The benefits of infrared saunas used as a hot therapy

It is not a new idea to use heat in therapy. Aptly named ‘sweat lodges’ have been used to treat the body and soul in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years and health enthusiasts continue to tap into the healing benefits of heat as a therapy and fitness enhancer. While anything that encourages your body to sweat out harmful toxins has obvious clear-cut health benefits, there is a subtle yet significant difference between the two types of sauna that are used today. Notably, an infrared sauna, which is used in therapy treatments, has its predominant heat source as light, rather than hot coal. While an infrared sauna traditionally sits at temperatures anywhere between 35 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit lower than a traditional coal sauna; at approximately 120 – 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the light, which creates the heat in an infrared sauna, penetrates deeper into the body making the health benefits insurmountable. It doesn’t heat up the air around you which means that your body will often cope better with the extreme heat so you can stay in there longer which creates a lot more sweat aiding detoxification. While an infrared sauna is clearly so much more than just a relaxing treatment to have after a workout session, what exactly are the specific health benefits of using an infrared sauna? •    Improves heart performance: Regular use of an infrared sauna as part of overall health and wellness program has been proven to reduce high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart function. These are all elements which, when combined, improve the overall performance of the heart contributing to a longer, healthier life. •    Reduces joint and muscle pain: One of the most common home remedies for pain in the body is the application of a heat source (Pi Center). A heat pack, hot water bottle or a hot bath are often recommended for treating localised pain and easing common aches and ailments. A study conducted by Applied Social Science students at Saxion University in The Netherlands looked at the effects of regular use of infrared saunas on subjects who had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The results found that pain levels decreased, and immobility eased over a four-week-period of regular infrared sauna treatments. •    Improves overall well being: Regular heat treatment on the body doesn’t just target problem areas; it penetrates the whole body, which stimulates blood flow and promotes the release of endorphins. This contributes to overall mood elevation making you feel happier, calmer and more relaxed. Infrared sauna therapy provides a holistic treatment, which targets specific areas of your body and mind. Treatments promote an increased secretion of the feel-good hormones, endorphins, and give an opportunity to relax and unwind from the stresses that life throws at you. In conjunction with their infrared sauna therapy, BodyMindLife offers mindfulness breathing techniques to complement this treatment to arm you with tools to use once the treatment is over which will further improve your wellbeing. Whether you want to have hot therapy alone or as part of BodyMindLife ‘Bulletproof’ package uniquely designed to meet your individual needs, the choice is yours. To find out more, contact the team from BodyMindLife to discuss the immense benefits of infrared therapy for health and wellbeing.