Heat can heal. Did you know that the heat generated by infrared lamps possesses special restorative powers?
Just fifteen minutes in an infrared heat sauna can improve an array of health complications including pain, stiffness, and even tension in the body.
How Does an Infrared Heat Sauna Work?
An infrared heat sauna works similarly to a traditional sauna, with one important difference: While one heats with hot coals, the other heats with incandescent infrared lamps. By penetrating between 1.5 to 3 inches into human tissue, this light allows the recipient to feel the warmth deep in the internal organs and muscles. The heat causes a temporary rise of between one and three degrees Fahrenheit above the body’s normal temperature, killing off micro-organisms while increasing the efficiency of the body’s immune system.
Infrared Heat Saunas and Detoxification
The frequency of infrared light reportedly duplicates that emitted by healthy human cells. This duplication encourages the generated heat to pull toxins and heavy metals from the cells into the bloodstream and induces a sweating that helps the body excrete them. Infrared light can even reduce the toxins released by silicone breast implants. This is one of the benefits conferred by no other known therapy other than from heat saunas.
Infrared Heat Saunas and Weight Control
Infrared aids in weight control by causing the body to dilate the capillaries. Many believe that this extra blood has the ability to convert up to 600 calories of fat in just one sauna session. In addition, the infrared heat corrects the metabolic imbalances that originally, at least in part, caused the weight It works by helping the body to excrete all heavy metal toxins.
Infrared heat also speeds up the body’s metabolism, thus increasing the rate at which it burns calories. The energy generated by an infrared heat sauna will soften and help release subcutaneous fat. The profuse sweating it generates will help to clear that fat from the cells.
Infrared Heat Saunas and the Circulatory System
Using an infrared sauna can benefit the cardiovascular system, as well. According to The Journal of Cardiac Failure, these treatments lower the blood pressure while increasing the heart’s rate and volume. And the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports improvements in patients for whom coronary artery disease poses a risk.
Other Benefits of Infrared Heat Saunas
Infrared heat also helps with depression, pain control, and musculoskeletal conditions, and it has even shown promise as a treatment for cancer. The high temperatures that it generates target the tumors, and they can sometimes die from exposure to the heat.
Risks and Contraindications
It’s important to note that not everyone will be an ideal candidate for heat therapy. Those suffering from diseases like multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, hyperthyroidism, lupus or adrenal suppression should not use this type of therapy. Pregnant women, children, and people suffering from infections or joint problems should also avoid using these saunas. Those who are taking prescription drugs should also refrain from participating. It’s always best to consult with your Primary Care Physician prior to participating in any type of alternative medicine.
