Healing, Healthy Heat
Although saunas have been popular for centuries, they are not often thought of for treatments in traditional medicine. Traditionally, saunas have been unbearably hot, steamy rooms in which breathing can be difficult. But the saunas of today have technologically evolved from the harsh, 200°+ rooms they originated from to a soothing, healthy heat. Infrared technology brings forth a therapeutic sauna treatment that is not only relaxing but also proven beneficial for your health which is why it is offered as a standard treatment at Progressive Medical Center. Infrared sauna therapy is also one of the highest growing home therapies.
What is Infrared?
Infrared wavelengths are the invisible part of the sun’s spectrum consisting of near (NIR), mid (MIR) and far (FIR) rays. These rays have the ability to penetrate human tissue. This characteristic makes infrared beneficial because it heats the body directly at the core rather than simply warming the air resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where the majority of toxins reside.
Infrared heat is completely safe and healthy for all living things. You can be exposed to infrared light for hours without the risk of burning. Infrared is a naturally occurring output of the sun, but does not contain the harmful UV rays associated with unprotected sunlight. In fact, infrared’s gentle heat is used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.
Health Benefits
Numerous healing and preventative benefits derive from infrared therapy. Clinically-backed research shows that the different wavelengths – NIR, MIR and FIR – are more effective than others at targeting various health benefits.
Detoxification:
Toxins such as sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and carcinogenic heavy metals accumulate in the body during modern daily life. Studies have shown that FIR raises core body temperature stimulating the sweat glands resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat ridding the body of toxins.
Pain Relief:
MIR can help to expand blood vessels and increase circulation allowing more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body resulting in reduced pain and a faster healing process. A NASA study using NIR heat, also determined that LED technology allows for deep penetration of tissue and increased cell growth from the inside reducing inflammation.
Weight Control:
Perspiring is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate causing the body to burn calories. Studies have shown that a 30 minute IR sauna session can burn an upwards of 600 calories! A 2009 study indicated that Sunlighten infrared saunas can lower weight and waist circumference in just a 3-month period.
Cardiovascular:
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, heart rate increases by 50-75% which provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow. A 2005 clinical study conducted by the University of Missouri, Kansas City showed that Solocarbon FIR sauna treatments dilated blood vessels and reduced the volume of their inner lining concluding that Solocarbon FIR reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular use.
Skin Purification:
IR improves circulation, expels dirt & chemicals and removes dead cells on the surface of the skin resulting in a soft, clear complexion. A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of NIR therapy. Participants experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.
In addition to the benefits above, full spectrum IR saunas have also been shown to increase circulation, improve cell health, and more. To get the maximum benefits received with regular use, we recommend adding a full spectrum IR sauna to your home. This is an easy addition as they come in pre-fabricated kits that are ready to assemble and plug in, have low energy consumption and are virtually maintenance free. At Progressive Medical Center, we use Sunlighten saunas because of their advanced, full spectrum technology. As our preferred sauna vendor, Sunlighten has agreed to offer Progressive patients a gift with any sauna purchase.
Contact Sunlighten at 877-292-0020 and mention promo code PROGRESSIVE.
