" During a sauna session, white blood cells increase in the blood stream, suggesting an elevation of the body's natural defense against illness."
~Mark Tillerman, M.D.
Infrared light, which we experience as heat, is the invisible part of the sun's spectrum. Although we can't see it, we can feel it in the warmth of the sunshine on our skin. The far infrared wavelength is highly beneficial, penetrating deeply into tissues to induce a detoxifying sweat. Traditionally wet and dry saunas use heated air to warm the body which means they typically have to be uncomfortably hot to reach therapeutic levels. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, penetrate into tissues directly causing the body to sweat at a more comfortable ambient temperature. For health benefits the single most important element to consider with infrared saunas is heater emissivity; a measured quality and quantity of infrared light.
Masters Acupuncture has a sunlight sauna which uses heaters that are 99% emissive and deliver the most effective far, mid, and near infrared heat available.
Some possible benefits of using our infrared sauna include:
- Increases metabolism- a 30 min session burns 600 calories according to an article in the Journal of American Medical Association
- Detoxifies heavy metals, BPA, PCB, and other toxins
- Beautiful skin- increases the production of collagen and elastin while improving the delivery of nutrients to the skin via increased blood flow
- Relaxation and stress reduction- sauna therapy stimulates the release of "feel good" neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. They are believed to have a parasympathetic healing effect which means they help the body handle stress better.
- Increase blood circulation and strengthens the cardiovascular system
- Eases joint pain and stiffness
- Improves the immune system