Exploring Infrared and Red Light Therapy in Saunas
All it takes is 15 minutes out of your day to experience the advantages of our saunas. Without our red light and infrared forms of light therapy, our skin would not receive the health benefits. Both therapies can be used regularly, with recommended sessions varying based on individual health goals and tolerance levels.
Infrared sauna technology represents a modern evolution of traditional sauna experiences. It utilizes infrared light to heat the body directly rather than heating the air around you. Contrast Studios uses Sunlighten Saunas set from 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum benefits. This is a longer wavelength of light penetrating the skin and tissue versus a sauna that heats the space surrounding your body. Studies show that there are numerous benefits beyond detoxifying.
Sauna Benefits:
- Pain relief: the waves inside the light alleviate joint pain by decreasing inflammation and increasing circulation.
- Metabolism Boost: can promote calorie burning through increased sweating and boost metabolism.
- Cardiovascular benefits: regular use may contribute to low heart rate and enhance cardiovascular function. A recent study showed that using a sauna four or more times per week reduced one’s risk of cardiovascular mortality by about 50%.
- Stress reduction and relaxation: may reduce cortisol levels by up to 25% after a single session and promotes a sense of calling for your body
- Enhanced skin health: improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. A recent study showed that treating acne with red light therapy reduced mild and moderate breakouts by 36%.
The power of red light comes from the near-infrared wavelengths, which reduce oxidative stress in the body. This also enhances ATP production in cells, which creates cellular respiration, which gives the body the ability to obtain energy.
Red light therapy is also called Photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), can stimulate cell growth and promote stem cell differentiation. This non-invasive laser treatment aids in pain reduction and inflammation alleviation and facilitates accelerated healing and tissue repair.
Reaping the Benefits
Chronic and acute pain skin rejuvenation accelerates tissue regeneration and wound healing, aids muscle recovery and conditioning, boosts testosterone levels, and reduces inflammation.
Both infrared and red light therapy in saunas can be used effectively in a structured time frame to maximize their benefits. Here's a simple breakdown:
Infrared Therapy:
- Duration: Typically 15-30 minutes per session.
- Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week.
Red Light Therapy:
- Duration: 10-20 minutes per session.
- Frequency: Daily to several times a week
Combining infrared and red light therapies in your sauna session enhances detoxification, promotes circulation, and deeply relaxes muscles. Red light therapy complements these benefits by rejuvenating skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular healing. This combination supports overall health, aids injury recovery, and enhances skin vitality, improving well-being and quality of life.
Do infrared saunas have any health benefits? - Mayo Clinic
Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors - PMC (nih.gov)
Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses (clevelandclinic.org)