As we enter week one of our Back to School Back to Health cleanse we’re finding ourselves talking a lot about detox.
The body is designed to detox, however decades of filling up on dense and difficult to digest foods, not to mention the plethora of environmental toxins we’re all constantly exposed to, it’s not uncommon to have blocks in our detoxification channels.
On the cleanse we talk about symptoms of detox (fatigue, headache, sluggish digestion, gas, bloating, etc.), and more importantly, what you can do at home to help you release those pesky toxins.
Today we want to talk about a therapy that we’ve personally been experimenting with – far infrared sauna treatments. Known for helping people improve all areas of their health – detox, weight loss, anti-aging, pain relief, boosting the immune system – infrared sauna therapy is one of our new favorites!
So this summer when Jules was visiting her family in Kansas City, she was so excited to connect with a stranger over her I heart green smoothies t-shirt, who turned out to be the owner of Sunlighten Saunas!
From that day on we have been experimenting with Sunlighten Saunas, sweating it up, and loving it. Read on to learn about the benefits and research, and then leave us a comment below. Have you tried infrared sauna therapy? What have you experienced?
With healing heat,
Healing, Healthy Heat
Although saunas have been popular for centuries, they’re not often thought of for treatments in traditional medicine. Traditionally, saunas have been unbearably hot, steamy rooms in which breathing can be difficult. But the saunas of today have technologically evolved from the harsh, 200°+ rooms to a soothing, healthy heat sanctuary. Infrared technology is not only a relaxing therapeutic treatment, it’s also clinically showing some impressive health benefits.
A recent article from Cancer Defeated touts 3-in-1 full spectrum infrared saunas as a way to help revitalize health and reverse illness because it provides whole-body hyperthermia, which is said to help kill cancer cells. These saunas also help eliminate toxins, further supporting the healing process. This is one of the many reasons why infrared sauna therapy is one of the fastest growing home therapies.
What is Infrared?
Infrared wavelengths are the invisible part of the sun’s spectrum consisting of near (NIR), mid (MIR) and far (FIR) rays. These rays have the ability to penetrate human tissue. This characteristic makes infrared beneficial because it heats the body directly at the core rather than simply warming the air resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where the majority of toxins reside.
Infrared heat is completely safe and healthy for all living things. You can be exposed to infrared light for hours without the risk of burning. Infrared is a naturally occurring output of the sun, but does not contain the harmful UV rays associated with unprotected sunlight. In fact, infrared’s gentle heat is used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.
Health Benefits:
Numerous healing and preventative benefits derive from infrared therapy. Clinically-backed research shows that the different wavelengths – NIR, MIR and FIR – are more effective than others at targeting various health benefits.
Detoxification:
Toxins such as sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and carcinogenic heavy metals accumulate in the body during modern daily life. Studies have shown that FIR raises core body temperature stimulating the sweat glands resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat ridding the body of toxins.
Pain Relief:
MIR can help to expand blood vessels and increase circulation allowing more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body resulting in reduced pain and a faster healing process. A NASA study using NIR heat, also determined that LED technology allows for deep penetration of tissue and increased cell growth from the inside reducing inflammation.
Weight Control:
Sweating is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate causing the body to burn calories. Studies have shown that a 30 minute IR sauna session can burn an upwards of 600 calories! A 2009 study indicated that Sunlighten infrared saunas can lower weight and waist circumference in just a 3-month period.
Cardiovascular:
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, heart rate increases by 50-75% which provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow. A 2005 clinical study conducted by the University of Missouri, Kansas City showed that Solocarbon FIR sauna treatments dilated blood vessels and reduced the volume of their inner lining concluding that Solocarbon FIR reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular use.
Increase Cell Health & Boost Immunity:
Several studies have shown that near infrared properties can help improve cell health, enhance muscle recovery and boost immune defenses. A NASA study concluded that NIR LED technology can quadruple cell health and tissue growth. Another study done at the Medical College of Wisconsin demonstrated that LED-produced near infrared helps promote cell health and regeneration. Lastly, a study from The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology concluded that LED near infrared (NIR) restores enzyme activity and reduces cell death by half.
Anti-Aging:
IR improves circulation, expels dirt & chemicals and removes dead cells on the surface of the skin resulting in a soft, clear complexion. A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of NIR therapy. Participants experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.
As you can see, infrared saunas are worth their weight in gold, and they are not terribly expensive either. After much research, we’ve found Sunlighten to be one of the best on the market at an unbeatable price. So if you want to create your own wellness stay-cation and detox sanctuary like us, be sure to check out Sunlighten Saunas. We think you’ll love it.
