Benefits of Infrared Sauna Blankets
Infrared sauna blankets are growing in popularity due to their wide range of health benefits. These blankets emit infrared light, which penetrates your skin and helps to relax the body, improve circulation, and detoxify the body.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of infrared sauna blankets so you can decide how often you should use one:
Improved Circulation
Regular use of an infrared sauna blanket can help improve overall blood circulation. The infrared heat can penetrate the body’s tissues, muscles, and capillaries, helping to increase peripheral circulation and raise core body temperature. In addition, it can help relax tense muscles and promote the natural oxygenation of the cells.
Furthermore, the increased temperature can produce a diuretic effect for improved elimination of toxins via sweat, reducing inflammation-related swelling in joints. With enhanced circulation comes accelerated healing of tissue soreness due to injury and muscle strain and improved cardiovascular health in general. Additionally, natural skin tone and complexion improvement can benefit from increased circulation through infrared sauna blankets.
Detoxification
Using an infrared sauna blanket can significantly increase the efficiency of detoxification processes while improving overall physical and mental health. Thanks to the infrared waves emitted by the blanket, it’s possible to flush toxins out of our bodies, balancing our system and allowing us to experience improved well-being. In addition, due to their profound penetration ability, infrared waves can reach the organs, helping to eliminate toxins from regions we wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.
Detoxing through the infrared sauna blanket’s heating action has several health benefits. These include:
- Improvement in circulation and decreased inflammation as toxins are released from our cells.
- Improved lymphatic drainage helps flush out metabolic waste more effectively, meaning you may achieve greater results in a shorter period than conventional saunas that use hot air as a heat source.
- Increased perspiration allows us to release more toxins which may help reduce fatigue and relieve muscle tension while boosting energy levels overall.
Stress Relief
Stress relief is one of the many benefits of using an infrared sauna blanket. The deep penetration of the heat generated by infrared rays can help to relax your muscles and improve circulation. In addition, it allows for deeper breaths, which can further reduce stress levels.
Additionally, sweat is a natural outcome of sauna use, your skin’s pores open up, and toxins are eliminated through sweat, leading to increased relaxation and purification with each session. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can impact stress hormones and cortisol levels in a positive way. In addition, many users report an improved sense of well-being after regular sessions.
How Often to Use
Using an infrared sauna blanket regularly can help reduce inflammation, improve skin texture and tone, and even improve your overall health. But how often should you use your infrared sauna blanket?
This article will discuss the recommended frequency of infrared sauna blanket use and what benefits you can expect from using it regularly.
Frequency of Use
The recommended frequency of use for an infrared sauna blanket will vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the device. Generally, an infrared sauna blanket is recommended two to three times a week. When first using the infrared sauna blanket, it is important to begin slowly by only using it for short periods and gradually increasing the duration as needed.
The best frequency of use also depends on individual body needs, goals, and health status. If used for medical reasons or to achieve a specific goal, such as weight loss, consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable frequency for your particular needs.
Regardless of the reasons for using an infrared sauna blanket and your desired usage frequency, giving yourself adequate time between sessions to rest for your body to adjust correctly and reap all the potential benefits of the device. Depending on how long you take a session in your infrared sauna blanket and its intensity level at any given point, taking at least 24 hours off after each session may help your body adapt more easily while optimizing results from every session.
Duration of Use
The duration you should use your infrared sauna blanket will depend on a few factors, such as your general health, the type of detoxification you are trying to achieve, and even the type of materials used to construct the device.
The following times are suggestions based on general health and wellness goals:
- Typically, most people begin with a 10-15 minute session, depending on comfort level. As you become more accustomed to using it, you may want to increase each session by a few minutes, not exceeding more than 30 minutes at one time.
- It is essential not to exceed recommended session usage as this can limit effectiveness and cause discomfort or even cause injury if used for too long at one time.
It is also important to note that since infrared sauna blankets work by helping your body naturally detoxify from toxins within the body, it is best to drink plenty of water before and after each session. It will help flush toxins out of your system more quickly so that you can continue benefiting from each successive session.
In addition, it is best to leave 1-2 days between sessions, so your body has time to rest and thoroughly recover before undergoing another detoxification process. Doing multiple sessions in close succession may result in fatigue or other undesirable effects due to over-exposure or over-detoxifying too quickly.
Intensity of Use
The intensity of use for infrared sauna blankets largely depends on the user’s needs and preferences. For example, some people may only use the blanket a few times a week, while others may feel comfortable using the blanket every day for shorter periods. For those who opt for daily use, it is essential to consider how long you are using it and how hot it is set to, as both factors can be crucial in avoiding over-exposure or dehydration.
In general, however, if you are looking for an intense experience with an infrared sauna blanket and want to incorporate it into your routine regularly, then ideally, you should aim for the following:
- 20-30 minutes of use at least twice per week.
- For optimal health benefits, attempting to use the sauna 3-5 times per week would give good results over time.
Of course, everyone’s body reacts differently, so depending on perspiration levels and tolerance, your experience can vary – but this range should be a general guideline when beginning your infrared sauna regimen.
Safety Considerations
Before using an infrared sauna blanket, it is essential to follow the safety guidelines. Generally, it would help if you used the sauna blanket no more than two to three times per week. Make sure to use the blanket with caution and respect the safety guidelines accompanying the product you purchase. Additionally, get approval from your doctor before use, especially if you have any medical conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the safety considerations associated with infrared sauna blankets:
Temperature Settings
The temperature settings allow you to customize the intensity of your infrared sauna blanket use. Always start on the lower end and work your way up to a comfortable level, as it’s possible to overheat if you don’t follow this advice. Health experts recommend that users take a break every 15 minutes and check their body temperature regularly while using the equipment.
There should be an adjustable thermostat on the device with recommended temperatures for optimum safety and results, so be sure to adjust accordingly. The precise temperature setting will vary from model to model, but in general, it is recommended that users avoid any setting exceeding 140-155°F (60-68°C).
Additional features may be considered depending on the type of infrared blanket you choose. For example, some models include cooling fans to help keep temperatures down for safety reasons.
Hydration
Hydration is essential to maintaining your health using infrared sauna blanket technology. Before using an infrared sauna blanket, it is important to drink a glass of water and remain hydrated during the session. It helps to replenish fluids lost through sweating and ensures the body maintains balance for optimal functioning.
Dehydration can lead to many symptoms, including lightheadedness, confusion, loss of focus, and low energy levels. Therefore it is important to hydrate regularly throughout any sauna session.
Monitoring Heart Rate
It is essential to monitor your heart rate using an infrared sauna blanket as it can increase your heart rate, body temperature, and metabolic rate. Depending on the model of the sauna, there may be a system built into the unit to monitor your heart rate. If not, it is suggested that you attach a monitor band just above the ankle or wrist to monitor the increase in pulse rate. It would be beneficial to talk with your doctor before using any infrared sauna blanket to ensure it is safe.
It is advisable to take short breaks throughout your session and check in with yourself every 15 minutes or so if needed. A typical session should not exceed 20 minutes to allow for a cooldown outside the sauna and gradually return to baseline heart rate. Proper monitoring can ensure an enjoyable and safe experience when using an infrared sauna blanket.
Additional Tips
In addition to using an infrared sauna blanket to help relax and reduce stress, there are some additional tips you can use to maximize its benefits. It is essential to consider the time you use it, the temperature setting, and other safety measures to gain the most from experience.
Let’s explore these additional tips:
Pre- and Post-Sauna Care
A sauna session provides a powerful detoxification experience that can leave your body feeling drained. While it’s important to take time to relax after a session, there are additional steps you can take to ensure the best post-sauna experience.
Before You Begin:
- Ensure you are hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea before your session.
- Wear comfortable and breathable clothing such as a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals or socks.
- Keep your session time limited — experts suggest 10 to 15 minutes as the perfect time for a sauna.
Post Sauna Care:
- Take some time for yourself once your sauna session is complete, preferably in a dark place with some soft music playing in the background if desired.
- Rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of fluid, such as water and herbal tea, within an hour after the sauna, which will help flush toxins from the body more rapidly and efficiently. Avoid anything that contains caffeine or carbonated drinks, like sodas, as this will cause dehydration.
- Cool down gradually with slow stretches and deep breathing exercises until you feel rested and comfortable.
- The day after your infrared sauna session, drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest, and avoid overeating heavy meals, which may strain the digestive system. At the same time, it still recovers from detoxing in the infrared sauna blanket’s intense heat.
Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural substances derived from plant leaves, flowers, stems, bark, roots, and fruits – all of which can provide beneficial aromatic and therapeutic properties that may benefit users’ health and wellness. Hence, these essential oils can be added to any infrared sauna blanket, personal massage, or hot tub spa blanket to re-create a spa-like experience. Some of the most popular essential oils used in infrared sauna blankets include lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and ylang-ylang oil.
Each essential oil type has specific characteristics and therapeutic benefits that have been widely studied. For example:
- Lavender is known for its calming effects in reducing stress and tension while promoting relaxation;
- Eucalyptus is known for its respiratory health benefits, such as clearing nasal passages or relieving congestion;
- Rosemary helps improve circulation;
- Peppermint helps create a cooling sensation with pain relief benefits;
- Ylang-Ylang provides uplifting antidepressant effects when diffused into rooms.
When using an Infrared Sauna Blanket with essential oils, follow the recommendations printed on the product label for proper application and relative safety precautions.
Use of Music or Meditation
Music or meditation using infrared sauna blankets can have some positive effects and help you make the most of your sauna experience. Music can help calm the mind, promote relaxation, and distract from discomfort during the session. Similarly, meditation can also aid in getting into a relaxed state and focusing on calming your breath.
Any familiar sound or music you enjoy listening to can be played from a device near or within the sauna blanket, as long as it is safe from the heated components.
For an optimal experience, we recommend opting for soft instrumental music like jazz, classical or new age for background noise and sticking with mellow tracks that are both pleasant and unobtrusive. Slow-tempo songs with minimal lyrics are usually best as they won’t disrupt concentration during guided meditations. Some evidence suggests that specific frequencies, like those in binaural beats, may influence brain-wave states and induce better relaxation during your session.
Regardless of what’s chosen, adding music or meditation will provide more excellent benefits than doing either activity alone!