

Tips to Get the Most Out of an Infrared Sauna Session

Heat therapy is effective at removing many toxic compounds from the body and sauna therapy is a great passive form of heat therapy. Experts advise people to take antioxidants before and after the heat therapy (liposomal glutathione, if possible). Make sure to remove as much sweat as possible during and immediately after sauna sessions and hydrate with electrolytes. 

Did you know if you feel the beginning of cold or flu symptoms, you can strengthen your immune system by using your infrared sauna 2-3 times per day/ 20 – 30 minute sessions? YES! In many instances, frequent far infrared sauna sessions will eliminate your cold and flu symptoms completely in a day or so.*

How to Get Started? Go ahead and start your session when sauna cabin temp is 85 -95 degrees and let your body warm up along with the cabin air temperature.
The heater panels are already emitting tuned far infrared energy at maximum capacity and your body is receiving all the infrared energy it can absorb. Take your time and enjoy yourself.

Far Infrared ‘soft’ heat is calming and relaxing, just like feeling your body soak up the warmth of the sun on a cool day, and as your body becomes more accustomed to raising your core temperature on a regular basis you will sweat twice as much as a traditional sauna!

sauna tips
1. Lay off the booze
Drinking before a visit is always a no-no. “Having too much alcohol the day before can make you feel extra dehydrated in a sauna, explains Lauren Berlingeri, co-founder of New York City’s steamy sauna spot, Higher Dose.

2. Drink water, instead!
“Not drinking enough water is the most common mistake people make when visiting a sauna,” explain Berlingeri. You’re going to sweat a lot, so hydration is crucial. “Treat a visit to the sauna like a sweaty workout, and make sure you are drinking more water than you would in a normal day.” A liter of water per session, some of which you should drink right before you step inside. “The rule of thumb is if you are thirsty when you get out, you did not drink enough when you were in the sauna,” she says. Avoid sugary drinks, sodas, coffee or fruit juices with added sugar. Your body will want to sweat out toxic matter from itself and will need a lot of fluid to perform this task well.

3. Sit up straight
While laying across the bench is totally fine (and relaxing!), some recommend sitting up to really reap the benefits. This way the heaters will be directly aimed at the front and back of your body. “You want your body to absorb as much of the infrared as possible, so you want the infrared directly at your body core, both front and back.” Place layers of towels on the bench seat to absorb perspiration during your session. Far infrared will penetrate clothing and towels. By Stretching your arms, legs, neck, back area,etc. during your far infrared sauna session you can achieve increased body flexibility, range of motion, and reduce chronic stiffness and problem areas. Massage congested and “knotty” muscle areas.

4. Feel the rainbow
You will probably notice a nifty little chromotherapy (or color therapy) guide showing the different color light options and their benefits. For example, green is a relaxation booster, while yellow is a stress-buster. Try to resist the urge to flick through all 12 color options during your session. Instead, “sit directly under the lights and allot three to five minutes for each color to get significant benefit,” Kaps says. Stick with red light at night. Blue light (and possibly other wavelengths on the spectrum) can disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it difficult to fall asleep.

5. Embrace the Phone ban
Smartphones are not allowed in infrared saunas, since the light and heat can really mess with the hardware. While some spots provide Netflix or live TV in their boxes, challenge yourself to forgo the distractions and embrace the digital detox. “I like to sit in there and meditate, and other times I like to lay down and relax,” says Berlingeri. 

6. Make time for cool-down
When scheduling your session, make sure you leave yourself enough time to get back to your core temp and wash away the sweat. “We recommend a five to 15 minute cool down and a cold shower depending on how long your session is,” Berlingeri says. The shower is important because sweating is one of your body’s main natural detoxification processes, and you want to wash away all that stuff you sweated out so your skin doesn’t re-absorb it. Plus, “people tend to re-enter their daily hectic life without any transition,” she says. Easing back in will help prolong the relaxation.

7. Wear loose-fitting clothing after
“You may continue to sweat a bit after,” Berlingeri says. To avoid having to force a pair of tight jeans or compression leggings up your sweaty legs, opt for something loose, breathable, and comfortable. Try packing a pair of wide-leg yoga pants, a cotton tee, and a loose sports bra.

8. Schedule your sessions based on your needs
If you’ve got sleep issues, an early evening sauna can really help you relax before bed. On the flip side, you can use an early morning visit to help you tackle the day ahead. “For many people, using the infrared sauna in the morning helps them start their day better,” Berlingeri says.

Visiting the sauna while you’ve got your period is also a good idea. “It can help with menstrual cramps, as the infrared lights increase blood flow and circulation, while the heat melts away pain and discomfort,” Berlingeri says. Duly noted.

9. Fiber for Mobilized Toxin Removal
Once the toxins are released and mobilized in the body, those that are not secreted in the sweat are released into the digestive system. Without proper fiber in the intestines, a portion of these toxins will be reabsorbed back into the body, being again deposited into fat cells.

While eating a heavy meal prior to entering the sauna is not recommended, having fiber in the form of a smoothie, green powder, fruits or vegetables more than an hour before or after your time in the sauna use can be beneficial in aiding the removal of these toxins.

10. After the Sauna
After your session, take a warm shower to wash off the toxins that are now on the outside of your skin. Many find that a cool shower rinse after a warm shower invigorates them and their skin. So enjoy a good shower followed by a cool rinse. This will also close up the pores.

When showering, avoid chemical laden soaps and heavy lotions. Your pores are open wide immediately after a sauna and you want to avoid clogging them. HYDRATE again 😉




Extracted from Healing Therapy and Nutritious Life 




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