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How an Infrared Sauna Improved My Health, Skin and Muscle Aches
Author: Danna Schneider  | Posted: 08-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 14 | Rating: (60)  (?) 
I first started to looking into purchasing a far infrared sauna about six months ago, when both myself and my boyfriend were fed up with our constantly aching necks and backs from sitting at our desks at our respective office jobs all of the time. Not only that, I wanted a place that was an oasis from the hectic days during the work week, and somewhere that I could unwind and enjoy an enveloping warmth.
Dry heat has always been relaxing and soothing to me, especially since I suffer from asthma. There's just something about a penetrating heat, like the kind you get from sitting in the sun, and not surprisingly, the kind that an infrared sauna gives off, that makes you feel deeply relaxed and tranquil.
This is precisely what we wanted out of a sauna, and so I began my search for the perfect infrared sauna. We ended up getting a four person unit installed in our basement about 4 weeks ago, and ever since it's been there, we've been in it every single night without fail. I can't even begin to describe the changes in my health and mental clarity that have resulted since then.
First of all, the benefits the heat offers to anyone who has problems with knotted, sore muscles frequently are almost priceless, since it offers immediate relief, and even extended relief into your next day. Radiant heat, the type that is used in this type of sauna bath, is different from the kind of heat the is emanated from a traditional sauna, in that it actually heats the body directly rather than just heating the air around the body.
Because it heats the body directly, it can penetrate up to one to two inches into the tissue, just like the heat of the natural sun, and it warms the muscles and tissues below the surface, creating more circulation and soothing sore muscles, also reducing lactic acid build up.
I noticed from the first evening I used ours that my muscles were almost instantly soothed, and my body almost went limp as soon as I hit the dry heat. I also happen to not have the best circulation, so for me it feels wonderful to heat my extremities like my toes and fingers and get the blood flowing and pumping just as though I'd worked out.
I don't think that a sauna should be used as a replacement for exercise, but I can see why it may be used in place of physical activity for people who can't move around very easily due to physical limitations. Not only is it excellent in it's physical benefits, but it also helps immensely with stress and anxiety.
I swear, just by hopping in for a half hour to forty minutes makes me feel happy, almost like a new woman. There is some research suggesting that the radiant heat may help the body produce endorphins, and while I can't confirm how true that is, I can certainly say it applies in my situation.
So, now that I've obviously sung the praises of what our new addition has done for my muscle soreness, let me tell you what else I've noticed since I've been using it. I've noticed that my skin looks pristine.
I've had issues with acne in the past, and still do struggle with the occasional blemish from time to time even being in my thirties today, and since I've been using this sauna, my skin has looked clear and toned, and I've even received several complements that it looks smoother and more radiant.
That is a benefit that I was only half expecting, but believe me, when you're dealing with skin problems your whole life, from acne to wrinkles, it's exhilarating to see your skin look so good.
Some of the health benefits of the infrared sauna that I've read extensively about but have not had enough time to fully gauge yet due to only using it for a few weeks is that you rarely will get sick when using this since it produces a sort of "artificial fever" that kills harmful germs and viruses before they can make you sick many times. I haven't been sick at all yet since we've owned it, but like I said, time will tell with that one.
The heat produced that penetrates the tissues is also supposed to be excellent for toxic drainage, and that includes helping to get rid of cellulite. So, since I've always had cellulite to varying degrees on my thighs and buttocks, I've decided to start using a pronged massager after I've been in the sauna for twenty minutes or so, when my skin has heated, and massaging it really well to help smooth out those areas.
It really seems to be helping so far, and I'm hoping that with more time I will see a nice, dramatic reduction in cellulite. I also use a cellulite cream in conjunction with this regimen, and am hoping that will also boost the effectiveness of cellulite reduction.
All in all, our infrared sauna has been one of the smartest investments we've ever made in our health. We wouldn't trade it for the world, and hope to get many years of enjoyment out of the spa-like environment and stress-busting quiet heat.
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