How Long to See Benefits of Infrared Sauna Without Excessive Use
Are you curious about your shiny new infrared sauna? Are you wondering when the promised health benefit will kick in? It’s like waiting for a cake to bake—exciting but torturous.
We dive into our infrared saunas to turn back the clock on our skin appearance, get our cardiovascular health signing, and say hello to that sweet, sweet pain relief. When will we get to cash the wellness check?
Well, I’ve done all the sweating, so you don’t have to! Follow me as I walk you through my final thoughts.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to create heat. This is unlike traditional saunas, which heat the actual air, while infrared saunas heat the body directly.
The benefit of this is that it allows for deeper penetration of heat therapy, but you have to choose your infrared sauna wisely; otherwise, you’ll end up with a microwave and an expensive bill!
Benefits of infrared sauna if you have patience
Being aware of the timeline for the infrared sauna benefits can help set expectations of when and what to expect! It’s important to stay committed so you can reap some of the below:
- Pain relief
- Weight loss
- Increased circulation
- Improved skin appearance
We must be honest with ourselves and recognise that these benefits take time and compound over weeks rather than days!
Timeline for Seeing Benefits
So, how many infrared sauna sessions are needed before we see some benefits? This is influenced by factors such as the frequency of sauna sessions, individual health conditions, and lifestyle.
Here’s a rough breakdown of when and what to expect:
1 : Pain Relief
- Depending on what type of pain, but usually with minor issues, studies have shown a decrease in chronic pain and muscle soreness within just a few sessions, with significant improvements noticeable after 2-4 weeks of consistent use
2: Skin appearance and detoxification benefits
- While in the infrared sauna, our skin absorbs infrared light, which promotes sweating. This process enhances skin health by boosting oxygen and delivering nutrients. Sometimes, the appearance of skin increases in roughly 3 – 4 weeks.
3: Increased circulation
- Blood circulation usually increases immediately when using an infrared sauna. A recent study discusses how heat causes blood vessels to dilate (expand), improving blood flow throughout the body.
4: Cardiovascular health
- Improvements in cardiovascular health may require consistent use over several months as the body adapts to the stress relief and lowered blood pressure effects of regular infrared heat exposure.
- I have noticed a difference in my ability to train at higher intensity; this is a real thing!
Step-by-step guide -Using an Infrared Sauna Without Excessive Use
To maximize the benefits of infrared sauna therapy while avoiding the risks of excessive use, consider the following guidelines:
- Frequency: Around 3 – 4 sessions per week is the general rule of thumb with each session lasting around 20 minutes.
- Hydration: Always stay hydrated while doing heat therapy. This is a must for the body natural detoxification process and a nececisty to prevent dehydration.
- Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Consulting a healthcare professional before starting infrared sauna therapy is crucial for those with blood pressure issues or cardiovascular conditions.
Key Considerations For Successfully Using an Infrared Sauna
- The importance of consulting a healthcare professional cannot be overstated for those with blood pressure issues or heart disease.
- Proper hydration before and after sessions is essential for maximizing benefits and preventing dehydration.
- Testing it out and changing the frequency/duration according to your body’s response can enhance the overall effectiveness of infrared sauna therapy.
Taking it to the Next Level: How to Enhance Your Infrared Sauna Experience
I’m a very Moorish kind of guy; this is why I’ve levelled up my infrared sauna regime and started integrating. Light therapy has many benefits, including helping with any skin condition.
If your sauna allows, try experimenting with mid-infrared settings, which are also good for joint pain. It’s always good to unlock new potential and get experimenting to reap all the benefits!
Alternatives to Infrared Sauna
While infrared saunas are effective, alternatives, like a traditional Finnish sauna or a steam room, offer all the therapeutic benefits we seek.
Each option has unique advantages, such as higher temperatures in traditional saunas, which some users prefer.
Wrapping Up and My Experience With Infrared Sauna
In my journey with infrared sauna use, the benefits—from improved mental health to noticeable skin tone enhancement—began manifesting within a few weeks. However, everyone’s experience is unique, and benefits can unfold on different timelines, so be patient with it; all good things take time!