Although saunas have been popular for centuries, they are not often thought of for treatments in traditional medicine. Thanks to advancements, today’s saunas have technologically-evolved from the harsh, 200°+ rooms to a soothing, healthy heat.
At Grey Matter, our sauna’s infrared technology brings forth a therapeutic treatment that capitalizes on one of earth’s greatest gifts: far infrared energy. Treatments are not only relaxing, but are also clinically-shown to be beneficial for your health. With several types of sessions and durations, our infrared sauna therapy may also help eliminate toxins to further support the healing process.
How it Works
Light comes in many forms: visible (such as from the sun or a lamp) or invisible (such as ultraviolet rays or in this case, infrared energy). Although Infrared cannot be seen by the naked eye, it can be felt as heat, and acts as one of the most beneficial forms of light.
The radiant heat from Grey Matter’s infrared sauna surrounds and penetrates the skin, allowing for increased circulation in joints, muscles and tissues. This process has been shown to enhance oxygen flow, increase circulation, and rid the body of harmful toxins. Infrared saunas can also help remove impurities from cells, such as our fat cells, where most waste and harmful toxins such as cholesterol and heavy metals reside.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
Numerous healing and preventative benefits derive from infrared therapy, and clinically-backed research shows that the different wavelengths – NIR, MIR and FIR – are more effective than others at targeting various health benefits.
Studies have shown that FIR raises core body temperature, which stimulates the sweat glands and results in a deep, detoxifying sweat – ridding the body of toxins.
MIR can help expand blood vessels and increase circulation, allowing more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body, which results in reduced pain and a faster healing process. A NASA study using NIR heat also determined that LED technology allows for deep penetration of tissue and increased cell growth from the inside, which can reduce inflammation.
Perspiring is part of the complex thermoregulatory process that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate, causing the body to burn calories. Studies have shown that a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn an upwards of 600 calories! More specifically, a 2009 study indicated that Sunlighten infrared saunas can lower weight and waist circumference in just a 3-month period.
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, heart rate increases by 50-75%, which provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels to expand due to increased blood flow. A 2005 clinical study conducted by the University of Missouri, Kansas City showed that Solocarbon FIR sauna treatments dilated blood vessels and reduced the volume of their inner lining, concluding that Solocarbon FIR reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular use.
Heating of muscles with infrared therapy produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during exercise. Body temperature elevation also produces an increase in blood flow. Infrared heat can assist in the resolution of inflammatory infiltrates, edema, and exudates. The increased peripheral circulation provides the transport needed to help evacuate the edema, which can help end inflammation, decrease pain, and help speed healing.
Several studies have shown that infrared properties can help improve cell health, enhance muscle recovery, and boost immune defenses. A NASA study concluded that NIR LED technology can quadruple cell health and tissue growth. Another study done at the Medical College of Wisconsin demonstrated that LED-produced near infrared helps promote cell health and regeneration. Lastly, a study from The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology concluded that LED near infrared (NIR) restores enzyme activity and reduces cell death by half.
Infrared therapy has been shown to improve circulation, expel dirt & chemicals, and remove dead cells on the surface of the skin, resulting in a soft, clear complexion. A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of infrared therapy. Participants also experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity, and firmness.
Grey Matter’s Infrared Sauna
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