Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury and infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a wide range of health issues, from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders.
Thankfully, there are various ways to manage and reduce inflammation, and one of the emerging methods gaining attention is Infrared Sauna Therapy.
In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind Infrared Sauna Therapy and its potential to help alleviate inflammation. The leading Infrared Sauna technology available in the UK is from Sunlighten, which offers all the physiological benefits of infrared sauna across a range of different pre-sets.
UNDERSTANDING INFLAMMATION
Before delving into the benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy, it's essential to understand inflammation's role in the body. Inflammation is the body's defence mechanism against harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.
It involves increased blood flow and the release of immune cells to the affected area to facilitate healing. Acute inflammation is typically short-lived and serves a protective function.
However, chronic inflammation, which persists over an extended period, can be detrimental to health. It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, and sedentary habits, and it can contribute to various diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY: A NATURAL APPROACH
In recent years, Infrared Sauna Therapy has gained popularity as a non-invasive and holistic approach to addressing chronic inflammation. Unlike traditional saunas, which use high temperatures to heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared radiation to directly heat your body.
This unique approach has shown promise in reducing inflammation, and several scientific studies support these claims…
A 2018 study titled Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation demonstrated that infrared sauna sessions can improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation markers in patients with congestive heart failure. Increased circulation helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to cells while removing waste products and inflammatory substances.
A study from 2006 titled Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine content in human peripheral blood after its transcutaneous (in vivo) and direct (in vitro) irradiation with polychromatic visible and infrared light investigated the reduction in inflammatory markers during sauna bathing, and concluded…
‘Exposure of a small area of the human body to light leads to a fast decrease in the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine plasma content and to an increase in the anti-inflammatory factor concentration, which may be an important mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect.’
One of the most common causes of inflammation is exercise. Even though it’s a controlled, non-dangerous form of inflammation, it still exists and can cause discomfort in the form of delayed onset muscle soreness. Thankfully, infrared sauna therapy can help to remove this inflammation.
In a 2015 study titled ‘Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men’, researchers concluded that ‘deep penetration of infrared heat under mild temperature (35–50°C), and light humidity (25–35%) conditions during infrared sauna bathing are favourable for the neuromuscular system to recover from maximal endurance performance.’
Sufferers of arthritis also experience very painful side effects from inflammation. There’s strong evidence however, that infrared sauna use may help with these symptoms. In a study from 2009 titled Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A pilot study showing good tolerance, short-term improvement of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects, researchers found…
‘Infrared treatment has statistically significant short-term beneficial effects and clinically relevant period effects during treatment in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients without enhancing disease activity. Infrared saunas have good tolerability and no adverse effects.’
INCORPORATING INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY INTO YOUR ROUTINE
Incorporating Infrared Sauna Therapy into your wellness routine may help combat chronic inflammation. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
The good news is that the infrared sauna is well tolerated, there are no known side effects, and you can’t overdose on it. If you ensure that you stay well hydrated, you’re likely to be able to use them without issue.
CONCLUSION
Infrared Sauna Therapy offers a natural and potentially effective way to combat chronic inflammation. Scientific studies, such as those referenced here, provide evidence of its ability to improve circulation, aid in detoxification, reduce inflammatory markers, and alleviate pain. If you're seeking a holistic approach to managing inflammation and promoting overall well-being, incorporating infrared sauna sessions into your routine will be a worthwhile consideration.
RP-X are the leading providers of Sunlighten Infrared Saunas in the UK. We have nearly two decades in the space and offer a wide range of turnkey solutions for facilities looking to invest in this technology.
For more information on infrared saunas, pricing, and the right model for you, contact us on info@rp-x.com or 01234 862762.
