If you’re a wellness junkie like me, you’ve probably already heard or seen Melissa Wood Health talk about the benefits of infrared saunas. I’ve been wanting to jump on this sweaty trend for a while, except I haven’t been able to since I’ve been pregnant for the past 3 years and my healthcare practitioners always suggested I stayed clear of excess heat.
During my most recent trip to Blackberry Mountain I spotted an infrared sauna at the spa and didn’t hesitate to find out for myself what the hype was really about. Unlike traditional sauna, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to raise body temperature directly making it more comfortable, gentle, & easier to manage the heat for extended periods of time. I initially sat for 30 min but could’ve easily stayed in for more. I went back the next day and the day after that.
Following each session I felt more relaxed, refreshed, calm, revived, happier & lighter. It’s really one of the most chill ways to break a sweat & allegedly burn some calories. Plus, you get to meditate or listen to your favorite podcast while you’re at it.
So, is it worth the hype? Absolutely!
xo Gigi
What Is Infrared? Infrared is a radiant energy that is invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat.
How Infrared Compares To A Traditional Sauna: A traditional sauna uses dry heat or steam to heat the air around you, whereas infrared saunas use infrared light rays to penetrate the surface of the skin, down to a cellular level to directly heat your body. Because infrared heat penetrates human tissue versus heating the surface of the skin, infrared saunas are six times more effective than traditional saunas at detoxifying the body.
Benefits Of An Infrared Sauna: Infrared heat is gentle but very effective at shedding toxins. The powerful heat radiated from the infrared lights promote circulation of the body which leads to lower blood temperature, weight-loss, improved complexion, and production of collagen and white blood sells.
How Infrared Saunas Support The Lymphatic System: Good circulation is crucial for the lymphatic system because it helps to rid the body of toxins. When sitting in an infrared sauna, the heat penetrates deep into the body tissue, stimulateing the circulatory system. More blood circulation assists the detoxification and elimination process by moving the stagnate toxins and fluid through the skin, assisting in the elimination of access and stored lymph.
At-Home Sauna Options: If you're looking to invest in an at-home sauna, below are a few of our top choices, available in a variety of price points, with foldable options that save space, too.
- HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket - This original at-home infrared blanket is a portable infrared device that is budget-friendly and compact.
- Clearlight Sanctuary I - Just plug it in to sweat. This 1 person sauna is equipped with 2 full-spectrum heaters on both sides, allowing a complete distribution of infrared wavelengths across the body.
- HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Sauna - An investment, but worth it. This 2-person sauna is the HOTTEST on the market, and we mean heat, reaching up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit, it also featured LED light therapy, an iPad holder, and an entertainment center.
- SaunaSpace Luminati Infrared Sauna - This portable, organic cotton canvas sauna gives us all the clamping vibes. The thermalight technology helps you sweat faster, more effectively and at lower temperatures, plus it's portable, wheel-chair accessible and doesn't need any tools to assemble.
