Near Infrared Sauna

The origin of the sauna can be traced to Finland where it originated about a thousand years ago. The first sauna in America was built by the Finnish settlers. Initially, the sauna referred to a hot dry bath, in an enclosed chamber, surrounded by heated rocks. Today, there are a number of sources that are used for heating the body during sauna therapy, which include electricity and infrared rays. The sauna therapy can be done using all three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation. In heat therapy by conduction, the body is in direct contact with the heated surface such as hot sand, while during heat therapy by convection, hot air is passed through the sauna chamber. Heat therapy by radiation is done using electric bulbs or infrared rays. Now, the infrared rays used for sauna, can be of two types: far infrared and near infrared. So, what is infrared radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength greater than that of red light of the visible spectrum, is termed as infrared radiation. Infrared radiations are not visible to the naked human eye, but when exposed to infrared radiation, we can sense heat penetrating the body. The wavelengths closer to the visible light spectrum are termed as near infrared radiation, while the ones farther away are termed as far infrared radiation. Experts claim that exposure to near infrared radiation is safer than far infrared radiation. Also, it is widely believed that near infrared radiation has far greater therapeutic value as compared to far infrared. This is the reason that near infrared sauna has become widely popular all over the world and has almost completely replaced the traditional sauna. Let us delve deeper into the healing properties of sauna and see how infrared sauna helps to cure various ailments, including cancer.

Healing Effects of Near Infrared Sauna

Using a sauna bath has many health benefits and has the potential to cure several ailments, including chronic illnesses. Here's how a near infrared sauna rejuvenates your body and helps you get rid of diseases.

• Effective against severe pain and inflammation
• Helps in weight loss
• Detoxifies the skin and makes it glow
• Cures skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema
• Effective in killing cancer cells
• Improves blood circulation
• Strengthens the body's immune system
• Eliminates biological toxins and other toxic substances present in the body
• Neutralizes the harmful effects of radiation
• Cures metabolic disorders by increasing the rate of metabolism
• Helps kill disease-causing bacteria and fungi due to the higher body temperature.
• Stimulates the secretion of the growth hormone (HGH) from the pituitary gland, which controls the production of other hormones
• Proves to be an effective therapy to fight against the symptoms of aging
• Provides relief from stress and fatigue

How Does Near Infrared Sauna Work

So, we now know about the benefits of a sauna and how near infrared sauna really helps in so many ways. But what makes it so effective? Well, the answer lies in the fact that it forms 37% of the radiation emitted by the sun. So, biologists believe that our body is naturally "programmed" to use infrared radiation nearer to the visible spectrum. The ability of near infrared radiation to penetrate deep into the cellular level, helps it to stimulate the functioning of the living cells. Every animal cell has mitochondria (singular mitochondrion) that synthesize energy molecules of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the human cell is no exception. The chromophores present within the mitochondria of each cell are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation of higher wavelengths that are nearer to the wavelength of red light. Thus, exposure of the cells to near infrared radiation results in an increased production of cellular energy.

The heat generated by near infrared sauna is not harmful to healthy living cells, however, when cancerous cells or tumors are exposed to infrared, they die. This is because malignant cells are unable to tolerate such high temperatures, and radiation of certain wavelengths are especially effective against cancer cells.

Why Choose Near Infrared Sauna

Near infrared sauna has several advantages over the far infrared and traditional sauna. The most important advantage is that it can be used on specific areas on the body, unlike the other methods of sauna. Moreover, the temperature in a near infrared sauna is never too high and so people tend to prefer it over the other methods. The human body more readily responds to near infrared sauna as opposed to far infrared sauna. Also, the greater amount of radiation in a far infrared sauna may have adverse effects on the body. Another advantage is that near infrared saunas are cost-effective.

In spite of the fact that infrared sauna has so many benefits, certain things need to be kept in mind while using a sauna. Always consult your doctor, or a certified sauna therapist for information about necessary precautions, if any.