We are so excited to be able to offer infrared sauna at CK Heath, and wanted to share a bit about what they are and why we got one!
How it works
An infrared sauna works differently to the traditional high heat hot rocks and steam sauna. Ours uses the entire infrared spectrum of near; mid and far infrared wave lengths. This type of sauna use is also known as sauna bathing. When you sauna bathe, there is no active skeletal muscle function, however, your heart rate increases from 120 to 150 beats per minute. This increases blood flow and has been shown to reduce blood pressure. This also reduces inflammation in the body and has been shown in studies to reduce inflammatory markers such as CRP, fibrinogen and leukocytes.
Near infrared is a short wavelength and penetrates the skins surface very effectively. It’s useful for wound healing, tissue growth, and cell health and skin renewal. Near infrared is used during our anti-aging treatment sessions.
Mid infrared penetrates into the soft tissue and helps increase circulation, and expand the bloods vessels. It helps reduce pain and increases healing time.
Far infrared, penetrates into the body, and promotes sweating. It raises body temperature and increases metabolic rate- so its great for weight loss as it helps burn more calories. Far infrared reaches deep into tissues to where toxins are stored and promotes their release.
By utilising a combination of near, mid and far wavelengths, we can achieve specific results for your health. As a stand-alone therapy, or in conjunction with your naturopathic care, we can tailor the treatment based on your specific needs.
It’s such a lovely experience. As part of the sauna at CK Health, we have a Chromotherapy lights system.
Chromotherapy is the science of using colours to increase health. Light can be broken down into a seven-colour spectrum. Each colour has a unique frequency and specific vibration that can be related to different physical symptoms. These colours can be used therapeutically to help bring the body into balance.
A 2005 study on Chromotherapy discusses how this centuries old therapy has evidence to be a system of treatment due to the healing characteristics of colour.
When you come in for your sauna, you will be shown how to utilise the Chromotherapy to enhance your infrared experience.
So what can you use Infrared sauna for?
- Weight loss
- Recovery from exercise
- Fibromyalgia
- Relaxation
- Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Withdrawal from substance abuse
- Injury recovery
- Acne
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Eczema
- Ulcers
- Menopausal symptoms
- Detoxification from heavy metals- useful for ASD, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue.
Regular use of an infrared sauna is truly preventative medicine.
A study from Finland has linked routine use with a lower risk of common chronic health conditions and premature death. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, asthma, pneumonia and obstructive pulmonary disease as well as disease associated with memory such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
When exploring how pain can be improved by infrared sauna, it is linked with improving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, chronic tension headaches, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. A study on infrared sauna use in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients showed that pain, stiffness and fatigue improved.
Detoxification of heavy metals traditionally uses therapies including medications, chelating herbs that can be very taxing on the body, and other therapies like clay baths. Using an infrared sauna to help remove heavy metals is a proven way to reduce them in our body. A Canadian study looking at the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, found that they excreted in sweat better than in blood or urine. Therefore, using an infrared sauna, particularly with the far infrared waves, will induce sweating and safely remove heavy metals.
For athletes considering infrared sauna, a very interesting study in 2015 showed a favourable recovery using infrared sauna after training.
Why did we get a sauna??
Cody and Cheree both recommended using infrared saunas to their clients.
Cody works with a lot of clients with Lyme disease and chronic autoimmune diseases. Patients with impaired and slow immunity who show great improvements utilising infrared sauna as part of their treatment plan.
Cheree recommends it for her clients with autism, and behavioural issues, as well as weight loss and fertility clients.
HOW DO YOU USE IT??
Before you have a sauna at CK Health, we need to make sure you are well hydrated and don’t have any adverse risks. We don’t recommend using the sauna while pregnant, if you are on warfarin, have a pacemaker, or have unstable angina or recent myocardial infarction. We don’t encourage children under 12 to use the sauna, however, infrared saunas can be utilised safely for children if they have prior doctors approval at short intervals of approximately of 1 minute per year of age.
We will help you decide which program is best for you, show you how to use our Chromotherapy lights, help you choose music or mediation and leave you in peace while you enjoy your sauna.
Allow yourself about 45-60minutes to enjoy your sauna, have a shower and have a drink of our zazen water afterwards.
Depending on your goal, you can utilise the sauna as little or as much as you like.
The Finnish studies we mentioned before showed an enormous benefit for those using the sauna 4-7 times per week.
For example, in a detox protocol, we might recommend 3 sauna sessions per week for 4 weeks in conjunction with a meal plan, nutritional supplements, and exercise.
We’d love you to come and try our sauna experience at CK Health, and hope you love it as much as we do.
