Health related questions
Can I use my sauna every day?
Yes! Just be sure to add more water and vitamins to your daily routine.
Are infrared saunas good for arthritis pain?
Yes, infrared heat can bring some pain relief to some people.
Will I still get health benefits from the sauna if I don't like to sweat or can't?
Yes, some people leave the door open and position themselves in front of the heaters to warm the body.
Should I drink water before or after a sauna session?
You should do both, as well as drinking at least 12-16 oz's of water during the sauna session.
Is there anything special I should do when I start using my sauna?
Be sure to add vitamins to your daily routine. The deep sweat in a sauna will take out some metals and minerals which your body needs.
Who should not use saunas?
Pregnant Women, people with Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus or any other health related issues or problems should follow their doctors’ advice on using an infrared sauna.
Is Infrared safe for people with heart problems?
It is important to always consult your doctor first on health related issues or problems about sauna use.
How long should one stay in the sauna?
This really depends on your physical fitness level, age, weight and medical condition. On average between 15 to 45 minutes is considered good.
Are these saunas really safe?
Absolutely, the same type of heat has been used in hospitals for new born babies for over 30 years. It is also used by NASA for the astronauts.
Should I take a shower before taking a sauna?
Taking a shower prior to entering the infrared sauna contributes to perspiring more quickly. It is a matter of personal preference.
Counter indications for use of infrared sauna therapy
Raising core body temperature may not be recommended for individuals with adrenal suppression, multiple sclerosis, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Acute joint injury should not be heated within the first 48 hours, or until the joint erythema and swelling subsides.
When pregnant, we recommended that you discontinue using any infrared sauna immediately.
For any other health related issues or problems you should follow your doctors’ advice on using an infrared sauna.
Is it safe to use an infrared sauna at the same time as using a drug prescription?
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist for possible drugs effects and interactions due to the use of an infrared sauna.
What are the benefits of using an infrared sauna?
Detoxification
The skin is our largest surface organ. It plays an important role in ejecting the undesired toxins out of our bodies. Some physicians refer to the skin as a third kidney as it is also a body filtering organ. Infrared technology is capable of penetrating deep and removing the toxins stored in fat cells. With an infrared sauna, all of this detoxification becomes a reality. Detoxifying lets your body rid of potential carcinogenic heavy metals such as mercury and lead, as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid and cholesterol.
Cardiovascular health
Infrared heat therapy is one way to achieve cardiovascular conditioning benefits. During a sauna session, vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels increases with heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. This provides a workout for your heart as the body attempts to cool itself in diverting blood from internal organs to the extremities and the skin. iComfort saunas emit infrared energy that is absorbed by human cells, causing a physical phenomenon called "resonance". Thus the cellular activities are instantly invigorated, resulting in a better blood circulation and an overall improved metabolism.
Pain relief and recovery from injuries
Infrared energy released by asauna can penetrate almost 2" deep into muscle tissue. 93% of this energy is absorbed through the skin. By heating these tissues, we experience a vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels which can be beneficial in reducing muscle spasms, joint stiffness, achiness as well as general aches and pains due to conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
There is also evidence that when used 24-48 hours post injury, FIR generated heat stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels, bringing oxygen to joints and extremities, speeding the healing of sprains and strains, thus relieving pain and reducing the time it takes the human body to recover from an injury to heal sprains and strains. It may also help to reduce pain and swelling in the body.
Relief from Arthritic joints and lower back pain is a common benefit for many people. Research has also shown far infrared therapy can effectively manage all manner of muscular and skeletal aches and pains. One of the main reasons for its ability to do this is through the dilating of capillaries in areas associated with pain that allows oxygen rich blood to bathe the affected area flushing away acid metabolic wastes that build up contributing to pain, soreness and stiffness.
Weight loss
As you bask in the comforts of an infrared sauna, your body is actually hard at work attempting to maintain a constant core temperature. Our body does this by increasing peripheral blood flow and by sweating. Guyton's textbook of Medical Physiology states that 1 gram of sweat requires 0.568 kcal to produce. An average sauna user can produce 500 grams of sweat and burn about 350 calories during a therapeutic sauna session. Our infrared saunas can also help rid your body of cellulite which is a gel like substance made up of fat cells, water and wastes.
Stress relief & relaxation
Feel the stress of the day melt away in your private sanctuary. Increased circulation triggers the release of endorphins, loosening tight muscles and making you feel better all over.
An infrared sauna session before a massage treatment also helps to create an overall relaxing effect. It loosens the muscle tissue so the therapist can do a more thorough and effective massage.
Tissue elasticity
The warmth of your iComfort infrared sauna relaxes your muscles, increase flexibility and motion range. Studies show, tissues heated to 130° and then stretched have exhibited an elastic elongation that persists long after the stretch is removed. Therapeutic benefits were also seen in working with ligaments, tendons, fascia, joint capsules and symposiums that have become scarred, thickened or contracted.
Skin beautification
An infrared sauna session increases blood circulation to the skin and helps to bring fresh nutrients to the surface. This helps to improve the tone, texture and elasticity of your skin. At the same time, profuse sweating is assisting in the removal of toxins that accumulate deep within your pores such as make-up, dirt, lotions and conditioners. It makes you look and feel better.
Immune system
By creating an "Artificial Fever", infrared heat has a positive effect on the immune system. Often misunderstood, fever is a natural healing response of the body. The function of the immune system is increased naturally during a fever, while virus and bacterial growth is slowed, weakening its hold. This helps the body ward off invading organisms. An infrared heat treatment in the early stages of a cold or flu has been known to stop the disease before the symptoms occur.
Please consult the ‘Reference’ section for further health benefits.
Are some sauna woods better than others if I am chemically sensitive?
Yes, some manufacturers use veneer sheets on many parts of their sauna. As the sauna heats up to 140 degrees, these veneer sheets can cause eye irritation as well as other reactions. We only recommend hypoallergenic wood like Hemlock wood and water based non-toxic glues used in our saunas to those that are chemically sensitive.
What temperature will the body reach during and after a sauna session at maximum temperature?
After a 30 minute sauna session in a sauna, core body temperature is raised by about 3°F and body surface temperature raised by about 14°F.
Is infrared heat better than rock sauna heat?
Infrared heat saunas have some distinct advantages over rock saunas, however many rock sauna advocates feel that an infrared sauna does not provide the same relaxing and invigorating experience. This is an issue of personal preference.
Infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sun light. Infrared heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sun light that heats the body normally.
Rock saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level (between 180-220 degrees Fahrenheit) within the chamber to warm the body. The temperature a rock sauna must reach for your body to sweat is too high to be safely handled by your body for extended time duration. Most doctors would agree that anything more than 20 minutes at such high temperatures is not good for the human body. Actually, it could end up stressing and straining your heart. Some people also have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm and dry air.
Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, infrared saunas heat the body directly. The result is a lower power bill and deeper tissue penetration. In infrared saunas, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot and dry air of a traditional rock sauna. Finally, infrared saunas are safe for all ages.
Is infrared sauna heat better than steam sauna heat?
Infrared heat saunas have some distinct advantages over steam heat saunas, however many steam sauna advocates feel that an infrared sauna does not provide the same relaxing and invigorating experience as a steam sauna. This can be an issue of personal preference.
Infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sun light. Infrared heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sun light that heats the body normally.
Steam saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level (about 200 degrees Fahrenheit) within the chamber to warm the body. The temperature a steam sauna must reach for your body to sweat is too high to be safely handled by your body for extended time duration. Most doctors would agree that anything more than 20 minutes at such high temperatures is not good for the human body. Actually, it could end up stressing and straining your heart. Some people also have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air.
Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, infrared saunas heat the body directly. The result is a lower power bill and deeper tissue penetration. With infrared saunas, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot air of a traditional steam sauna. Infrared saunas are safe for all ages.
Steam saunas are more likely to spread and cultivate bacteria and fungus in the humid air. A regular and periodic thorough cleaning of the sauna room and steam mechanism is required. Extra hot and humid air is not easy to evacuate in modern homes. An infrared sauna creates a more sanitary environment and requires much less maintenance.
Which sauna heat technology is best carbon film or ceramic?
There are two types of infrared heating technology that are popular today: carbon film and ceramic. Which is the best? Carbon film saunas are better.
Several years back, only ceramic or metal infrared heating technology was available. They worked well. However, technology has changed and improved over time as one would expect. Ceramic and metal produce heat through small tubes (3 or 4 is typical) placed throughout the sauna. But, they produce infrared heat at a very high temperature. This causes two problems. First, they have some hot spots. Some areas of your body will get sufficient exposure to infrared heat and other areas will have very little. This isn't good. To enjoy the most benefits of an infrared sauna, your body should, as much as possible, uniformly receive infrared heat and absorb the infrared rays to the maximum extent. Second, since the heat comes from a surface area trying to heat the whole sauna, ceramic rods become very hot. Ceramic sauna users have often complained getting red marks from leaning on the hot rods. And in spite of this almost burning temperature, the infrared heat of a ceramic sauna does not completely surround the user. Look at any 2 person sauna with ceramic rods and you will notice they produce about 56 square inches of infrared heat. iComfort carbon film heaters cover around 572 square inches or more. This is at least 10 times more. Also, the heat coming from a carbon film panel is much more evenly dispersed. You can lean against any panel within the sauna and stand no chance of getting burned. So why is ceramic infrared heating technology still available? Probably because they are cheaper to buy and most people have no idea about the differences. Carbon film technology has been around now for several years. Practically all the modern research studies done today are based upon this new-age cutting edge technology.
Why is infrared important to the human body?
Infrared energy has the ability to penetrate, refract, radiate and reflect. The human body can absorb infrared energy because of its deep penetrating ability. When infrared energy penetrates through skin to the subcutaneous tissues, it transforms into heat energy. The thermal effect within the deep layers of the tissues causes bloods vessels and capillaries to dilate, promoting a better blood circulation. This heat also helps to get rid of body toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating.
Can infrared saunas be used to perform Heat/Bikram Yoga?
Yes, the heat from an infrared sauna will cause the human body to heat up and become more flexible. Infrared saunas can be used for Heat Yoga or the Bikram Method Yoga.
Can an infrared sauna help with acne?
Sweating and improving your circulation are probably good for acne, but there is no direct evidence that infrared saunas themselves do anything beneficial.
Can I receive constant infrared heat with iComfort/Westinghouse sauna
Yes, to receive constant infrared heat using your iComfort/Westinghouse sauna, simply set the controller to its highest setting. During a 30 to 45 minute session, the heaters will be emitting 100% infrared heat, with no intermittent shut off. At the same time, you could also open the ventilation trap.
What is the optimum infrared frequency for an infrared sauna?
It is within 7 to 14 microns with a good portion of wavelengths at 9.4 microns which is the frequency at which a water molecule resonates or vibrates. This vibration causes a release of cellular toxins such as mercury, aluminum, cholesterol and other toxic gases.
Are some sauna woods more hypoallergenic than others if I am chemically sensitive?
Yes, some sauna brands use veneer sheets in place of tongue and groove wood on many parts of the sauna such as the exterior, ceiling, back panel, and floor. When the sauna heats up to 140 degrees, these veneer sheets may off-gas and cause eye irritation as well as other reactions. If you are sensitive, we recommend only a 100% tongue and groove sauna, preferably in Hemlock wood.
Is Infrared heat safe? Is it like a microwave or a tanning bed?
Infrared heat is completely safe. In fact, it is so safe, hospitals use similar heaters to warm newborns. Infrared heat is part of the very safe bandwidth of light, unlike ultraviolet (tanning beds) or microwaves.
What is the difference in heaters between an infrared Sauna and a traditional sauna?
Our infrared sauna heaters produce the same as the heat from the sun but without the harmful UV rays. Our carbon heaters are made up of approximately 20 organic minerals and elements creating infrared waves that heat your body directly, instead of just the air around you. Traditional Finnish saunas, also called rock saunas, use various types of heaters to warm the stones and air in the room.
Are the lower temperatures in an infrared sauna effective?
Far infrared sauna technology is thought to be seven times more effective at detoxifying metals such as mercury and aluminum, as well as cholesterols, nicotine, alcohol, ammonia, sulfuric acid and other environmental toxins when compared to conventional heat, or steam saunas. In an infrared sauna, the therapeutic operating temperature is much cooler, 110°-140°F compared to a traditional sauna which requires temperatures of 169°-200°F. This is important because one can withstand longer therapy sessions, resulting in increased sweat production.
Is infrared heat safe for people with heart problems?
Yes, by operating at a low temperature one can better regulate what is comfortable. Always consult your doctor first about sauna use.
How long should one stay in the sauna?
We have found that to really get the greatest benefits, 30 minutes is ideal. This should be timed from the time you first start to sweat.
Are these units really safe?
Absolutely, the same type of heat has been used in hospitals for new born babies for over 30 years. It is also used by NASA for the astronauts.
What else can be done to help rid my body from toxins?
Start eating healthier and exercise regularly.
Who should not use saunas?
Pregnant women, people with Multiple Sclerosis or Lupus should follow doctors’ advice on using infrared heat.
Does cedar wood give off any toxins or gases?
No! Cedar trees used do not emit any gases or toxins.
Are infrared saunas safe?
Yes, far infrared heat is a form of energy. The sun is an example of a principle source of infrared radiant energy that we experience on a daily basis. Our bodies absorb, as well as emit infrared radiant energy. Infrared Saunas have a concentrated micron range of 7-14. This is very close to your own body's frequency of 9.4 microns. The closer this frequency is, the more beneficial to your health and wellbeing.
iENJOY and its affiliates do not provide medical advice, education or treatment. The information contained in this site is for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances or medical conditions. It may not be right for you and should not be relied upon in making decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
You can also consult our ‘Reference’ section for infrared sauna health benefits.
