By Mila McManus MD and Nancy Mehlert MS
The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness offers Infrared Sauna sessions in our Longevity Room.
Benefits:
- Improved brain function and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s[i]
- Lowers risk of cardiovascular events[ii] by increasing heart rate in the same way exercise does
- Reduction of pain and inflammation while increasing circulation and energy
- Improves wound healing through increased circulation and oxygenation.
- Detoxification including helping to excrete toxic metals like arsenic, lead and mercury[iii]
- Stress reduction and relaxation through parasympathetic healing effects, helping the body to handle stress more effectively[iv]
- Through detoxification and increasing metabolism and caloric consumption through sweating (like exercise), it can support a healthy weight loss regime
- Through detoxification, it can improve skin tone, elasticity and help to alleviate acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
- May also be beneficial to people with asthma and chronic bronchitis[v]
What is Far Infrared Heat?
Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of radio waves. These are very long wavelengths which contain very few particles and are life supporting and required by the human body for optimal functioning. This is in contrast to the more harmful short waves with high frequencies found in X-rays, gamma waves and microwaves.
How does it work?
Infrared sauna heats the body from the inside out, altering cells, cell membranes, DNA/proteins and cell fluids, including and especially water molecules. At the cellular level, mitochondrial activity takes place which favorably impacts metabolism, improving overall biological activity. These changes can restore balance. Many studies have found that regular and repeated infrared sauna therapy can contribute to overall well-being, reduce pain and inflammation, and support heart health and brain function.
How long does it take?
Infrared sauna treatments usually work well within 15-30 minutes of treatment. It is best to begin with 15 minutes and work up to a 20-30 minute treatment as the body becomes accustomed to the heat. Regular and repeated treatments have yielded the best health results in studies.
Who can benefit?
The good news is that infrared saunas are safe and gentle for most people to use and studies have shown benefits especially for those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, poor digestion, depression and anger as well as chronic muscle and joint pain. [vi] In our stressful and toxic world today, everyone can benefit from increasing relaxation and detoxification.
Safety Considerations
- While sauna use seems to be safe for most people you may want to talk to your health care practitioner about starting infrared sauna treatments if you have sensitive skin, a history of heart problems or take medications since certain medications can alter your perspiration and heart rate
- Males may need to be concerned about long term heat exposure to their scrotum due the potential for decreased fertility that may result[vii]
- Always listen to your body and slowly increase the length of your sessions over time to somewhere between 15-30 minutes per session to increase heat-stress tolerance.
- Be sure to hydrate well prior to, during, and after the session to avoid dehydration.
Schedule Today!
- The technology works best with mostly exposed skin. Room is private.
- Bring a book to read. Avoid bringing phones and other electronic devices into the sauna. It’s a time to relax and unplug.
[i] Age and Ageing December 7, 2016
[ii] JAMA Internal Medicine February 23, 2015
[iii] Journal of Environmental and Public Health Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 184745, 10 pages
[iv] https://draxe.com/infrared-sauna/
[v] AM J Med. 2001 Feb 1;110(2);118-26
[vi] https://draxe.com/infrared-sauna/
[vii] Retiner, “Sauna Visits May Lower Sperm Count,” LiveScience, March 25, 2013