The Power and Science of Near Infrared Sauna Therapy: Part II {Pure Living}

Near infrared sauna therapy is a powerful way to re-balance the body and support health!

 AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored but contains affiliate links for products that I purchased and use myself. These products and the information provided should not be considered medical advice. Amazon and other merchants offer a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. Thank you!

Last week, I shared my experience with the Pocket Sauna from SaunaSpace, as an affordable, hypoallergenic at-home solution for enjoying the benefits of near infrared sauna therapy. In today’s post, I want to dive deeper into the fascinating and powerful science behind how near infrared saunas can support the body to detoxify, rebalance and rejuvenate!

Many health issues, ranging from autoimmune conditions, metabolic imbalances, weight issues, chronic stress and skin issues, have been associated with inflammation and toxicity. This burden from our environment, food, water and lifestyle builds up in the body, impairing the normal function of many systems and overwhelming the body’s natural ability to detoxify. Therefore, many of us can benefit from boosting our bodies’ natural detoxification mechanisms to help us re-balance.

Why Near Infrared Sauna Therapy?

Sweating is one of the ways our bodies naturally get rid of unwanted toxins. Saunas have been traditionally used to bring about sweating, relaxation and purification. Heat or hyperthermic therapies have benefits, but near infrared sauna lamps have a number of additional advantages as well, beyond those of traditional or far-infrared saunas.

A near infrared sauna (NIR) uses lamps that combine the heat therapy of traditional saunas with low-level light therapy. Tungsten filaments in Edison heat lamps produce beneficial visible red and near infrared (600-950nm) rays (Hopkins, McLoda, Seegmiller & Baxter, 2004), which mimic those elements of natural sunlight.  These tungsten heat lamps also produce almost no harmful electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and gently heat the body from within.

Near infrared sauna light has been shown to deeply penetrate tissues up to a depth of 9 inches (23 cm) (Whelan et al., 2003) compared to around 1.5 inches for far infrared light, which is also more scattered. Our cells contain tiny photoreceptors called chromophores which are selectively receptive to and absorb these near infrared rays. In fact, the mitochondrial photo-receptors (cytochrome oxidase) are only stimulated by 600-950nm light (Hamblin & Demidova, 2006) (visible red is 600-700nm, near infrared is 700-1100nm). Once activated by NIR light, chromophores influence a variety of metabolic pathways that support healing, reduced inflammation, detoxification and rejuvenation. This directed, deep light also provides sufficient heat for effective hyperthermic therapy.

How does Near Infrared Sauna Therapy work?

What drew me to investigate near infrared sauna therapy is the research looking at the unique physiological impacts that near infrared light provides. One of the most powerful and fascinating aspects of near infrared sauna therapy is its impact on our mitochondria. 

Mitochondria are key metabolic organelles found in most of our cells. In addition to their key role in supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in other tasks, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, and cell death, as well as maintaining control of the cell cycle and cell growth (Eells et al., 2004).

These special organelles are equipped with a unique biological system which stimulates the mitochondria’s role as agents of detoxification, repair and regeneration. A key mechanism of near infrared light therapy is to activate these systems within the mitochondria with the power of both light and heat. Specifically, visible red and invisible near infrared light in the 600nm-950nm range activates the cytochrome oxidase photoreceptor enzyme in our mitochondria. In this way, the light energy activates metabolic pathways that lead to DNA repair and improved regulation and action of transcription factors (enzymes) that control gene transcription and expression.

Infrared sauna therapy also gently heats the body temperature, driving blood to the skin surface, increasing circulation, helping release toxins and balancing the nervous system.

Detoxification 

Relaxing in an infrared sauna allows for passive sweating and release of toxins and heavy metals from the body. NIR light is able to penetrate deep into our tissues. As blood flow increases and the body begins to sweat while remaining in a relaxed, parasympathetic state (as opposed to sweating during vigorous exercise which places us into a sympathetic-dominant state), the body more readily releases and eliminates these harmful substances.

According to Lawrence Wilson, MD, “Heating the body helps destroy bacteria, viruses and tumors. Sweating promotes the elimination of toxic chemicals, radioactive particles and other toxins. It also increases the skin’s ability to eliminate poisons.”

Increases in circulation and rejuvenation of the skin, a key organ for detoxification, seen with near infrared sauna use likely contribute to its detoxification benefits.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Near infrared light helps promote parasympathetic nervous system activity (“rest and digest”), a state where the body can repair and regenerate naturally. In this way, sauna use can promote deep relaxation and stress relief that can help balance both the body and mind.

Healing and Tissue Repair

Many studies show that near infrared light helps to accelerate healing of tissue injury. This may be beneficial for wound healing, various skin conditions and even eye health. For example, a study in mice blinded by chemical injury showed that NIR light therapy reversed eye damage (Eells et al., 2003).

Further, sauna use my help keep skin youthful. Near infrared light has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin, to keep it firm and plump. It also seems to be healing for skin conditions such as acne, scars, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis (Ablon, 2010).

Similarly, near infrared sauna use appears to reduce joint and muscle pain (Hamblin, 2013) and contribute to tissue healing. Studies have shown improvements in back pain from regular near infrared sauna ((Hale & Rothbart, 2006) use, and hand-held infrared devices are commonly used for pain relief.

Chronic Disease Prevention and Longevity

Given these powerful impacts, it is not surprising that regular sauna use has been associated with improved health outcomes and longevity. For example, a study from Finland found that those who use saunas regularly reduced their risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease, leading to longer lifespans (Kihara et al. , 2009). Sauna therapy improves circulation and oxygenation throughout the body and has been associated with decreased blood pressure, fewer fatal heart attacks and lessened deaths from other cardiovascular diseases.

Sauna use has also been shown to help with muscle recovery following exercise (Scoon, Hopkins, Mayhew & Cotter, 2007) and to help reduce fatigue. It is believed that sauna use contributes to the release of growth hormone, which can increase muscle strength and healing.

Of course, sauna use is not for everyone, so it is important to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any healing regimen. Children under age 5, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions should avoid sauna use. Others may need to start off very slowly, with shorter duration spent in the sauna or lower temperatures. As with all healing, it is important to listen to your body.

A Convenient High-Quality Near Infrared Sauna Option: The Pocket Sauna from SaunaSpace

In part I of this series on near infrared saunas I shared my experience using the Pocket Sauna daily as part of my healing and wellness routine. Check out this post for all the details on why I choose to purchase this sauna option and what I have been experiencing as I engage in near infrared sauna therapy!

I look forward to sharing more about my experience with the Pocket Sauna in the upcoming weeks as well as diving deeper into the fascinating science behind near infrared sauna benefits!

If you are looking for a powerful addition to your relaxation, rejuvenation and health regimen, I invite you to explore the Pocket Sauna! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about how it might work for your goals!

NOTE: I did NOT receive monetary compensation nor sponsorship for this post. I purchased and paid for my Pocket Sauna and share products I have sought out, purchased and used myself so that I can honestly and openly share my experiences. If you choose to purchase a Pocket Sauna, I will receive a small affiliate bonus at no cost to you to support the operating costs of this blog. Thank you!

Let me know on Facebook if you have tried an infrared sauna and share a photo on Instagram with your favorite ways to detox! 

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Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this email and related resources is for informational purposes only. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes taking any medication or nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health issue. Do not use this information provided for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you suspect you have a medical problem please contact your healthcare provider promptly and do not disregard professional medical advice based on anything in this email. This correspondence and related resources are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and do not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Jennifer Weinberg.

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