Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Written by: Julia Feindt
How the infrared sauna is unique from traditional saunas:
Just about everyone has experienced the relaxing qualities of a sauna. You feel the heat on your skin instantly, which may make you assume that all saunas warm the body up from the outside, inward, but full spectrum infrared saunas are unique from traditional saunas in that the infrared wavelength of light deeply penetrates the body and warms you from the inside out (2). Because of this, infrared saunas stimulate the detox process of the body very efficiently as it works at the cellular level of the organs and sweat glands (2). Every time you sweat, you can acknowledge that your body is using it’s largest detox organ, the skin, to let go of what is no longer needed in the body. It is also important to note that infrared provides all of these benefits without the downsides of radiation from the sun (sunlight) with prolonged exposure. Infrared is part of the natural spectrum of light that has three categories, each with it’s own benefits. The infrared sauna at Optimyze is Full Spectrum, meaning it compiles the benefits of all 3 of these wavelengths of light to optimally support your health goals.
Differences between each wavelength:
Near Infrared: works at the outermost surface of the skin, stimulating mild detoxification and regeneration, which you may witness as sweating, wound healing and increased immune function.
Mid infrared: works deeper into the body’s tissue which allows this wavelength to affect the blood vessels, increasing circulation and oxygen exchange to support things like muscle relaxation.
Far infrared: penetrates all the way to the organ and fat level, stimulating the highest level of detox, fat burning and circulation. 3
Benefits of Full Spectrum Infrared Light:
detoxification
muscle performance and recovery (by stimulating heat shock proteins) 3
pain relief
improved mood
increased metabolic rate (meaning metabolism, as it torches calories and fat at an accelerated rate) 3
improved circulation of blood and lymph
skin healing properties
cardiovascular benefits (decreased BNP which it’s a heart failure marker, heart enlargement markers, how efficiently the heart pumps blood) 4
stress reduction 3
Infrared Sauna versus Red Light Therapy (RLT): What’s the Difference?
As we mentioned earlier, full spectrum infrared saunas include near, mid and far infrared light as you can see to the right of red light in the diagram below. To summarize, we’ve talked about how Infrared saunas heat the body from the inside out because these wavelengths have the ability to penetrate different layers of the skin. Red Light is an alltogether separate wavelength of light, which makes sense that it has different qualities. Red Light Therapy on the other hand, uses the Red wavelength of light (see below, between 620-700 nm) which stimulates the energy centers of the cell, giving the cells tons of energy, without overtaxing the cardiovascular system 5. For more information on RLT, please refer to our Red Light Therapy article on the Optimyze.me website.
My personal experience:
I personally enjoy using the sauna to meditate, release what is no longer serving me, and to open the body up with stretching and lengthening once I have warmed up for about 15-20 minutes. I focus a lot on detoxification and release at this time, giving myself permission to release toxic physical materials from my muscles and gut, toxic thought patterns/beliefs/habits, as well as muscular tension that represents the need for letting go of resistance and relaxing to my current circumstances, how I feel in my bodt, etc. I find when you know a tool is used for a scientifically researched purpose, you can expand on that to receive even more benefits, because why not? When else are you going to give yourself the time and permission to do so? I make sure to use the sauna intentionally as it is a powerful tool which can be taxing and intense, and so I tailor my usage depending on the week and season. As with any tool at optimyze, when used with intention, at the right frequency and duration for you, it can produce great results. Please make an informed decision when trying anything out at the center, we are here to support you but first and foremost, to keep you safe.
For a sneak peek, here is one of our member’s experiences with the Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna at Optimyze in Arcadia, Arizona:
“An infrared sauna is the last place you’d expect to find an Arizona native.
It’s absolutely changed the game for me. Not only do I love it for a circulatory system reset (really gets the blood pumping). It helps me reach presence in a special way. It’s helped my mindset immensely with being okay with discomfort (ask anyone who has spent more than 15min in one) & that practice has inevitably benefited me in the real world.
Contrast therapy at Optimyze is probably my favorite thing in this world - it’s so good for the body *& soul*.” -Boomer Mueller
Resources:
1 9 health benefits of infrared saunas you can’t pass up https://www.chiroeco.com/health-benefits-of-infrared-saunas/
2 Is an Infrared Sauna Better Than a Traditional Sauna? https://www.healthline.com/health/infrared-sauna-benefits#1
3 6 Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy https://www.amymyersmd.com/2017/09/6-benefits-of-infrared-sauna-therapy/
4 Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718593/
Author
Julia Feindt is currently completing her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Through her own healing journey, countless hours of self study, experiential learning and clinical hours, she has found special interest in utilizing the naturopathic modalities as well as tools that have personally assisted her own healing, to empower others to transform pain into power. Instagram @Julia_Feindt
Disclaimer:
All information posted is merely for education and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Please consult with your Primary Care Physician if you have any concerns or questions. Should you decide to act upon any information on this website, you do so at your own risk.