Infrared Sauna
The hot, dry air of the infrared sauna is therapeutically different than a steam room sauna. The radiant heat penetrates the body to increase circulation and remove toxins and wastes.
As the body warms from the gentle heat of the sauna, your body produces sweat, burns calories and works to clear cellulite.
The penetration of the heat helps to ease aches, pains, stiffness and soreness of muscles and joints. The infrared sauna also helps to strengthen the immune and cardiovascular systems, improve the skin and most importantly promote relaxation.
How the Infrared Sauna Works
Radiant heat, also known as infrared energy, is a form of energy that heats objects by a process known as conversion where heat is transferred directly to the body without having to first heat the air. On an electromagnetic spectrum, the infrared spectrum occurs below red light as the lowest energy band of light. We cannot see this light with the human eye but can feel it as heat. Radiant heat has nothing to do with UV radiation which can induce sunburn and damage the skin.
The hot, dry air of the infrared sauna is therapeutically different than a steam room sauna. The dry air sauna induces profuse sweating and the heat of the sauna absorbs the sweat where as a steam room sauna does not readily accept the sweat released by the body.
Conventional saunas rely on the indirect heating methods of convection and conduction. In an infrared sauna less than 20% of the energy heats the air leaving 80% available to be converted to heat in our bodies. Therefore, an infrared sauna can warm the body more efficiently and to a greater depth than a conventional sauna because its energy output is primarily used to convert energy to heat in us and not to create excessive hot air that only superficially heats the skin.
Infrared energy directly penetrates the body’s tissues to a depth of 1.5 inches or more. The energy output of the infrared sauna corresponds to the body’s own radiant energy and we absorb as much as 93% of the infrared rays that reach our skin. The infrared energy that normally occurs in our tissues is associated with many healing processes.
The infrared energy can induce up to 2-3 times the volume of sweat of a traditional sauna and at safer, more comfortable temperatures of 110 – 150 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 185 – 220 degrees Fahrenheit of a traditional sauna.
Benefits of the Sauna
- Removes Toxins and Mineral Waste – Increased blood circulation stimulates the sweat glands, releasing built-up toxins and waste. Daily sweating can help detoxify your body as it rids itself of an accumulation of potentially carcinogenic heavy metals (lead, mercury, zinc, nickel, cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid and cholesterol
- Burns Calories and Controls Weight – As you relax in the gentle heat of the sauna, your body is actually hard at work, producing sweat, pumping blood – and burning calories. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association report, in a single sauna session you may burn as many calories as you would rowing or jogging for 30 minutes. So you lose weight – not just water.
- Clears Cellulite – Saunas help clear cellulite, the gel-like lumps of fat, water and debris trapped in pockets beneath the skin. European beauty specialists routinely incorporate daily saunas in programs to reduce cellulite. And because the radiant heat of the infrared sauna warms three times as deeply as conventional saunas, it is significantly more effective at reducing cellulite
- Relieves Pain – The deep heat of a sauna helps peripheral blood vessels dilate, bringing relief and healing to muscle and soft tissue injuries. Increased blood circulation carries off metabolic waste products and delivers oxygen-rich blood to oxygen-depleted muscles, so they recover faster. Muscles relax most readily when tissues are warm, for greater flexibility and range of motion
- Eases Joint Pain and Stiffness – In Europe, radiant heat therapy is widely used to treat patients suffering from many forms of arthritis. In addition, it has been proven effective in the treatment of sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness and many other muscular-skeletal ailments. Much of the stiffness, aches and soreness that comes with aging is reduced or eliminated
- Improves the Immune System – A sauna’s deep heat raises your body temperature, inducing an artificial fever. As it works to combat the “fever,” your body’s immune system is strengthened. Combined with the elimination of toxins and wastes produced by the intense sweating, your overall health and resistance to disease is increased
- Increases Blood Circulation and Strengthens the Cardiovascular System – As your body increases sweat production to cool itself, your heart works harder pumping blood at a greater rate to boost circulation, supplying the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise. Heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase, while diastolic blood pressure drops, for improved overall cardiovascular fitness. Increased blood circulation has also been shown to relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, lesions and cuts. In addition, open wounds heal more quickly, reducing scarring
- Relaxation (Reduces Stress and Fatigue) – Perhaps the most immediate relief a sauna offers is simple relaxation, as it melts away the stresses and tensions of urban life. Just a few minutes in the gentle warmth of your Health Mate sauna gives you an overall massaging effect, soothing jangled nerves and knotted muscles. You’ll feel rejuvenated and renewed, restored in both body and mind
- Improves Skin – The profuse sweating achieved after just a few minutes in the sauna carries off deeply imbedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and immaculately clean. Increased circulation draws your skin’s own natural nutrients to the surface. You’ll see improved tone, elasticity, texture and fresh color.
Sauna Sessions
- 30-minute introductory sauna – $15.00
- 30-minute sauna – $20.00
- 45-minute sauna – $25.00
- Package of 10 (30-minute sessions) – $150.00 (savings of $50.00)
- Package of 10 (45-minute sessions) – $200.00 (savings of $50.00)