects
are related to the interaction between the frequency of infrared radiation and
the water content of the tissues.
The wavelength of this light, known as far-infrared
radiation (FIR), cannot be perceived by the human eye and is an invisible form
of electromagnetic energy. The body perceives this energy as radiant heat that
can penetrate up to 1 1/2 inches deep under the skin. It is believed that this
wavelength of light affects the bonds between molecules in cells and, in turn,
may have a therapeutic effect, presumably associated with infrared saunas.
Debra Rose Wilson: [Sauna] infrared heat can create waves of
heat and light that can penetrate deeper into the body and heal deep tissues.
Your skin temperature rises, but your core temperature does not rise that much,
so as long as you can open your pores and sweat, you will be able to maintain
temperature balance.
What
kind of person and type of health concerns would benefit the most from this
practice and why
There have been several studies on the use of infrared
saunas in the treatment of chronic health problems. These include improving
heart health such as lowering high blood pressure and treating chronic heart
failure, relieving pain from diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, a trusted
source by reducing muscle pain and improving muscle, joint movement, and
reducing stress levels, presumably contributing to relaxation. and improving
well-being by improving blood circulation.
Research on infrared saunas is preliminary. However,
research from reliable sources has shown that infrared radiation (including
infrared saunas) can help treat premature skin aging. There have also been
studies that have shown the use of infrared saunas as a way to treat people
with chronic kidney disease.
In addition to what my colleagues mentioned above, this
is an adjunct treatment for regional or chronic pain and can complement
physiotherapy and trauma management.
Studies in athletes have shown faster healing with heat, so
infrared saunas may be suitable for use in conjunction with good nutrient
intake, sleep, and massage. As an alternative to drugs, research from a reliable
source suggests it could be a tool for people with chronic and intractable
pain. It's also a safer option for those who love the warmth of a tanning bed
but want to avoid the cancer-causing UV rays.
Who should
avoid an infrared sauna
The use of a sauna appears to be safe for most individuals.
Those with cardiovascular disease, someone who’s had a heart attack, and
individuals with low blood pressure, however, should speak with their physician
before using one.
Those with contact dermatitis may find saunas worsen the symptoms.
Likewise, due to the risk of dehydration (thanks to increased sweating),
individuals with kidney disease should also avoid saunas. Dizziness and nausea
may also be experienced by some, due to the high temperature used in saunas.
Finally, pregnant individuals should consult their physician prior to using a
sauna.
Again, the evidence surrounding infrared saunas is still quite recent.
Insufficient numbers of longitudinal studies have been done to fully assess potential
negative effects associated with FIR saunas. The most straightforward answer
would be to avoid infrared saunas if you’ve been advised against using one by
your physician.
For those with neuropathy on the feet or hands, a burn might not be felt
or the warming sensation might cause discomfort. Those who are elderly should
also note that the risk of dehydration increases with this type of dry heat,
and if you’re prone to overheating or fainting, use caution.
