infrared sauna- what you need to KNOW
If you love wellness like we do, chances are you might already know everything about infrared saunas.
Maybe you are over them too, and we get it. Presented as the end-all-be-all protocol and latest biohacking device, it makes sense for one to be doubtful… Are they really that great? Good question, let’s dive in!
And stay until the very end of our article, we have a gift for you!
What are we talking about?
Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas in the sense that they use infrared light panels to direct (non-invasive) light straight into your skin, creating heat-therapy benefits. On the other hand, traditional saunas diffuse warmth and increase air temperature throughout the whole sauna.
This difference allows infrared saunas to function at a lower temperature (between 43°C-57°C / 110°F-135°F) compared to the traditional sauna (between 65°C-90°C / 150°F-195°F), so you can stay in longer and will be less likely to feel dizzy.
How does it help me?
Infrared saunas are scientifically said to enhance heart health. Indeed, by sweating heart rate increases, mimicking the effects of exercise, like moderate pace walking (1). The circulation of blood flow is notably useful in accelerating muscle recovery after physical activity.
Our favourite benefit of using infrared saunas is the warmth they convey, conducive to relaxation and lowering stress and anxiety.
We are not making it up — science proves that infrared-sauna-induced hyperthermia (increasing body temperature) is a promising non-pharmacologic treatment for depression (2). The heat also has benefits for your skin, by helping it produce collagen and getting rid of toxins.
Lastly, a study has shown that infrared saunas were efficient at fighting the common cold (3), which makes it a great ally for winter!
Hopefully, by now we have convinced you that the infrared sauna has many mind and body benefits. If you are not already a frequent user, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you give the experience a try!
A few tips:
-Do not forget to hydrate before and after the session.
-Keep your session under 30 min and limit your visits to 3 times a week to start.
-Start at a lower temperature and build up your resilience.
Please, check with a healthcare professional before using if you:
Are pregnant or are trying to conceive
Have an illness of any kind
Do not hesitate to exit the cabin if you get too hot or feel dizzy. You can always go in and out during your 30-minute session.
Spotlight on our favourite cabin in Paris
Belleyme has two locations, one in Le Marais and the latest in Galeries Lafayette. It was one of the first places in Paris that introduced infrared saunas.
We love that in addition to getting a 30-minute sauna session, you also have time to shower, pamper and relax in their cabin with natural cosmetic products. There also is a shop where you can get your favourite wellness brands, from supplements to adaptogens. Cherry on top — sit down at their café in-store and enjoy healthy treats, a smoothie or a warming drink.
A true 360- experience!
A single 50-minute session (30mn of sauna and 20mn of pampering) is priced at 49 euros and 69 euros for a duo.
Get 10% off your session with our discount code HOLYCITYGUIDE10.
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Belleyme Marais:
8 rue Charles-François Dupuis 75003 PARIS - 01.44.49.90.31
Belleyme Galeries Lafayette:
40 bd Haussmann 75009 PARIS - Wellness Galerie niveau -1 Magasin Principal - 01.42.94.30.72
Yours in health,
HCG
Scientific sources:
Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009 Jul;55(7):691-6. PMID: 19602651; PMCID: PMC2718593.
Janssen CW, Lowry CA, Mehl MR, Allen JJ, Kelly KL, Gartner DE, Medrano A, Begay TK, Rentscher K, White JJ, Fridman A, Roberts LJ, Robbins ML, Hanusch KU, Cole SP, Raison CL. Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016 Aug 1;73(8):789-95. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.1031. Erratum in: JAMA Psychiatry. 2016 Aug 1;73(8):878. PMID: 27172277.
Ernst E, Pecho E, Wirz P, Saradeth T. Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds. Ann Med. 1990;22(4):225-7. doi: 10.3109/07853899009148930. PMID: 2248758.
