Far Infrared Sauna Therapy
Far infrared (FIR) saunas have hit the mainstream, and they work differently than their traditional counterparts. These saunas safely warm the body with pure FIR radiation to produce therapeutic effects. The heat that we feel from the FIR sauna is the same heat we feel from the sun. Picture a sunny day where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Now suddenly a cloud drifts by and hides the sun for a moment, and you immediately feel colder. We all know that the air didn’t get colder, it was just that the sun’s rays were blocked by the clouds, and so were its FIR thermal effects. The warmth we feel from the sun is FIR radiation.
Just like the sun, FIR saunas don’t heat the cabin air like traditional saunas do, they heat us directly. FIR thermal radiation can penetrate up to 1.5” beneath the skin, which makes us sweat at lower cabin temperatures than traditional Finnish saunas. FIR therapy has a long history of treating disease. For many years, hospitals have used FIR heating elements in neonatal beds to keep infants warm. The interesting properties of FIR has prompted researchers to investigate its health applications. Studies are proving these saunas to be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
Benefits of FIR sauna therapy:
· Faster tissue healing
· Anti-inflammatory
· Reduced pain and stiffness
· Improved cardiac and vascular function
· Improved microcirculation and blood perfusion
· Increased collagen production
· Reduced oxidative stress
· Reduced fatigue
· Reduced stress
· Improved physical and general health
Conditions treated with FIR sauna therapy:
· Cardiovascular conditions and disease
· Chronic heart failure
· Peripheral artery disease
· Cancer
· Chronic pain
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· Type II Diabetes
Research suggests spending 20 minutes just 3 times per week, to start experiencing the benefits. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink adequate water before, during and after using any sauna.
1. Hamblin F, Vatansever F. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012 November 1; 4: 255-266. doi:10.1515/plm-2012-0034.
2. http://time.com/4481947/infrared-sauna-benefits-healthy/
Written By Jennifer Peterson, MSOM, LAc
