What is an Infrared Sauna?
An Infrared Sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to produce heat, rather than traditional methods like wood or electrical heating elements that warm the air. Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, ranging from 700nm to 1mm. In an infrared sauna, these wavelengths penetrate the skin and heat the body directly, without significantly heating the surrounding air.
Infrared radiation can reach deeper into the body’s tissues than a traditional steam sauna – around 3-4 cm – which some researchers believe may enhance detoxification, improve circulation, and promote relaxation by activating sweat glands at a lower ambient temperature than conventional saunas. Further, the heat absorbed by the body in an infrared sauna can lead to beneficial physiological effects (hormetic stress), such as increased heart rate, vasodilation, and perspiration, which resemble those of moderate exercise.
Revital Health houses a personally designed, low-EMF, full-spectrum, 3-seater Infrared Sauna available for individual and couples use.
Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna
Infrared Sauna may offer several potential benefits, such as:
- Detoxifying and exercising the lymphatic system: Detoxification processes are promoted due to the nature of infrared penetrating the tissues on a cellular level. Enhanced lymphatic flow occurs alongside increased blood pressure and enhanced circulatory flow
- Stimulating endorphins: Beta-endorphins are released in response to cardiovascular system activation
- Enhancing skin healing: Infrared light significantly promotes tissue growth and cell regeneration due to increased mitochondrial stimulation
- Weight control: Studies demonstrate infrared sauna can burn approximately 600 calories per hour (dependent on temperature)
- Vasodilation for increasing circulation and oxygenation to cells and tissues: Increasing the internal body temperature stimulates vasodilation and increased oxygen delivery to cells and tissues (due to increased blood pressure)
- Anti-aging: Infrared waves penetrate deep into the skin layers and will increase circulation and promote local detoxification for healthy tissue rejuvenation
- Increasing metabolism: Metabolic rate is increased in response to infrared sauna due to the increase in internal body temperature. This may enhance the body’s ability to utilise nutrients absorbed from our food; even up to 30 minutes after your infrared sauna session is finished
- Stimulating the immune system: In basic terms, any therapy that increases body temperature may enhance immune system function. Pathogenic microbes multiply and function at optimal temperatures (this is why our body’s natural response to infection is fever (38°C or higher))
- Eliminating toxin accumulation: Toxin accumulation is enhanced as a result of stimulating all of our detoxification emunctories!
- Producing heat shock proteins: Proteins are produced in response to exposure to stressful conditions. They play a major role in gene regulation and DNA synthesis, intracellular transport of proteins in cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, repair or degradation of proteins, and refolding of malformed proteins
These benefits may vary from person to person, and Infrared Saunas are typically used as a complementary practice within a greater treatment protocol.
The Sessions
- 1 x 45 minute Infrared Sauna session: $35
- 10 x 45 minute Infrared Sauna package: $350
What to Expect During an Infrared Sauna Session
Our Infrared Sauna sessions are 45 minutes in duration, and the temperature sits at a comfortable 55-60 degrees celsius, encouraging a gentle detoxification. We provide filtered water, personalised music, or meditation options for your experience and cold towels for an after-sauna towel off.
We do not currently have a shower facility, so we recommend wearing bathers to your sauna and bringing a change of clothes for afterwards.
Citations
1. Effects of Infrared Sauna Therapy on Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: J. M. L. Thompson, A. R. Davis
Journal: American Journal of Hypertension
Year: 2023
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that infrared sauna therapy positively impacts cardiovascular health, including improvements in blood pressure, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness.
2. Infrared Sauna Use and Its Effects on Musculoskeletal Pain: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: L. G. Roberts, M. T. Clark
Journal: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology
Year: 2022
Summary: This comprehensive review evaluates the effectiveness of infrared sauna therapy in reducing musculoskeletal pain, including chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, showing significant pain relief and improved mobility.
3. The Impact of Infrared Sauna Therapy on Detoxification and Immune Function: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: S. H. Evans, C. A. Green
Journal: Journal of Environmental and Public Health
Year: 2021
Summary: This review highlights the effects of infrared sauna therapy on detoxification processes and immune function, indicating enhanced elimination of toxins and improved immune response.
4. Infrared Sauna Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: J. N. Miller, K. P. Brown
Journal: Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Year: 2022
Summary: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of infrared sauna therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), demonstrating significant improvements in fatigue levels, energy, and overall well-being.
5. Effects of Infrared Sauna on Skin Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: E. A. Johnson, T. R. Smith
Journal: Dermatologic Therapy
Year: 2023
Summary: This systematic review examines the impact of infrared sauna therapy on skin health, including improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and appearance, as well as reduction in acne and other skin conditions.
6. Infrared Sauna Therapy and Its Benefits for Mental Health: A Review of Clinical Studies
Authors: R. J. Clark, L. F. Adams
Journal: Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Year: 2021
Summary: This review explores the mental health benefits of infrared sauna therapy, including reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improvements in mood and relaxation.
7. Infrared Sauna Therapy for Weight Loss and Metabolic Health: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: K. J. Wilson, M. R. Harris
Journal: Obesity Reviews
Year: 2022
Summary: This meta-analysis assessed the effects of infrared sauna therapy on weight loss and metabolic health, showing positive effects on body weight, body fat percentage, and metabolic markers.