Sweat it out
April 29, 2022 Return
If you have wished for a sauna in your home but cringe at the thought of the expenses and renovation work needed to make that a reality, here are some good news: far infrared sauna (FIR) may just be what you are looking for,
- By using the FIR sauna just once every day for 30-40 minutes, it will soothe you with its warm gentle energy, while making you sweat a lot. Together with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes! There are reports of people losing weight and some body fat after 2 weeks – good news for people with joint pain!
- Furthermore, FIR sauna can reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke in people who are prone to blocked blood vessels. Regular sessions of FIR sauna stimulate the release of a substance called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels and prevents blockage, thus improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. FIR sauna also promotes a balance between the the release of harmful free radicals and antioxidants in your body – this is another way to help prevent blocked blood vessels
- FIR sauna can improve skin texture, firmness and tone. Fine wrinkles and rough skin can show improvement after 6 months. This is because FIR sauna stimulates our skin’s production of collagen and elastin, which can improve its strength and elasticity.
- It also helps remove toxins from our sweat, such as lead, cadmium, nickel and bisphenol A (BPA). These toxins may cause health problems – BPA can cause breast and prostate cancer, for example.
- Of course, using the FIR sauna also helps us relax and drive away stress that can cloud up your mind and affect your physical health. People with chronic pain have seen their pain become better with regular use of FIR sauna combined with counselling, rehabilitation and exercise. Better mental wellness will also help reduce your risk of depression, eating disorders and other mental issues.
How does FIR sauna compare to traditional sauna?
FIR Sauna | Traditional Sauna |
|---|---|
No special plumbing required, so it is mobile and can fit into any room in your home, Less hassle and worries! | Requires special plumbing, so once it is installed, it is a permanent fixture in your home. |
It is cheaper to install compared to traditional sauna. | Installing one at home can be expensive! |
FIR sauna can penetrate up to 4 cm into your skin as it uses a special waveband of therapeutic energy. This energy is safe and effective. | Studies found that traditional sauna produces hot air that only causes sweating on the surface of your skin. |
References:
1. Bickers DR and Athar M. (2006). Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of skin disease. J Invest Dermatol; 126(12): 2565–2575. 2. Biro S, et al. (2003). Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle-related diseases. Exp Biol Med (Maywood); 228: 1245–1249. 3. Dominguez MC, et al. (1995). Effect of aluminum and lead salts on lipid peroxidation and cell survival in human skin fibroblasts. Biol Trace Elem Res; 47(1-3): 57-67. 4. Genuis SJ, et al. (2011). Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol; 61(2): 344–357. 5. Genuis SJ, et al. (2012). Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. J Environ Public Health; 2012: 185731. 6. Imamura M, et al. (2001). Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. J Am Coll Cardiol; 38: 1083–1088. 7. Lee JH, et al. (2006). Effects of infrared radiation on skin photo-aging and pigmentation. Yonsei Med J; 47(4): 485–490. 8. Masuda A, et al. (2005). Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. Psychosom Med; 67: 643–647. 9. Masuda A, et al. (2004). Repeated sauna therapy reduces urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha). Jpn Heart J; 45: 297–303. 10. Masuda A, et al. (2006). Repeated thermal therapy improves outcomes in patients with chronic pain. International Congress Series; 1287: 298–303. 11. Mayo Clinic. Available at www.mayoclinic.org 12. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Available at www.nhlbi.nih.gov 13. Oosterveld FG, et al. (2009). Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A pilot study showing good tolerance, short-term improvement of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects. Clin Rheumatol; 28: 29–34. 14. Vatansever F and Hamblin MR. (2012). Far infrared radiation: its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med; 4: 255–266.
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