¡ñ Frequently Asked Questions and answers about Far Infrared Saunas
1. Is Infrared safe?
Absolutely! Infrared light energy is beneficial and not at all damaging to the body produced by our own cells, emanating from our skin and the palms of our hands.
Infrared has been researched and used in medical practices for over a hundred years. Many maternity wards in hospitals use infrared lamps to warm newborn babies. Sports medicine has long accepted and used Infrared to promote healing of sprains and strains. NASA has also concluded after lengthy trials in the 1980¡¯s that Infrared therapy is the best way for astronauts to maintain cardiovascular fitness on long space flights.
2. How do you sweat up to 3 times more in a Far Infrared Sauna when it is less than half the temperature of a traditional sauna or steam room?
Because Infrared is a radiant source of heat. This means it warms our body directly rather than having to warm the air first, much like the sun warming our body on a cold winters day. This is a major difference between an Infrared Sauna and a traditional sauna. There is no need for very hot air that can cause respiratory problems and dizziness. Infrared only expends 20% of its energy on heating the air, 80% directly warms the body to a depth of 4.5cm or 1.5 inches. This deep penetration of warming radiant heat produces up to 3 times more sweat and stimulates the deeper tissues and organs to release stored fat and toxins. The beneficial resonant absorption and the low temperature allow for easier removal of toxins and fat within the sweat, leaving the user feeling super cleansed and energized.
3. How do I burn calories and get a cardiovascular workout sitting in the Far Infrared Sauna?
When our body heats up the heart pumps blood faster around the body and to the extremities such as the skin. Muscles worked during exercise produce heat and the body needs to compensate. The best defense the body has to overheating is sweating because sweat evaporates from the skin taking heat with it. Our body thus expends energy to produce sweat ¨C 1g of sweat requires 0.586 kcal. A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off up to 1000gms or more in a single sauna session ¨C the equivalent in sweat to running 10-15kms.Therefore by sitting in the your body will start to sweat, raise the heart rate and dilate the capillaries and other parts of the cardiovascular system, therefore offering many of the same cardiovascular benefits as from running or rowing.
4. Why does the Far Infrared Sauna remove up to 7 times more toxins from the body?
This is due to the radiant heat stimulating the deep tissues and organs to release stored fat and accumulated toxins. The Far Infrared Sauna gives the body an opportunity to release the toxins into the blood stream and then into sweat for release through the skin ¨C the third kidney in Chinese medicine.
5. How often can I use the Far Infrared Sauna?
As with any form of exercise it is important to build up a tolerance. In the same treatment time and temperature day by day. Use a lower temperature (35¡ãC) for about 15-20 minutes 3 times a week initially. Many people once conditioned enjoy daily sessions of up to 35-40 minutes.
6. Can anyone use a Far Infrared Sauna?
Pretty much. From young to old they are a safe and enjoyable treatment. However, anyone with specific health conditions should consult their health professional before using. Those with Low Blood Pressure should consult a health professional before using an Infrared Sauna, medical research has shown however that infrared therapy is beneficial for training the cardiovascular system of those with Low Blood Pressure. Those with Haemophilia are not advised to use any form of heat treatment including an infrared sauna due to the considerable dilating effect on the cardiovascular system. Pregnant women or those who think they may be pregnant are also advised against all forms of heat therapy including infrared saunas until after the baby is born¡£
7. Is the Far Infrared Sauna really effective for pain relief?
Relief from Arthritic joints and lower back pain is a common benefit for many people. Research has also shown Infrared therapy to effectively manage all manner of muscular and skeletal aches and pains¡£One of the main reasons for its ability to do this is through the dilating of capillaries in areas associated with pain that allows oxygen rich blood to bathe the area flushing away acid metabolic wastes that build up contributing to pain, soreness and stiffness. Many people that have had trouble sleeping from pain and stress have found deep restful sleep is once again available to them through using the Far Infrared Sauna. |
