Infrared sauna: effect on the body, benefits and harm

Photo from website: Erunafar.dvrdydns.com

An unusual sauna with infrared radiation gained popularity in the late 70s of the last century; Japanese therapist Tadashi Ishikawa had a hand in its invention, bringing to life the idea of ​​warming the body using infrared waves. Decades later, a sauna of this type appeared in Russia, noticeably displacing the traditional bathhouse and Finnish steam room.

Many people who like to take a steam bath are interested in the question of whether an infrared sauna is useful, and in what cases it should not be abused. We decided to talk about this in more detail in our new article.

Impact of infrared radiation on the body

The soft heat in such a sauna primarily heats objects, not the air. Therefore, radiation in infrared saunas is a deep heating of tissues.

This means that such penetration of heat waves into the body has a beneficial effect, because it warms up the muscles, tissues and joints.

Due to this effect, the functioning of organs, tissue nutrition and blood circulation are improved.

IR therapy will help improve metabolism, strengthen the immune system, improve nutrition of the muscular system and supply body tissues with oxygen. Since the air is not humid, the fabrics warm up due to natural sweating. Together with sweat, waste and toxins come out.

The final result depends on the intensity of the radiation, wavelength, duration of the session and the volume of the area of ​​influence. The benefits of an infrared sauna depend on the following factors:

Wavelength

Every object or body heated to a specific temperature will emit infrared waves. Even the human body continuously emits invisible infrared rays, the wavelength of which ranges from 6 to 20 microns.

During the research, it turned out that when the length of the waves arriving to a person corresponds to the length of human ones, that is, their own, they will be perceived by the body and act positively.

In an infrared sauna, heaters deliver rays with a wavelength of 7 to 14 microns. This means that such radiation fits into the natural range for humans, and in fact, should not harm. It all depends on whether the person follows the regime and duration of stay in the IR cabin.

Duration of the procedure

Any therapy can have a bad effect on a person, and an infrared sauna is no exception. This type of sauna has a more intense effect on the human body than other baths or saunas.

Doctors advise not to stay in them for more than 20-30 minutes. And if there are pathologies of the heart or brain, then you can stay in the infrared sauna for 5-10 minutes. In this case, the best thing would be several short visits rather than one long one.

Individual characteristics of a person

There are those who are unable to withstand intense heat radiation. This may be due to illness or individual characteristics.

When the patient enters the cabin, you need to take care of yourself and if you feel a burning sensation in the skin and nasopharynx, your eyes start to water, you need to leave immediately.

It is better not to sit in a sauna by force, because it will not bring any benefit, and even, on the contrary, can lead to bad consequences.

In addition to individual intolerance, there may be contraindications from doctors, in which prolonged exposure to heat is harmful.

Differences from a regular sauna

An infrared sauna has characteristic differences from a regular sauna, and it is due to them that the body does not bear such a strong load on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Therefore, when a person leaves an infrared sauna, he feels light, relaxed and energized.

Main differences:

1. An infrared sauna heats up in 10-15 minutes, and a regular one in 1-2 hours;
2. A regular sauna heats the air and then the body, while an infrared sauna passes through it and immediately heats the human body. Therefore, in an infrared sauna, 20% of energy is spent heating the air, and in a regular sauna - 80%;
3. Heat penetrates approximately 4 cm deep into the body, thanks to the length of infrared waves, which makes it possible to warm up all tissues. But in a regular sauna the body warms up only by 3-4 mm;
4. The temperature in an infrared sauna is 45-60ºС, and in an ordinary sauna – 80-110ºС;
5. The optimal time spent in an infrared sauna is 20-30 minutes, while in a regular sauna it is 1-2 hours;
6. Sweat is released 2-3 times more in an infrared sauna than in a traditional one. Thanks to this, the pores open wider, and impurities and toxins are removed more efficiently;
7. In a traditional bath, a person sweats by losing 95% of water and 5% of toxins with subcutaneous fat. In an infrared sauna, 80% of water and 20% of toxins with fat come out.
8. The cabin does not have steam, which improves the session. Therefore, unlike the Finnish sauna and Russian bath, an infrared sauna can be visited after 50 years and has a minimum of health restrictions;
9. A cabin with infrared rays does not require a large stove or thick walls. Thanks to this, the design is compact.

Features of a session in an infrared sauna

Since an infrared sauna is different from a regular sauna, it also has its own characteristics. Infrared wave emitters are placed in the room.

They are arranged at the bottom and sides of the cabin in order to generate maximum heat, acting on the body.

In order for a visit to such a booth to be beneficial, it is advisable not to interrupt this short-term therapy. The best thing is to sit down, relax, straighten your back, lower your legs and stretch your arms to your knees.

It is recommended to take the procedure on an empty stomach. But it is better to eat a little and drink water half an hour before the session, so that severe degreasing does not occur during the session.

The cabin is first ventilated and then heated. Enter it only after heating. It is not advisable to take something with you to the sauna for reading and work; it would be nice to take a player with music to relax.

You should not use any cosmetic products, because their composition can lead to an allergic reaction. Sweat released during therapy must be wiped off.

You should not take a cold shower immediately after the session, because the body does not consider such exposure to heat as overheating.

But, it would be good to rinse yourself with warm water to wash away the sweat from your body. Since the human body has lost enough fluid, it is necessary to compensate for it by drinking mineral water.

Benefit

When infrared saunas were invented, scientists immediately began to conduct a lot of research, and to this day many of its advantages are known, and it is also known for whom it is contraindicated. An infrared sauna provides benefits in two main areas: cosmetic and therapeutic.

Cosmetic effect

A large amount of energy goes into sweating, and this, in turn, causes the burning of calories. Chinese scientists have calculated that visiting an infrared sauna once burns almost as many calories as running 10 km.

In this case, proper drinking of water and moderate use of the sauna will lead to weight loss.

If you add normalized physical activity to all this, this will remove cellulite, because infrared radiation tends to break down subcutaneous deposits.

If you regularly go to a sauna with infrared radiation, you can get rid of the following skin diseases: acne, blackheads, dandruff, etc.

It’s also good to visit an infrared cabin before a massage; it will relax and warm up your muscles and you won’t need to use warming ointments.

It is important not to forget that excessive use of a sauna with infrared radiation can harm your health, so as a preventative measure it is enough to visit it about once a week.

Therapeutic effect

Infrared waves and an increase in body temperature help improve the functioning of the human body and can even help cope with certain diseases.

What therapeutic effect does an infrared sauna provide?

• Strengthening the nervous system will help overcome stress, relieve tension and understand the mood, creating a feeling of comfort and coziness;
• Infrared rays, penetrating deep into the tissue, warm up the muscles, which leads to an increase in heart rate and pulse. This effect is an excellent method for stimulating the heart vessels and improving their elasticity;
• The walls of blood vessels are strengthened, cholesterol levels are reduced and blood circulation improves. An infrared sauna reduces the risk of blood clots and other diseases of the heart and vascular system;
• By increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, memory improves, brain parts work better and blood pressure is regulated;
• Infrared rays increase the number of leukocytes, and the body better fights diseases. And this is also a prevention against;
• Supports the body during menopause, and in rare cases, restores a woman’s cycle;
• Damaged soft tissues and bones are regenerated. Cuts, burns, bruises, fractures, sprains heal faster;
• Various pain syndromes are reduced and sometimes completely eliminated. If you choose the right dosage, you can get rid of headaches, joint, menstrual and other pains;
• Provides good help for joint diseases - scoliosis, rheumatism, etc.;
• If there are disturbances in digestion and metabolism;
• Rather, the body becomes toned and gains strength after sports training. Physical activity leads to the filling of lactic acid in the muscles, which leads to pain and heaviness. And infrared radiation just helps to remove it and eliminate bad sensations. In addition, due to oxygen saturation and improved blood circulation, the athlete quickly gains vigor;
• A person is cured of chronic diseases of the ENT organs, gall bladder, joints;
• Thanks to the release of sweat, a person not only loses weight, but also removes toxins, which helps improve the overall condition of the body and the functioning of internal organs.

Contraindications

Although there are many positive things in such therapy, it is important not to forget that not everyone can take a steam bath in it. After all, ignoring this can not only worsen the general condition, but also cause a number of diseases.

An infrared sauna is a cabin made of natural wood with infrared emitters installed inside that emit heat waves. You can find out more about an infrared sauna in the article “Compared with a traditional sauna” or watch the video at the end of the article.

Due to the fact that the infrared cabin uses low temperature and humidity, it can be used by people for whom a traditional bath is contraindicated. All information about the benefits of infrared baths can be found in the article “For health: lose weight, get rid of toxins and calm your nerves!”

However, to get the maximum benefit from visiting infrared saunas, you must follow certain rules.

Design features

Structurally, the infrared sauna is represented by a cabin of various geometries and sizes with a separate entrance. The minimum dimensions of the device are 1000×1000×1950 mm.

The dimensions of the sauna are determined by the internal volume and the total number of visitors for which it is designed. Additionally, the design features and dimensions of the room in which it will be installed are taken into account.

To make a sauna, heat-resistant wood species are used that have a powerful therapeutic effect on the body - linden, aspen, cedar, hemlock, pine and kambara. The internal elements of the structure are carefully sanded and tinted.

All materials are environmentally friendly and safe to use. Infrared wave emitters are installed in the benches and wall surfaces, ensuring effective heat exchange in the cabin.

In addition, the sauna is equipped with an effective control system and additional options in the form of built-in equipment for color therapy, an acoustic system, an ionizer and an air humidifier.

The main source of infrared waves is a spiral-shaped resistor installed in a hollow tube and filled with finely dispersed quartz.

How to go to the sauna correctly

Preparation of the infrared sauna:

Turn on the sauna, set the temperature to 40-60 degrees and let the emitters warm up for about 15 minutes. You don’t need to focus on the air temperature inside the cabin. During this time, while the heaters enter operating mode, begin to prepare for the procedure.

Prepare yourself:

Take a hot shower to open up the pores on your skin. Of course, they will open during the procedure, but this will take some time. It is more effective to prepare the skin in advance.

Drink water to compensate for the upcoming fluid loss. It is better not to drink soda and sugary drinks; they slow down the process of absorption of water by the body. Non-carbonated mineral water, tea or herbal infusions are most suitable.

Do not take the IR procedure on a full stomach, you will get discomfort, and all the benefits of the sauna will go to waste. Also, you should not take the procedure on an empty stomach. It is best to have a snack an hour to an hour and a half before your visit.

Correct visit to an infrared sauna:

Infrared treatments should be taken very seriously. This is a health event, not an entertainment event.

The optimal session duration is 25-30 minutes at temperatures up to 55 °C. On your first visit, the session time should not exceed 25 minutes, and the temperature should not exceed 45 degrees. As you get used to it, you can increase the session time to 40 minutes or more, and the temperature to 65 degrees. High temperature causes discomfort and the therapeutic value of the IR procedure is reduced.

Keep in mind and don’t worry: in the first ten minutes of the session, outwardly nothing like this happens to the person. Visible effects appear in the last 10 - 15 minutes of the session. Initially, people with a disrupted heat exchange system and a high level of slagging may experience difficulties with sweating. Some may require 5-10 sessions before a noticeable amount of sweat appears.

The position in which the IR procedure is taken is important. The ideal sitting position is with legs down, back straight and arms extended along the body. You can lie down if space allows, but the effectiveness of exposure to infrared rays will be reduced by half.

The effectiveness of exposure to infrared radiation is also reduced if the body becomes covered in sweat, since droplets of sweat reflect the infrared waves. Therefore, during the procedure it is necessary to constantly wipe away the sweat that is released. Accordingly, you need to go to the procedure with a towel, or better yet, two or three. Place one under your feet, the other under your butt, and the third to wipe yourself off. You can, of course, take one towel, but then you will leave wet spots on the shelf, which you will agree is not hygienic.

The use of creams, oils and other cosmetics in an infrared bath is strictly prohibited. The active substances contained in them can cause burns and allergies.

After the session:

After finishing the session, try not to make sudden movements for 5-10 minutes, just sit and rest. Even after leaving the infrared sauna, increased sweating will occur. Take a warm shower to wash off the sweat.

And a little more for last:

You can take infrared procedures as much as you like, however, remember that the greatest preventive and health-improving effect is achieved not by frequent visits, but by regular ones. Those. It is better to take seven procedures in a week than seven sessions in one day.

Do you want to know what costs await you when receiving infrared treatments in salons and at home? Read the article "question". Of course, it’s much more convenient when you have it, but as always it all depends on the availability of money... In general, read the article.

For dessert, a video showing how young girls sweated heartily in an infrared sauna.

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

Recently, some beauty salons, beauty salons and fitness centers have been offering clients the use of an infrared cabin to undergo a therapeutic procedure of warming the body using heat waves. How does an infrared sauna work, what are its beneficial effects, is it safe to use this method, what are the indications and contraindications for this method of steaming - these questions concern all lovers of regular visits to baths and saunas, who for the first time encountered an infrared cabin that affects the body with thermal radiation.

What is an infrared sauna

An infrared bath (other names - IR sauna, infrared cabin) is an invention of a Japanese doctor who was looking for a way to warm up body tissues in order to obtain a therapeutic effect for those patients for whom other, traditional types of thermal procedures are contraindicated for health reasons. It is a small cabin made of natural wood, equipped with special heaters for emitting infrared waves.

The main difference between the thermal energy generated by these devices and the heat generated in a conventional electric sauna is its ability to increase the temperature of the human body (on average up to 38.5 ° C), without heating the air to unbearable temperatures. The depth of penetration of infrared rays under human skin is 4-5 cm, heat waves due to warming up the body and increasing temperature trigger the process of profuse sweating, increasing the intensity of blood circulation and other metabolic processes.

Indications

A visit to infrared cabins contributes to the overall health of the body, improving well-being under increased stress, relieving tension, and rejuvenating cells. Infrared radiation has the following beneficial effects:

• reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and normalizes blood pressure by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and strengthening vascular walls;
• increases immunity, which improves the body's ability to resist influenza and other viral or colds;
• relieves pain in muscles, joints, muscle spasms resulting from physical activity, headaches;
• promotes wound healing;
• accelerates post-traumatic recovery;
• removes toxins and waste;
• relieves the load on the kidneys and the entire excretory system (radiation stimulates the removal of excess fluid from the body through sweat);
• calms the nervous system.

Contraindications

The benefits and harms of infrared saunas are the subject of study and debate among doctors around the world. A number of conditions and diseases have strict contraindications to visiting an infrared sauna, since the intense heat exposure can be harmful to health. These conditions include:

• the first days of the menstrual cycle in women (due to a likely increase in the intensity of bleeding);
• pregnancy (it is recommended to visit the sauna only in consultation with your doctor);
• hypertension;
• recovery period after surgery;
• benign and malignant tumors of any internal organs or glands;
• individual intolerance to exposure to high temperatures;
• taking certain medications (often indicated in the instructions for their use).

Types of emitters

It is possible to equip an infrared cabin at home. To do this, you need to understand the types of infrared heaters. The main classification of these devices, depending on the length and range of the emitted wave, divides them into:

• shortwave;
• medium wave;
• long wave.

For small rooms with a ceiling height of up to three meters, long-wave emitters are usually used. They are selected in accordance with the specified technical parameters. Floor, wall and ceiling infrared heaters are manufactured. When choosing, be sure to take into account the cabin covering, its dimensions and possible hood options.

Where to buy and how much does an infrared sauna cost?

An infrared sauna at home can be very expensive, or it can cost quite a reasonable amount of money. You can buy a ready-made full-fledged booth or a mini version in construction hypermarkets or on Internet sites. Approximate prices:

• the cost of an infrared sauna made of Canadian cedar for one person can be from 60,000 to 150,000 rubles, depending on the design, manufacturer and components. A four-seater version made of the same material from 180,000 to 250,000 rubles.
• A portable infrared sauna can have a price from 4,000 to 16,000 rubles.
• The cost of building a cabin at home will depend only on the selected materials, the cost of components and the services of specialists in a particular field, for example, electricians.

Use the infrared sauna wisely, have fun and only benefit your health!

Benefits of an infrared sauna

The positive effects of using an infrared cabin are not limited to medical indications. The invention, originally intended for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases, has found wide application in cosmetology. The cosmetic effect is achieved by enriching skin cells with oxygen and deep cleansing, which is used in the fight against cellulite, acne, dermatitis, eczema and other skin problems.

For weight loss

Exposure to heat rays promotes weight loss because it speeds up metabolism and removes excess fluid from the body, which helps to lose extra pounds. One twenty-minute session in an infrared cabin leads to the expenditure of 650-800 calories. The procedure is recommended as an additional method of weight loss, in conjunction with dieting and maintaining an active lifestyle.

For a cold

Doctors' recommendations on the use of this type of heat treatment vary. Some consider a sauna with infrared radiation an excellent way to fight infection, others do not recommend using this method in a state of elevated body temperature, since the procedure will increase the temperature by another one and a half to two degrees, which will negatively affect the condition of the sick body.

After training

The thermal treatment in an infrared sauna is an excellent way to relax muscles after intense physical activity and enhance the fat-burning effect obtained during it. You can attend a heat treatment session in the infrared cabin before class - this will help warm up your muscles and prepare your body for training. After the session, you will not feel relaxed as after a regular sauna; on the contrary, you will feel a surge of strength, you will be able to train at a good pace and in a great mood.

For children

Pediatricians recommend visiting infrared saunas for healthy children to improve overall health and improve immunity. It is worth considering that the standard cabin is designed for an adult with his height and weight parameters. Therefore, during a session with a child, it is necessary to reduce the radiation power and reduce the duration of the session to 15 minutes. Before performing a thermal radiation procedure on a child, be sure to consult a doctor to promptly identify possible contraindications.

Contraindications

It seems he told everything he wanted. Thank you patient reader for your attention. I hope I said something useful. And if not, speak up in the comments...

Despite the fact that an infrared sauna is beneficial for the human body, it can also cause harm. Prohibitions for thermal infrared procedures are:

• exacerbation of skin diseases;
• any tumors and oncology;
• taking medications, as this can lead to side effects;
• menstruation and other types of bleeding;
• mastopathy;
• prostate diseases;
• postoperative period;
• diseases of a gynecological nature, for example, fibroma, myoma, etc.;
• colds and other infectious diseases;
• anemia;
• heart failure;
• hypotension and hypertension;
• exacerbation of cystitis and nephritis;
• presence of implants in the body;
• inflammation of the joint capsules;
• joint diseases.

In all other cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

How to properly use an infrared sauna

By answering the question of how to use an infrared sauna correctly, you can avoid negative consequences such as overheating or deterioration in the general condition of the body. To do this, follow these simple rules:

• wash off cosmetics from the skin to avoid burns or allergies;
• limit session time to 30 minutes;
• do not take thermal baths on a full stomach, eat no later than an hour before the procedure;
• compensate for fluid loss: half an hour after the end of the session, drink water or herbal tea.

conclusions

Benefits of an infrared sauna:

• provided (in descending order) by wave and convection heat, cedar phytoncides, Himalayan salt, color therapy and music therapy.
• consists of improving physical and mental well-being, preventing and curing (in combination) a wide range of diseases.

Harm from an infrared sauna can be caused if contraindications and health conditions are neglected when choosing the duration of sessions.

It is best to choose the frequency of visiting the infrared sauna based on your own well-being. At the same time, watch for signs of excess heat in the body.

You can choose a premium quality infrared sauna for yourself right now. And it’s better to do it here -

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Harm from an infrared sauna

Contraindications to an infrared sauna are due to the incompletely studied effect that infrared radiation has on the human body. The course of a number of diseases, such as cancer and benign tumors, cardiovascular diseases, high or low blood pressure, is aggravated due to intense heat exposure. Therefore, visiting an infrared sauna is not recommended if you have these conditions or suspect them due to the corresponding symptoms.

Who knows the topic “through and through” and is only interested in the application - and immediately read about the features of the application.

If you want to learn more about infrared saunas (in the text below, for brevity, I will also call them: IR saunas, IR cabins) in more detail, then read from here to the end.

Infrared saunas have enjoyed deserved popularity all over the world for several decades. They are worthy competitors to traditional baths and saunas. IR cabins have become an indispensable attribute of many fitness centers, spa salons and medical institutions.

The main reason for this popularity: infrared saunas allow for effective

warming up and cleansing the human body without exposure to
high
temperatures.

The principle by which IR cabins work is based on the transfer of heat using infrared waves.

Moreover, this is not some kind of radiation associated with something “hard”. No, infrared waves are part of the spectrum of light radiation that is understandable and familiar to everyone.

Sauna at home: ready-made cabins, portable devices and DIY

IR saunas are available almost everywhere - in health centers, spas, fitness clubs, even beauty salons and massage rooms. But an infrared sauna at home may also be appropriate. There are three options for using it at home - a ready-made one bought in a store, a hand-made one and a portable mini sauna.

Ready-made infrared cabin

Now they are sold everywhere and are popular because they are easy to use, powered from a regular outlet, consume little electricity and are safe. They are also compact and environmentally friendly. The best infrared saunas are made from natural wood, usually Canadian cedar or hemlock.

A standard single cabin has dimensions of 1x1x1.85 m, and a double cabin has dimensions of 1.3x1.2x1.9 m. Quite acceptable for a city apartment, but still the size of the room for the cubicle should be 2 times its own size. Installation is easy even without the help of assemblers - all the parts are assembled step by step, it takes at most 2 hours.

Making an infrared sauna with your own hands

It’s cheaper, but far from easier, to do everything yourself. A do-it-yourself infrared sauna is made subject to the availability of electrical skills, the ability to handle building materials and after consultation with the BTI and the fire inspectorate.

The best handcrafted infrared saunas are made from linden, alder, and aspen for the interior, and dry pine for the frame. The outside of the frame is covered with MDF. You can take an interior door, but it is made of solid wood and closes tightly. In addition, you will need IR heaters - 5 pieces, which can be found in a construction hypermarket.

Portable cabin

The most budget-friendly and easiest option for home use is a portable infrared sauna. It is a lightweight folding structure made of a frame covered with heat-insulating material and having thin heaters inside. It can be carried, stored in a closet, or even taken with you on long trips. Such devices are often purchased and have positive reviews. By the way, their advantage is that the head remains outside the capsule during the procedure, this eliminates the harmful effects of the rays on the brain.

Differences between infrared saunas and Finnish saunas, Turkish and Russian baths

The heat waves emanating from special emitters almost do not heat the air, but act mainly on the body, penetrating into it through the skin to a depth of 4-7 cm. At the same time, the temperature in the infrared sauna is quite comfortable and reaches approximately 40-60°C.

This is one of the significant advantages. Unlike a traditional steam room, where the temperature can rise above 100 degrees, an infrared sauna does not cause discomfort for those who cannot tolerate heat and/or high humidity.

Another important feature of infrared saunas is their independence from water communications. Thanks to this autonomy, the IR cabin can be installed anywhere in the house or city standard apartment. Wherever space allows, there will be access to a standard electrical network.

For example, this infrared sauna with ceramic heaters occupies an area of ​​only about 1 square meter.

PHOTO: For example, this IR sauna with ceramic heaters occupies an area of ​​only about 1 square meter. Read more…

Structurally, the infrared sauna is a prefabricated structure that can be assembled within 1-2 hours, after which it is completely ready for use.

Comparing a traditional Russian or Finnish bath and an infrared sauna, I will note a significant difference in time. Just getting ready to enter a regular steam room can take a lot of time. In the sense that warming up a Finnish sauna or lighting a Russian bath takes quite a long time. Sometimes up to an hour. That is, you should prepare for a trip to the steam room in advance.

In addition, the process of traditional steaming itself occurs in several stages, and is a real ritual, the intricacies of which only true lovers of steam and brooms thoroughly understand. Entering and exiting the steam room, drinking large amounts of liquid, dousing yourself with ice water after a scalding steam room - the bath procedure can take several hours. No, of course it’s just great, useful and sincere. But with today’s crazy workload, you can only afford the luxury of spending virtually half a day on yourself no more than once a week.

Entering an infrared sauna is a completely different matter. It will take no more than 10 minutes to prepare. And the procedure itself can take a little more than half an hour. However, the effect of time spent in an infrared cabin will be comparable, and in some cases even higher, than from sitting for many hours in a regular steam room.

Ceramic heaters in an infrared single-person sauna

Why higher?

Infrared heat waves, affecting the human body, promote profuse sweating at a fairly modest temperature. At the same time, the composition of the sweat released in an infrared sauna differs significantly from the composition of the moisture that appears on the human body in a traditional steam room. The processes of cleansing and rejuvenating the body in an infrared sauna occur more actively, this is a fact. Most likely due to the fact that in an infrared sauna, along with sweat, only 80% of the water leaves the human body, and the rest is accumulated harmful substances (the so-called “waste”: cholesterol, fat, heavy metal salts, toxins, lactic acid, etc. .P.)

In a regular steam room, sweat is 95% water, and only 5% consists of solids, which must be disposed of regularly.

Another:

When in an infrared sauna, the human body temperature reflexively rises to 38.5°C. The body imitates a natural reaction to infections, while the vital activity of possible viruses and bacteria is suppressed.

What does a person get as a result of regular visits to an infrared sauna?

Regular visits to the infrared sauna will not only contribute to the overall strengthening and healing of the body, but will also give a pronounced cosmetic effect.

Cleansing the skin, which occurs under the influence of infrared rays, will rejuvenate the skin. Improving blood circulation will allow free access of nutrients to the surface of the skin. Procedures in infrared cabins are recommended as a means of combating excess weight. Excessive sweating will help you “burn” extra calories and shed unnecessary pounds.

And now straight to the topic of the article:

Cosmetological effect

Staying inside an infrared cabin not only provides a healing effect and has a positive effect on the body’s condition, but also allows you to significantly improve the appearance and condition of your skin. The question of how often you can visit an infrared sauna will depend on the characteristics of a particular organism. Due to the activation of blood supply and abundant sweat, the skin becomes smoother, more even and elastic. For this reason, many beauty salons are additionally equipped with infrared saunas, since such a steam room helps:

1. Get rid of extra pounds. During intense sweating, a person loses a large number of calories, and according to scientists’ calculations, a single session in an infrared sauna is equivalent in intensity to running a distance of 10 km. Thus, infrared sauna is beneficial for weight loss.
2. Cleanse the skin. As the pores open under the influence of heat, impurities, dead cells and sweat are washed away from the surface of the skin. The condition of the skin becomes better due to the intense blood flow, for this reason an infrared sauna is an excellent rejuvenating agent.
3. Eliminate dandruff. To eliminate the problem, just a few sessions in the sauna will be enough.
4. Cure many dermatological diseases. Using an infrared sauna, you can get rid of acne, eczema and various dermatitis, as well as make scars less noticeable.
5. Accelerate the elimination of cellulite. Due to the high temperature, fat accumulations located under the skin are gradually broken down, and toxins and excess fluid are also additionally removed.

Photo from website: Banya-expert.com

How to properly take procedures in an infrared sauna

I almost forgot about the important advantage of IR cabins. This is a much smaller number of contraindications than for baths and traditional saunas. And, even moreover, sessions in infrared saunas can be prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of certain diseases.

However, remember and keep in mind that a single visit to an infrared sauna will not give a tangible result. You should go through a series of procedures.

Depending on your goals.

The course may consist of 5-20 sessions, which can be carried out several times a week.

The duration of procedures should be increased gradually as the body adapts to infrared exposure.

Starting with 5-10 minutes, you can significantly increase this time (up to 45 minutes) by the end of the course.

If you have serious health problems, you should consult your doctor before starting treatment in an infrared sauna.

Rules and recommendations that must be followed when visiting IR booths:

— you should not eat immediately before visiting the sauna, however, it is not recommended to go to the procedure hungry;

Single infrared cedar sauna

- before, after and during the session, try to drink as much fluid as possible (water or tea), this will help maintain water balance in the body;

— the amount of sweat produced can be significantly increased by taking a hot shower before the sauna. Using a scrub during a water procedure will help achieve greater sweating;

— before a session in the infrared sauna, you should not use creams and body lotions;

- if you feel unwell during the procedure, you must stop the session immediately;

— please note that the temperature in the sauna should not exceed 60°C;

- be sure to remove sweat from the surface of the skin; for this you should take several towels with you. Water interferes with infrared radiation, and the effect of the procedure will be reduced;

— increase the time you spend in the infrared sauna as you get used to it. However, I already talked about this.);

— after finishing the session and leaving the infrared sauna, try to remain still for a while. Increased sweating and increased blood circulation should gradually return to normal, so you should not make sudden movements so as not to cause negative consequences;

- if your body is oversaturated with toxins, then at first you may experience significant difficulties with sweating. Sufficient consumption of liquid, such as herbal teas or just water, will help reduce intoxication of the body and increase the volume of sweat produced. Sometimes it may take 5 to 10 sessions before your body can produce large amounts of sweat;

— after the procedure in the infrared sauna, you should take a warm shower to wash off the sweat. You should not get carried away with contrasting water procedures - your body was not overheated, but was simply cleansed under fairly mild conditions.

Every day new events occur in the world, new procedures, devices and much more are invented. One of these innovations is the infrared sauna. It appeared not so long ago, but every month there are more and more visitors to such devices. Most often they are located in beauty salons or gyms. What it is and how to use it, you will learn from this article.

Benefits of an infrared sauna

What is this unit? Most often this is a cabin for one or up to 5 people, made of wood on the outside. There is seating inside and infrared heaters in the walls and under the benches. During the procedure, the person warms up from the inside, while the air in the cabin does not change its temperature very much. There are several types of saunas - professional ones for sports clubs and salons, home ones for homes, apartments and cottages, and portable ones that can be brought to work.

Opinions about this innovation are divided: some are sure that it is a panacea for all diseases plus a perpetual motion machine of youth, while others are wary of such saunas. How is it really? Due to the low heating temperature, the sauna does not affect human cardiac activity, which is very important. During heating, biologically active substances, phytoncides, are released that suppress and kill fungi and bacteria.

During the procedure, the person in the booth begins to sweat very heavily and profusely - this releases harmful waste and toxins. Bones, muscles, joints, tissues and internal organs warm up. People of all ages can use this sauna; besides, the session does not last long, but the effect is great. What benefits does such a sauna bring:

• the flow of blood and lymph increases, organs are filled with oxygen;
• muscle nutrition increases;
• the immune system improves;
• mood improves;
• pores open, skin is cleansed of dust, dirt and dead cells;
• disease prevention occurs;
• relieves headaches and muscle pain;
• heals wounds, damage, injuries;
• cures dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, acne, urticaria;
• memory improves;
• cures arthritis, scoliosis, rheumatism;
• helps with disorders of genitourinary, nervous and cardiovascular activity;
• increases recovery from bronchitis, colds, runny nose, pneumonia;
• the epidermis is rejuvenated, and disappears due to the regeneration of the skin;
• helps;
• removes from skin;
• reduces pain during menstruation.

To achieve positive results, you must follow all the rules and warnings. If you are not sure whether you should visit these booths, it is better to first consult with a specialist. After the procedure, it is best to take a warm shower, not a cold one. A sauna session is only effective if you spend the allotted time without leaving the cabin.

How often to use an infrared sauna

If this is your first time in a miracle sauna, then the session time should not exceed 20-25 minutes; on subsequent visits you can increase the time, but no more than 35-40 minutes at a time. It is recommended to visit the sauna a couple of times a week. If you want to lose weight, you can visit 3-4 times a week, best after physical activity.

Your body will tell you perfectly, listen to yourself, your feelings and you yourself will decide how much time you should spend in the sauna and how often. You need to remember that you cannot eat 1.5 hours before and after the procedure, but you can drink green, herbal or to replenish fluid.

Infrared sauna: reviews

Due to the fact that the procedure is relatively new and many have not heard or used it, there are not many reviews. But they are all positive. Many people who have experienced a sauna in a beauty salon have purchased a home version for themselves. People who are trying to lose weight respond positively, because the sauna really helps with this. And in addition to the disappearance of extra pounds, the appearance of the skin improves, wrinkles disappear, and well-being and mood noticeably improve. In addition, the sauna is useful for athletes, especially after hard training, because after visiting the cabin, fatigue becomes much less.