How to Fall Asleep Naturally & 13 Natural Sleep Remedies

There’s nothing better than waking up after a great night of sleep, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. There are so many benefits of a good night’s sleep in addition to feeling rejuvenated the next morning: it can keep your heart healthy, help reduce stress and ward off depression. With that being said, having difficulty falling asleep can be an especially frustrating experience..

Whether you suffer from insomnia or have simple restlessness, read these tips to learn how to fall asleep naturally and find natural remedies that will help you get a great night’s rest.

couple making bed

Alt Text: Couple Putting on Clean Sheets for Restful Sleep

Tips to Fall Asleep Naturally

Wash Your Sheets

Having clean sheets may not help you fall asleep immediately, but it will definitely ensure you many nights of healthy, restful sleep. Washing your sheets and pillowcases twice a month helps keep your bed rid of dust, sweat, and any other accumulated debris that can cause discomfort. And just imagine that cozy feeling of snuggling up in fresh, clean sheets!

Use a Sound Machine

Using a sound machine is a great way to help you fall asleep naturally. The most recommended sound is white noise, as it is a constant, soothing sound, but there are plenty of other sounds that may work better for you. Thunderstorms, ocean waves, even city sounds are all available to help you drift off to sleep.

Relax in a Sauna

One of the many infrared sauna health benefits is feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and renewed – leading to a more restful sleep. Infrared sauna use helps with thermoregulation before bed and puts the body in a parasympathetic state where the body rests and digests. A study also showed that sauna therapy helped reduce the effects of chronic fatigue.

Practice Meditation

If a racing mind is keeping you up at night, meditation might be just the sleep aid that you need. Sleep meditations help create the inner conditions needed for a truly restful night. Because when we settle the mind, we rest the body—and that restfulness is what makes it easier to wind down and drift off..

Establish a Bedtime Ritual

Our bodies do well when a schedule is involved. For great sleep naturally, creating a bedtime ritual will not only give you something to look forward to and wind down with, but it will also provide your body with a sense of consistency. Sleep rituals help you easily transition from the hustle and bustle of the day into a quiet state for restful sleep.

Block Out All Light

Whether it’s a flashing light from your toothbrush in your bathroom or a bright street light outside your window, having a light on can stimulate your mind and make it difficult to sleep. Try to block out all unnecessary light when you sleep to avoid distractions. Additionally, avoid using screens for an hour before bed to avoid overstimulation.

woman in bed

Natural Sleep Remedies

  1. 5-HTP: 5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a by-product of L-tryptophan and can be taken in pill form. This amino acid helps with serotonin neurotransmitter production, which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and mood.
  2. CBD: CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabidiol compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high. Instead, CBD is great for its calming properties and is a great natural remedy for sleep if taken before bed.
  3. Chamomile: Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat a number of ailments, including insomnia. Drinking chamomile tea before bed is both a calming bedtime ritual and a natural sleep remedy to help you wind down.
  4. Glycine: Glycine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the nervous system. Recent studies show that taking it before bedtime may improve sleep by lowering body temperature, signaling it’s time to sleep..
  5. Jujube: Studies show jujube can lengthen sleep time and increase time spent in deep, restorative slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. Compounds in jujube also relax the body, boosting levels of calming neurotransmitters..
  6. Kava Root: Kava has been linked to sleep-promoting effects in some studies. It is traditionally prepared as a tea or as a supplement. It’s best to buy only kava that has been certified by a reputable third-party organization..
ground powder
  1. L-theanine: L-theanine elevates levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as serotonin and dopamine. Consuming a daily supplement containing 200–400 mg of this amino acid may improve sleep and relaxation..
  2. Lavender: Lavender aromatherapy may help improve sleep by reducing stress. Some studies show that females and young individuals feel relief from mild insomnia while quality and duration of sleep improve..
  3. Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral important for brain function and heart health. It is able to regulate the production of melatonin and increase the production of calming GABA, making falling asleep naturally easier..
  4. Magnolia Bark: Bioactive compounds in magnolia bark appear to help increase time in both slow wave sleep and REM sleep. Other compounds in magnolia bark lower levels of stimulating hormones adrenaline and cortisol..
  5. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the body’s circadian rhythms and is produced in the pineal gland in the center. Studies show it decreases the time it takes to fall asleep and increases feelings of sleepiness..
  6. Passion Flower: Passion flower tea may help slightly improve sleep quality in some individuals. However, the evidence is weak and some studies have found no effects. Thus, more studies are needed..
  7. Valerian Root: Valerian is an herb native to Asia and Europe. Its root is commonly used as a natural treatment for symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression, and can improve sleep if taken before bedtime..

Consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen and if conditions don’t improve. If you are having trouble sleeping, try these natural sleep remedies and tips to get a restful night of sleep. The keys to falling asleep naturally are slowing down at the end of the day and listening to your body. Sweet dreams!

Healthy Travel Tips for Staying Fit on Vacation

If you’ve spent the last months getting in shape for summer, you probably want to maintain your efforts and stay healthy while on vacation. From indulgent meals to not having time to hit the gym, it may seem difficult to maintain your health and fitness goals while taking a trip. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for staying healthy on vacation. These suggestions will cover healthy travel tips such as exercises, eating tips, and healthy travel practices to do on-the-go.

woman drinking smoothie

General Healthy Travel Tips

  1. Stay Hydrated: From walking all day to hot temperatures to indulging at the local bar, going on vacation opens up plenty of possibilities for dehydration. Be sure to stay hydrated on your trip to avoid feeling run down. Keep in mind that many countries do not offer water free of charge at restaurants, so pack a reusable water bottle.
  2. Don’t Forget Sunscreen: Practicing proper skin care while on vacation is often an overlooked aspect of healthy traveling. Travel typically means spending a lot of time outside and exploring, and your skin deserves to have a vacation too! On top of protecting your skin with sunscreen, pack your cleanser and moisturizer as well.
  3. Pack Appropriately: You know that, “I’m forgetting something…” feeling? Avoid that with a packing list. Take a close look at your vacation itinerary to see what kind of activities are planned and pack accordingly. Not much is worse than getting to your destination realizing you packed only sandals when you needed sneakers.
  4. Get Enough Rest: It’s easy to be constantly on the go when enjoying a new place. While going nonstop may seem like the best way to fit every activity in, you will soon find that burnout is inevitable. Take breaks when needed and aim to get plenty of sleep every night to keep your body fueled and happy for your vacation.
  5. Follow a Routine: One good way to throw off your vacation is by throwing off your routine. Sure, vacation life is different from everyday life, but staying healthy on vacation is much easier when your body isn’t throw off from what its used to. Keep sleep, meal times, and medication schedules similar to keep your body feeling familiar.
woman meditating on beach

Practicing Mental Health on Vacation

Be Prepared

A healthy vacation starts with healthy planning. Your vacation mental health begins even before you arrive at your destination. Making sure everything at home is squared away and putting together a schedule and general plan for your trip helps reduce vacation fatigue and stress while on your trip meant for relaxation.

Take it Slow

Even though we have suggested planning a schedule for your trip, be wary of over-planning. Having a strict schedule can lead to added stress, especially when the inevitable unexpected plan change happens. Take your vacation time to relax and take it slow instead of worrying about meticulously planning every minute.

Treat Yourself

While on your trip, keep your vacation mental health on track by treating yourself to some luxuries you might not usually indulge in. Book a spa day filled with massage therapy, facials, and relaxing your body and mind in an infrared sauna. Even simply laying by the pool and reading your favorite book can give you that pampered, relaxed feeling.

couple in forest by waterfall

Exercising on Vacation

Find a Hotel Gym

Hotel gyms aren’t equipped quite as well as a full gym, but they can be a key component to staying fit on vacation. Most hotel gyms have the basics – some weights, treadmills, ellipticals, and an exercise ball. That being said, you never know just what your hotel will have, so bring your own mat if you can and be prepared for bodyweight exercises.

Do a Hotel Room Workout

When you’re on vacation, making it to the gym might not be high on your list of to-dos. If you still want to workout on vacation, you can easily fit in a quick hotel room workout before heading out for daily activities. Working out in your hotel room means no equipment, making it easy to stay healthy on vacation and get your blood flowing.

Make it Fun

Staying in a gym or hotel room sound like a boring way to spend your vacation? Incorporate exercise into your travels to make them fun and enjoyable. Whether you choose to explore and walk 5 miles, go on a local hike for views off the beaten path, or getting adventurous with snorkeling, you probably won’t even know you’re exercising on vacation.

healthy fruits

Eating Healthy on Vacation

Don’t Skip Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you’re eating healthy on vacation. Many hotels offer free breakfast, which saves you money and provides fuel for a day full of activities. Being full in the morning prevents the urge for unhealthy snacks later in the day. Even if it is a small breakfast, aim for a good balance of protein and carbs.

Eat Fresh When Possible

Depending on where you go, eating healthy on vacation can be as simple as trying the local produce. Look for local items on menus that indicate fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Fresh, local produce is healthier, more delicious, and more authentic than any pre-packaged food you will find on vacation. Be open to trying new foods you might not find at home!

Practice Moderation

Staying fit on vacation doesn’t mean you have to give up on all the delicacies your destination has to offer. Vacations are meant to be enjoyed, and if you want to eat something, eat it! Just be wary of portion sizes and be sure to find a balance between indulging and eating healthy. Overindulging and under-indulging can both lead to post-vacation blues.

Going on a trip doesn’t have to mean losing track of your health and fitness. By following thee healthy travel tips, you can easily maintain your mental health, workouts, and healthy eating on vacation while having the trip of your life!

What is Hot Yoga? Hot Yoga Benefits & More

International Day of Yoga is June 21, so what better way to celebrate than learning about a new form of yoga? You have probably heard of hot yoga, but might be wary to commit to such a seemingly intense practice. Hot yoga has been around for years and has been a beneficial tool for physical, mental, and spiritual connection. Learn about hot yoga health benefits, poses, and tips to make this a regular part of your practice!

Woman stretching

What is Hot Yoga?

As the name implies, hot yoga is the practice of yoga in a heated setting. Hot yoga sessions are typically more vigorous and intense than the average yoga practice. There are many ways to experience hot yoga, whether you are attending a class of practicing on your own at home. Many use hot yoga as a way to connect with their bodies physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Bikram Yoga is the most common way to practice, where rooms are heated to 105°F (40°C) with 40% humidity. In this practice, 26 hot yoga poses are performed to activate muscles and increase blood circulation throughout the body.

Outside of a class, you can easily practice hot yoga on your own. Either in a heated room or in a home sauna, solo hot yoga is a wonderful way to connect with your body and learn its limits without pushing it too far.

Group Taking Low-Impact Yoga Class

Benefits of Hot Yoga

Aided Weight Loss

Just like with infrared saunas, the heat of hot yoga boosts heart rate, and therefore increases metabolic rate to burn more calories. Increased calorie burn teamed up with water weight loss from sweating result in higher weight loss.

Decreased Stress

Applied heat helps relax muscles and reduce pain, and hot yoga promotes a focus on proper breathing technique. These help calm both your body and mind to reduce stress. Serotonin levels are also boosted by hot yoga to improve mood.

Eliminated Toxins

Just like with infrared sauna detoxification, hot yoga helps detoxify the body through sweat. As heat is increased, sweat glands are stimulated and your body eliminates toxins and other harmful buildup that has accumulated over time.

Enhanced Lung Capacity

Because hot yoga places such a large emphasis on deep breathing techniques that expand lungs, your lungs can be trained to take in more air. Deep breathing and enhanced lung capacity allow your body to take in more oxygen, as well.

Improved Circulation

Being active in yoga increases your circulation, and adding in the element of heat increases it even more. During your hot yoga sessions, your heart rate should be between 60-80% of your maximum heart rate to feel cardiovascular benefits.

Increased Flexibility

Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly flexible, hot yoga can help. The heat helps warm up muscles and joints to make mobility and flexibility easier. The slow and deep stretches in hot yoga also help increase flexibility over time.

Minimized Injury

Similarly to increased flexibility, the heat during hot yoga helps lessen tension in muscles and joints to reduce the chance of injury. On top of that, the increased blood flow aids in healing injuries quicker in the event of an injury.

Strengthened Immune System

Yoga can increase immune cell counts and antibodies. Added with heat that increases the body’s immune response and a reduction of cortisol, a stress hormone that weakens the immune system, hot yoga can help prevent and reduce illness.

Woman stretching

Hot Yoga Tips

Be Mindful of Your Body’s Limits

As mentioned earlier, practicing hot yoga poses can increase your flexibility. While it might feel great in the moment, keep in mind just how far your body can realistically go and how it will feel once the effects of heat wear off.

Bring Extra Towels

Chances are, you’ll sweat a lot during your hot yoga session. Be prepared for the extra moisture by bringing towels to keep yourself and equipment dry. Working on a slippery yoga mat can be uncomfortable and a safety hazard during class.

Do Hot Yoga in a Sauna

Boost the benefits of hot yoga by practicing in an infrared sauna. Both infrared saunas and hot yoga offer the health benefits of detoxification, weight loss, flexibility, and reduced stress. Doing hot yoga in a sauna is the perfect scenario!

Eat Light

Because hot yoga poses are more involved and vigorous than your average yoga class, it’s important to fuel your body before your hot yoga session. Eat a healthy meal about 2-4 hours before your session to avoid cramps, nausea, or fatigue.

Practice Breathing

One of the main focuses of hot yoga is honing in on your breath. Breathing exercises help bring you to a state of mindfulness and concentration, which can help you push through the heat of your hot yoga session and get comfortable.

Stay Hydrated

Sweating is great for purging toxins, but can be dangerous if you don’t hydrate before and after practicing hot yoga. Drink water, replenish your electrolytes, and put moisturizer on your skin to ensure your body doesn’t lose any hydration.

Use High-Quality Equipment

From the clothes you wear and the yoga mat you use to the space you’re practicing in, making sure you use the proper equipment and high-quality materials is important for your safety and comfort during any hot yoga session.

For this year’s International Day of Yoga, expand your practice by adding in a hot yoga session or two. Whether you practice in a class or on your own, you’ll experience the many benefits of hot yoga and find a new way to connect with yourself mindfully, spiritually, and physically.

Endocrine System Health & Hormonal Balance Tips

Keeping your endocrine system healthy helps balance your hormones – from sleep and mood to metabolism and tissue function. But what is the endocrine system, and how does it work? Learn more about the complex system that impacts every aspect of life and how to maintain a healthy endocrine system to balance your hormones with these tips.

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is a collection of glands and organs that produce and maintain hormones for proper body function at all stages of life. These glands and organs send hormones into the bloodstream and send signals to body tissue to instruct how to perform. According to the Merck Manual, the endocrine system affects almost every organ and cell in the body, so a healthy endocrine system is imperative.

Hormones play a large role in how the body operates physically and chemically, and affect functions such as:

Appetite Metabolism Respiration
Circulation Mood Sleep
Digestion Movement Sensory Perception
Growth Muscle Strength Sexual Development
Fertility Reproduction Temperature Regulation
Doctor exam

Anatomy of the Endocrine System

In the Brain

  • Hypothalamus: To connect the endocrine system with the nervous system and guide the pituitary gland on when to start and stop producing hormones.
  • Pituitary Gland: To send signals and transmit information to other parts of the endocrine system through various hormones. This gland produces adrenocorticotropic hormone to stimulate steroid hormones like cortisol, growth hormone to regulate growth and metabolism, gonadotrophins for sex hormone production, thyroid stimulating hormone, and more. This is considered the “master gland” of the endocrine system.
  • Pineal Gland: To aid in sleep through the production of melatonin.

In the Neck

  • Thyroid Gland: To control metabolism through the production of thyroid hormone.
  • Parathyroid: To regulate bone health through the management of calcium and phosphorus.

Between the Lungs

  • Thymus Gland: To fight infection and aid in the development of children’s immune systems with T-lymphocytes.

On Top of the Kidneys

  • Adrenal Glands: To trigger “fight or flight” with adrenaline production and maintain metabolism and sexual function with corticosteroids.

Behind the Stomach

  • Pancreas: To ensure blood sugar levels are maintained by managing insulin and glucagon levels.

In the Pelvic Region

  • Ovaries: To develop breasts, regulate menstrual cycle, and support pregnancy through estrogen and progesterone production.
  • Testes: To grow facial and body hair at puberty and producing sperm through the production of testosterone.
Couple in sauna

How to Maintain a Healthy Endocrine System

While hormone imbalances are sometimes unavoidable, knowing how the system works and how to maintain a healthy endocrine system can help lessen the chance of health issues.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Maintaining hormonal balance requires a healthy diet filled with the proper nutrients to facilitate hormone production. Eating a balance of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats is key. High-fiber and probiotic food can also improve your diet for balancing hormones. Avoiding inflammatory foods such as added sugar, trans fats, refined grains, and alcohol will keep your diet on the right track for endocrine system health.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is extremely important for endocrine health. Not only does maintaining a healthy weight through these methods help improve your overall health, but being active can stimulate hormone production and aid in alleviating hormonal imbalance. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, boost testosterone, and relieve stress to reduce harmful cortisol hormones.

Make Note of Hormones and Medications

From birth control to insulin, keeping track of which hormones and medications you are adding to your regimen is important for both you and your doctor. Always consult with a doctor before changing, adding, or removing any medications your health care. As hormonal imbalance issues can arise at any time, being aware of always wise in case you have a sudden change in health.

Use an Infrared Sauna

The endocrine system can be greatly impacted by infrared sauna use. Saunas help stimulate hormone release and reach optimal hormonal balance. Some of the most notable benefits of saunas for endocrine system health are the reduction of cortisol, and the increase of growth hormone, beta-endorphins, prolactin and norepinephrine secretion. The endocrine system response to infrared sauna use is heavily correlated with stress reduction.

Reduce Stress

Cortisol is a hormone produced when the body is under stress and the HPA axis, or hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal, is consistently in use. Stress can lead to a number of health issues when left unattended to. Thankfully, reducing stress is one of the more fun things to change in your life! As mentioned before, relax in a sauna, take a day off for yourself, or simply put aside 30 minutes every night to unwind.

Man with headache

Potential Endocrine System Health Issues

Keeping a balance of hormones allows the body to perform optimally. Unfortunately, bodies aren’t always in perfect balance, and hormones can be over or under produces. Imbalances can be caused by internal, such as age and genetics, and external forces such as stress and diet. Though aging tends to take a toll on the body and genetics cannot be changed, there are plenty of manageable lifestyle factors that can impact endocrine system health. Below are some common health issues arising from hormonal imbalance.

Diabetes

If insulin is not produced or utilized properly in the body, blood sugar regulation is not possible. Type 1 diabetes is unavoidable, as it is an autoimmune condition. However, the risk of type 2 diabetes can be lowered with proper lifestyle choices.

Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism

An over-producing thyroid gland, or hyperthyroidism, may cause an increased heart rate, lost weight, and impacted energy levels. Alternatively, an under-producing thyroid gland suffering from hypothyroidism may result in lower energy, weight gain, and digestive issues.

Infertility

When hormone imbalance occurs in the ovaries and testes, ovulation and sperm production may occur. Similarly, those with hormonal imbalances in the ovaries may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles.

Learning how to maintain a healthy endocrine system and putting healthy habits into action are necessary to prevent future health issues. Though some endocrine system health issues are unavoidable, prevention is always preferred to treatment. If you feel you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance, speak with your doctor about next steps.

How to Take Care of Skin in Summer Naturally

With warmer and drier weather on the way, it’s important to have a summer skin care routine that keeps your skin healthy and glowing. From sauna use to natural products, these natural skin care tips will help you avoid dry and damaged skin. Read below for tips for glowing skin in summer that will make you look and feel radiant all season long!

Woman putting sunscreen on

Importance of Natural Skin Care in Summer

Summer is all about fun in the sun, but too much sun can be an issue for your delicate skin. Sun exposure, heat, and dryness all can lead to skin damage, so it is important to find a summer skin care routine that protects your skin from these elements. From the products you use to the activities you do, learning how to take care of skin in summer naturally will save you from discomfort and health issues down the road.

Natural Summer Skin Care Routine Tips

Wear Sunscreen

This is one of the most important factors in your summer skin care routine. Getting a burn isn’t just painful, it is extremely damaging to your skin as well. Even one sunburn increases your chance of skin cancer. Especially over time, damaging UV rays can affect the genetic makeup of your skin cells. The burn itself doesn’t increase the risk of skin cancer, sun exposure does. Try to limit outdoor activities with direct sun, or be sure to wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen and appropriate clothing while in the sun.

There are many natural sunscreen options to keep your skin and the environment healthy and happy – you can even make your own! Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply the same amount every 2 hours. Your face, back, and shoulders may be obvious areas to cover, but don’t forget your hands, feet, ears, and scalp.

Use an Infrared Sauna

Your skin holds on to the dirt and toxins you’ve encountered throughout the day, especially during the summer when you are in contact with sunscreen, pools, beach towels, and sweat. If not washed off or removed from your body, you face the risk of building up toxins and causing breakouts. While sitting in an infrared sauna in the summer might just sound like another hot activity, there are many detoxifying benefits to sweating it out.

Using an infrared sauna for skin care is a great and natural way to cleanse your pores and eliminate blemishes. Sweat helps remove deeply embedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving you with clean and glowing skin in summer. It is important to cleanse your face after to avoid further clogging from the sweat and removed toxins.

Man cleaning face

Practice After-Sun Care

While sunburn prevention is preferred, burns happen to the best of us, whether it was an unexpected outing in the sun or a missed spot on your back. If you did happen to get a sunburn, your next best step is learning the proper after-sun care techniques to reduce the healing time. The sun damage will still be present, but you can still reduce the visibility and painful effects of burns with the right techniques.

After getting a sunburn, take a cool shower or bath to soothe your skin. Be very cautious of warm or hot water, as this will only exaggerate the pain and slow down healing. Use light cleansers and moisturizers while healing to avoid irritation. Aloe has been the go-to after-sun remedy for years as it offers cooling and moisturizing properties. Hydrate your skin by hydrating yourself with plenty of water, and be extra careful with future sun exposure.

Moisturize

When out in the sun all day, your face can use a boost of moisture. Applying a lightweight daily moisturizer with SPF is an easy way to give your face an extra layer of protection. Once you turn in for the night, give your skin another boost of hydration with a natural face cream that will help replenish your skin overnight. You’ll want to avoid using moisturizers that are too thick, as they can clog pores. You can either buy an all-natural moisturizer or raid your pantry for natural ingredients that will help your skin glow.

Exfoliate

One of the biggest tips for glowing skin in summer is exfoliating. The heat and dryness in the air can lead to dry skin and dullness. Using a light exfoliator should be part of your regular summer skin care routine to reveal fresh and glowing skin. Avoid abrasive exfoliants on your face that can cause irritation, and don’t exfoliate daily until you know your skin can handle it. Exfoliate your legs once a week to keep them glowing and to give you a cleaner shave. Be sure to use a natural exfoliant, or even make your own homemade scrubs with simple ingredients you can find in your pantry.

Woman Admiring Clear Skin from Infrared Sauna Use

Cleanse Regularly

Making sure your face is clean and free of impurities is imperative during the summer. As mentioned earlier, our bodies are introduced to many toxins throughout the day – the sand on your beach towel, the chlorine in the pool, the buildup from sunscreen, and sweat in general. Your summer skin care routine should include a cleanse twice a day, once in the morning to wash off sweat or debris from sleeping and once at night to wash off impurities from the day. A clean face is more likely to absorb moisturizers to keep your skin glowing in the summer.

Battle Breakouts

You may realize you suffer from more breakouts during the summer months. Summer breakouts can be caused by a number of things, from increased sweat to the application of sun protection. Avoid skin irritation and breakouts by being mindful of what summer skin care products you’re putting on your skin, as things like sunscreen, heavy moisturizers, bug spray, and tanning lotion can all clog pores. Opt for natural, oil-free products to keep your skin refreshed and healthy.

When going out and enjoying the sun this summer, keep your skin healthy with a natural summer skin care routine. Prevention is the key, but it also helps to make sure you have the proper tools and techniques to handle summer skin woes such as burns and dryness. Protect your skin this summer, and you’ll be glowing all season!

Sauna Etiquette in the Gym, Spa & Home

Sharing a sauna with others, whether with strangers at the gym or with your family at home, means you have to be mindful of the space. We cover all the main etiquette tips to keep you and others comfortable. Tips will include what to wear, how to keep your area clean, and which behaviors to avoid.

Multiple people in sauna

Gym Sauna Etiquette

If you have a sauna at your gym, we hope you are using it! Using a sauna at the gym is a wonderful way to boost your workout and remedy things such as muscle soreness, recovery time, fatigue, and performance. Infrared saunas are the perfect companion for your health journey as they help you sweat, burn calories, and heal. Just be sure you use the sauna after your workout and not before to avoid injury.

Your fellow gym buddies are also soaking in the sauna health benefits, so it’s important to know the proper gym sauna etiquette to make it a pleasant experience for everyone.

Gym Sauna Dos

  1. Shower before entering. Since you will be using the sauna after your workout, you’ll probably be sweaty after the gym. Rinse off any sweat or dirt so you enter the sauna fresh, everyone in there with you will appreciate it.
  2. Stay aware of your space. Public saunas can get crowded, so be courteous and be wary of how much space you’re taking up. If someone new joins the sauna, make room for them so everyone can sit comfortably.
  3. Be quick. We don’t recommend sauna sessions lasting much longer than 20 minutes in general, but make your gym sauna time quick so more people can use it. Don’t forget to be quick with the door too to keep heat in.

Gym Sauna Don’ts

  1. Don’t go in the nude. This is a public space, so please respect your sauna neighbors. Wear a towel or robe to avoid sitting directly on the bench, and definitely don’t wear your dirty gym clothes or shoes.
  2. Don’t bring electronics. You don’t want to potentially damage your phone with the heat, and you also don’t want to annoy other sauna users with the light from your screen or music from your headphones.
  3. Don’t exercise in the sauna. You just finished your workout in the gym, so use this time to relax! Others will be trying to wind down from their workouts, and interrupting their time with an exercise session would be rude.

Learn more about how to use an infrared sauna at the gym here.

Couple in sauna

Spa Sauna Etiquette

Because it is a public setting, using a sauna in a spa is a very similar experience to using a gym sauna. One of the biggest differences between a spa and the gym is the clientele. Instead of looking to repair and restore, spa visitors are looking to relax and rejuvenate, so things move at a slower pace. Saunas in spas are offered as a service before, after, or between spa services, so visitors are more likely to take their time to fully unwind.

A more relaxed environment typically means a quieter one, so your spa sauna etiquette should take that into account.

Spa Sauna Dos

  1. Shower before entering. If you’re using the sauna before your appointment, take a shower to rinse off any dirt from before entering the spa. If using after a service, rinse off any oils or lotions that may have been used.
  2. Learn the clothing policies. Some spas require towels or robes while others allow full nudity. Knowing the clothing policies beforehand can save you and other visitors from a surprise or unpleasant experience.
  3. Take your time. Taking your time is more of a sauna etiquette for yourself. Don’t stress and rush yourself through a relaxing sauna session, but instead be aware of your time before heading in and planning accordingly.

Spa Sauna Don’ts

  1. Don’t be loud. A spa is all about being quiet and in the moment, so be wary of the people around you. People are unlikely to want to strike up conversation, and they especially don’t want to listen to your conversations.
  2. Don’t bring electronics. Just like the gym, bringing your electronics in to the sauna is frowned upon. Watching someone send a work email or play a game on their phone can be stressful to onlookers just trying to relax.
  3. Don’t forget about your appointments. Spa saunas are more leisurely, but be aware of your time and your appointments. If using the sauna before or between services, don’t have the spa chasing you down for your spot.
Sauna outside

Home Sauna Etiquette

Just because you’re home doesn’t mean there aren’t any rules. Of course, your own personal sauna will have more relaxed rules than public ones, but home sauna etiquette is aimed toward keeping your household happy and ensuring your sauna functions properly for years to come.

Home Sauna Dos

  1. Shower before entering. See a theme here? Rinsing off before using your sauna is imperative, regardless if you are in public or at home. Without tracking in dirt, your sauna will thank you for keeping it clean and pristine.
  2. Clean up after yourself. Just like showering before your home sauna session, cleaning up after yourself is a key piece of sauna etiquette. Clean your space so the rest of the household can enjoy the sauna once you’re done.
  3. Schedule time. If you live with multiple people, be sure everyone has their fair share of sauna time! If you are practicing something like hot yoga, make sure you have a timer set so you don’t lose track of time.

Home Sauna Don’ts

  1. Don’t stay in too long. This is more of a sauna etiquette for you and your home. Staying in longer than 20 minutes is not recommended for your health, and longer sessions can add up to higher electric bills.
  2. Don’t forget a towel. If you’re at home, you have control over the clothing rules. But even if you decide to go nude, never forget to bring a towel to sit on to avoid staining the bench with sweat or other debris.
  3. Don’t skip regular maintenance. Sauna care is fairly simple, but letting little things build up over time will lead to a shorter sauna life span and a more unpleasant experience for your household. It just takes a few minutes!

Read more about sauna care tips here.

Regardless of where you are using a sauna and who you are using it with, being sure to keep the area clean and comfortable is key. Knowing what to wear in a sauna, how much time to spend, and what you can do to be mindful of other people’s experiences are all necessary for sauna etiquette. By practicing proper sauna etiquette, you ensure an enjoyable sauna experience for everyone!

11 Tips & Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

With spring comes beautiful new flowers and April showers. While it may look beautiful, the pollen often brings about irritating seasonal allergies that cause symptoms like puffy eyes and runny noses. We’ll discuss natural remedies to make your allergy treatment a little easier, and even prevent allergies all together!

Spring Allergy Symptoms

Do you have a cold, or are you just suffering from seasonal allergies? The two have very similar symptoms, but seasonal allergies typically appear more abruptly, last a longer period of time, and can often be predicted due to timing of the seasons. Below are some of the common spring allergy symptoms:

Ear or nasal congestion Coughing
Runny nose Postnasal drip
Sneezing Sore throat
Watery eyes Fatigue
Itchy eyes, nose, or throat Facial pressure or pain
Man Sneezing from Allergy Symptoms

How to Cure Allergies Naturally

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has a wide range of uses, so it’s no surprise that being a natural remedy for both chronic allergies and seasonal allergies is one of them. Studies have shown that acupuncture helps patients reduce nasal symptoms and the need for allergy medication. This practice can also help improve the immune system, lessen pain, decrease swelling, and reduce mucus production.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Adding spices and anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help clear up spring allergy symptoms. Your spice rack is filled with natural remedies for seasonal allergies. Look for anti-inflammatory items such as ginger and turmeric to add to your meals, and sprinkle some cayenne pepper to help clear nasal passages. Research also indicates that having a mug of green tea can help you find allergy relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This natural remedy is something you probably already have in your kitchen, and is probably something you have heard all about in recent health trends. Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, can help cleanse your lymphatic system and reduce mucus production to alleviate spring allergy symptoms naturally. When allergies hit, or to prevent future symptoms, take one tablespoon of ACV with “the mother” daily – you can mix it with lemon and warm water to make it more palatable.

Bee Pollen & Local Honey

While not fully backed by science, using local bee pollen and honey have been said for generations to help lessen spring allergy symptoms. The local aspect of these items are meant to help your body naturally build immunity to the local allergens in your area. Raw, unfiltered honey and bee pollen can be found from your local farmer’s market. Simply add honey to tea or drizzle on toast, and use bee pollen to top yogurt or blend with smoothies.

Honey

Butterbur, Nettle Leaf & Quercetin

These three supplements are all effective, natural antihistamines to help control the itchiness that comes from seasonal allergies. Butterbur has been shown in studies to be equally as effective as antihistamine medications in reducing itchy eyes. You can make a tea or take capsules of nettle leaf to naturally block the body’s ability to produce histamines. Lastly, quercetin is an effective antihistamine and anti-inflammatory supplement.

Essential Oils

Three essential oils should be in your medicine cabinet for spring allergy symptoms. Peppermint oil has been studied to test its effectiveness in reducing inflammation to improve quality of life for those suffering from nasal and bronchial allergies. Using eucalyptus oil is great for its antimicrobial properties, and frankincense essential oil has been shown to reduce nasal spring allergy symptoms. Either diffuse the oils or apply directly to your skin with a carrier oil.

Exercise

Working out with a stuffy nose or scratchy throat doesn’t sound great, but it can be effective in naturally relieving seasonal allergies. Have you ever stood up and walked around with a stuffy nose to have it clear up for a bit? Working out does something similar. Working out increases blood flow and reduces inflammation which helps alleviate symptoms. Be sure to listen to your body and work out indoors to avoid outdoor allergens.

Infrared Sauna

Far infrared heat (FIR) has been shown in studies to relieve eye itching, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and sneezing. Spending time in an infrared sauna can reduce your spring allergy symptoms with the FIR technology. Infrared saunas also help detoxify your body to reduce the number of toxins and allergens that may be present. You can diffuse the previously mentioned essential oils in a sauna for a relaxing and detoxifying experience.

Probiotics

A weak immune system can lead to more intense reactions to seasonal allergies. One way to strengthen your immune system and treat allergies naturally is through probiotics. Probiotics help boost your immune system through introducing healthy bacteria to the gut, and studies have shown that the addition of probiotics to your diet can lessen spring allergy symptoms. You can add probiotics to your diet through fermented foods or probiotic capsules.

Foods in jars

Saline Solution

One of the most effective natural remedies for seasonal allergies is a simple sterile saline solution. Using a saline solution for nasal irrigation has been shown to reduce nasal symptoms, expedite the clearance of mucus, and reduce the need for medicine. For those wary of pouring water through their nose, a saline spray is a great alternative. Simply spray a saline nasal spray into your nose a couple times a week or daily as needed.

Water

Drinking water is always one of the top health recommendations, whether you’re learning how to treat seasonal allergies or if you’re trying to lose weight. When it comes to allergies, hydration is key to improve your overall health and lessen the impact of spring allergy symptoms. By staying hydrated, you also allow your body to detoxify impurities such as toxins and allergies that may be exasperating your symptoms.

Spring Allergy Tips

In addition to trying natural remedies for seasonal allergies, there are a few spring allergy tips to follow to prevent future symptoms. It’s important to keep your space clean to remove any allergens, so be sure to vacuum, wash sheets, and change out air filters in your home to remove any settled particles. Showering when you get home or before bed will help wash off any allergens picked up throughout the day. Lastly, be mindful of going outside. Pollen counts tend to be higher between 5am and 10am, and hot, dry, and windy days are most likely to be high in pollen.

Now that you know how to treat seasonal allergies naturally, go forth and be healthy this spring! Taking preventative measures before your seasonal allergies start is always preferable, but there are many natural treatments to get you on the right track once symptoms hit.

How to Build a Sauna: DIY Infrared Sauna Tips

From commercial use to home saunas, Clearlight offers all the components you need to build your own custom sauna for to fit your needs. This blog will cover tips to make the building process as easy as possible, along with things to consider prior to building your own from an infrared sauna kit.

Woodworking tools

Is a Business or Home Sauna DIY Right for Me?

Before starting your DIY journey, it is important to be realistic with yourself first. Adding an infrared sauna to your home or business is an exciting decision, but make sure the installation process isn’t biting off more than you can chew with a new project. Installing an infrared sauna is typically done in one of three ways:

  1. Ground-Up: User builds a new infrared sauna out of lumber and tools by following blueprints or creating a new DIY sauna plan from scratch. This method can be extremely time-consuming and requires meticulous attention to detail. While it is the most hands-on method, it does allow for high levels of customization and a sense of pride in the end.
  2. Custom Infrared Sauna Kits: Designing your own sauna with custom infrared sauna kits is the happy medium between the ground-up and base model options. These kits can be modeled to fit your space perfectly and are easily installed. By using DIY infrared sauna kits like these, you get to design many aspects and still put your building skills to work, but with less pressure.
  3. Base Model: User purchases a base model sauna that is easy to install, but with lower customization opportunities. For those wanting a more hands-off approach to adding a sauna to their home or business, this route is ideal for high-quality results with less effort.

Sauna DIY Kit Considerations

If you’ve read the above and have decided that a DIY infrared sauna is right for you, great! After the first step of deciding which sauna installation is right for you, there are a few more steps in building the sauna of your dreams. When building your own sauna, you must consider these four components: type of sauna, size, wood type, and accessories.

Type of Sauna

There are two main types of sauna, traditional and infrared. Traditional saunas use high heat and steam to create the hot environment. Using this system requires more maintenance in the long run, as the wet-dry system has more opportunity for wear and bacteria collection if not cleaned properly.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use radiant heaters to warm the interior. These infrared systems require less energy to heat and penetrate the body, which makes the experience more comfortable and lowers your electric bill. There are plenty of infrared sauna benefits that are more pronounced than when using a traditional sauna.

People in sauna

Sauna Size

Once you’ve decided on which type of sauna to build, it’s time to decide which size is best for your needs. Consider the number of people who will be using the sauna at a time, how big of an area your space allows, and if the sauna will be used for any activities such as hot yoga.

For personal use, 1-2 person saunas may be ideal to save space and energy. Larger families and businesses will benefit from the space of a 4-5 person sauna models. Custom saunas typically range between 25 and 80 square feet, but can be designed to fit a much larger capacity. We recommend a sauna ceiling no higher than 7 feet to keep heat close to the occupants.

Wood Type

Now that you’ve decided how big to build your sauna, the next necessary step is choosing the type of wood to use in construction. The type of wood you choose makes a considerable impact on the construction of your custom sauna. Avoid woods that get too hot to the touch, contain high levels of sap, and are easily damaged by heat or water.

Instead, choose woods that are soft, resilient, and are visually appealing. Basswood, birch, and spruce are the three most popular woods for building a DIY infrared sauna for your home or business.

Accessories & Amenities

Finally, the last decision to make when building a custom sauna is the fun part: choosing your accessories and amenities! While this step doesn’t require building, it is an exciting part of customization. The sauna health benefits in its base form are wonderful, but why not kick it up a notch with some upgrades for the ultimate personal sanctuary?

Building a sauna from scratch may make it more difficult to add in extra amenities. However, DIY infrared sauna kits allow you to include a range of accessories already built in. Some of these upgrades include halotherapy generatorschromotherapy lights, digital keypads with smartphone control, and audio sound systems.

Woman sanding wood

How to Build a Sauna

You’ve made all your decisions for your perfect custom sauna, and now it’s time to build it! Depending on if you decide to build from scratch or build from a DIY infrared sauna kit, your process will be slightly different.

Building from Scratch

When building from scratch, your building process will start with collecting the measurements of your space and gathering materials such as lumber, tools, and hardware. Cutting your lumber to the precise measurements of your space is imperative, as an improper fit will result in a poorly-functioning sauna that may not retain heat.

There are plenty of online tutorials and blueprints to help you plan the design and construction process. If you are feeling unsure, cross referencing a few plans can give you more clarity on which techniques work best.

Building from Infrared Sauna Kits

Using an infrared sauna DIY kit, the building process is much easier. The initial steps include simply filling out a form with your specifications and ordering a kit. The prefabricated kits come with all the materials necessary to assemble your sauna, and simply mount to the wall and most plug in to a standard 110V/220V outlet.

No matter how you decide to add an infrared sauna to your home or business, it is a wise decision to make! Building from scratch, building from a kit, or ordering a base model will all give you a product that is sure to create a sanctuary that will keep you happy and healthy for years to come.

8 Alternative Pain Management Techniques

Whether it’s chronic or temporary, pain can get in the way of everyday life. Thankfully, there are many holistic and alternative pain management techniques such as sauna use, CBD products, acupuncture, and a range of other natural remedies that can help reduce, manage, and potentially eliminate pain.

If you are seeking natural pain remedies, read below to see the top treatments for alternative pain management.

Back pain

Alternative & Holistic Pain Relief Treatments

Acupuncture

The use of acupuncture for pain management has been practiced for centuries with origins in Asia. Western culture has adopted the practice to remedy a range of pain-related ailments such as migraines, low back pain, joint pain, and fibromyalgia. The practice is conducted by placing fine needles into acupoints in the skin to relieve pain or tension. It is believed that the placement of these needles releases endorphins that are natural pain killers.

Some acupuncturists place needles in specific areas to balance energy, while others may apply heat or electric stimulation to further work muscles and nerves. Depending on your provider, many insurance companies cover this holistic pain management treatment with a certified acupuncturist.

CBD Products

As cannabis has become more accepted in today’s culture, CBD products have been on the rise. Because they typically do not contain THC compound that causes psychoactive effects, they are legal and accessible in most states. CBD products can be found in many forms, from drinks and edibles to drops and body creams.

These items have gained increased popularity due to their healing properties. Studies show that topical CBD products are effective in reducing inflammation in joints and improving the heal time of wounds. Taken orally, CBD in cannabis-based medicines helped alleviate neuropathic pain while improving sleep.

Chiropractic & Massage Treatments

Back pain and neck pain are often treated with either one of both of chiropractic and massage therapy treatments. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the body through a series of spinal manipulation. While the practice may seem intimidating with all the pops and cracks, realigning the body can alleviate pain and prevent future injury.

Massage therapy focuses on treating muscular ailments that may be causing pain. Muscle tension causes aches throughout the body – and can even lead to the misalignment of the skeleton. Both professional and at-home massage can help release muscle tension by increasing blood flow to affected areas and reducing stress.

Massage

Chromotherapy

The practice of chromotherapy has a range of health benefits, many tied to the reduction of pain and improvement of healing. Each color is associated with a different healing attribute for the body and is practiced by exposing the body to various colored lights depending on the ailment.

Learn more about the benefits of each color with this color chart.

Color therapy, another term for chromotherapy, can be used to reduce swelling, tension, and inflammation, thus reducing pain. Color therapy has been shown to accelerate the body’s capabilities to repair, improve circulation, and to speed healing time for injuries.

Dietary Modifications

Making a few changes to your diet may be the holistic pain relief you’ve been searching for. Inflammation is often a culprit of chronic pain, and there are a number of anti-inflammatory ingredients to help. Often, switching to a healthier diet leads to weight loss, which can also alleviate pain.

Ginger, turmeric, blueberries, tart cherries, and salmon all contain anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling. Other ingredients such as virgin olive oil and chili peppers contain compounds that act as painkillers.

Exercise

It seems that exercise is always the go-to remedy for health-related issues, and that’s because it works! Exercise benefits your body in countless ways, but especially when it comes to pain relief. Sometimes pain can make exercise seem impossible, but it is important to stay active to whatever you can tolerate – even if that’s just a quick walk or light stretching.

Working out helps improve your pain threshold, strengthens your muscles to provide your body better support and avoid injury, and aids in weight loss that can help alleviate pain. Consult a doctor before trying any rigorous exercise for alternative pain management.

Lifting weights

Infrared Sauna Use

One of the many infrared sauna health benefits is its effectiveness when it comes to natural pain remedies. The infrared heat therapy used allows heat to deeply penetrate into muscles, joints, and muscles to improve circulation and increase oxygen flow.

This heat helps soothe aching muscles and joints while speeding up the body’s recovery process. Radiant heat found in infrared saunas is also helpful in reducing joint stiffness that can cause discomfort. Taking the time to relax in an infrared sauna also improves sleep, giving your body a chance to repair and restore.

Mind-Body Therapies

The mind is a powerful tool in managing pain naturally. Mindfulness is a necessary part of pain relief, as mentally handling the pain is just as impactful as physically managing it. When suffering from pain, finding the right coping mechanism can make all the difference.

Meditation, breathing exercises, and visualization are useful techniques when handling pain. By approaching the situation with a calm mind, it has been shown that you can reprogram your brain and the way it manages pain intensity.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, speak with your doctor before attempting any rigorous natural pain remedies. Be safe when introducing new practices to your routine, and stop immediately if your pain worsens.

When managing pain, it may take a few attempts and a combination of treatments to finally find relief. Adding one or two of these alternative pain management practices to your treatment can bring about the results you have been searching for – or at least will introduce you to a new practice that can help avoid injury and pain in the future.

Infrared Sauna Cleaning 101: Sauna Maintenance & Care Tips

Investing in an infrared sauna is the ultimate step toward investing in your health. Just like you need to take care of your body to keep it running smoothly, you need to take care of your infrared sauna. Making sure you take proper care of your infrared sauna ensures you’ll be able to enjoy its benefits for years to come. Read below to find tips that cover maintenance, cleaning, and care tips to keep your infrared sauna performing optimally!

Sauna accessories

Infrared Sauna Cleaning Tips

Because Clearlight® infrared saunas provide dry heat, they require very little cleaning. The interior can typically be cleaned with a simple wipe down with a damp cloth. Do a light cleaning after every use, and aim to do a slightly more thorough cleaning every two weeks or so to maintain optimal cleanliness.

When more than water is needed for a more thorough cleaning, you may use a sauna cleaning solution or make your own. To make your own sauna cleaner, diffuse a few drops of high-quality essential oil in water and lightly wipe down the interior of your infrared sauna for a mild clean and refresh. You can also make a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water to lightly scrub the wood and rinse for a deeper clean.

Using pure water will help reduce future maintenance as it avoids any minerals that may cause buildup in your infrared sauna. While unfiltered water is fine for cleaning, you can save yourself some additional work down the road by using filtered or distilled water.

How to Clean a Sauna Bench

Your sauna bench is the area that gets the most use during your sauna sessions. Because of this, you will need to take extra care to keep them clean. After each use, wipe the area down with a damp cloth. Perspiration stains are common to form from your body, and are nothing to worry about. If stains appear, remove them easily removed by lightly sanding the area.

Couple in sauna

How to Clean a Sauna Floor

Aside from the bench, the sauna floor is the most trafficked area of your sauna and can easily trap debris and bacteria. Use a vacuum hand attachment once per month to clean dust or dirt from your sauna that may have collected over the course of use. It is beneficial to mop your sauna floor from time to time with a sauna cleaning solution for a more thorough cleaning.

How to Clean Sauna Walls

The interior walls of your infrared sauna can be cleaned with the sauna cleaners mentioned above. For exterior walls, treat the wood like you would any piece of fine furniture. If using a polish (NOT paint or varnish) on the exterior wood, reapply when needed to maintain shine. Outdoor infrared saunas will require more exterior maintenance, and a periodic pressure washing will help keep the outside looking pristine.

How to Clean a Sauna Heater

Our Clearlight® infrared saunas naturally produce negative ions that help purify the air through the ceramic compound in True Wave heaters. Even so, your sauna heater may need an occasional wipe down. Simply use a damp sponge to wipe off any debris, fingerprints, or other buildup that may have collected over time. Just be sure the heater has cooled down prior to cleaning to prevent burns.

Infrared Sauna Maintenance Tips

Clean Yourself

Your body is the only way moisture, dirt, and dust can enter your infrared sauna. Because of this, you can minimize the chances of dirtying up your sauna by taking a quick rinse and dry before heading into your sauna session. If you cannot rinse off before entering, take extra care to clean away any debris you may have tracked in.

Use a Towel

When using your infrared sauna, use a towel on the bench and under your feet. On top of it adding another layer of comfort, this prevents stains forming in the wood from sweat, body oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. While the stains don’t affect performance, they can affect appearance.

Woman in sauna

Go All-Natural

Never varnish or paint your sauna. While you may want to match the wood to your decor, paints and stains prevent the natural wood from breathing. Breathing allows the wood to stay clean and feel “soft” with the heat.  You may, however, use furniture polish on the exterior.

Stay Dry

If you notice excess moisture after a session, wipe off any excess perspiration with a hand towel. You can also crack the door or roof vent and keep the sauna running for a few minutes once your session is over to evaporate any remaining moisture. This helps air out the sauna to keep it fresh.

Don’t Overdo It

Infrared sauna maintenance is quick and easy, so don’t worry about spending large amounts of time to clean. Taking the little steps after each use will minimize your work even more, so make the above sauna cleaning tips a habit.

With the proper care and attention, your Clearlight® infrared sauna will give you stellar performance for years to come. Make your sauna cleaning easier by taking the small steps along the way to prevent any issues from forming. Learning how to clean a sauna takes no time at all, and has long-lasting results.