Why
Infrared Sauna
Detoxification
Sweat out the toxins. Sweating is one of the body’s safest and most natural ways to heal and maintain good health by helping to eliminate toxic heavy metals, drug residues, and hormone disruptors. With the deepest penetration,
Sunlighten saunas’ infrared helps increase blood flow and perspiration.
Weight Loss
Increase metabolism and burn fat. Increasing core body heat increases calorie burn, similar to exercise. Infrared saunas also help with the elimination of toxins that cause fat storage.
Heart Health
Improve heart health. Infrared therapy can help your heart work better by exercising the heart, temporarily reducing blood pressure, and improving circulation.
Anti-Aging
Purify and rejuvenate your skin. Harness a scientifically-proven “fountain of youth” and revitalize your skin’s appearance. Far infrared waves increase circulation and detoxify the skin, helping regenerate and cleanse cells.
Immunity
Heating the body from inside can improve the function of the immune system just like a fever can. Therefore, regular Sunlighten sauna use can help reduce the incidences of cold and flu, or help you recover faster from illness.
Muscle Recovery
Repair muscles faster. Many professional athletes use Sunlighten saunas to recover from their training and injuries. Infrared helps deliver more oxygen to cells for faster repair and pain relief.
Benefits
Watch this video to learn more about Infrared Sauna:
Benefits of Sauna use for Health:
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL SAUNAS & INFRARED SAUNAS
Traditional saunas use a heat source to heat the air, and often include steam to create humidity as well. Fire and hot rocks were common sources of heat; modern saunas use a heater or steam generator to create the temperature increase.
Traditional saunas heat the air to a point that initiates the body’s natural cooling process. This means blood comes to the surface of the skin and opens the pores. Infrared saunas emit lightwaves that penetrate the body to stimulate the health benefits from within at a cellular level.
150-210° F
Surface heat
Sweat happens at higher temps
Extreme heat, shorter session
Uses heat stove at heat source
More humidity
110-140° F
Deep, penetrating heat
More sweat at lower temps
Enjoyable heat, longer session
Uses infrared light panels as heat source
Less humidity
TRADITIONAL SAUNA
INFRARED SAUNA
Sauna Use Contraindications:
If any of the below apply to you, consult your physician prior to sauna use:
• Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes – Individuals suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.
• Medications – Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics, such as amitriptyline, may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.
• Alcohol & Drug Abuse – Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “sweat out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore, he/she may not realize when the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate,which may be further increased by heat stress. The use of alcohol, drugs, or medications prior to a sauna session may lead to unconsciousness.
• Elderly – The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. If elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Children – The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated with Reduced Ability to Sweat or Perspire – Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors, and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Consult a physician.
• Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone to Bleeding – The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
• Fever & Insensitivity to Heat – Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the sauna until the fever subsides.
• Pregnancy – Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.
• Menstruation – Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. This should not preclude sauna use.
• Joint Injury – Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.
• Implants – Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using.
• Pacemakers / Defibrillators – The magnets used to assemble our saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.
In the rare event that you experience pain or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.
What is Infrared ?
Infrared is found in nature and is necessary light for life. All living things need it to grow and flourish.
• Nature brings us infrared light. It’s the healthy, healing rays that come from the sun. You’ve felt infrared your entire life. When you sit next to a fire or feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Infrared also helps plants bloom -just the right amount helps stems grow fast and strong.
• Sunlight is 52-55% infrared. It’s all the good parts of the sun’s healing light.
• The experience of an infrared treatment is similar to sunbathing, giving you that wonderful natural warmth. Unlike sunbathing, infrared heat therapy is completely healthy and safe. You can relax in an infrared sauna and it will never cause your skin to burn.
Infrared is part of a natural spectrum
• Remember the first time you saw a prism transform light into a rainbow of visible light? Infrared is the invisible light just outside the prism next to red light, thus the name “infra (below)” + “red.”
• Infrared consists of 3 wavelengths: near, mid and far.
• Visible light and infrared are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, a continuum of light waves organized by how they interact with matter. Scientists explain infrared as a safe, gentle form that brings many good, healthy things to earth and human beings.
Infrared heats the body directly rather than simply heating the air
• Infrared penetrates human tissue, and the energy it delivers is just the right nudge cells need to stimulate warmth, growth and release.
• Infrared is effective at a low, soothing temperature.
• It is completely healthy and safe for all living things. It’s even used in hospitals to warm newborn infants
Are there any studies on infrared therapy?
There are various studies on the use of infrared for a multitude of health benefits. Specifically, Sunlighten infrared saunas have been shown to increase core temperature for detoxification, temporarily lower blood pressure, and increase flexibility. Many other studies have shown infrared saunas to increase skin health, aid in relaxation and mental health, and support reduction of waist circumference.
(These studies can be found on Sunlighten’s website via the Light Science research library)
FAQ's
Can I take my cell phone into the sauna?
Just as you would not leave your cell phone in your car on a hot day, we do not recommend taking cells phones, Apple watches, or other electronics in the sauna. The electronics that are built into the sauna are designed for a heated environment.
Is it ok to use the sauna while breastfeeding?
Please consult with your physician, as this answer is usually yes, but may be no depending upon your specific circumstances.
Can I sauna while pregnant?
Even though infrared is completely safe, it is not recommended to use while pregnant. While pregnant, the core body temperature is already elevated, and you could overheat.