Knowing Your Sauna: Near Infrared vs. Far Infrared Heat

You’ve made the wise decision to add a sauna to your home or business, and now it’s time to consider the details. What size sauna will best fit you? Where should you place the sauna? What style will fit most elegantly with your existing décor? And, what heat source do you want to use for your new sauna. While that last one seems like a no-brainer, this consideration is probably the single most important element to decide upon before purchasing the sauna. Sauna heat sources can take many forms, but we’ll focus on the differences between near infrared and far infrared heating elements, as infrared is truly the new standard in sauna heating systems today.

What Exactly Does Near Infrared Mean?

Near infrared light is contained within the spectrum of natural sunlight. The sun emits nearly half of its total energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum. We are biologically wired to use near infrared energy, much like sunlight is needed to produce vitamin D. Our bodies require this energy from sunlight to survive and to thrive.

Near infrared systems are effective at rejuvenating the skin, help raise core body temperature, improve circulation and can provide pain relief.

What Is a Far Infrared System?

Far infrared, now considered to be one of the leading heat sources for contemporary therapeutic saunas today operates in a similar manner to near infrared but differs in terms of wavelength. Science aside, the tangible benefits of far infrared are significant, as this system heats the body from within and produces the kind of profuse sweating normally only seen with traditional wet-dry sauna systems.

Most clinicians who recommend infrared saunas for healing or wellness purposes will tout the health benefits of a far infrared system. The additional benefits of far infrared saunas are detoxification, increasing your metabolism, weight loss and stress reduction just to name a few.

How Do Benefits Compare for Near vs. Far Infrared?

Detoxification

While both near and far infrared systems can detoxify the body, they go about it quite differently. Near infrared systems provide topical relief for skin issues and shallow body pain. The results are often less dramatic than what one would expect to see when using a far infrared system.

Far infrared systems can detoxify the body as much as seven times more effectively than standard sauna units because they produce heavy natural sweating that moves harmful elements out of the body quite quickly and also mobilizes toxins by inducing a fat based sweat.

Relaxation

Many sauna users report relaxation is one of the biggest reasons they purchased their new unit or visit their local sauna. Infrared sauna therapy, especially far infrared heating units, promote relaxation by balancing the body’s levels of cortisol – an important hormone in the body that regulates stress. The infrared heating units help muscles to relax and loosen, and since far infrared wavelengths mimic the body’s own emissions, they tend to impart a sense of rejuvenation in most individuals.

Weight Loss

According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association entitled Effect of Sweating, researchers discovered a simple half-hour sauna session could burn as many as 600 calories. This study was conducted using an infrared sauna system.

Near infrared saunas effectively raise your core body temperature to help burn calories. Far infrared saunas stimulate your metabolism, lower cortisol levels and slightly raise HGH to help with weight loss as well.

Due to the fact that far infrared sauna units tend to more effectively increase the body’s core temperature and safely increase heart rate, they may burn calories more easily than a near infrared unit or traditional sauna.

Skin Rejuvenation

One of the most exciting benefits of using a sauna is the glowing skin you’ll witness after just a few sessions. Two basic things have to happen in order to rejuvenate the skin – improving the body’s circulation and eliminating toxins from the pores of the skin.

Saunas, especially those using infrared technology, accomplish both of these. A near infrared system will effectively improve the topical surface of the skin, while the far infrared units help to promote toxin release through profuse sweating. Most sauna users will find that the sweating component helps to cleanse the skin quite effectively, thereby improving skin tone from the inside out.

Improved Circulation

While all saunas can therapeutically improve circulation and enhance blood flow to key areas of the body, infrared saunas do an impressive job of boosting circulation, all while keeping the user comfortable. Middle to far infrared heating units penetrate deeply and help to stimulate blood flow, minimize pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance muscle recovery.

Are Near & Far Infrared Saunas Safe?

The answer is – yes! Think about it this way, hospitals use infrared heating lamps to warm newborn babies. Unlike exposing yourself to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed, you cannot burn yourself with infrared heat. There are no known dangers to using an infrared heat source in your sauna.

As always, you’ll want to monitor your body temperature to ensure you don’t overheat. Keep adequately hydrated, too. And, check with your doctor to make sure you are medically cleared to use a sauna and that you don’t have any preexisting conditions that would make sauna use inadvisable. Saunas are incredibly safe, and infrared units provide real therapy without the oppressive heat of a traditional sauna.

Now that you have a good understanding of near infrared vs. far infrared heat, which sauna type do you feel will serve you best? Near infrared units tend to promote topical healing and mild pain relief quite effectively, but far infrared heating units are incredibly effective at removing toxins, improving circulation, and relaxing the muscles. Most experts agree that if you’re really looking to get the maximum therapeutic benefits from your sauna session you’ll want to go for a unit that offers all three spectrum. These are called Full Spectrum saunas and offer near, mid and far infrared.

What are Toxins and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

We often hear a lot about detoxing, but exactly what are toxins? Just the word alone sounds frightening and instantly strikes up worry. According to the dictionary definition, a toxin is a poisonous substance that is the result of metabolic activities. Simply put, a toxin is something harmful to our bodies. The definition of a toxin tends to be vague because of the different types of toxins. Toxins are generally classified as either an internal toxin or an external toxin. It’s important to understand what toxins are so that you know how to identify and get rid of them in your body.

What are Internal Toxins?

Internal toxins are naturally produced by our bodies as part of our daily functions. Our bodies are constantly using energy to rebuild body tissue and replace worn out cells. Throughout this process, they’re also producing waste or internal toxins. These toxins need to be broken down, recycled, and eliminated. While our bodies have automatic processes to carry out these tasks, they can’t always address built-up toxins. Without proper detoxification, these toxins can clog your system and cause damage to surrounding tissue, organs, and cells.

What are External Toxins?

External toxins are the toxins outside of our bodies that can be ingested or absorbed. Whether chemical or microbial, external toxins enter the body through food, water, air, or physical contact with skin. These toxins can affect your overall health and wellness.

What are the most common external toxins?

• Bisphenol A and Phthalates, commonly referred to as BPA, are toxic substances that exist in cheap plastic drinking bottles. While most bottles with BPA have been phased out, some still use them and should be avoided. A 2015 study confirmed that about 44% of canned food producers still use BPA-lined cans.

• Environmental toxins like smog, airborne particulates, and smoke can wreak havoc on our eyes, lungs, and sinuses. They can remain in our bodies for an extended time after exposure.

• Environmental toxins can be transferred to common indoor spaces like homes, offices, or commercial buildings.

• Household chemicals are also guilty of introducing toxins into indoor living spaces. Common surface cleaners can emit dangerous fumes that may concentrate in small, enclosed areas. Even pet products may contain toxic elements that can harm both you and your pet.

Common Signs of Toxins in Your Body

You may want to consider a detoxification routine if you see any of the following indicators:

• You have trouble losing weight especially inches in a particular area. Many toxins naturally gravitate toward the fatty areas of the body. These toxins are called lipophilic and can include PCBs, dioxins, and pesticides.

• You’re tired all the time even though you’re getting enough sleep. Toxin overload can cause problems with the adrenal glands and that often manifests as unexplained exhaustion. A long-term effect of toxin build up is chronic stress, which can trigger feelings of sleepiness and overall fatigue.

• Frequent headaches can also be a sign of toxicity, especially those that are unexplained or don’t stem from a normal source. MSG, artificial sweeteners, and various food preservatives may trigger headaches due to their inherently toxic properties.

• Moodiness can indicate that your body hormones are out of balance. A proven contributor to hormone disruption is toxic chemicals like BPA, PCBs, and phthalates. Minimizing exposure to plastics can help reduce harmful toxic loads.

• Aches and pains can indicate a high toxic load in some individuals. Various toxins act to stimulate pain receptors in the muscles. This can lead to spasms, aches and pains, muscle knots, and general discomfort.

Detoxification – How Does it Work?

In its simplest terms, detoxification is a process that removes poisonous or harmful substances from your body. Impurities are removed from the liver, which is where the body’s toxins are stored and processed prior to elimination. A good detoxification will also cleanse the intestines, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. Detoxification is important because it effectively removes or greatly eliminates the harmful toxins that can accumulate inside our bodies. Whether these toxins are internal, external, or acquired from toxic behavior, better health is often just a few weeks away when an appropriate detox method is used.
Here are several ways to cleanse the body and minimize toxins in your system:
Hydrate
One of the most important ways to minimize harmful elements in the body is to stay hydrated. You should drink at least two quarts of water per day. This amount should increase if you’re exercising a lot or using a sauna on a regular basis.
Eat fiber
Your diet should include plenty of fiber in it. Fiber enables your body to process and move waste products through your system as efficiently as possible. Organically grown fruits and vegetables both introduce fiber into your diet and limit the amount of pesticides in your system.

Exercise regularly
An hour of cardio exercise every day can help detoxify the body. Any physical activity that gets your heart pumping is a great detoxification option. Exercising regularly will help detox and cleanse your system from the inside out.
Sauna
Using a sauna can remove toxins from your body quicker than any other method available. A good sauna session will promote profuse sweating. That sweat acts as a transport vehicle for getting harmful toxins out of the body.

Using a Sauna for Detoxification

Sweating is a natural process for the elimination of toxins in the body. While we can’t avoid all harmful toxins out there, we can encourage the removal of toxins from our systems through our skin – and sweating is a great way to do it! Using an infrared sauna on a regular basis can help to remove heavy metals and toxins quite quickly. To do so, begin by using a sauna at least twice a week for 15-20 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re able to remain in the sauna until you can comfortably complete five 30-minute sessions each week.

Woman using an infrared sauna for detoxification

Research shows that far-infrared saunas work better than traditional saunas because they deliver deep infrared energy into the body. Infrared sauna detoxification helps remove toxins more effectively than traditional steam saunas. IR units are also generally more comfortable to use than steam-based saunas, so you may be more likely to actually detox your system as often as possible.
Just remember, don’t stay in the sauna more than 30 minutes. Take it easy f\or at least 10 minutes after exiting the sauna. And, be sure to drink lots of water after the sauna session.
With everything our bodies go through each day, detoxing should be a top priority for everyone. Using a sauna can make the detoxification process enjoyable and, it offers a variety of other health benefits.

Saunas, Sweat & Summer: Sauna Weight Loss Tips for Summer

With summer in full effect, losing weight is definitely on the top of everyone’s to-do lists. For most people, it always seems to be those last few pounds we just can’t shed off. We all know that diet and exercise are the fundamental keys to losing weight and staying healthy but, did you know that an infrared sauna can help shed those extra pounds? Here are some basic sauna weight loss tips to help you get your summer body in shape.

Saunas = Sweat!

A sauna is designed to make you sweat by heating your body in a safe and controlled manner. Pro athletes and fitness professionals use saunas to quickly lose a few pounds by sweating out water weight. An example is professional boxers or wrestlers who must weigh in at a specific weight on a certain date. They often use saunas to sweat out excess fluids to hit that perfect weight goal. While many of them do rebound and rehydrate their way back up to a slightly higher weight, there’s no denying that saunas promote weight loss. Also, a typical sauna increases circulation and makes you sweat more often. This energizes your metabolism to burn more calories throughout the day. The trick is to combine regular sauna use with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and appropriate levels of hydration.

Infrared saunas, in addition to the water weight loss, help raise your core body temperature, lower cortisol level and slightly increase your HGH. All of these contribute to real and long term weight loss.

Shed Pounds with a Sauna

To ensure the ideal level of detoxification, sweat production, and weight loss, you’ll want to use your sauna 4-7 times per week. Most individuals who are new to sauna use may find this excessive. If you fall into this category, start by using a sauna twice per week. Gradually increase your sauna use until you can tolerate a daily 30-40 minute session. Make sure that you drink water before and after each session so you stay comfortable and hydrated at all times.

Aside from regular sauna use, make sure to also have a comprehensive fitness plan that incorporates diet, exercise, and hydration. Work with your fitness and/or healthcare professional to create a plan that includes these elements as well as your sauna use. Most fitness professionals will suggest that you use the sauna soon after working out. This allows the warm air of the sauna to loosen muscles, relieve aches and pains, and generally shorten the overall recovery time between workouts.

General Sauna Weight Loss Tips

First off, and hopefully we’ve made this quite evident already, you must combine dedicated sauna time with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise to lose weight. But the sauna time will certainly help, and if you’re not familiar with the benefits of a top-quality sauna, you’ll be amazed at how good you feel once you commit to the process.

Keep these tips in mind when trying to losing weight with a sauna:
• Watch your diet. Try to limit your intake of artificial ingredients, caffeine, alcohol and processed food items. This will help trigger even greater weight loss and overall health benefits.
• Always drink more water than usual when using a sauna. You’ll sweat during your sauna session, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day (especially before and after you use a sauna).
• Make it a social exercise. By inviting others into your sauna routine, you’ll make the entire process much more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll have a sense of motivation to continue the routine even if you’re feeling lazy or uninspired.
• Use your sauna after working out to relax your mind and body. Exercise tends to drive the release of endorphins, which trigger happy feelings in the body and perk up the system. A sauna can also lift the spirits, but it does so in a more subdued way than vigorous exercise.

Other Benefits of a Sauna besides Weight Loss

• Detoxification
Saunas do a good job of detoxifying the body by flushing out harmful elements through sweat and your other elimination systems but, the best results are usually seen with infrared saunas. The reason is simple – IR saunas promote a deeper sweat and users often don’t need as much time in the sauna as normal models. Sweating is a natural way to detoxify the body and promote a balanced system.
• Relaxation
There are few things as effective as a sauna when it comes to relaxing the body and spirit. Saunas promote better circulation that stimulates the muscles and joints. This stimulation generally means faster recovery times and less joint aches and pains for those committed to their exercise routines.

• Healthier Skin
The intense yet controlled heat from the sauna stimulates circulation. This helps improve skin tone and flush out toxins that can make us look prematurely old. Sauna treatments also boost collagen production to promote a more even skin tone among frequent users.
• Fewer Colds
Infrared saunas, in particular, have claimed to increase white blood cell counts. This can help minimize the effects and duration of the common cold and flu. Infrared Saunas also raise your core body temperature creating an artificial fever that will help ward off colds and flu.
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to encourage the loss of those last few pounds this summer, consider including a sauna into your weekly diet and exercise routine. With regular sauna use – and these sauna weight loss tips – you’ll feel confident and healthy in no time at all!

Infrared Saunas and Allergies

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), consisting of the sympathetic and parasympathetic components, operates below consciousness to control these systems. The ANS controls heartbeat, digestive function, respiratory rate, salivation, stress and immune response, dilation of pupils, sexual arousal and adrenaline secretions of excitatory hormones. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems balance out each other, working together or sometimes inhibiting specific responses. In allergy patients subpar or hypo-sympathetic inhibiting activity allows for the over response of the immune system. The ANS then over responds in a big way to supress this over response when it may not be necessary.

Allergies include stuffiness, itching and sneezing and can be caused by pollen, dust and animal dander. An inflammation of the nasal airways, allergic rhinitis is linked with a sensitized immune system that overreacts to what should be a benign stimulant. For example, cat hair should not be a cause for concern to your health, right?

Khon Kaen University, Thailand Study

Current medicinal therapeutic options include avoidance, drugs and immunotherapy, but recent investigations suggest that to eliminate allergies an infrared sauna may be used to modify the body’s ANS. The clinical findings from the School of Physical Therapy, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, were published in their June 2013 article in the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology.

The study looked at the impact of six weeks of sauna treatment on the ANS, peak nasal inspiratory flow and lung function in patients suffering allergies. They were looking to see if infrared sauna use shifts the body’s ANS and therefore impacts the underlying cause of the allergic reaction?

The 26 patients were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. Some received health education and otherwise maintained a normal life. The sauna group received sauna treatment over a six-week period, three days per week, totaling 30 minutes. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured to study the autonomic nervous response including the balance of sympathetic to parasympathetic activity; peak nasal inspiratory flow and lung function were measured at the beginning and after three and six weeks of sauna.

There were significant changes in HRV after six weeks of sauna indicating a favorable shift in ANS for treatment of allergic rhinitis. The high frequency or overactive component of the ANS was lower while the low frequency inhibiting component was higher in the sauna treatment group than the control patients. The peak nasal flow and the forced expiratory volume were “significantly higher” in sauna patients. The six weeks of repeated sauna treatment can increase sympathetic activity as well respiratory volume in patients with allergic rhinitis, the article says.

Journal Ter Arkh, Russia Study

In a Russian language journal doctors who used sauna therapy for children with atopic dermatitis, which can be allergy related, found it “improves the condition of their autonomic nervous system.” They noted the “marked clinical response” that could “necessitate long-term sauna treatment to cure this disease.”

In the journal Ter Arkh, the use of an infrared sauna as part of therapy of 107 patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis “resulted in a rapid time course of clinical symptoms of diseases, reduced the adaptation period at a health resort, produced a bronchodilatatory effect and helped to return cardiodynamics to normal…”

Each symptom of rhinitis was rated on a 4-point scale according to severity. During the period of far infrared therapy, the symptoms of eye and nasal itching, stuffiness, rhinorrhea and sneezing were all improved. Smell impairment was not improved until after the last treatment. No obvious adverse effect were observed in the patients during treatment and follow-up. The scientists concluded that FIR therapy “could improve the symptoms of AR” and “might serve as a novel treatment modality.”

Why Sauna Materials Matter

Far infrared or FIR saunas vary in shape, size, material, and construction. Every element that makes up your sauna will have an effect on the level of health benefits (or risks) it provides. Some saunas contain potentially harmful materials as a cheap alternative to more quality sauna materials. These types of shortcuts aren’t worth investing in for the sauna you choose for your home or business.

Sauna Wood

First, consider the wood used in the sauna. FIR saunas are often made of spruce, redwood, hemlock, poplar, basswood or cedar. Cedar has long been the go-to choice and continues to be the top option of infrared saunas today. The best type of cedar is Western Red Canadian Cedar. Be sure the cedar used in the sauna is sustainable sourced and eco-friendly.

Cedar is resistant to cracking and splitting when heated and cooled since it’s a soft wood. It’s also the longest lasting sauna wood available. It naturally eliminates the presence of molds and bacteria – and important consideration as you decide on sauna materials, since the warm and moist area of a sauna is a prime environment for both. Finally, Western Red Canadian cedar is non-aromatic cedar and has a very faint cedar smell so even the most sensitive people will love their cedar infrared sauna.

Sauna Heaters

The heater in your sauna is an important sauna material for obvious reasons, since it will be responsible for the type of experience you receive in your sauna. There are two main types of heaters to consider: carbon and ceramic. Carbon panel heaters are larger in size, distribute infrared heat more evenly, and produce high quality, long wave infrared heat, but typically, at a weaker level.

Ceramic-based heaters emit a greater amount of infrared heat than carbon panels, but create hot spots in the sauna and produce lower quality shorter infrared waves. A combination of the two provides the best of both worlds providing beneficial long wave infrared heat and a lot of it.

Electromagnetic Fields or EMFs

Consider the amount of electromagnetic fields (EMF) when researching the varying factors and sauna materials for your FIR sauna. Continual exposure to high levels of EMFs can be harmful to the health.

In everyday life, we are subject to EMF from the moment we turn on the lights in the morning to our time spent in front of a computer during the day. Fortunately, the level of EMF exposure is relatively low in normal work or home environments, but adding any exposure puts us at risk for reaching a dangerous level. A low EMF infrared sauna ensures exposure rates stay within the threshold of what is considered safe.

Infrared heat has been used as a therapeutic benefit for years with the quality of sauna materials improving over time. As a result, you benefit from a better product and more optimal experience. This makes all the difference when choosing the sauna best suited for you.

Understanding EMF & ELF When Buying an Infrared Sauna

Due to its numerous health benefits, far infrared or FIR saunas continue to rise in popularity. They have been known to help people lose weight, reduce stress, ease chronic pain, and help the body detox. However, not all FIR saunas are created equal when comparing the level of exposure to EMF or electromagnetic fields. For this reason, it’s important to have an understanding of EMF and ELF when purchasing a sauna.

Most people who buy saunas use them multiple times a week for up to 30-40 minutes per session. Repeated exposure to a high level of EMF could be harmful to their health. Not all sauna models conduct the same frequency levels, and the good news is there are low EMF saunas available.

The solution is to ensure the far infrared sauna you are buying or using does not expose you to a high-EMF environment. With updated technology and modernized design, FIR saunas with low EMF and ELF are an option. Understanding how a FIR sauna works and the associated safety information is important to know before purchasing a sauna for your home or business.

What Is EMF?

Radiation is the invisible energy produced by electricity. Also referred to as electric and magnetic fields, these areas move a current through a wire and are all around us. The EMF fields are measured in milligauss (mG) and the ELF fields are measured in volts per meter. People who are highly sensitive to EMF can reduce exposure by eliminating or reducing the use of electrical devices in the home. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are energy waves with frequency levels below 300 hertz or cycles per second.

There are two types of EMFs: higher-frequency and low- to mid-frequency. Someone exposed to a higher-frequency EMF, is subject to possible DNA or cell damage. While the research does not show low-frequency levels to be as harmful as higher frequencies, some people are very sensitive to the low-frequency.

What Is ELF?

Extremely low frequency (ELF) are electric fields with frequencies from 3 to 30 hertz. It is a non-ionizing radiation and sits on the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Although most devices sit on this low frequency field, flat screens that use cathode ray tubes may expose people to a higher level of ELF radiation, but the amount still falls well below the government threshold. People can reduce their exposure to ELFs by turning off electrical devices not in use and immediately repair any faulty wiring which may generate higher ELF levels.

Health Concerns Linked to EMF

Different studies show varying results that increased exposure to high levels of EMF can lead to health problems including cancer, birth defects, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. EMF levels at increased rates have also been linked to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and skin rashes.

Most of what we are exposed to in our typical environments are at such low EMF levels, we are not at risk. However, with the increase of technology and electrical devices we occupy ourselves with on a daily basis, any chance we have to reduce our exposure is best for our health.

Choose a Low EMF Sauna

To receive maximum benefit from your infrared sauna you will want to use your sauna 3-5 times per week. The more you use your infrared sauna, the more important it is to choose a low EMF and low ELF infrared sauna.

Far infrared saunas have a number of health benefits to offer every user. With infrared heating, the air temperature stays low. It is less about heating the air in the sauna itself and more about heating the human body and raising your core body temperature.

With the understanding of EMF, the general recommended use for a FIR sauna is 20-40 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times a week. Also, because the heat of the sauna helps a body sweat out toxins, it’s best to rinse off afterwards so the toxins are not reabsorbed into the skin.

In order to take advantage and not negate any of the therapeutic and wellness benefits a FIR sauna provides, it’s best to choose a low EMF infrared sauna option to limit exposure to harmful rays.

10 Tips for Sauna Selection

Now that you’ve decided to enhance your overall health and wellness with an infrared sauna, how do you decide which one to purchase? Although the sauna selection process may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Here are 10 helpful tips to ensure you make a sound investment when selecting an infrared sauna.

1: Decide on DIY or Kit

You can choose to build your own custom sauna or you can select from a variety of sauna kits that come with everything you need and install in about an hour.

Ask yourself: ‘How handy am I?’ If your idea of being handy is changing the occasional lightbulb, set your sights on an easy-to-assemble package ready to be put together this weekend. Now, if you’re the jack-of-all-trades, get-it-done-myself type, prove your worth and DIY it from the ground up!

2: Select the Appropriate Sauna Size

Will it just be you or will others be enjoying the sauna as well? Some infrared saunas only accommodate one person at a time. These models may work well if you are looking for a private sanctuary, but can be limiting if used in a family or group setting. A variety of different size FIR saunas are available to ensure you can find a model during your sauna selection to accommodate your individual needs.

3: Choose the Location

Measure the location where the sauna will be placed. What are the dimensions of the allotted space and is there an adequate electrical outlet nearby?

Although infrared saunas have far fewer space and electrical requirements than a steam room, there are a few things to think about before deciding on a location and a model. Factors like ease of access, impact on existing location utility, and the view from inside are important to keep in mind.

4: Find the Right Sauna Wood

Infrared saunas can be composed of various types of wood. Durable wood choices like spruce or cedar are premium sauna selections and should be preferred over materials such as plywood. Cedar, in particular is highly resistant to splitting and shrinking. During the sauna selection process this is something to consider for sweating and detoxifying.

5: Understand the Heating System – Ceramic vs. Carbon vs. Both

Ceramic heaters represent the original infrared sauna heater and have been around for many years. They can get much hotter than a carbon heater and have a longer warm up time to reach their optimal temperature. They are also challenged when providing an even room temperature and often create hot or cold areas. The surface area of these heaters can get quite hot and produce a relatively short infrared wavelength so will not offer as much benefit as a carbon based heater.

Carbon heaters are thin, light, and provide an even and safe surface temperature and they can last up to 50 years! One of the most distinctive features of a carbon heater is its ability to distribute heat evenly throughout the sauna. It heats up quickly (in about 10 minutes) which results in a less expensive energy bill, yet they are not as hot as a ceramic heater when touched. Carbon heaters produce a longer infrared wave and will be more in tune with the human body.

Each heater delivers pros and cons, but which one is best? Clearlight Saunas® is in the process of patenting the only Carbon/Ceramic infrared sauna heater to offer the best of both worlds. The Clearlight True Wave II infrared sauna heater provides the long beneficial waves of a carbon heater and the high output of a ceramic heater combined into one heater.

Also, make sure your infrared sauna has heaters all around you. Many companies do not use front wall heaters in their saunas. All Clearlight Saunas® have heaters on the back wall, front wall, side walls, under the bench, by your calves and in the floor. You are surrounded by infrared heat.

6: Think Safety

Most FIR sauna users are looking to improve health, making safety an important consideration when deciding what sauna to buy. When purchasing an infrared sauna, it is crucial to consider the Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Electric Fields (ELF). The EPA has put in place a 3mG (milligauss) safety limit for EMF levels for human exposure. Where you are sitting in the a Clearlight Sauna® , the EMF levels are virtually zero.

7: Ensure Quality

Look for the highest quality and craftsmanship possible during your sauna selection process. This will ensure you are making a solid investment in a sauna that is built to last.

Here are a few important quality factors to consider:
• No VOC glues should be used to ensure there is no unhealthy outgassing.
• A timer to monitor your sessions to ensure you are following recommended duration times.
• Kiln-dried/air dried, fine-grain wood construction to minimize warping and cracking and to offer a beautiful look.• An even heat that radiates from all areas of the sauna to ensure a consistent temperature throughout and infrared heat over your entire body.

8: Get an Optimal Warranty

Gather all information about the warranty and what coverage entails. If you are buying from a third party, it may be difficult to get in touch with the manufacturer and the warranty may be limited. Here are a few things to ensure are covered in your infrared sauna warranty.

• Heating System
• Power Supply
• Control Panel
• Wood
• Glass

9: Demand Stellar Customer Service

Consider your FIR sauna purchase an investment. Like any other major purchase, you will want peace of mind in knowing you will be well taken care of if anything happens to go wrong.

Much like the warranty considerations, buying from a third party vendor can leave you without adequate customer service. Be sure that you know where to call with any questions or concerns before you decide to buy.

10: Make it Fun with Customization!

Are you interested in light therapy? How about an audio system? There are a variety of entertainment options that can be added to your infrared sauna to make your experience more exciting and customized to your tastes.

The considerations may seem endless when shopping for the right infrared sauna. Using these sauna selection tips as you start your search can help you make an informed decision in no time! Taking the time to research the specific models, materials, and companies ahead of time will ensure you find a reputable infrared sauna company and the right sauna for you.

Can Relaxing in a Clearlight Infrared Sauna Really Help You Lose Weight?

In short, the answer is YES!

How is that possible?

First of all, weight gain and the inability to lose weight can be attributed to a build-up of toxins. Often times these toxins are stored in fat cells making it impossible to lose fat and thus lose weight. By detoxing your body through sessions in a Clearlight Infrared Sauna, your body has the ability to then shed fat that results in weight loss.

Second, the warm radiant heat stimulates your cardiovascular system and increases circulation. Your heart rate is raised and blood flow improves which pushes blood to capillaries and extremities. This of course burns calories resulting in weight loss. Burning calories combined with the elimination of toxins in fat cells can also result in a reduction in cellulite. So you will look thinner and toned as you are achieving your weight loss goals!

Finally, relaxing in your sauna is excellent for reducing stress levels. High stress levels cause cortisol production and that is associated with excess fat around the hips, thighs and belly. By ending this cycle of cortisol production, your body has the opportunity to shed that excess weight caused by stress.

Many studies show that a 30-minute session in your infrared sauna have been documented to burn 250+ calories! How many other ways can you sit and relax, watch your favorite show, meditate or read a book and still shed unwanted pounds?

A recent study at Binghamton University State University of New York showed conclusively that people using a Clearlight Infrared Sauna three times a week can eliminate an average of 4% body fat over a four month period. For a 175 lb man, that represents a reduction of seven pounds of unneeded weight. Control groups that did not use the Clearlight Sauna in the study showed no weight loss. ⁱ

A healthy diet and proper hydration are key to good health as well, but a Clearlight Infrared Sauna can help you achieve your weight loss goals much quicker and easier!

Staying Hydrated Can Taste and Even Look Good Too!

Our bodies transports most of our nutrients in the blood and the blood is made up of 82% water. Our muscles are composed of 75% water: our brain 76% water; our lungs 90% and our bones contain 25% water. It is imperative we drink enough water when you sit in your Clearlight Infrared Sauna.

So how can we spruce up our water to make it enticing? These recipes will make you want to drink more water . By washing your organs daily with fresh water, we assist our bodies in eliminating toxins.

Ideally one would drink your water at room temperature but cooler is fine too – and for me more enjoyable while in my infrared sauna. You can flavor water quickly with just a slice of fresh ginger and a slice of something citrus and an ice cube.. If you want to make a pitcher to drink throughout the day, here are a couple quick recipes. (The pitcher can be left on the counter or refrigerator for the day, but discard at the end of the evening)

Tasty Citrus Water
Fill a pitcher with 8 cups of purified water
Cut citrus fruits thinly:
2 organic organic lemons
2 organic limes
1 medium size organic orange
3 one inch pieces of raw organic fresh ginger (great for digestion and gives the water a “kick”)
For maximum taste, let the water marinate for a few hours before drinking
Berry Good Water
Fill a pitcher with 8 cups of purified water
-Cup of strawberries raspberries – any berries cut in half,
-A couple lemon and or lime slices
Ice Cubes
Into each cube of your ice tray, fill and freeze overnight:
Add purified water and place a single mint leaf and a small piece of pineapple in each cube
Place lemon water in each cube
Add a single strawberry and piece of lemon rind
Note: These fancy ice cubes can spice up any water glass of still or sparkling water.

Stay hydrated during your infrared sauna sessions. Drink water before you get into the sauna and then bring a large bottle of water into the sauna with you to keep hydryated. One rule of thumb we recommend is if you feel thirsty after you get out of your sauna, you did not drink enough water during your sauna session.

Infrared Saunas and Pain Relief

Relieve Pain With Infrared Sauna Therapy

The soothing and relaxing heat from a Clearlight Infrared Sauna offers a variety of healing benefits including a significant reduction in chronic pain often even after the first use! According to Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, a sports medicine expert from the University of Southern California and consultant to Lance Armstrong, “infrared wavelengths penetrate the body to create heat, which creates profound therapeutic benefits. They increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more concentrated oxygen, which creates more energy to heal.” 1

A study reported in Clinical Rheumatology showed that infrared saunas gave significant relief for patients with chronic pain (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Four weeks of 30-minute, twice-weekly sessions in an infrared sauna resulted in a 40 percent improvement in pain and stiffness. 2
A recent study published in Internal Medicine, showed that patients with chronic pain saw their pain levels drop by nearly 70% after their first session of infrared sauna therapy. Pain scores remained low throughout the observation period. 3

How Do Infrared Saunas Work To Ease Pain?

Our bodies are held together by a web like structure that weaves itself all through the body called fascia. A good metaphor for understanding how fascia plays a role in relaxation is to think of a knitted sweater: if you pull on one string of yarn the entire sweater can unravel. Similarly, as one part of the fascia web begins to relax and unwind, your whole body follows in kind.

With infrared therapy, the infrared wave penetrates 1.5” to 2” into the body stimulating a relaxation response allowing the muscles and tendons to unwind and release tension. The penetrating heat also raises the core body temperature which creates a “false fever” in the body forcing the immune system to spring into action and start making more white blood cells. The result is a reduction in swelling and inflammation, two major factors in easing chronic pain.
In addition, as the infrared heat elevates your core body temperature, capillaries and arteries dilate to increase blood flow allowing more oxygen rich blood to travel to areas of tension and pain. Your muscles, joints, and soft tissue experience relief and healing.

You emerge from a 20-30 minute session in your infrared sauna feeling relaxed and renewed!

http://www.cancerdefeated.com/newsletters/Infrared-Saunas-A-Fun-Relaxing-Way-to-Detox.html
Clinical Rheumatology, January 2009
Internal Medicine (Tokyo) Aug 15, 2008 by Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. The First Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.