What is it?
A traditional sauna uses dry heat or steam to increase the air temperature of a room and this hot air heats the user. These conventional saunas need to have air temperatures of around 70 to 80 degrees to induce sweat, whereas an infrared sauna’s internal air temperature can stay well below 60 degrees while still creating higher levels of detoxifying perspiration. An infrared sauna uses infrared heating panels that emit light to penetrate your skin at a cellular level to raise your core body temperature. As your body absorbs the infrared heat, this increases thermal energy, inducing a deep sweat to promote relaxation and other health benefits.
While infrared sauna heat might be lower in temperature it is very effective at inducing deep, detoxifying perspiration. Infrared saunas are also dry saunas which means you can relax more comfortably for extended periods and get maximum benefits from your sweat session.
Infrared Spectrum’s Or Wavelengths
The sun produces a combination of visible and invisible light, and one of those invisible spectrum’s is infrared rays. Invisible infrared wavelengths are what makes the sun feel warm and ultraviolet wavelengths are what makes it bright. Scientists have established that infrared waves are beneficial to the human body because they are easily absorbed, stimulating the lymphatic, immune and cardiovascular systems and also help remove toxins. Infrared does all of this without any of the harmful rays of sunlight.
Health Benefits
Detoxification & Body cleansing
As the infrared sauna waves penetrate deep below the skin, one of the biggest health benefits is its ability to increase your blood circulation and stimulate the sweat glands. This process helps detoxify the body but releasing built-up toxins through the liver and skin.
Improved Circulation & Lower Blood pressure
As the body is heated, the heart rate increases and capillaries under the skin dilate to dissipate this excess heat. As the blood vessel dilates to accommodate the increased blood flow, the blood is brought closer to the surface of the skin and circulation in the extremities improves. As a result, blood pressure lowers
Weight loss
Although weight loss starts with a positive diet and exercise regime, saunas are proven to help lose weight and burn calories. As you relax in the gentle infrared heat, your body is hard at work producing sweat, pumping blood and burning calories. As your body increases sweat production to cool itself, your heart works harder to pump blood at a greater rate to boost circulation. This increase in your metabolism will impart a similar effect on the cardiovascular system as running and can burn between 300-700 calories per session.
Muscle Pain & Arthritis Relief
The Saunas infrared waves penetrate deep into the muscles, benefiting patients suffering from many forms of arthritis or muscle injuries. Increased blood circulation carries off metabolic waste products and delivers oxygen-rich blood to the oxygen-depleted muscle. This increased blood circulation has been shown to diminish inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up recovery. As the muscles relax, flexibility and range of motion are also improved. As radiant heat alleviates short-term pain, stiffness, and reduces fatigue, Infrared Saunas have also been effective in the treatment of sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and many other muscular-skeletal ailments.
Skin Purification
The process of sweating carries off deeply embedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and immaculately clean. Increased circulation draws your skin’s natural nutrients to the surface. You’ll see improved tone, elasticity, texture, and fresh colour. 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.
Stress and Fatigue Reduction
The heat penetrates deep into the muscle tissues and causes your body to completely relax. Infrared Saunas have been shown to affect the autonomic nervous system putting you in the parasympathetic (rest and digest) state allowing your body to heal. You can feel calm, rejuvenated, and restored after just a few minutes in the gentle warmth of an infrared sauna, and this may help decrease depression, anxiety or built-up stress.
Immune System Boost
Your core body temperature will rise as a result of the deep heating from the infrared heaters, inducing an artificial fever. What physical benefits does this have? As seen in the case of infection, Fever is the body’s natural mechanism to strengthen and accelerate the immune response. This enhanced immune system, combined with improved elimination of toxins, and wastes via intense sweating, will increases your overall health and resistance to disease.
- Improved sleep
- Relaxation
- Cardiovascular workout
What to expect
- Bookings are essential via the SF App under ‘upcoming classes’
- Schedule your sauna up to 7 days in advance.
- Sessions run for 45 minutes, every hour during staffed periods.
- Sauna is suitable for up to 3 people, open to all members
- We provide bath towels to sit on and water refills.
- Please bring a sweat towel and water bottle.
