We all know friends and family who cannot stop talking about their sauna sessions. Thanks to 21st-century technology, we have moved on from traditional heat saunas to energy-efficient infrared saunas. But many are skeptical about their use and benefits.
Well, it’s not a free-for-all but if you observe some basic precautions and don’t go into the sauna on the basis of myths, you might be able to enjoy yourself quite a bit.
Are Infrared Saunas Bad for You?
Infrared saunas, like the traditional ones, are actually pretty well-constructed. While there isn’t elaborate scientific evidence to prove the advantages that different manufacturers claim their saunas offer, there is a consensus on some health benefits.
Better sleep and overall relaxation are two of those benefits that most experts agree upon. Some have said that it helped reduce chronic fatigue. Science also agrees that sauna sessions help improve blood circulation.
Even these benefits don’t turn out to be true for infrared saunas because most studies were specific to their traditional counterparts, which is unlikely, a 20-minute session – or 10-minutes if you’re a beginner – is still going to feel greatly relaxing.
You must keep an eye on the clock because staying for more than 20 minutes in a sauna of any kind can lead to dehydration and overheating. And these are just mild troubles.
Advantages of Infrared Saunas
Typically what happens when you enter a sauna is important to know so that you don’t put yourself in danger and reap the full range of benefits these little machines have to offer.
Once you are in the hotbox, the IR rays penetrate your skin and cause an increase in its temperature. Your pulse rate also increases simultaneously and dilates your blood vessels.
With this, more blood is pumped into your system. Then, your nervous system is activated so that your body temperature can be balanced. At that point, you begin to sweat. This in turn leads to the first benefit of increased circulation.
The endocrine glands in the body also respond to the heat and make you make alert so that you can perceive less pain. This gives you a rush. But at the same time, the heat relaxes the muscles in your face and neck. That’s great after a rough day and a workout.
When your blood vessels dilate, they help reduce tension in your muscles and joints. These are just a few of the benefits of an IR sauna that are backed by science.
What To Wear in an Infrared Sauna
Entering a sauna is like working out. You need to have the best outfit, not for style but for maximum results. Saunas work on the surface of your skin.
So, you will often find people entering it dressed in no more than a bath towel. If that does not feel comfortable, pick loose clothes in breathable fabrics. Wide-legged yoga pants and a cotton t-shirt with a loose sports bra will work just fine.
Since your body takes a minute to cool down even after you exit a sauna, it is best to avoid tight jeans or jeggings.
Can They Help with Post-workout Inflammation?
When it comes to muscle soreness, you need to take a step back. While there is anecdotal evidence to prove it, there isn’t consensus on this point.
This is especially true for delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS which happens 24 to 72 hours after a workout. In fact, there isn’t much evidence to show that anything helps DOMS.
Saunas are believed to have the same effect. A session cannot be harmful and may even make you feel better but there is no evidence of relief from muscle soreness.
In fact, many even recommend against a session after hard workout.
Famous People Who Use Infrared Saunas
It is not uncommon for celebrities to try a practice with respect to exercise or diet and share it with the general public. That’s how we know that Jennifer Aniston does it as a morning ritual before showering.
Lady Gaga declared it on Instagram with a picture of her and a friend enjoying a session.
Cindy Crawford is another celebrity who likes to give health and beauty tips. She too let it slip that she does a 20-minute IR sauna session once a week.
And then there’s Gwyneth Paltrow. She has talked about IR saunas, among other things, being a part of her fitness regime.
What Is the Best Infrared Blanket?
Well, good for them. But not all of us can afford to build or buy an infrared sauna in our house. The alternative is to run to a spa or gym which has one of these products.
But there is one other way to get the comfort of an infrared sauna without biting the big one. That, my friends, is the infrared blanket.
In fact, it is one better than a sauna because you can take it along whether you’re travelling or out for a weekend. An IR blanket increases your body temperature to increase your blood circulation and give you results that are similar to a sauna.
HigherDOSE has an excellent product that is not only in almost everyone’s budget but gives a soothing and stimulating overall experience.
Review: HigherDOSE Infrared Blanket V3
This particular infrared blanket comes in two color combinations and has one heating zone. The blanket is 71 x 71 inches when it is opened with a maximum interior circumference of 65 inches when it’s being used.
You can control the blanket using the white-colored handle. Its voltage ranges from 100 to 120 volts and wattage is from 350 to 400 Watts. You can set a time for a maximum of one hour and enjoy the low-level electromagnetic field.
HigherDOSE does also provide a limited warranty for the first year, which should be plenty of time to put your blanket through its paces.
It has been tested by the US Food and Drug Administration and it has been made clear that this is not to be used to prevent, treat or cure any disease.
Pros:
- Has low EMF.
- Easy to carry and store.
- Boosts collagen levels.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Needs to be used for a lot longer than a sauna for similar results.
- Cannot do this in a towel as you do in a sauna.
Unique Features to HigherDOSE Blankets:
- Made of non-toxic fabrics.
- Can be controlled with a remote.
- Fold and use whenever, wherever.
- Does not have to be assembled or installed.
- Can be used anywhere in the house.
“Wrapping Up”
If you can’t afford a sauna, this is the best shot you’ve got at having a similar experience. And this one comes with perks because you don’t even need to get out of bed to make it happen. In fact, it is kind of meant to be done on the bed or a couch space. So, step up and reach for the comfort you know you deserve.
