Sauna Health Benefits Archives

Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension or high blood pressure. This is why taking control of your health through everyday choices is so important. As February marks American Heart Month, learn more about how to reduce high blood pressure naturally. With these healthy lifestyle changes, you can make a difference in your quality of life and help reduce your chances of illness. In this blog,

we will discuss simple tweaks, everything from exercises to infrared sauna use. You may be surprised to learn that these easy changes can last you a lifetime!

American Heart Month

February is a time for people across the country and beyond to come together to create awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention. American Heart Month is a necessary time to shine a light on heart health as hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke and heart disease, both being two of the leading causes of death in the country. Understanding risk factors for heart disease can help us live a more heart-healthy life.

There is a lot of work to be done across all age groups, not just among older adults. Taking steps to prevent high blood pressure can be done at any age to help keep up with heart health and reduce the chances of heart disease down the road.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Before learning about the causes of high blood pressure, you may be wondering what blood pressure is. Blood pressure is the pressure with which circulating blood pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day based on your physical activities.

High blood pressure is when the level of pressure is consistently higher than normal. A normal blood pressure is considered 120/80, while elevated levels are when your systolic blood pressure is between 120-129 and your diastolic pressure is less than 80. High blood pressure can increase your risk for other health conditions, especially those related to the heart.

High blood pressure can be caused by many different factors and usually develops over time. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and lack of physical activity can exacerbate the condition. Other health issues such as obesity and diabetes can also impact your blood pressure. Pregnant women can experience high blood pressure postpartum too.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Myth: Nervousness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, sweating, headaches, and facial flushing are symptoms of high blood pressure.

FACT: High blood pressure is a “silent killer” and largely has no symptoms.

If you are looking for a list of high blood pressure symptoms, you won’t find it here (or anywhere for that matter), as high blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms. Most people with high blood pressure, even those receiving dangerously high blood pressure readings, are symptomless. Many can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure is the only way to know for certain if you have high blood pressure. With the support of your healthcare team, you can take steps to control your blood pressure if it measures too high.

You can measure your blood pressure:

At your primary care doctor’s office.
At most pharmacies.
At home by purchasing a home blood pressure monitor.

How to Reduce Blood Pressure Naturally

According to the CDC, nearly 116 million adults in the United States take medication for hypertension, which can become incredibly costly. Country-wide high blood pressure costs amount to $131 billion each year, but there are natural ways to improve your health daily and reduce your chances of having hypertension.

By managing or preventing health conditions you may already have and by making healthy choices, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. While you should always speak to your doctor to find the best health options for you, below are some examples of natural lifestyle changes that may help lower blood pressure.

Keep a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can exponentially increase your risk for health issues, including high blood pressure. Work with your healthcare provider to come up with a plan to lose or maintain a healthy weight, which may include practices such as exercise, diet, sleep, hormone balancing, or other lifestyle changes.

Live a Physically Active Life

Physical activity is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health because it can help you maintain a healthy weight AND lower your blood pressure. Getting regular moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week for at least 30 minutes is recommended for all adults.

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A great way to avoid high blood pressure and its complications is through your diet. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a flexible and heart-conscious dietary plan that has been a proven record of helping people lower their blood pressure. The diet includes:

Eating fruits and vegetables
Limiting foods with saturated fats and including more fat-free or low-fat options
Limiting sweets
Reducing sodium/salt intake

Talk to your doctor about what dietary changes you can take to take control of your blood pressure.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is proven to raise your blood pressure and put you at risk for stroke or heart attack. Quitting smoking is a great way to care for your overall health. Speak to your physician about ways they can support you during this journey. If you do not smoke, do not start, as once you do it is harder to quit.

Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol is also proven to raise blood pressure. Limiting your consumption, or not drinking alcohol at all, will help you live a healthy life. If you do drink, the CDC recommends men should not have more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day, and women should not exceed 1 drink per day.

Use an Infrared Sauna

You may be wondering, how is an infrared sauna good for high blood pressure? Recent studies have shown that consistent infrared sauna use may help reduce blood pressure levels and help decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease by strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation, increasing resting heart rate, reducing both physical and mental stress, and helping maintain a healthy weight.

Try Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy, or color light therapy, can be a helpful tool in reducing stress, which in turn can help reduce blood pressure. Many infrared saunas come equipped with chromotherapy lights, which allow you to feel the heart health benefits of infrared heat on top of the calming effects of certain colors. Blue, purple, and green have been known to help reduce stress and improve mood.

Manage Other Health Conditions

When looking to reduce your risk for high blood pressure, managing other health conditions you may already have should be one of the first steps. Controlling pre-existing health issues, such as diabetes, can help you focus on other areas of your health.

People with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure to a healthy range by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Understanding what positive lifestyle changes you can make can keep you away from the risk of more serious heart issues such as heart disease and stroke. Speak with your doctor for the best course of action for your health, and with a few daily choice changes, you can take control of your health for a lifetime.

8 Home Gadgets to Create Your Health & Wellness Sanctuary

Going to the spa is a nice treat, but having the tools and equipment at home to create your own health and wellness sanctuary can be a game changer. Having a home sanctuary can allow you to have access to health and wellness 24/7, because you deserve to treat yourself whenever you want to. From infrared saunas and red light therapy towers to halotherapy generators, see how to create your own at-home sanctuary and learn what the best health gadgets are to keep your wellness space up to date!

Infrared Sauna

One of the best ways to practice wellness at home is with an infrared sauna. When a daily 20-minute session can help bring health benefits like reduced stress, detoxification, weight loss, and pain relief, infrared sauna use is an easy and effective way to improve your health. An infrared sauna at home is one of the best health gadgets as it provides a range of benefits unlike other health devices for the home that only address one area.

There are many different ways to enjoy infrared therapy at home, whether you want a personal 1-person sauna, a 5-person sauna for practicing hot yoga, or even a sauna dome that can make your sauna sessions a little more portable. And if you’re designing a beautiful home sanctuary, Clearlight® Infrared Saunas offer beautiful craftsmanship to really make your house feel like a luxury spa.

On top of the regular sauna health benefits, you can boost your infrared experience with enhancements such as chromotherapy, halotherapy, and red light therapy to create the ultimate home sanctuary for your health and wellness.

Chromotherapy Device

Color light therapy, or chromotherapy, is the practice of using colors to correct imbalances in the body. Each color aids in healing a different physical, emotional, or mental aspect of your life. This practice is typically seen in spas, but can easily be incorporated into your everyday life with your own home sanctuary with color light therapy gadgets as it can be easily incorporated into your home wellness routine through a number of methods.

Chromotherapy can be a wonderful addition to infrared heat therapy in a sauna and can help boost sauna health benefits even further. You can also turn your shower into a relaxing chromotherapy oasis with a color light therapy shower head, or improve your skin care regimen with a rejuvenating chromotherapy face mask that can help target specific skin issues.

Halotherapy Generator

Halotherapy, or salt therapy, is a practice that has been around for centuries to use the healing properties of salt. What used to be reserved for large salt rooms you can now enjoy at home with a compact HALOONE® halotherapy generator. These generators produce microscopic particles of salt that are distributed into the air in a room free of humidity and a user spends 20-30 minutes inhaling the salt particles.

Exposure to these salt microparticles can help provide relief from a number of ailments ranging from skin health to respiratory health. Halotherapy generators are a great health device for the home, as it allows you to easily create a healthy environment. It’s best to do it in an enclosed space for the best exposure, such as a home infrared sauna, which will also help combine the benefits of infrared and salt therapies.

UV Disinfectant Wand

Harmful germs and bacteria are everywhere, even at home. Having a safe environment in your health and wellness sanctuary is important to give you peace of mind once you come home. Cleaning your space with disinfectant sprays and wipes are a good start, but using a UV disinfecting wand can help keep your other health and wellness gadgets staying as clean as possible.

Emitting both UV-C and UV-A, the Clearlight® UV Wand damages the DNA and RNA in bacteria and viruses rendering them harmless, and works 10x faster than most fluorescent UV devices and up to 2x more powerful than other LED UV devices. Use it on any surface you touch often, including your phone, handles on your home spa or gym equipment, or wherever else you want a deeper clean.

Red Light Tower

Red light therapy, or RLT, is a technique used to help promote healthy cell growth and regeneration. Today’s practice of red light therapy can be used as an aid for treatment of a wide range of issues such as skin conditions and wound recovery. It can be enhanced when paired with infrared technology to provide a more holistic approach to your overall wellness, which is especially useful in your home sanctuary.

There are many ways to utilize this therapy by simply placing red light technology near your body, from light towers to handheld devices and face masks. The Clearlight® Light Therapy units can be conveniently placed where you need it, from free-standing units to mounted units in your infrared sauna. Because of their versatility, they are some of the top health devices for the home.

Air Purifier

Along the same lines of disinfecting surfaces of your home with a UV wand, the quality of air in your house is another important thing to consider when setting up your home sanctuary. Smart air purifiers on the market today are designed to quickly and efficiently filter the air so you can avoid the side effects of pollutants in your home and have a break from poor air quality you might face while out and about.

Current technology also allows you to monitor air quality stats from your phone, check filter status, and adjust timers, fan speeds, and more, so your home sanctuary is always one of the best places to be for a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re avoiding allergies inside your house or just want to feel safe taking deep breaths while meditating, a high-quality air purifier is one of the best health gadgets.

Sleep Sensor

Getting a healthy night of rest is one of the most important factors in living a healthy life, though many struggle with getting the ideal amount of sleep. Your home wellness sanctuary doesn’t have to be a dedicated spa, it can be as simple as making your bedroom a healthy space. Sleep sensors can help you analyze your sleep to identify any potential problem areas and work toward getting high-quality sleep.

There are a few different methods to track your sleep, from wearable technology to sensors that go directly in your bed. Many offer features such as heart rate, snoring, temperature, and blood oxygen data tracking to help pinpoint what changes you can make to turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. When you get the proper amount of sleep, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier future overall.

Skincare Fridge

Having a fridge in your bathroom might not be your first thought, but if you have a skincare regimen, having a mini fridge to store products can be a game changer. While not as technical as the other health and wellness gadgets above, skincare fridges offer a lot to your wellness regimen at home. The refrigeration helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients in some skincare products to ensure your skin is getting the best nutrition.

These little fridges are some of the best health gadgets because they are fairly compact and can be used to enhance your daily routine. They are great for providing the refreshing feeling of applying cold products like serums, eye cream, or sheet masks to the face or chilling facial tools like face rollers. These cold products feel great during your regular skincare routine, but they feel especially rejuvenating after sweating in an infrared sauna.

When putting together your home sanctuary, think of all the health benefits you’d like to focus on and get those health gadgets first. Building a wellness sanctuary can be a slow process of gathering all the things that make you feel your best and provide a healthy and safe space. Start off with some of these health devices for home wellness, and start treating yourself every day!

Infrared Sauna Skin Benefits for Psoriasis & Eczema

If you have a skin condition, you know how uncomfortable it can get. Psoriasis and eczema in particular can lead to a lot of discomfort, whether it’s physical discomfort from lesions or rashes or social discomfort from the appearance of the skin. Though these conditions don’t have a cure, there are treatments you can try right at home to help lessen the symptoms. When used with proper treatment prescribed by your doctor, using an infrared sauna can be a great additional therapy to help reduce your discomfort and improve your skin health. Read on to learn more about these skin conditions and how you can use an infrared sauna for psoriasis and eczema relief.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin. It can appear between the ages of 20-60, occurring in both men and women. It is believed that psoriasis is an immune system issue that is caused by skin regenerating at higher-than-normal rates, and that genetics have a big influence on its onset. The disease is characterized by skin lesions most commonly found on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp that appear red and scaly. While not contagious, those suffering from psoriasis face physical discomfort from cracked skin.

Even when it seems to be under control, there can be flare-ups that can be minor or ones that make it feel like you’re going back to square one. There is no clear cause for why flare-ups happen, but they are often caused by a change in environmental factors such as:

Alcohol
Infections
Medications
Skin injury
Smoking
Stress
Weather

Due to the nature of this disease, it can be very difficult to treat and there unfortunately is no current cure. While there is no end-all cure, there are different treatment options for psoriasis depending on the severity of the case. For patients with mild psoriasis, topical treatment with steroids can suffice. Light therapy is also a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. However, for moderate to severe cases, other stronger treatments may be needed such as oral or injected medications.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a group of chronic skin conditions that result in inflamed or irritated skin. The most common type is known as atopic dermatitis, with “atopic” meaning one’s tendency to have allergic reactions. In fact, eczema is often accompanied by allergic reactions such as asthma or hay fever. Though it is most common in children, affecting 10%-20% of infants, eczema can occur at any age with 3% of adults and children suffering from the condition. Eczema is less severe than psoriasis, and is typically easier to manage.

Like psoriasis, the cause of eczema is unknown, but main theories include immune system response, skin barrier issues, and a family history of other allergies. Also, there is no defined reason why eczema flare-ups occur. Each person facing the condition may have different triggers, and some of the most common include:

Animal dander
Heat
Household products
Respiratory infections
Rough fabric
Stress
Sweat

Similar to psoriasis, there is no current cure for eczema, but there are treatments and precautions that can be made to help reduce symptoms and prevent outbreaks. Many people grow out of the condition by age 10, but for those who still feel symptoms, treatment can be fairly easy. Home remedies such as moisturizers, hydrocortisone creams, and antihistamines are popular treatments. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medications or recommend light therapy for extra relief.

Infrared Sauna Skin Benefits for Psoriasis & Eczema

It’s important to remember that psoriasis and eczema are not localized diseases. These skin conditions involve multiple systems and has an inflammatory and autoimmune component. Thus, anything that can affect the body as a whole could help relieve the burden of both diseases, and infrared saunas do exactly that with the many health benefits provided – including fighting inflammation and stress while also helping improve skin health by reducing the severity of skin lesions.

Skin Lesions

The aspect of both psoriasis and eczema that causes the most psychological and physical stress in patients are skin lesions. These are red patches of skin that are covered with thick and inflamed skin in either patches or scales. They are the result of the disease speeding up the life cycle of the skin cells, which start to build upon the surface of the skin. Infrared saunas have shown promise in this regard since this type of therapy helps reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the blood and stimulates the shedding of this overgrown skin, which leads to a visual improvement of the lesions and physical relief from reduced inflammation and irritation.

Inflammation

Psoriasis and eczema are affected by skin inflammation caused by flare-ups. Infrared saunas have been proven to help decrease systemic inflammation. Studies have shown that infrared sauna use helps reduce the presence of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an inflammatory marker. The infrared heat also helps promote increased blood circulation, which may help reduce the risk or severity of certain chronic skin conditions. By doing this at a systemic level, infrared saunas do more than just help relieve the skin lesions. They can help control the progression of the disease, lower the frequency of flare-ups, and prevent other inflammatory conditions.

Stress

Stress is responsible for the onset and severity of many diseases, particularly those of inflammatory nature. Stress is not just a mental state, it is also a physical reaction felt in the sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of your nervous system that is responsible for fight-flight responses. When this system is overactive, stress can build and develop a wide set of physical and clinical manifestations, especially when there is a pre-existing condition such as psoriasis or eczema. Infrared saunas can also help in this regard by promoting relaxation and homeostasis while fighting the sympathetic nervous system.

Psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions that many face and try to treat. While there is no cure, taking the steps to reduce flare-ups and find comfort can make a huge difference in your quality of life and overall health. Using infrared saunas for skin conditions can help reduce the severity of lesions, decrease inflammation, and lessen stress. You can even include the help of halotherapy, or salt therapy, for added skin benefits and relief from psoriasis and eczema symptoms. For more severe cases, be sure to speak with your doctor for additional treatment.

What’s Your Infrared Sauna Personality?

Infrared saunas are perfect for a number of situations and people. With innovative technology and design, along with a plethora of infrared sauna health benefits, sauna uses can be personalized for almost any need. Some want to use infrared saunas for recovery and optimizing health benefits while others are looking to have a bit of relaxing time to themselves. Which type of infrared sauna user are you? From the biohackers to the trend setters, read on to see what your infrared sauna personality is!

The Health-Conscious

You like living life in the healthiest way possible, and use all the tools available to help boost your overall wellness. With so many things on the market, from supplements to fancy workout gear, it can be easy to get lost in the number of options. Luckily, your infrared sauna helps keep your health regimen easy. With so many health benefits in just one session, you can accomplish a lot at one time – and with lasting results. In your sauna health haven, you get to experience it all: weight loss, boosted metabolism, temporary muscle pain relief, better sleep, detoxification, reduced cellulite, eased joint pain and stiffness, stress and fatigue relief, improved skin, and so much more.

The Healer

You like when your body feels good and pain-free. As the healer, you are always looking for ways to help your body feel its best so you can enjoy life to the fullest. Whether you suffer from back pain, are sore after a workout, are recovering from a cold, or are trying to prevent future discomfort, your infrared sauna is one of the best tools to tackle multiple things at once. Enhanced blood circulation from the heat and infrared technology penetrate deep into the body while sweating helps your body detoxify impurities. For an even more comprehensive healing experience, you enjoy the benefits of red light therapy and halotherapy as well.

The Yogi

You like stretching and moving your body with yoga, especially with the added help of heat during a hot yoga session. As the yogi, not only do you focus on your body, but you also focus on the importance of breathwork and mental clarity. In your infrared sauna for hot yoga, you spend your session doing a mix of deep stretches and meditation. The heat helps your muscles move a bit better and recover faster. You incorporate some sound therapy into your sessions with guided meditation, include aromatherapy to help you concentrate, and use chromotherapy to immerse yourself even more into the experience.

The Fitness Buff

You like working out and are dedicated to getting your body in top shape. This includes hitting the gym, stretching, taking the right supplements, and healing properly so you can keep exercising. Your infrared sauna is an extension of your workout to help your body’s performance. Not only does an infrared sauna session feel nice on your muscles after an intense workout, it also helps increase blood circulation to your muscles to help with recovery and reduce pain. Using a sauna after a workout is also your secret trick to extending your health benefits, from additional calorie burn to the added detox benefits of sweating just a bit more.

The Biohacker

You like to optimize your body and mind, and are always on the lookout for new ways to help your body perform its best with biohacking. From supplements to functional music, you’ve tried it all. The infrared sauna isn’t just a tool for you, it’s part of your lifestyle. With health benefits like improved sleep, enhanced mood, boosted metabolism, and more, infrared sauna use is part of your daily routine. Better yet, you pair it with red light therapy and some meditation during your session to reap even more biohacking benefits at one time. What’s great about your infrared sauna is that in just one 20-minute session every day, you get lasting results for a healthy future.

The Innovator

You like to have all the cool, new innovations and gadgets and want to try them out as soon as they’re available. That doesn’t stop with saunas. What started as simple structures to heat the body in Finland as far back as 7000 BC have now developed into some of the most advanced health technology on the market. As the innovator, you appreciate the many sauna uses available today with all the added health benefits of new technology. Infrared technology, chromotherapy lights, halotherapy generators, vibration resonance therapy, and red light towers all make saunas today into examples of true innovation.

The Trend-Setter

You like to set the trends in the health space and like being the first to experience what experts and influencers recommend. Saunas have been around for years, but infrared saunas really turn the dial up in terms of trendiness. Seen in luxurious spas and all over social media, you already have your infrared sauna picked out and outfitted with all the newest technology to be the first to have it. You enjoy sharing your trendy knowledge with your friends, and are somewhat of a health and wellness influencer yourself. The pictures you post of your sauna include zen spa moments, hot yoga, and aesthetic colors from your chromotherapy light.

The Relaxer

You like to take a step away from the hustle and bustle of life and have some time to relax when you can. Having “me time” is a priority for you to both center and connect with yourself. Your infrared sauna is part of your wellness routine and is your sanctuary. Not only do infrared sauna health benefits include improved sleep, better mood, and reduced stress, but they’re also the perfect spot to slow down for 20 minutes. Inside your sauna, you enjoy reading your favorite book, listening to calming music, meditating, using chromotherapy, and adding in some relaxing essential oils for a spa-like experience right in your home.

No matter what your sauna personality is, you’re sure to enjoy all the infrared sauna uses available! From the health-conscious and healing users who are looking for whole-body wellness to the trendy and relaxed users who want a spa day at home, infrared saunas are wonderful additions to your health routine and lifestyle.

How an Infrared Sauna Can Help with a Healthy Summer Body

You might see a lot of people pushing for “summer bodies” that are purely in appearance and can require unhealthy approaches to achieve. Here’s the real truth to know: every body is a summer body. Summer bodies can be any shape, size, or look, and your main focus should always be feeling healthy and happy. While it might be hot outside and adding even more heat might sound daunting, an infrared sauna is the perfect wellness tool to help you achieve that feeling. This summer, focus on health, and see how an infrared sauna can help with healthy weight loss, detox, skin health, immune system, and more to have you be your most confident self this season.

Weight Management

Though every body is a summer body, many focus on weight management for the summer. Whether looking to lose weight or maintain weight, it is important to take measures to safely reach a healthy weight while avoiding fad diets or workouts. Using an infrared sauna can help you maintain a healthy weight, from summer and beyond, whether you use the sauna after a workout or on its own.

There are many claims stating that sitting in a sauna can help you burn a lot of calories in a quick amount of time, but infrared sauna weight loss is more of a gradual burn. This means your body is more effectively and efficiently losing weight that will have a greater impact than potentially harmful “miracle” weight loss solutions. The infrared heat increases your heart rate and boosts your metabolic rate to burn approximately 1.5 times your regular calorie burn. For example, if you typically burn 40 calories in 30 minutes, a 30-minute sauna session will burn 60 calories.

Body Detoxification

Over the summer, people tend to do a lot more than in the cooler months as warmer weather allows for more activities outside of the house. This can mean things like extra traveling, a potentially unhealthier diet, and more time spent around crowds. All of these summer activities are a lot of fun, but can add a bit more wear on our bodies as they are exposed to more things – including toxins.

Infrared saunas are a great tool in your summer health to help detoxify these impurities, as one of the biggest infrared sauna health benefits is its ability to increase your blood circulation, target fat-stored toxins, and stimulate the sweat glands, all of which help remove built-up toxins in the body. Whether you’re trying to recover from a hangover from a summer cookout or are trying to detox from an indulgent summer vacation, sweating in a sauna can help your body’s detoxifying process as it rids itself of accumulated toxins.

Refreshed Skin

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 skincare is a great and natural way to cleanse your pores and help 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 sweating it out in your sauna – you don’t want the dirt and toxins to clog your pores again right after! Use a gentle cleanser to keep your skin refreshed, and finish it off with a moisturizer – one with SPF is especially important if you plan on enjoying that summer sun.

Improved Immune System

Summers often bring about summer colds, and they can put a real damper on your seasonal activities. Along with keeping our immune systems healthy by ridding our bodies of the toxins, working up a sweat helps prevent us from getting sick. There are many viruses and bacteria that thrive at our regular body temperature, but die off when our bodies heat up to above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using an infrared sauna can help boost your immune system and protect you from summer illnesses. The heat from a sauna helps promote the production of white blood cells, improves blood circulation, creates an artificial fever, and releases toxins – all actions great in helping your body stay healthy. With summer plans meaning spending more time around friends and crowds or being in close quarters with other travelers on planes, having a boosted immune system is key for enjoying all your summer events.

Endurance to Heat

In most places, the summer heat can be fairly intense depending on the month and the weather. Sometimes it seems unbearable when it gets to those higher temperatures. But, after some time spent in the heat, it typically becomes more tolerable. That’s where a sauna comes in. Using an infrared sauna can help you become more accustomed to the heat, thus increasing your enjoyment of the weather.

When using your infrared sauna, it is recommended to start with shorter sessions so your body can acclimate to the higher temperatures. Go in for increments of 5 minutes until you feel comfortable with a full session, and if you are ever feeling faint or lightheaded from the heat, do not push yourself to stay in longer. Always have water on hand to stay properly hydrated, and take breaks as needed. Once you get out, the 90-degree weather will feel like nothing compared to the 180-220 degree heat of your infrared sauna!

This summer, your best body is a healthy one. Using an infrared sauna, whether it’s after you workout at the gym or in your own personal sauna at home, can be one of the most useful tools to help you achieve your health goals. And with numerous health benefits year-round (not just in the summer!), starting your infrared sauna regimen this season will lead to many more seasons of health and wellness in your future.

How to Burn Fat Naturally: From Sauna Use to Diet

If you are setting a health goal to lose weight and burn fat, you’ve probably seen plenty of fad diets offering to help you do it quickly. However, healthy and sustainable fat loss takes time and dedication to keep it off. Through the process of learning how to get your body to burn stored fat, not only will you reach your goal, you’ll also set up your body for a healthy future with the new habits you’ve picked up. Keep reading to learn more about healthy, safe, and long-lasting ways to burn fat and why they work, from mindful diet and exercise to using an infrared sauna!

Regular Health Habits

Infrared Sauna Use

Infrared therapy has been shown to penetrate deep into fat cells to increase blood flow to the area and promote detoxification in fat tissue for healthy and sustainable fat loss. A weight loss study revealed that an increase in core body temperature resulted in a decrease in body fat. This study concluded that using an infrared sauna three times a week for 30 minutes per session helped drop an average of 4 percent body fat over a four-month period.

Adequate Sleep

Sleep is an essential part of any health effort, and making sure you get a proper amount of rest can help your body burn fat. Research suggests that insufficient sleep slows down the body’s metabolism, thus affecting calorie burn. When metabolism is less effective, the body may store unused energy as fat. In addition, poor sleep can increase the production of insulin and cortisol, which also prompt fat storage.

Reduced Stress

Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol, which can remain in the bloodstream for longer under constant stress. Cortisol signals the need to replenish the body’s nutritional stores from the preferred source of fuel, which is carbohydrates. Insulin then transports the sugar from carbohydrates from the blood to the muscles and brain. If the individual does not use this sugar in a moment of stress, the body will store it as fat.

Hydration

Hydration is key for losing weight and burning fat. Chronic dehydration can prevent you from burning more calories throughout the day, and it can also take a toll on proper metabolism function. According to a 2016 study, upping your water intake may increase lipolysis, the process by which the body burns fat for energy. Try to drink your recommended amount of water a day to help your body perform at peak performance.

Mindful Eating

High Protein

Found in a variety of delicious and nutritious foods, protein can curb your appetite and burn body fat – including visceral fat. According to one study, eating a high-protein diet helps your body boost metabolism and retain muscle mass. Protein will also help you feel full for longer, thus helping reduce overall calorie intake.

High Fiber

Soluble fiber absorbs water and moves through your digestive tract slowly, helping you feel full for longer. One study found that increasing soluble fiber intake significantly decreased body weight and belly fat, independent of calorie intake. Having a fiber-rich diet can help decrease hunger, burn more fat, and aid in weight loss.

Healthy Fats

Burning fat by eating fat might not sound like it would work, but a diet with healthy fats has been shown to assist with sustainable, long-term weight loss. In fact, diets enriched with olive oil have been linked to greater weight loss and less belly fat than diets without. Just be sure to avoid trans fats and still keep an eye on healthy fat calories.

Reduced Sugar & Refined Carbs

Refined carbohydrates are quick to digest, and they convert to glucose rapidly. Excess glucose enters the blood and provokes the hormone insulin, which promotes storage in the adipose tissue, also known as body fat. Reducing refined carbohydrates, processed food, and sugar in your diet can help reduce fat gain.

Probiotics

One emerging area of research is focusing on the role of bacteria in the gut on weight management. The human gut hosts a vast number and variety of microorganisms, including around 37 trillion bacteria. Some types can increase the amount of energy someone gains from food, leading to fat deposition and weight gain.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating that involves regular short-term fasts and consuming meals within a shorter time period during the day. One study found that over 3–12 weeks, the intermittent fasting method reduced body weight by up to 7% and decreased body fat by up to 12 pounds.

Exercise

Cardio

Swimming, running, dancing, and any other aerobic exercise that conditions your lungs and heart can also help improve your metabolism and burn fat. Research suggests 20 to 40 minutes of moderate to intense cardio per day is ideal for burning visceral fat and reaping other fat loss and metabolism-boosting benefits. Daily aerobic exercise, like running, can help you jump-start fat loss.

HIIT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), is a type of high-energy workout that combines bursts of intensity with short periods of rest to keep your heart rate elevated. HIIT exercises burn more calories in a shorter amount of time than other forms of exercise and have been shown to increase fat loss. One study found that HIIT burns up to 30 percent more calories than doing other forms of cardio for the same amount of time.

Strength Training

Strength training in the form of weight lifting, yoga, or other resistance equipment is a great way to decrease unhealthy belly fat (the kind around your organs), increase muscle mass, and burn more calories while at rest. One study showed that 10 weeks of resistance training may boost the number of calories burned while resting by 7 percent by helping give the body a metabolism boost.

Learning how to get your body to burn stored fat in a healthy way is key to keeping it off and improving your health in the long run. Use these fat burning tips to help you reach your weight loss goals and form some great habits along the way. It may seem daunting to change up your diet, exercise, and daily habits, but take it one step at a time and you’ll see progress!

How to Choose the Best Infrared Home Sauna for You

Are you looking to add a sauna to your home? Making the decision to buy a sauna is a great choice if you are interested in your health and wellness, and if you’d like a touch of luxury in your life without having to go to the gym or spa. Now that you’ve made the decision to buy a sauna, what goes into finding the best home sauna for you? Read on to find which considerations to factor in, from sauna size to which additions you’d like to include to truly make your sauna the best infrared home sauna for you.

Things to Consider for the Best Home Sauna

Types of Saunas

There are two main types of sauna, traditional and infrared. Traditional saunas use high heat and steam to create a 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. These saunas might be nice at a spa or gym when someone else maintains them, but in your home they might become quite tedious to care for.

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 health benefits with an infrared sauna that are more pronounced than when using a traditional sauna. For all these reasons, an infrared sauna is the best home sauna choice when it comes to your wellness and ease of use when in your house.

Home Sauna Construction

You can either build your own home sauna or purchase a pre-built model. A pre-built infrared sauna is a great option for people who want a simple installation. You still get all the bells and whistles of an infrared sauna, but without the planning! These saunas come in many sizes and can be placed anywhere inside or outside where there is a stable, flat surface and room for ventilation. Prebuilt saunas only require light assembly and are ready to go once you have them connected to a power source.

Building your own DIY infrared sauna is always exciting, as you can customize it to be exactly what fits your needs. These saunas take a higher level of planning, as they require careful calculations and measurements so they can fit seamlessly into your home. Building your own sauna is great for creating an at-home spa experience that perfectly fits your home decor. DIY saunas are more popularly done indoors and in bathrooms or pool houses.

Home Sauna Size

Once you’ve decided on which type of home sauna to purchase, 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 will benefit from the space of a 4-5 person sauna models, but a single person will also enjoy the benefits of a large sauna for more room to spread out and make the sauna even more functional. 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.

Home Sauna Placement

Choosing where to put your home sauna is an important decision – will it go indoors or outdoors? Outdoor saunas of course require an outdoor space. Choosing an outdoor sauna is perfect for those with backyards – especially if a pool is nearby for a quick dip after a sauna session. Things to take into consideration with an outdoor sauna include space, proximity to a power source, privacy, and potentially a structure to help protect the sauna exterior from natural elements.

Indoor infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular as they provide luxury and health benefits right in the comfort of your own home. No matter where you live, you can likely make an indoor sauna fit in your space. From placing one in the corner of a small apartment to having an entire room dedicated to sauna use, choosing an indoor sauna allows for a range of options for everyone (and every space) to enjoy.

Accessories & Amenities

Finally, the last decision to make picking the best infrared sauna for your home is the fun part: choosing your accessories and amenities! Here, you can really customize your home sauna to your needs. 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? Some of these upgrades include halotherapy (salt therapy) generators, chromotherapy lights, red light therapy towers, vibration resonance therapy (sound therapy) speakers, digital keypads with smartphone control, and audio sound systems.

These accessories and amenities offer a wealth of additional health benefits when added to your infrared sauna experience. Some of those additional health benefits include:

Chromotherapy: Improved mood, sleep, circulation, and skin health
Halotherapy: Improved respiratory, sleep, and skin health
Red Light Therapy: Improved weight loss, muscle recovery, mood, and detoxification
Sound Therapy: Improved emotional balance, stress management, and heart health

Getting an Infrared Sauna for Your Home

Investing in an infrared home sauna is also an investment in your health. Adding regular infrared sauna use to your daily wellness routine will give you lasting health benefits to help improve your filter. On top of the health benefits, having a home sauna is a nice added touch of luxury to your life! You can easily have a spa day at home, recover from a home workout, or meditate before bed in one convenient spot.

With a Clearlight infrared sauna, you are sure to have the highest-quality construction, features, health benefits, customer service, and more.

Gym vs Spa vs Home Sauna: The Best Type of Sauna for You

Depending on your end goal, where you use a sauna might have a bigger impact. If you are an athlete looking to recover after a workout, use your gym sauna. Looking to relax? The spa is where to go! And for all-around daily health, how about a home sauna? No matter where you have access to an infrared sauna, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits of incorporating sauna sessions into your health routine. Read on to see how best to enjoy a gym, spa, and home sauna and see which fits your needs best – it might be a combination of all three!

The Gym Sauna

How to Enjoy a Gym Sauna

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. On top of post-workout recovery, gym saunas help boost your exercise health benefits as they can help you sweat, burn calories, keep your heart rate up, boost metabolism, and burn fat. If your gym has a sauna, don’t hesitate to use it as infrared saunas are the perfect companion for your workouts!

It is recommended to use the sauna after your workout and not before. A short sauna session before a workout can help loosen muscles and improve range of motion while also helping boost metabolism and heart rate. However, a pre-workout sauna session that lasts too long can make you and your muscles a little too relaxed, which can potentially lead to injury while exercising.

Whether you choose to use the sauna before or after your workout, the biggest thing to do is listen to your body! Your body will tell you if you’re spending too long in the gym sauna. Working out is already a strenuous activity on the body, and you don’t want to push the limits with prolonged heat therapy. Look out for signs such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and headaches, as they might be signs that you are dehydrated or overheating. Always make sure you have your water on hand to hydrate after your workout and sauna sessions.

Gym Sauna Etiquette

Shower before entering
Adhere to clothing rules
Don’t bring in sweaty gym items
Be aware of your time or space
Put your electronics in your locker
Keep your workouts outside of the sauna

The Spa Sauna

How to Enjoy a Spa Sauna

Using a sauna at the spa helps you have a perfectly relaxing and rejuvenating spa day. Many spas offer free sauna access to use during the day of your appointment and it is open to use before, between, and after your spa treatments. If you’re already at the spa, you’re likely already getting some bodywork done such as a massage, body scrub, or facial. The spa sauna can really help enhance these services.

If you are getting a massage, using a sauna before your treatment can help relax your muscles, making it easier to work any areas that might be too tense or painful to massage otherwise. Using a sauna prior to your massage can also help you get in a relaxed mindset that can help you enjoy your massage even more. Sometimes, however, there isn’t time before your appointment to hit the sauna. That’s totally okay! Even relaxing in a spa sauna after your treatment can help prolong your relaxed state. And whether you’re enjoying the sauna before or after your massage, both approaches help your muscles recover faster after intense muscle work.

Using a spa sauna when you have a skin-related treatment is a little more restrictive, but you can still incorporate it into your spa day. Saunas help improve skin by sweating out impurities and increasing blood flow. Always use a sauna before one of these treatments to avoid skin irritation as skin treatments typically already come with intense exfoliants and heat. You also don’t want to sweat off any of the products used! If you do use a spa sauna before your skin treatment, keep the session short to allow your skin to cool down before your appointment.

Spa Sauna Etiquette

Shower before entering
Adhere to clothing rules
Be quiet for other guests
Don’t bring in electronics
Keep track of appointment times
Shower after to prepare for treatment

The Home Sauna

How to Enjoy a Home Sauna

Enjoying a home sauna is a wonderful way to experience health benefits daily! While having your own home sauna might seem like a luxury, it is a great investment for your overall health and can be easily added to your routine. While gym and spa saunas certainly have their merits, having a sauna at home allows you to sweat it out whenever and however you want. Take up as much space as you want, wear whatever you want, listen to music if you want – cater your sauna experience to you. From using it after a workout to enjoying a session before bed to help you relax and sleep, you get all the benefits of a spa and gym sauna right at home.

One of the biggest things to consider when finding the best home sauna for you is space. Luckily, there are a number of infrared sauna sizes available to find the perfect fit. If you are in a smaller space, perhaps a 1-person sauna is the way to go for your private zen getaway. If you’re looking for more space to fit your family and friends, or just a sauna where you can stretch and do hot yoga on your own, a 4- or 5-person sauna would be perfect for your needs. If doing a solo session or having company, you’ll reap the sauna health benefits regardless of size.

Having a home sauna means having a little bit more responsibility than using a spa or gym sauna. To ensure you have prolonged enjoyment of your sauna at home, be sure to clean it regularly and practice proper sauna maintenance. The more you keep up with your home sauna’s health, the longer you’ll be able to boost your health!

Home Sauna Etiquette

Shower before entering
Bring a towel
Clean the sauna after using
Keep up regular maintenance

No matter where you use a sauna, you’ll experience some great health benefits. From muscle recovery at the gym, total relaxation at the spa, or simply with casual everyday use at home, incorporating regular sauna sessions can help you achieve your health goals while providing a place to unwind. Use the tips above to find the best type of sauna for you.

Dealing with Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Remedies

About 1 in 3 Americans experience chronic pain. Of those, 1 in 5 experience neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain, also called nerve pain, is one of the many classes of chronic pain. It can be a persistent and painful health concern, and finding relief can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Though nerve pain can be sudden and unpleasant, there are steps you can take to help relieve symptoms and get on the road to recovery. Read on to learn more about nerve pain, from its common causes and symptoms to treatments that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

What is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain is complex and can be caused by nerve damage, irritation, or destruction. The cause of nerve pain is usually due to damaged nerves that send false signals and result in chronic pain. The signals may not function to register the pain associated with an injury normally.

Nerve pain is often progressive, especially if the root cause is not treated. The usual progression of nerve pain begins far away from the brain and spinal cord (hands and feet) and spreads backward (retrograde) toward the arms and legs. With appropriate and timely treatment, the progression may be halted and, in some cases, reversed.

Nerve Pain Causes

Although some people develop nerve pain for no known reason, many others develop it because of a certain health problem such as diabetes, shingles, or cancer. It can also occur as the result of injury or infection. Some develop unusual triggers that make them overly sensitive to certain conditions, caused by a heightened sensitivity of the nerves to stimulation. With neuropathic pain, the pain isn’t typically triggered by an event or injury. Instead, the body just sends pain signals to your brain unprompted.

Common causes for nerve pain include:

Cancer
Carpal tunnel
Chemotherapy
Chronic alcohol use
Diabetes
Facial nerve damage
Herniated discs
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple myeloma
Phantom limb syndrome
Shingles
Syphilis
Spinal arthritis
Spinal cord compression
Thyroid issues
Tissue, muscle, and joint injuries
Trigeminal neuralgia
Vitamin B deficiency

Nerve Pain Symptoms

The perception of pain varies with everyone; terms such as stabbing, prickling, burning, tingling, and other descriptions have been used. Nerve pain can be difficult to live with and tends to get worse over time. If you feel like you are experiencing any nerve pain symptoms, be sure to speak with your doctor quickly to prevent further potential nerve damage.

Each person’s symptoms of nerve pain may vary slightly, but these nerve pain symptoms are common:

Shooting, throbbing, burning, or stabbing pain
Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
Spontaneous pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Difficulty sleeping or resting
Loss of balance
Weakened grip
Muscle fatigue
Pain with movement
Partial or complete paralysis

Loss of Feeling & Numbness

Not all nerve damage results in pain. Loss of feeling or numbness may also occur. Although it may not be painful, the numbness can result in decreased sensitivity of the sense of touch that can interfere with dexterity in the hands. This can make activities like typing, shoe-tying, or playing a musical instrument difficult. Numbness or reduction/loss of the sense of touch can be dangerous because it affects balance and muscle strength. This may require braces, canes, or walkers to prevent falls.

Although some nerve damage may cause numbness instead of pain, this can still be harmful. Numbness may mask damage to traumatized extremities like the feet. People with this type of nerve damage can benefit from regularly examining their extremities for possible overlooked injuries.

Nerve Pain Remedies

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers drugs are often the first medicines used to reduce or stop nerve pain. The components may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen. Some OTCs may be incorporated into creams, gels, ointments, oils, or sprays that are applied to the skin overlying the painful area.

Prescription Drugs

There are many different prescription drugs that may help to reduce nerve pain. They range from powerful painkillers to drugs that were originally used for depression or seizures but can also reduce nerve pain. However, some of these prescription drugs may be addictive, so you and your doctor need to find a treatment plan that works for you without causing you additional problems.

Natural & Home Remedies for Nerve Pain

Some people with nerve pain respond to other treatments known as complementary, natural, or alternative treatments. For example, acupuncture may help some, while dietary supplements may help others. However, you and your doctor should discuss the use of these treatments and supplements to be sure they don’t interfere with other medical therapies or treatments.

Infrared Sauna for Nerve Pain

Experiencing infrared heat in a sauna improves circulation, relaxes muscles, tissues, and nerves, and even aids in the rebuilding of damaged nerve tissue. Far-infrared therapy utilizes light to create heat, directly heating the body with a much more comfortable heat than traditional saunas. This heat allows you to remain inside the sauna longer and enhance potential health benefits. Infrared heat penetrates joints, muscles, tissues, and nerve endings while also producing additional white blood cells, which alleviates inflammation. Reduced inflammation can help reduce nerve pain and bring relief from the discomfort.

In addition to the benefits of far-infrared therapy, a study led by Paul Heppenstall, Ph.D. has shown that near-infrared light can help reduce nerve pain receptors by causing the nerve endings to retract from the surface of the skin. You can include red light therapy into your sauna session for a comprehensive combination of far-infrared, near-infrared, and red light therapies to help reduce nerve pain.

If you believe you are suffering from nerve pain, be sure to discuss your next steps with your doctor as soon as possible. While some pain might be manageable, neuropathic pain has the potential to progress further and can cause permanent damage if not treated in a proper or timely manner. Be sure to listen to your body and take the precautions necessary to alleviate nerve pain and live your best life.

Infrared Sauna vs. Steam Room: The Hot Debate Debunked

It may be difficult to discern the differences between an infrared sauna vs. steam room when deciding which option is best for your specific needs. To help you better understand how infrared saunas and steam rooms compare, it’s important to gain a general understanding of the mechanics and individual benefits of both.

An infrared sauna is a wood-based room that heats the user directly with infrared rays that penetrate the body. A steam room is an airtight room of non-porous material that heats the environment with a steam generator. Infrared saunas produce dry heat, whereas steam rooms create moist heat.

Both infrared saunas and steam rooms boast plenty of therapeutic and wellness benefits such as detoxification, relaxation, and weight loss, among others. However, their benefits differ due to their unique heating methods. Here’s all the information you need to decide which makes sense for you.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna is a wood-based room that warms the body through infrared rays as opposed to extremely high temperatures or moisture. These infrared rays, which are similar to the rays our bodies give off naturally, penetrate deep into the body (approximately 1 ½ inches) and heat the body directly.

Because the infrared rays are warming from within, these saunas typically operate between 115-130 degrees Fahrenheit, much lower than traditional saunas that operate between 170–200 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the temperature is lower, the efficient nature of heating the body directly makes infrared saunas among the most beneficial options available.

What is a Steam Room?

A steam room is made of a non-porous material, such as glass or tile, and is an airtight room that warms the body through high heat and humidity. A steam generator boils water to make steam, creating a moisture-rich environment.

Average temperatures hover around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, although it may feel much hotter due to humidity levels that can reach up to 100 percent. As opposed to infrared saunas which heat the user directly, steam rooms heat the outside environment, warming the user from the outside in.

Health Benefits of an Infrared Sauna vs. Steam Room

Although both steam rooms and infrared saunas offer a range of excellent health benefits, they do vary by product. The difference in benefits stems from the contrasting heat methods used, as described above. Both saunas and steam rooms use thermotherapy, or heat therapy, to help the body boost performance. Each method has its benefits, and using them together can be a great addition to your health and wellness routine, but one method might be better for your needs than the other.

Read on to learn more about the primary health benefits of an infrared sauna vs. steam room and find out which is best for you.

Infrared Sauna Health Benefits

An infrared sauna emits infrared heat to create a warm and relaxing environment. According to Dr. Amy Myers, M.D., of mindbodygreen, this helps improve circulation and alleviates pain. Due to the low humidity and modest air temperature, infrared sauna health benefits include detoxification, pain relief, relaxation, weight loss, and more.

Watch more about the health benefits of a sauna »

Concentrated Detoxification

Far infrared saunas promote more sweating than a steam room. As the infrared rays penetrate deep into the body, they increase blood flow, break up water molecule clusters, and promote the release of harmful toxins not typically released in a steam room. According to Dr. Brian Clement, medical director of the Hippocrates Health Institute, “It heats your tissues several inches deep, which can enhance your metabolic processes. It also enhances circulation and helps oxygenate your tissues.”

Download Dr. Raleigh Duncan’s Total Wellness Ebook on how to detoxify your body and more »

Weight Loss and Decrease in Cellulite

Users of far infrared sauna technology can experience a noticeable decrease in weight and cellulite appearance with average use. The weight loss is often due to the efficient heating nature of the sauna, removal of toxins through increased perspiration, and a rise in metabolic rates, which can help burn an extra 300+ calories an hour. Using a sauna after working out can also help boost effectiveness and increase calorie burn after exercising, which aid in weight loss.

Comfortable Use

The lower temperature of infrared saunas compared to steam rooms tends to be easier on the body during prolonged use. For users who may have eye or lung issues, including difficulty breathing in high humidity and heat, they may want to opt for an infrared sauna to ensure an enjoyable and beneficial experience. Infrared saunas can also be made more comfortable with the addition of other therapies, such as halotherapy, aromatherapy, sound therapy, red light therapy, and chromotherapy.

Steam Room Health Benefits

Steam rooms create an environment that is rich with heat and high humidity, ideal for realizing an array of health-related benefits. The high moisture air found in a steam room offers users benefits and an experience distinct from infrared saunas.

Respiratory Relief

Steam room users may experience relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, sinusitis, and cold symptoms. The moist air can open the sinuses and nasal passages, allowing for clearer breathing.

Hydration of the Skin

People with blemish-prone skin may find that the moisture-rich air of a steam room can help balance oil production leading to clearer skin. Users with dry skin may experience more hydrated skin after regular use of a steam room.

Better Sleep

Once you step out of your steam room, your body must begin working to cool your body. The relaxing properties of a steam room session, combined with your body’s efforts to lower the internal temperature can promote a great night’s sleep – particularly in the REM sleep cycle stage. You will also get this same benefit with an infrared sauna.

What to Consider When Purchasing

When deciding which option is best, take note of a few characteristics inherent to infrared saunas and steam rooms to determine which is best for an individual, household, or business.

Infrared Sauna Considerations

Infrared saunas can be a relatively simple addition to a home. They do not require strict insulation to keep high heat levels in the room, so they are lighter and easier to transport. Infrared saunas also come in a number of sizes, making them the perfect fit in any space whether you are looking for a 1-person, 2-person, 3-person, or even 4- to 5-person sauna.

Typically, these saunas can be put together within an hour on your own – without professional installation needed. Most can plug into an existing outlet and are very energy efficient using about 1/3 of the electrical as compared to a traditional sauna. On top of easy installation, infrared saunas require easy maintenance and care to keep them looking and operating brand-new for years to come.

All Clearlight® sauna models come with iOS/Android smartphone control, medical-grade chromotherapy technology, a built-in charging and audio station, and True Wave™ carbon/ceramic far infrared heating technology. If you want to upgrade your sauna experience, you can incorporate additional amenities that will help increase your comfort, health benefits, and overall enjoyment of your infrared sauna. These sauna upgrades include red light therapy, salt therapy, and vibration resonance therapy.

Steam Room Considerations

Much like an infrared sauna, steam rooms can be purchased as a kit for individuals to put together on their own or they can be custom made and installed by a contractor. Steam rooms do have particular plumbing and electrical requirements. They require a steam generator purchase that should be specially installed in a safe location to reduce the chances of a burn.

An airtight space and sloped ceilings for adequate drippage are also needed as well as an area that can accommodate a drain. Bacterial growth is possible due to the moist conditions of the steam room. For this reason, make sure to clean your steam room regularly with tile cleaner and drain periodically.

Deciding What’s Right for You

Both infrared saunas and steam rooms can deliver much-needed health benefits for individuals and families. These rooms can ease stress, increase relaxation, and improve overall health and happiness. Simply put, they can be a valuable component of one’s home and lifestyle.

Before purchasing an infrared sauna or steam room, take the time to consider you and your family’s specific needs in addition to reviewing the facts. Where will this new addition reside in your home? What is your current state of health, and what are your future health and wellness goals? Would you prefer to install it or will you require a contractor to do the heavy lifting? Asking these questions ahead of time can help you decide between an infrared sauna vs. steam room for your unique needs.