Winter is approaching and I cannot help but want to retreat to the comforts of hygge. Cultivating warmth is my current theme and what better way to detoxing holiday cheer than with sauna heat.
Traditionally found in Europe, some of the earliest references to saunas are from 2000BC in Finland. In the early 1900’s European immigrants brought saunas to the United States and they have taken off ever since. The American Institute of Architects reports that saunas are the 2nd more requested room in a home, second only to an exercise space.
Infrared vs Traditional Saunas
Infrared saunas use lightwaves to directly heat your body. These waves have longer wavelengths able to penetrate deep into your skin. Your body processes the radiated heat (110-135F) to purge toxins. Traditional saunas are hotter (150-195) and they function by heating the air, which in turn heats your body. Since infrared saunas are lower in temperature they are usually tolerated by more people, thereby making this sauna option more widely accessible.
Sweat
Infrared saunas provide a dry heat. You will sweat, however it is less noticeable than with a traditional sauna. In my experience, traditional saunas are high humidity and I sweat, profusely, vs. infrared where I know I am sweating, but it is a dry sweat/heat (think New Mexico desert vs. the South in the summer).
Radiation
Regarding radiation – as we have previously discussed in Breast Imaging Alternatives, radiation is bad. However, the radiation used in an infrared sauna is non-ionizing, meaning it does not have the energy to damage DNA. The exposure is less than what you would get from using a computer and I would argue the benefits outweigh the little to no risk.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna
- Detoxification (considered superior to traditional saunas to purify the body of heavy metals)
- Glowing skin
- Improved immunity
- Improved stress resiliency
- Improved sleep
- Improved muscle recovery
- Decrease inflammation
- Weight loss
Higher Dose
My sister. Emily Reid, is a holistic genius and we have dubbed her home “Camp Reid” for all of the wonderful modalities found there. My first exposure with an infrared sauna was Sunlight Saunas at her house and I have endeavored to get one in my home ever since. 
The barrier towards my purchasing a sauna was space. Her sauna allows for multiple people, but as a city dweller, we did not have the indoor space. We considered an outdoor option, but I could not find a model that I loved so I opted to purchase a Higher Dose Sauna Blanket.
The mat is great – large enough to accommodate most heights, spacious, and very comfortable. I purchased towel inserts to make the experience even more comfortable, sanitary, and easy. It has been the perfect size for this city dweller. I started on level 5, but have found that level 6 is the perfect sweet spot to be effective, and comfortable.
As with any sauna experience be mindful of your hydration. I am an avid filtered water drinker, but using the sauna makes me even more acutely aware that I need to make up for the fluid deficits lost during a session.
I am only a few weeks into my home sauna blanket, and can say the experience has been incredible. My skin feels more smooth (hard to do in the winter), my mood definitely more balanced, and sleep, restorative.
Plus, I love knowing that I am shedding toxins. I encourage you to to explore your own detoxing modalities and know that an infrared sauna is a great tool to keep on hand.
Stay warm!
