Why We Love the Infrared Sauna

Rolled Up Towel image for use in Infrared Sauna

Castle Hill Fitness Downtown has two TheraSauna Far Infrared saunas, one in each of the locker rooms. The infrared sauna is a favorite among staff and clients alike, and is often used after a workout to relax and restore! The Infrared Sauna boasts many health benefits and is a wonderful addition to any wellness routine. Read on to learn more about how it works and why we’re such big fans of it here at Castle Hill Fitness.

What is an Infrared Sauna and How is It Different from a Traditional Sauna?

Unlike traditional rock saunas, the Infrared sauna does not use steam to warm the air. Instead, it uses Infrared lamps to penetrate deep into body tissue directly. This lower ambient temperature allows the user to remain in the Infrared sauna for longer without overheating. When Infrared energy enters the body, the core body temperature increases and causes perspiration. Infrared heat is completely healthy and safe, and is even used in hospitals to keep newborn infants warm.

Infrared saunas are recognized by health practitioners worldwide as an effective method of removing both chemical and heavy metal toxins from the body. The Infrared detoxifies heavy metals such as mercury, aluminium, and other environmental toxins then conventional heat or steam saunas do not remove.
Infrared saunas can help clear cellulite, water and debris trapped in pockets beneath the skin. European beauty specialists routinely incorporate daily Infrared sauna into programs to reduce cellulite.
Infrared saunas have been used to treat sprains, bursitis, rheumatism, muscle spasms, neuralgia and hemorrhoids. They have also been shown to relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns and allergies.
Infrared saunas require 90% less electrical energy than conventional saunas, and no plumbing is required for a Far Infrared sauna. This supports the Castle Hill Green Initiatives.
NASA has utilized Infrared therapy to help maintain fitness levels of astronauts in weightless environments.

What are the Benefits of an Infrared Sauna?

In addition to the benefits listed above, when the Infrared heat penetrates your body, you will experience a refreshed mind, relaxed mood, reduction of aches and pains, improved metabolism, which leads to an overall feeling of wellness.

The Ideal Usage for an Infrared Sauna

The initial length of recommended use is 10-15 minutes per session, gradually increasing the amount of heat and sauna time as your body adapts through repeated visits. You may set the sauna to maximum temperature setting of 140F which will make the heaters operate at full capacity most of the 10-15 minute time. It is okay if the Infrared sauna does not hit 140F during your sessions, as you still receive all the benefits of the Infrared energy.

What are the Contra-indications for Infrared Saunas?

If you have a disease, be certain to consult with a primary-care physician before use.
If you are using any prescription drugs, check with your physician or pharmacist for any possible change in the drug’s effect due to any interaction with infrared energy.
It is considered inadvisable to raise the core temperature in someone with adrenal suppression and systemic lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis, by some authorities.
If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury or until the hot and swollen symptoms subside. If you have a joint or joints that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous heating is strictly contra-indicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in joints or in any other tissues.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, discontinue your sauna use.
Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared rays and thus are not heated by this system, nevertheless you should consult your surgeon prior to using Infrared Thermal System. The usage of Infrared Thermal System must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. Silicone does absorb infrared energy. Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed by the infrared rays. Since silicone melts at over 200°C (392°F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of Infrared Thermal System. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the product manufacture to be certain.
Heating of the low back area during the period phase of the menstrual cycle may temporarily increase menstrual flow.
Hemophiliacs and anyone predisposed to hemorrhage should avoid Infrared Thermal System usage or any type of heating that would induce vasodilatation, which can increase the tendency to bleed.
If any condition worsens with the use of an Infrared treatment, discontinue using the Infrared Sauna.
Discontinue using the Infrared Sauna if you experience any pain as a result of the radiant heat.
Do not attempt to self-treat any disease with this Infrared Thermal System without direct supervision of a physician.