The tradition of using saunas is thousands of years old with scientifically proven health benefits. A new type of sauna is revolutionizing this long-time staple and bringing even more positive outcomes for people around the world. That’s why Contrast Studios is proud to host infrared saunas for our evidence-based approach to self-care. Saunas are only part of the equation to contrast therapy, where alternating between heat and cold treatments improve circulation, prevent injuries, and improve overall recovery.
Read on to learn more about infrared saunas, the evidence-backed benefits, and tips for first-time users.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna’s fundamental benefit is the ability to sweat out toxic substances naturally by using light to make heat. Set to a comfortable 160°F, our sauna heats your body, not the air around you. This means it doesn’t take as much heat as a traditional sauna to deliver detox, cardio, and recovery benefits.
At Contrast Studios, we use Sunlighten’s Amplify III sauna, which uses two heater types. The patented SoloCarbon far infrared heaters send high quality and high quantity infrared wavelengths that penetrate deep tissue. Halogen heaters push the air temp up, all with Sunlighten’s proprietary design that produces virtually no EMFs.
Built-in chromotherapy adds another layer of light therapy for energetic balance and mental wellbeing. This paints your sauna with colors from the sun's visible light spectrum believed to align with different body energy points, creating an artful atmosphere with a balance-bringing effect. For example, red balances the first chakra, regulates skeletal and circulatory systems, and helps relieve tension to improve energy efficiency.
Evidence-Backed Benefits
Sweating out toxins has many benefits, including amping cardio health, regulating stress, nurturing peaceful sleep and reducing inflammation. In fact, studies show that sweating it out, otherwise known as thermotherapy, helps your overall chance of living longer.
Heart Health
The biggest benefit… heart health! Basically, sitting in a sauna is like walking at a moderate pace. Your body naturally responds by increasing the heart rate and blood flow. A study of middle-aged Finnish men found that if they spent time in a sauna at least two times a week, they saw an almost 25% drop in their risk for deadly heart disease or episodes. Plus, the more time spent in the sauna, scientists found their risk decreased even more.
Distressing Stress
Saunas improve circulation, which may help with relaxation and lowering stress levels. Every day, people deal with stress that can build over time. Studies show that heat exposure is a preventative treatment for those with high-stress occupations to avoid developing cardiometabolic diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
Nurturing Sleep
With phones, family, and the chaos of daily life, sleep can seem like a luxury. Getting heat therapy in the morning or at night could improve your chances of being well-rested. Starting your day in a sauna is a passive cardio activity that stimulates circulation. At night, it can lower your overall body temperature by bringing heat to the surface of your skin and decreasing stress levels. A survey found 70% of respondents slept better due to using a sauna.
Pain Reduction
Whether you’re an athlete, dealing with a musculoskeletal condition, or hoping to ease the pain of aging, thermotherapy can help with aches and pains. Saunas improve the recovery of strained muscles. In one Finnish study, experts found the hormone that helps repair injured muscles was 140% higher after a sauna session. Also, scientists have looked out how sauna bathing can ease the pain from low-back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. Users with chronic pain have seen improvements over years of using thermotherapy.
First-Time Tips
See the benefits for yourself! If you’re nervous about using an infrared sauna, here are our top tips for first-time users.
Start slow
Keep your session short. Start with 10 minutes and see how you feel. Even experienced users should avoid staying in a sauna for more than 30 minutes. According to the Soeberg Principle the maximum benefits for contrast therapy are achieved at 57 minutes in our sauna and 11 minutes in our cold plunge per week. That adds up to three sessions with about 20 minutes in the sauna with each visit.
Hydrate
As you sweat out toxins, your body will need fluids to replace them. We recommend hydrating before, during, and after your session. If you feel dizzy or nauseous while in the sauna, please exit and get a drink of water. A drink with electrolytes is especially beneficial. LMNT electrolyte packets are available at the front desk for your convenience.
Avoid Saunas if:
You have Multiple Sclerosis, are or are trying to get pregnant, or are sick. If you have pre-existing conditions, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider.
Sweating it Out
Saunas have been an important self-care tool for centuries… and for good reason. Even if you’re unsure about the benefits you’ll see, scientists found no negatives to enjoying a couple of sessions a week. Become a member of our club today to experience the many benefits an infrared sauna and cold plunge can make in your mental and physical health.