WHY INFRARED?
Here at Almost Heaven Saunas we believe in the traditional sauna experience. The history and the heat, the steam and löyly (a Finnish word describing the heat and steam from the hot stones of a sauna), the smell of soft woods and the stones. If the heat, steam, and even the larger size of a traditional sauna is not conducive to one’s physical needs or lifestyle, we have an alternative.
For those who appreciate the sauna experience and the benefits that come along with it, but for health reasons or preference choose to forgo the traditional steam sauna, Almost Heaven Saunas now offers the infrared therapy sauna.
What exactly is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna can look similar to a traditional sauna, but instead of a wood-burning or electric heater, an infrared uses infrared panels to create heat. There are three categories of infrared: near, mid, and far. Each category indicates where the wavelengths from the infrared rays fall on the light spectrum. At Almost Heaven Saunas, we sell a far-infrared sauna. Far infrared is the longest wavelength on the light spectrum. Far infrared heat penetrates deeper into the skin than near infrared or mid- infrared, promoting a deeper detox and removal of toxins. Unlike a traditional sauna that warms the entire room and heats the body from the outside in, an infrared sauna raises the core body temperature producing a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level.
Infrared saunas also tend to be smaller in size and more compact than traditional saunas. This is helpful for apartment living, or those who want to add a sauna to a smaller space. Plus, you can plug your infrared sauna into a standard home electrical outlet.
How exactly does an infrared sauna work?
Imagine a cold and sunny winter afternoon. The air is brisk and the wind harsh, but when you stand directly in the sunlight you can still feel a deep warmth within your body. These rays from the sun do not warm up the surrounding air because they are impacting the body at a deeper cellular level. The infrared rays from the sun are warming you from the inside out. An infrared sauna mimics these life-giving rays from the sun. The best part is that you get to experience the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without the dangerous effects of UV rays.
How do you use an infrared sauna?
It’s important to start slow. Start with shorter sessions around 5-10 minutes in order to acclimate your body to the infrared heat. Although an infrared sauna won’t get as hot as a traditional sauna (the ideal infrared temperature being between 110-130 degrees), your body will still sweat and detoxify. As your body gets used to the detoxifying process, you will be able to stay in longer. Unlike a traditional sauna, it is ok for the body to warm up with the sauna, entering at 85-95 degrees. Even at low temperatures, the infrared heat is working and detoxifying the body. When it comes to sauna bathing of any type, it is important to listen to your body, take cool down breaks, and consult your physician with any health-related questions.
How often should you use an infrared sauna?
There is not one answer to this question. Again, it is important to listen to your body. When the sauna becomes uncomfortable, then it is a good indication to step out and take a break or to end the session for the day. It’s important to start slow and build up a tolerance, and then it is entirely up to you how often you take an infrared. Stay hydrated!
What are the benefits of an infrared sauna?
There are many benefits to infrared sauna use. One of the most well-known benefits is that it will make you sweat, helping your body to release toxins that have built up over time. Pain relief is another benefit of infrared heat. The heat relaxes sore and fatigued muscles allowing the body to rejuvenate and heal. It is also said that being in a sauna is like amini workout, the heart rate increases, metabolism rises, and blood circulation is improved to help nourish damaged tissue. Other benefits include skin health and purification, endorphin release, stress reducer—the list goes on and on. However, the most important benefit is that a sauna provides an atmosphere of peaceful relaxation and health. So, whatever your sauna preference or needs, Almost Heaven Saunas is here to help you find your perfect sauna.