People have been lauding the benefits of using infrared saunas for a couple of years now, but until recently, wasn’t particularly tempted. Perhaps it’s because Dubai’s heat and humidity already make us sweat a lot, or maybe it’s because I felt like I was eliminating enough toxins through the skin with my daily workouts…or could it be that the word “infrared” just scared me?
But when I got my heavy metal test results back that indicated above normal mercury levels, different people suggested I include infrared sauna sessions as part of my detox protocol. As you might expect, I spent some time researching them and did a few 30 minute sessions a week over a month to experience it fully.
My conclusion: sweating is good, sweating with infrared is better. In this post, I’ll go through some of the questions I originally had and tell you about the benefits you can expect from regular infrared sauna usage.
- Are infrared rays dangerous?
The word radiation can scare people but while some types of electromagnetic radiation can be dangerous (UV and X-rays), infrared saunas emit an electromagnetic radiation that is very much like the one that comes with natural light and it is totally safe. The rays you get from an infrared sauna have the same wavelength as the sun’s radiant heat, which means you get all the benefits of natural sunlight without the UV radiation. However, make sure you use a “near” infrared (NIR) sauna, as a opposed to “far” infrared (FIR). Near infrared emits much lower EMF (electromagnetic frequencies) and penetrates the body a lot better. From all I have seen in terms of research, using a near infrared sauna will not cause disease or cancer. In fact, it’s rather the opposite. - Regular sauna vs Infrared sauna
Infrared saunas emit infrared light waves that create heat in the body, allowing you to sweat and purge “toxins.” Unlike traditional saunas, which transfer heat by circulating hot air, infrared rays (emitted by incandescent reddish heat lamps) penetrate your skin and warm it from the inside. The light penetrates the skin and heats the body at a cellular level. I found that it didn’t feel as hot as a traditional sauna at the same temperature, but I was sweating buckets. - What can you expect in a session?
The sauna I used at The Hundred is big enough to sit in with your legs stretched out in front of you. You can wear a bathing suit or underwear, whatever you are comfortable in. I initially did a 15-minute session and worked my way up to 40 minutes within a couple of weeks. I tested many temperatures and found that the 55-60°C range was perfect: it didn’t feel unbearably hot but definitely made me sweat – a lot. In fact, I continued sweating for 15-20 minutes after the session, the same way one would after an intensive workout. - It reduces inflammation and improves circulation
It has been demonstrated that near infrared light helps heal wounds and helps promote cell growth. It is also known to offer relief to those suffering from arthritis or muscle and joint pain. Infrared rays go deep (several inches) into the joints and muscles, increasing circulation and nourishing damaged tissue. During one of my sessions, I had major leg muscle soreness from a tennis game the day before. My symptoms already greatly improved that very evening and instead of having even worst soreness on the second day, which is when my muscle soreness usually peaks, it had reduced. - It is a great heavy metal detoxer
As you may know, our kidneys and liver are heavily involved in our body’s natural detoxification process. But sweating can take a load off them. Our skin, which is also our biggest organ, also helps purge toxins through our pores – and sweating greatly enhances this elimination process. In fact, studies such as this one have shown that toxins like mercury, lead and arsenic leave the body more easily through sweat than through our urine or blood. Another study also found that phtalates (found in cosmetics, toys, etc) were eliminated 100% more through sweat than through urine. So regular sweating is a great way to detox. However, sweat induced by an infrared sauna helps release more toxins because it goes deep into our fat cells, where most of these types of hard-to-eliminate toxins live. This is why it is often recommended for anyone with heavy metal toxicity. - Amazing stress reliever
By relaxing your muscles and body, an infrared sauna session will help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which has a central role in your relaxation response. This can also have an impact on your production of a stress hormone called cortisol. - They promote weight loss
Although I did not have a weight loss objective, I did find that I was starving within an hour after each session. Studies do show that a 30 minute infrared session can burn 400-500 calories, which is about as much as an hour of moderate exercise. The reason behind this is because infrared heat penetrates your deep into your body and boosts your metabolic rate as a result. Obviously I would not replace exercise by an infrared session, but if you are looking to lose weight, it certainly can’t hurt!
Interested?
Definitely try a session at The Hundred Wellness Center in Jumeirah, they have great facilities and a flexible rate plan.
Rates
100 aed per 30 minute session
800 aed for a package of 10 sessions
For more information and pricing please call on +971 (0)4 344 7333
