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Infrared Sauna Therapy
Infrared sauna therapy provides the relaxing benefits of a traditional sauna without the excessive heat. At Aspen Integrative Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, our naturopathic physicians frequently recommend infrared sauna therapy to benefit many health needs. To learn how the infrared sauna at Aspen Integrative Medical Center can benefit you, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
What is an infrared sauna?
Our infrared sauna is a treatment that uses far infrared lamps to warm your body. A traditional sauna heats the air around you. By comparison, infrared light uses infrared light to heat your body directly. Because the infrared sauna warms you instead of the air around you, the heat penetrates deeper into your body, offering more benefits.
Aspen Integrative Medical Center is a patient-centered integrative medicine practice providing natural therapies like infrared sauna to support your body’s healing process.
What are the health benefits of infrared sauna therapy?
Anyone can benefit from the infrared sauna at Aspen Integrative Medical Center. However, it’s often best to be prescribed by your provider, so the sauna duration and intensity can be tailored to your preferences and treatment goals.
The biggest benefit of infrared sauna is a deep cellular detoxification assisting your body to mobilize and excrete toxins from your body. These toxins may include heavy metals, mold mycotoxins, environmental toxins, and endogenous cellular waste. You may also benefit from the warming therapy as it soothes aching muscles after an intense workout, reduces chronic pain, or helps you get better sleep. The infrared sauna also helps you relax, reducing stress.
The heat created by the infrared sauna also benefits your heart because it increases heart rate and blood flow, similar to what happens during exercise.
You should avoid infrared sauna therapy if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
What happens during an infrared sauna therapy session?
Your provider at Aspen Integrative Medical Center reviews the details of your infrared sauna treatment at your consultation, so you know what to expect. Initially, you may start with 5-10 short sessions at lower temperatures.
Your provider increases the length and temperature of your infrared sauna sessions until you reach therapeutic levels. Infrared sauna treatments are generally less than 30-60 minutes.
You must drink water before and during your therapy to prevent dehydration It is best to wipe off sweat using a towel after your session and then go home to take a shower. Aspen Integrative Medical Center may recommend two to three infrared sauna sessions a week to gain the most benefits.
If you’re in good health and you add infrared sauna to your wellness plan, you may benefit from up to four sessions a week.
What can I expect after infrared sauna therapy?
The providers at Aspen Integrative Medical Center recommend you remain at the office for a bit to cool down. You may feel more relaxed and at ease as you leave our clinic.
Commonly reported responses include mental clarity, clearer vision, more restful sleep, increase in motivation, improved focus, decreased anxiety and depression, increased ability to read, absence of irritability, impatience and anger. Occasionally, individuals may experience a feeling of being tired, lightheaded or maybe feel a slight headache or temporary exacerbation of a symptom, which typically resolves within a few minutes, or a few hours.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some clients may notice improvement after one session. An individual with a history of lifelong problems will typically require more treatments. A typical series is 15-20 treatments for adults, youth typically require less. Over time, the improvements often lead to enduring sustainability.
Our infrared sauna features far infrared light and we’ve added salt therapy within the sauna to enhance your relaxation and healing experience.
Watch Dr. Mele’s video to learn more about infrared sauna therapy!