The benefits and harms of an infrared sauna: comfort and health. The benefits and harms of an infrared sauna: expert opinion

The first prototype of an IR cabin appeared in the 60s of the 20th century in Japan, but then it was just a heater. In 1979, the Americans invented a full-fledged cabin, which was intended for the treatment of skin diseases.

The modern device is a compact box, inside of which heating elements with infrared light are built in (it is absolutely safe for the body). Heat waves (their average length is from 7 to 14 microns) penetrate the body to a depth of 5 cm. For comparison, in normal Finnish sauna heat penetrates to a depth of approximately 0.5 cm. The difference is noticeable!

As a result, with more intense penetration of heat rays (without harmful ultraviolet radiation), more active sweating occurs. The volume of removal of harmful substances from the body is impressive. On average, when visiting such a cabin, approximately 20% of impurities, acids, toxins, fat, cholesterol come out of the body, and when visiting a Finnish steam room - about 5% of all these same elements.

The average temperature in an infrared bath is from 45 to 65 degrees, which is within the range of parameters that are comfortable for the body.

Infrared sauna - talking about the benefits and harms

The main advantages of an IR bath:

High-quality heating. Through the skin, heat passes deep to the organs, systems of the human body, bones and joints.
Acceleration of metabolism. Activation of metabolism is the release of harmful toxins, waste, excess moisture and fat from the body. This “ballast” accumulates even in those people who lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. And you should get rid of it correctly and regularly!
The body "breathes". The procedure activates blood circulation, at the same time the organs and systems are enriched with oxygen. Accordingly, all key processes in the body are activated. And this definitely affects your well-being! After the session, a person feels a powerful surge of strength and energy!
Effective workout without physical activity. What is useful about an infrared sauna is that the body behaves as if it were undergoing intense sports training. The work of the heart and blood vessels is activated, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, and lymphatic drainage improves. On average, spending half an hour in an infrared wooden cabin uses the same amount of energy as a 10-minute jog on a treadmill.
Affordable cosmetology. akin to a visit to a cosmetologist. Only here it is no longer the doctor’s hands that are working, but useful light. Exposure to heat rays has a positive effect on the condition of the skin: the pores are cleaned, the process of sebum production is normalized, and the manifestations of psoriasis and eczema are reduced (infrared sauna was originally intended in Japan to combat skin ailments).
Express help with weight loss. After one procedure of visiting such a cabin, a person loses from 500 grams to 1 kilogram of weight. Adipose tissue is broken down, excess fluid, toxins and waste leave the body. If you correctly combine a visit to an infrared bath with sports activities, massages, and proper nutrition, then in about a month you can undergo a significant transformation.
Improvement of the central nervous system. Very often, a course of visiting an infrared bath is recommended for people suffering from nervous system problems: insomnia, depression, panic attacks. After just a few sessions, people notice how a feeling of psychological balance appears, the person becomes more stress-resistant, copes effectively with negative emotions. And after visiting the booth, your mood noticeably improves, “dark” thoughts go away, and you are increasingly able to concentrate on the positive.
The best medicine for immunity. Infrared radiation has a beneficial effect on the immune system. The body copes with viruses faster and without complications, which is especially important during the cold season. As practice shows, after a course of visiting the infrared cabin, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections decreases and the condition of the ENT organs improves.
Effective recovery after sports. It is not for nothing that professional athletes and amateurs are regular guests of infrared baths. This is a practical method of recovery after active physical exercise. loads, as well as a pleasant “unloading” for the body. IR rays contribute to the rapid removal of lactic acid from the body, which means that soreness is practically not bothered.
Quick detox. Modern look life, one way or another, is full of temptations in the form of junk food, alcohol, cigarettes or hookah. It is very important to regularly arrange so-called “detox weeks”. In one of them, include a visit to the infrared cabin to remove everything unnecessary and “improve” your health. Together with a reasonable diet, exercise, and rest, this will definitely bear fruit!

Advantages of an infrared sauna compared to a Finnish sauna:

Efficiency. Quick preparation- about five minutes. The duration of the procedure from the moment of changing clothes to taking a shower is about 40 minutes. The service in many salons is called the “lunch break procedure.”
Mobility of the cabin itself. It can be installed in an apartment, house, country house and even in an office. To connect you need a regular 220 V socket and a minimum area.
Availability. IR saunas installed in sports complexes, SPA centers, beauty salons and even cosmetology centers. In St. Petersburg it is easy to find such a service in almost any area. The most complete list of infrared steam rooms is presented, ready to receive visitors at a time convenient for you.
Frequency of visits. Unlike a classic sauna, you can go to an infrared sauna even every other day. Especially when you need to quickly lose extra pounds before important event or a trip.

If we talk about the dangers of an infrared bath, it is better to use the term “nuances of visiting infrared sauna" A procedure that has such a powerful therapeutic and restorative effect cannot in itself be harmful.

It is important to follow the rules regarding the time spent in such a sauna. The duration of the visit is no more than half an hour!

You should not go for the procedure if you feel unwell: there are signs of a cold, and especially if your temperature is elevated. There is no need for such stress for blood vessels, heart and immunity! There is also no need to go to the booth if you are thirsty or hungry. A small snack 40 minutes before your visit and replenishing your water balance won’t hurt. If you feel that after a few minutes of being in the booth your eyes are getting dark, there is a feeling of numbness in your limbs, or you are feeling dizzy, stop the session. It happens. Perhaps this is simply not your method of recovery.

Contraindications for visiting an infrared sauna

Pregnancy and the first 1.5 months after childbirth;
Critical days for women;
Bleeding;
Oncological diseases;
Infectious processes;
Viral diseases;
Kidney and liver diseases;
Purulent processes;
Disorders of the thyroid gland;
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
Gynecological diseases;
Skin diseases in the acute stage;
Certain forms of diabetes;
Tuberculosis;
Alcohol intoxication, etc.

Also, if you suffer from any chronic disease, consult your doctor. If the doctor is not against a course of visiting an infrared bath, and you feel good after the first visit, this is a sure sign.

It is important! The infrared sauna has no age restrictions. It can be visited by both children and older people. The main thing is to start from your own well-being in the cockpit.

Myths about infrared waves

Infrared rays have nothing in common with radiation. This is absolutely safe non-ionizing radiation that has absolutely no effect on tissues, substances, water, food, etc. Those who came up with some similarity between infrared rays and radiation most likely do not have a commonplace understanding of IR light.

Also, the microwaves of the IR bath do not change the structure of tissues - this concerns those comments when people are afraid that after visiting the sauna there will be burns on the body.

Also, the operating principle of microwaves is radically different from that of X-rays or ionization radiation.

In a word, you should not be afraid of an infrared bath. Unless, of course, you have direct contraindications for visiting her.

How to use an infrared sauna?

Before your entry, the booth should be turned on for 10 - 15 minutes to ensure optimal temperature regime inside.

Before entering the booth, you should take off all your jewelry and wash off your makeup. The infrared sauna is visited in disposable cotton underwear, with hair hidden under a fabric cap. You can take a warm shower first to open up the pores. Be sure to drink a glass (or more) of liquid to avoid dehydration. You can drink water while in the steam room.

Inside the cabin there is a special bench where you can sit for a feeling of absolute comfort. Over time, you can stand up and move a little.

In the first 8 - 10 minutes, nothing “like that” happens to the body - you just feel an enveloping warmth, but then you should sweat profusely.

The first session can be about 10 minutes at a temperature of 45 degrees. Over time, the duration of stay in the booth can be increased to 20 - 30 minutes and the heat can be increased to 65 degrees.

It is important! If even after the first few sessions you do not break a sweat, this does not mean that the infrared sauna is ineffective. For people with delayed sweating, it may take five or even ten sessions to achieve a visible amount of sweat.

During the procedure, you should constantly wipe away the sweat that is released - to do this, take a towel with you to the booth.

After leaving the infrared sauna, rest for a few more minutes in a comfortable environment so that your body “cools down”. Sweat may also be released profusely - this is normal. Be sure to take a shower to wash off the sweat from your body.

How to use an infrared sauna?

You can visit an infrared bath on a regular basis, but here, rather, it is not the frequency that is important, but the regularity. Let it be first a course of 5 procedures in 10 days, and then once or twice a week at equal intervals, than immediately 10 procedures in 7 days. When completing the course, the optimal interval between visits to the infrared sauna is 1 day.

Relaxation in the infrared cabin can be combined with a massage, swimming in the pool, tea ceremony, etc. The choice is yours!

In spa salons and fitness clubs, clients are offered a service such as an infrared sauna, the benefits of which are actively discussed by scientists. Unusual way warming up makes some people wary. Others are convinced that thermal radiation cannot cause harm, and enjoy relaxing in the sauna after a workout or a hard day at work.

The infrared sauna was invented by a doctor from Japan. The specialist was looking for Alternative option warming up body tissues for patients whose health condition did not allow them to stay in a heated bath.

The device is a cabin trimmed with boards made of environmentally friendly wood. Emitters are installed along its walls, emitting waves that are safe for health and provide gradual heating of the body.

During the session, the moisture content in the air changes. The initial values are 40%, and as the emitters warm up, the values approach 60%. The temperature in the cabin does not exceed 55 degrees, this is enough to improve blood circulation, get rid of toxins and excess fluid.

In this case, 80% of the energy is directed toward uniform heating of surrounding objects and the human body, and the remaining 20% is directed toward heating the air.

Due to the fact that IR heaters do not make noise during operation, you can calmly relax and unwind. Many people take magazines and even a tablet into the sauna, but it is better not to do this in order to provide the waves with free access to the body.

The principle of operation of the invention

The infrared sauna consists of a main body, interior decoration, seats, a glass door that eliminates the feeling of enclosed space, as well as several heating elements, operating from the network. The size of the standard cabin is designed to comfortably accommodate one person in a sitting position. The average parameters of the sauna are 95×95 cm.

The benefit of an infrared sauna is the uniform heating of objects by infrared rays, but at the same time it is harmful if it is exposed to them for a long time. Convection method heats air masses, That's why warm air rises up, and the cold one remains below, and so on until the temperature evens out!

Thanks to the special design of the system, a stable microclimate is created inside the cabin without sudden temperature changes throughout the entire area. In order for the body to warm up evenly, the heaters are placed at a certain distance from each other. Two elongated IR elements are attached to the front wall, two others are placed behind the person’s back and one is placed under the bench.

Some models of infrared saunas can accommodate up to five visitors at a time. In this case, the number of heating elements increases.

Types of emitters

IR elements are classified according to the length of the beams they produce:

Using medium and short waves, a room is heated with large area, designed for the simultaneous presence of several visitors.

For the manufacture of infrared emitters, the following materials are used:

stainless metal;
zinc alloy;
incoloy - an alloy of nickel, iron and chromium;
ceramics;
quartz glass.

Benefits of procedures

Infrared sauna, the benefits and harms of which are known to many fans healthy image life, provides a significant improvement in well-being, which occurs after just a few procedures.

You can also notice the following positive changes:

getting rid of toxins and excess fluid;
improving the functioning of the immune system;
acceleration of metabolism;
getting rid of dead epidermal scales and rapid growth of new cells;
relief of migraines, relief of menstrual pain;
saturation of tissues with oxygen and nutrients;
improving mood, restoring the nervous system;
easy falling asleep and sound sleep;
heart training without unnecessary stress on the muscles and vascular system.
increased production of dopamine and endorphin, which are responsible for feelings of happiness, confidence and well-being;
prevention of most diseases.

Therapeutic effects of the sauna

An infrared sauna, the benefits and harms of which are described in this article, is included in a set of preventive measures. When body temperature rises to 38.5°C, pathogenic microorganisms die, and the body begins to actively fight viruses and infections.

Regular visits to the cabin contribute to the rapid cure of many pathologies:

acceleration of resorption of hematomas, healing of wounds and abrasions;
normalization of blood flow and blood pressure;
maintaining the vascular system in tone;
pain relief due to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
lowering the concentration of cholesterol in the blood;
disappearance of manifestations of chronic diseases of the hearing and respiratory organs;
improving kidney function.

Cosmetic effect

IR radiation effectively opens pores and deeply cleanses them of accumulated impurities and sebum. Thanks to the stimulation of blood circulation, blood rushes to the skin, saturating the epidermis with oxygen and nutrients.

Visiting a sauna can help you cope with the following problems:

Infrared sauna for weight loss

An infrared sauna, the benefits and harms of which are the reason for the growing popularity of the procedure, starts the processes of liberating the body from toxic substances and partially burning fat deposits.

After the first visit, you can notice positive changes. A session lasting 15-30 minutes is enough to lose 1 kg of body weight. This effect is achieved by removing excess fluid.

With subsequent procedures, the result may not be as noticeable, but skin covering continues to smooth out, stretch marks decrease, cellulite disappears. It is estimated that one procedure in the infrared cabin burns the same number of calories as jogging ten kilometers.

It must be remembered that to fully correct your figure, you should combine thermal effects with regular physical activity and proper nutrition. It is also important to maintain water balance.

Harmful properties of an infrared sauna

Despite the many beneficial properties, which IR radiation has, Some people may experience negative effects from waves:

Rules for visiting the sauna

In order to achieve maximum health benefits, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

If the infrared sauna was purchased for home use, before you start using it, you must carefully read the instructions. A 250W socket is suitable for connecting the device to the network. The cabin, cooled during transportation to a temperature below 0 °C, should be allowed to stand in a warm room for 1.5-2 hours and only then wiped with a damp cellulose cloth and turned on.

It is not recommended to stay inside the new cabin when connecting it for the first time. You need to leave the device running for a couple of hours with the door open for ventilation.

In order to avoid a fire, the following must not be allowed:

Touching wires and heated surfaces.
Removing the protective grille or obstructing it with foreign objects.
Liquid contact with IR heaters.
Ignoring the smell of burning and smoke. In this case, it is necessary to leave the cabin and then turn off the power.

Infrared sauna for children

The infrared sauna, the benefits and harms of which for children are comparable to the health-improving effects on the body of an adult, is actively used in pediatrics. With regular sessions, the child’s body strengthens and resistance to infections increases.

In order for the procedure to bring only benefits, it is necessary to observe the following precautions:

the session should not last more than 15 minutes;
to protect your child from heatstroke, you need to put a hat on his head;
Optimal radiation power is 65%.

Infrared salt saunas are useful for children who are often sick. In such cabins, the walls are lined with plates of Himalayan salt.

Is it possible to attend sessions during pregnancy?

Women who are pregnant should take special care when visiting infrared saunas. Radiation affects the entire body, including the lower back and abdomen, so the benefits and harms of the procedure must be carefully weighed.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, sessions should be avoided so as not to provoke bleeding. For a period of more than 12 weeks, visiting a sauna with moderate heat and low humidity, in the absence of contraindications, will not only not harm, but will also be beneficial.

Sessions cannot be performed in the following cases:

oligohydramnios;
genital infections;
skin rashes;
low placentation;
nervous system disorder;
red-brown discharge;
complete chorion presentation.

After the birth of the child, you must wait 6 weeks so that the body has time to recover, and only then continue the course of procedures. Otherwise, the general condition may worsen and bleeding may occur.

There are no direct contraindications for nursing mothers, but under the influence of high temperatures the taste breast milk changes, so you need to monitor the cabin heating level.

Infrared sauna for colds

Unlike other treatment procedures: mud applications, physiotherapy and inhalations, the IR cabin provides a uniform effect on all organs and systems. Relief of flu symptoms can be noticed within 2-3 days.

Waves heated to 38 °C warm up the deep layers of tissue, creating conditions that are destructive for pathogenic bacteria. Harmful substances and toxins are released with sweat, which is difficult to achieve when taking medications.

The procedures are also useful for patients who are already recovering. They reduce the likelihood of relapses and allow the patient to feel much better. Improving blood circulation and lymph movement eliminates congestion. To enhance the effect, you can simultaneously perform aromatherapy with natural essential oils.

Sessions before or after training

Both beginning athletes and those who exercise are aware of the benefits of infrared radiation. professional level. Visiting a sauna before training helps warm up your muscles without a long warm-up. Thanks to this, the athlete is able to maintain strength for performing weight-bearing exercises and ensure a rapid increase in muscle mass.

Staying in the infrared cabin after training helps remove lactic acid accumulated in the muscles, which causes pain. Relaxation allows you to take a break from heavy physical activity and prepare for the next approach.

Duration of sessions

Like any medical procedure, an infrared sauna is beneficial only if you treat it wisely. In order to test your body's reaction to heat exposure, you need to limit the duration of the first session to 15 minutes. The maximum time spent in the cabin is 35 minutes.

If you have health problems that are close to contraindications, but are not yet at risk, you should make several passes for 5-10 minutes to reduce the impact on the body.

For getting healing effect It is enough to carry out 1-2 sessions per week. If the goal is active weight loss, then it is allowed to visit the sauna 3 times a week in the absence of health problems.

Advantages and disadvantages of an infrared sauna

Advantages	Negative points
Short duration of the procedure.	Presence of contraindications.
Any time of the day is suitable for a session; a morning visit to the infrared cabin will charge you with energy for the whole day.	Impossibility of performing cosmetic procedures during warming up.
The device consumes minimal energy and is so compact that it can be installed at home.	Possible exacerbation of hidden diseases.
Positive effect after just a few sessions.
Suitable for all age groups.
After the procedure, you feel a surge of vigor.

Contraindications to procedures

To ensure that the health procedure does not cause harm, it is necessary to take into account that in some situations it is not recommended to be in an infrared sauna:

Advantages of an infrared sauna over a classic bath or steam room

Effect on the body infrared radiation radically different from ordinary thermal effects. In a traditional sauna, a person is warmed up with humid air heated to 110 °C, and in the IR cabin there are emitters that direct the bulk of the energy to warm up the tissues. At the same time, the temperature inside the cabin does not rise above 55 °C.

Infrared rays provide heating of the body to a depth of 4 cm. They are similar to the radiation emanating from living organisms. This makes the procedure not only effective, but also safe. While steaming in a classic sauna, it is easy to overheat or get scalded by boiling water. In conditions high humidity The heat is much more difficult to bear.

Infrared radiation takes less moisture from the body than a hot steam room, but it is more effective. The sweat released after being in a sauna contains 5% of harmful substances and 95% of water, and a session in an infrared sauna removes 20% of toxins and 80% of liquid.

The difference between an infrared sauna and others

It is no coincidence that the IR cabin is made of natural wood. Heated wood releases special substances - phytoncides, which kill bacteria and viruses.

The benefits of an infrared sauna are undeniable. But it is important to remember that there are a number of contraindications in which thermal radiation can cause harm. It is possible to achieve a healing effect from sessions only if you follow all the rules for visiting the cabin and monitoring the condition of your body.

Article format: Vladimir the Great

Video about infrared sauna

Pros and cons of infrared sauna:

An infrared sauna is a modern device for thermal procedures that is rapidly gaining popularity. Today you can meet her not only in beauty salons, fitness centers and health resorts, but also in the homes of progressive owners. What is she?

This is a small, most often wooden, cabin equipped infrared heaters. This sauna provides effective, deep, but at the same time delicate warming of the body through infrared radiation. The conditions of stay in the cabin are as comfortable as possible: the air temperature in it usually does not exceed 50-55°C. However, not everyone is in a hurry to experience the “miracle relaxation device” for themselves, since possible benefits and the dangers of infrared saunas remain the subject of heated debate even among experts.

A unique invention - a sauna, which has nothing to do with water and steam, was revealed to the world by the Japanese therapist Tadashi Ishikawa. The purpose of his work was to create powerful system warming up the human body using infrared radiation, which would not only improve the health of the body, but would also have a minimum of contraindications.

Possessing a large number of advantages, the infrared cabin arouses persistent, undying interest among buyers. Even many avid skeptics are eager to try the new product for themselves.

Considering the success and effectiveness of the use of thermal cabins, it is safe to say that general practitioner Tadashi Ishikawa succeeded.

The key feature of an infrasauna is that the thermal radiation inside it is as close as possible to the thermal radiation of the human body. Thanks to this, it is able to penetrate the tissue as deeply and effectively as possible.

When you relax in the soothing warmth of an infrared cabin, your body is actually actively working - all metabolic processes are accelerated, toxic substances are eliminated, and tissues are enriched with oxygen.

It is important to emphasize that infrared radiation has the unique property of directly heating the objects to which it is directed. Air in heat transfer to in this case practically does not participate.

This ensures greater heating efficiency in the infra-cabin than in a traditional sauna. And the safety of the procedure turns out to be higher.

In the “familiar” baths and saunas, the stove first heats the stones, the stones, in turn, heat the air, and it already warms everything around, and at the same time the person. It is known that air is far from an ideal conductor of heat, so its temperature has to be increased very much.

Hot air (or water vapor) is tolerated with great difficulty by many, even healthy people, and can pose a serious threat to health. There is always a risk of getting burns to the upper respiratory tract or skin, or simply fainting due to the overwhelming load on the cardiovascular system. And all this - for the sake of warming up the body in depth by only 3-4 mm!

An infrared sauna ensures the penetration of heat into the body by more than 3 cm - and without a frantic “test drive” for health. During the procedure, organs and muscles, bones and joints are warmed up, the flow of lymph and blood is significantly accelerated.

The immune system is also strengthened, which makes it possible to avoid or easily tolerate colds. Rhinitis, pharyngitis and even bronchitis - all this goes away without a trace in just a couple of sessions of active warming of the body with beneficial rays.

The higher efficiency of radiant heat compared to convection heat has long been proven scientific fact. In addition, it is also more cost-effective

The main advantages of the “solar cabin”

In general, as a device, an infrared sauna has the following advantages:

Versatility. Suitable for relaxation and recreation of children and adults, including the elderly. The perfect solution for everyone who suffers from cardiovascular diseases; does not like or simply cannot stand the heat.
Economical. The device takes up very little space, heats up fairly quickly, and does not require high operating costs. This saves space, resources and your finances.
Mobility. The compact unit can be easily disassembled and moved to any other suitable location.
Safety. Staying in the infrasauna is absolutely safe. The risk of accidental burns or overheating is completely eliminated here. Permission from the fire inspectorate is not required to install equipment.

An infrared sauna can fit seamlessly into almost any interior. The main thing is to choose the right location

Benefit for health

Numerous studies of the properties of infracabins were carried out by scientific laboratories in Japan, the USA and Europe. Thanks to them, convincing evidence was obtained of the effective therapeutic and preventive effects of this equipment in many areas.

On guard of a beautiful figure

Thermal procedures enhance excretory processes; energy consumption increases, including sweating, which actively burns calories. Therefore, they can be safely called an excellent addition to comprehensive weight loss and figure correction programs.

In one session in an infrared sauna, 500 kcal or even more will be “used up”!

By accelerating the circulation of lymph and blood in the body, the device actively prevents the appearance of cellulite, and also successfully fights the “substance” that has already appeared.

At the same time, it is very important to understand that an infrared sauna cannot miraculously “melt” all deposits. Without exercise and a healthy diet, even staying in a cubicle around the clock will not have any effect.

On opportunity infrared cabins you need to look at it objectively. Promises of beauty salons to burn all “strategic reserves” in a couple of thermal procedures are nothing more than an advertising maneuver

Treatment of skin diseases

A visit to an infrared sauna in combination with masks, massages and hardware techniques helps remove toxins from the body, restore the mechanism of natural skin hydration, and increase its elasticity.

Properly selected duration of sessions eliminates swelling and removes “bags” under the eyes, leaving the skin young, fresh, healthy appearance. Under the influence of penetrating infrared radiation, even those pores that have not “functioned” for many years expand and cleanse.

Certain positive dynamics when using an infrasauna can also be expected in relation to the following skin problems:

acne;
hives;
burn scars;
dandruff;
frostbite;
eczema;
psoriasis.

Improve blood circulation and relieve pain

Infrared heat, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation, will eliminate the problem of eternally cold hands and feet.

Infrared sauna therapy is quite beneficial for low blood pressure and memory problems.

A visit to the cabin helps to cope with pain in soft tissues and muscles, increase flexibility and elasticity of the latter. Infrared waves provide a good auxiliary effect for cramps, arthritis, rheumatism, radiculitis, and menstrual pain syndrome.

Getting rid of toxins and waste

In the infrasauna, the sweat glands have to work in “shock mode” - this allows the body to actively get rid of toxins and waste. With regular use of the device, there is a chance of removing even heavy metal salts.

An infrared sauna is also useful for:

neurological disorders;
increased fatigue;
stress and depression;
digestive disorders.

When can an infrasauna cause harm?

Unfortunately, thermal procedures in an infrared cabin are not always beneficial. In some cases they can cause harm. Contraindications to visiting the sauna are:

acute purulent processes in the body;
tumors;
acute infectious diseases accompanied by fever;
chronic alcoholism;
active form of tuberculosis;
persistent arterial hypertension;
labile diabetes mellitus;
fresh injuries;
severe liver and kidney diseases;
any chronic diseases in the acute stage.

If you are an absolutely healthy person, after consulting a doctor, you can visit the infrared sauna as much as you like (of course, within reason)!

Rules for visiting the heating cabin

Before using the infrared sauna, be sure to thoroughly ventilate the room where it is located. Start your acquaintance with the device with short sessions of literally 7-10 minutes. Gradually, as you get used to it, the relaxation time can be increased to 35-45 minutes.

Don't forget to bring a towel to wipe off sweat. The recommended position for staying in the infrared cabin is a normal sitting position (back straight, legs down). But if the size of the sauna allows, you can, of course, lie in it.

It is better not to eat an hour before the procedure. But don’t forget about water – you can and should take it before, during and after the session. You can also drink green tea after the session.

Do not apply body care products or perfume before visiting the cabin. At the end of the procedure, move calmly and smoothly, without sudden movements; sit or lie down for a while and then take a warm shower.

Despite all the benefits of an infrared sauna, you should not abuse it. You need to carefully monitor the time you spend in the cabin

Subtleties of device selection

First important point when choosing a “health assistant” - its size. You should start from the presence free space in your house. The standard single (100x100x185 cm) model, as well as some double (130x120x190 cm) cabins, are the best choice for an ordinary city apartment.

This design can be installed directly in the bathroom, on a loggia or in a specially equipped niche. Triple-sized models are more suitable for spacious apartments. Do not forget that the IR cabin can always be ordered to individual sizes.

As for the shape, the infrared sauna can be corner, classic rectangular, complex and original hexagonal.

For internal lining usually used natural wood. Among possible options breeds:

Canadian cedar. It has the ability to enhance the effect of infrared waves and reduces the cabin heating time by up to 5 times. Contains essential oils and phytoncides in abundance.
Canadian hemlock. Durable, durable, highly aesthetic material. Very rich in essential oils and phytoncides.
Linden. Homogeneous, pure material with a pleasant aroma. Has a powerful calming and healing effect. An ideal solution for people suffering from allergies.
Pine. Material with high strength and resistance to rotting. Does not crack when dry.

An infrared sauna can be combined with a shower. This design is an excellent home station for cleansing and healing.

Infrared saunas also differ in the type of heater. Both the quality and speed of heating depend on it. The following emitters are used for IR booths:

Incalloaceae. The most durable heaters have the highest heat transfer rate. Made from an alloy of nickel, chromium and iron. Installed on walls.
Film. Mounted directly in the cabin walls along their entire height. They ensure maximum uniform heating and save useful space.
Ceramic.
Carbon.

The installation of an infrared sauna can be done with your own hands, and quite quickly. The main thing is to choose a good place for it. For fire safety purposes, place this equipment in living rooms and basements is prohibited.

At the same time, no special permission is required to install a “home clinic”. The infrared sauna is connected to a regular outlet.

The device must be located in a dry, well-ventilated room on a perfectly flat surface (it is best if it is tile). Installation of the cabin close to the walls is not allowed - gaps of at least 3-4 cm are required on each side.

The distance to the ceiling should be 30 centimeters or more.

Cost of infrared saunas

Perhaps the most exciting question is the cost of such a “miracle”. The standard single-seat model starts at $1,500. As the capacity of the sauna increases, so does the amount you will have to pay for it. So a cabin designed for 4-6 people will cost the buyer 2500-5000 dollars. The most elite and expensive material for a sauna is Canadian cedar.

Yes, it’s not cheap, but the benefits and pleasure you get from the device definitely pay for themselves!

It has long been known to everyone that any type of bath and sauna has a beneficial effect on the entire human body, while providing a healing effect. A bath procedure can heal the body from many diseases. This is explained by the fact that the skin can breathe, thereby allowing heat to enter the body through the pores, promoting the activation of “dormant” cells. Consequently, steam rooms play an important role in improving the health of the body.

In the century of technology, the infrared sauna has smoothly entered the life of the modern average person. Its inventor was the famous doctor from Japan Tadashi Ishikawa. The infrared sauna has become especially widespread in Western countries. In our market, infrared cabins began to enjoy success not so long ago, but despite this, the demand for them is steadily growing. They are installed in sports complexes, various medical and health institutions, beauty salons, as well as at home.

Today, the benefits of cabins equipped with infrared emitters have become a single treatment option with a beneficial and comfortable effect. Speaking about this procedure, you should remember that before an infrared sauna session, as well as before using a medicinal substance, you must consult a doctor in advance.

Some information about infrared cabins

The basic operating principle of an infrared sauna is thermal or, as it is also called, infrared radiation, which comes from a special heater. Waves of infrared radiation do not cause harm to the human body, they are completely safe, they do not contain any radiation that is harmful to the human body, for example, X-ray or ultraviolet.

It should be noted that the radiation in infrared saunas is a deep heating of tissues. That is, the resulting heat penetrating into the human body thereby has a beneficial effect, as it warms up the muscles of the bones, tissues and joints. There is an improvement in the functioning of organs, nutrition of tissues, and the level of blood circulation also increases. Such regular sessions help improve the body's metabolism and the functioning of the immune system.

The result of using this type of sauna (benefit or harm) is determined by: the intensity of the radiation itself, the length of the waves transmitted by the emitter, the time of influence and the volume of the irradiation area.

Features of this type of steam room

The main difference between an infrared sauna, for example, from Russian or Finnish baths, is that there are practically no contraindications for its use, as well as when using this type of sauna water procedures Not needed.
Other saunas must be installed in separate rooms, and infrared cabins can be located in a place where there is access to the power supply. The weight of the structure is about 100 kilograms, while the minimum area it occupies is only one square meter.
The infrared cabin has the appearance of a cabinet, equipped glass door. It is usually made from the purest materials. Infrared emitters are installed under the seats and in the walls. The capacity of people is characterized by its size from one to five people.
As a rule, the structure is completed unassembled, its assembly takes on average from 40 minutes to two hours. Then the device can already be used; to do this, you need to connect it to the power supply and within 15 minutes the cabin will warm up, you can begin performing procedures. First, the most intense heating occurs, 60-70 ° C is the maximum temperature achieved in the infrared cabin.

What are the benefits of using an infrared sauna?

From the very first minutes this type saunas have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the human body. From the beginning of the procedure, within a few minutes the body temperature reaches 38 degrees, while most harmful microbes are suppressed. Since the infrared sauna affects the sweating reaction, therefore, during the session, the pores of the skin are able to expand, due to which the body secretes sweat simultaneously with sweat. a large number of toxins. The whole body is cleansed, and the state of health after the procedure improves significantly.
Many studies have shown that the infrared sauna procedure can affect fatigue, so using it, you can get rid of fatigue, relieve muscle tension, which promotes relaxation and improvement of emotional state. At the same time, metabolic processes are stimulated, and this helps improve the condition of the body.
It should be noted that such waves also have an analgesic effect, and they can also influence the production of “happiness hormones”, therefore, this has a fairly good effect on the emotional and psychological state. Regular visits to a sauna equipped with infrared waves help the body actively fight, protecting itself from the proliferation of various types of viruses.

What is the advantage of an infrared cabin over a bath and sauna?

Impact of infrared cabins

Infrared saunas have the following therapeutic effects:

helps eliminate pain in the muscles and back that occurs during the menstrual cycle, and it also helps relieve headaches;
heals chronic diseases of the ENT organs and ear;
Thanks to this procedure, the walls of blood vessels acquire elasticity, becoming somewhat stronger;
on nervous system it has a calming effect, eliminating irritability, stress and insomnia;
promotes rapid resorption of hematomas, as well as healing of fractures, injuries and bruises;
sweating favors the functioning of the kidneys, while dilatation of blood vessels is observed, therefore, it activates the process of moving blood through the vessels;
improves the functioning of the immune system, while the body has greater resistance to the effects and various viral diseases, such viruses and bacteria are destroyed, which die under the influence of body temperature.

The constant use of infrared procedures leads to a decrease in the level of cholesterol formed in the blood, which helps normalize blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The state of brain activity and memory improves.

Some experts argue that such radiation has an inhibitory effect on the growth of malignant cells. Infrared rays help in the treatment of skin diseases, they are the only remedy that provides healing from burns caused by strong exposure to sunlight.

Therefore, it can be argued that as a preventative measure for various types of diseases, it is necessary to use infrared sauna procedures, which also provide general health benefits to the body.

Cosmetic effect

Quite a lot of energy is spent on sweating, which leads to burning calories. According to researchers, one visit to an infrared sauna consumes almost the same amount of calories as a ten-kilometer run. Consequently, diets plus the use of an infrared cabin leads to a successful result - weight loss. Together with proper nutrition and physical activity, infrared radiation can break down subcutaneous deposits, thereby fighting cellulite.

A remarkable cosmetic effect is guaranteed after using infrared procedures. If you constantly visit a sauna with infrared radiation, you can get rid of the following skin diseases: acne, eczema, blackheads, dandruff and others. Before performing a massage, you should visit the infrared cabin; it helps relax the muscles, so you can even do without various warming ointments.

What are the contraindications to using a sauna equipped with infrared emitters?

It is worth remembering that the procedure in an infrared cabin is a wonderful preventive way to cure a particular disease. Such a session will not replace the treatment using medicines which were prescribed by the doctor.

When visiting an infrared sauna, you should consider the following factors:

characteristics of the body and reaction to the body’s ability to tolerate the effects of thermal stress;
after this procedure, you should not immediately take a cold shower or any other water procedures;
When taking various medications, you should consult with your doctor about the changes that are possible in the drug effect when combined with heat rays, since some medications interacting with infrared heat can lead to certain side effects.

You should not visit an infrared sauna in the following cases:

women during the menstrual cycle, since heat flows heat the lower back, and this can cause bleeding;
in the presence or even suspicion of the existence of various types of neoplasms;
when a person suffers from the following diseases: flu or ARVI, since such a session can complicate the course of a cold;
During pregnancy and at elevated body temperatures, it is prohibited to use an infrared sauna, as well as for patients who have undergone surgery; this is possible only after consulting a doctor.

If you have any doubts about using the infrared cabin, be sure to consult your doctor first. This applies in particular to heart diseases. If a person does not feel worse after a half-hour rhythmic walk, then he can visit the infrared cabin.

In some cases, the effects of an infrared sauna can be an excellent replacement for long walks needed to keep your heart in good shape. Sometimes such a need arises, for example, with diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the use of an infrared sauna has a fairly good healing effect on the body.

Take care of your health and use infrared saunas!

The infrared sauna (cabin) was invented by the famous Japanese doctor Tadashi Ishikawa. It gained popularity in the West more than 10 years ago (30,000 infrared cabins are sold per year in Europe alone). On Russian market infrared cabins appeared relatively recently, but their popularity among the population is steadily growing. They are used both in medical institutions, fitness centers, beauty salons, and at home.

Infrared sauna - Benefits, harm and effect

Infrared radiation is a part of the spectrum of light radiation that can heat objects. It should be noted that radiation in this spectrum is inaccessible to the naked human eye, but the human body is able to feel it with the whole body, receiving infrared energy as heat coming from a heated object. Waves of infrared radiation are natural and safe, emitted by any warm object. The human body also emits infrared radiation - these are thermal infrared waves - heat.

Infrared radiation does not include ultraviolet, x-ray, or any other harmful radiation.

Infrared radiation, in essence, is deep heating of tissues.

Infrared heat is distinguished by its ability to penetrate the human body to a depth of up to 4 cm, providing a therapeutic effect by warming tissues, organs, muscles, bones and joints. At the same time, blood circulation in the human body improves, metabolism increases, the effect of the body’s immune system increases, and the nutrition of tissues and organs improves.

Infrared waves are emitted by any warm object, including the human body, and are absolutely safe for the body. The most powerful source of infrared (thermal) radiation is the sun. It should not be confused with ultraviolet, which is potentially dangerous and can harm the skin. Heat can be transferred from one object to another in three ways: contact, when a hotter object heats a colder one upon contact, convection, when heat is transferred through intermediate coolant(water, air, etc.) and wave, when heating is carried out using infrared waves. It is this method of heat transfer that is used in infrared cabins. In traditional baths, the convection method is used.

Infrared sauna – Benefits

The infrared sauna begins to act from the first minutes, providing benefits for the human body.

Within a few minutes from the beginning of the session in the infrared sauna, your body temperature rises to 38 degrees, while having a suppressive effect on most pathogenic microbes.

At the same time, the pores of the skin expand, which allows the body, along with the abundant sweat released, to remove a significant part of the accumulated toxins. The infrared sauna causes a natural sweating reaction.

For reference: the sweat released in an infrared sauna contains about 80% water and 20% solids, such as lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, sodium, whereas when steaming in a regular sauna, the sweat released sweat contains 95% water and 5% solids.

Infrared sauna – Effects on the body

The mechanism of the effect of heat on the body of an infrared sauna is basically the same as a regular one. The fundamental difference between them is that in a regular bath the body is heated indirectly, that is, the air is heated first, and then it heats the body. In an infrared sauna, infrared radiation heats the body directly, and not the air (heating the air takes no more than 20 percent of the energy released, whereas in a regular sauna - up to 80). The infrared cabin has infrared radiation sources that emit infrared waves with a length of 4.5-5.5 microns, which warm the human body to a greater depth - up to 4 cm, compared to the heat of a traditional bath (in a sauna - by 3-5 mm). As a result, the body experiences more intense therapeutic effect than in a sauna. Infrared waves warm tissues, organs, muscles, bones and joints, speed up the flow of blood and other body fluids.

Deep heating of the body also causes stronger sweating (2-3 times stronger than in a traditional sauna), pores open wider, waste and toxins are eliminated more intensively. If in a regular bath, when sweating, 95% of water and 5% of subcutaneous fat and toxins come out of the human body, then in an infrared sauna - 80% of water and 20% of toxins and fat. A general cleansing of the body occurs, the body is charged with energy, and well-being significantly improves.

Infrared sauna - Therapeutic effects

The therapeutic effects of infrared cabins are multifaceted:

As a result of regular use of infrared procedures, cholesterol levels in the blood are reduced, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stabilizes blood pressure;
The walls of blood vessels become stronger and more elastic;
The functioning of the immune system improves, the overall resistance of the body increases, and this in turn allows you to effectively counteract colds and flu (in addition, pathogenic bacteria and viruses die as a result of an increase in body temperature to 38.5 degrees, as in the body’s natural reaction to illness );
Heavy sweating facilitates the functioning of the kidneys, vasodilation stimulates blood circulation;
Infrared radiation helps treat chronic diseases of the ear, nose and throat;
Relieves pain in joints, muscles, back, menstrual pain and headaches;
Leads to accelerated healing wounds, bruises, injuries, fractures, resorption of hematomas;
The comfortable warmth of infrared radiation has a calming effect on the nervous system, eliminating insomnia, stress, and nervousness;
Some researchers claim that infrared radiation suppresses the growth of cancer cells.

Therefore, we can say with confidence that an infrared sauna provides comprehensive disease prevention and overall health improvement for the body.

Infrared sauna – Cosmetic effect

Sweating profusely requires significant energy expenditure, resulting in a lot of calories being burned. In one session in an infrared sauna, approximately the same number of calories are lost as during a 10-kilometer run. Therefore, the use of an infrared cabin, especially in conjunction with diets, allows you to successfully lose weight.

Taking procedures in an infrared sauna also gives an excellent cosmetic effect. Under the influence of infrared radiation, pores open and profuse sweating begins, resulting in deep cleansing of the skin, freeing it from dirt and dead cells. Increased blood circulation during an infrared sauna is accompanied by an increase in blood flow to the skin, resulting in an increase in nutrients to its surface. The skin becomes smooth, firm, elastic and looks younger. Nourishing creams applied to the skin after infrared procedures have a much greater effect.

Regular visits to the infrared cabin help cure a number of skin diseases:

Dermatitis;
Eczema;
Acne and pimples;
Dandruff;
According to some reports, psoriasis;
Scars soften and, in some cases, dissolve.

Deep penetration of infrared radiation (along with physical activity and a balanced diet) allows you to effectively fight cellulite, breaking down its subcutaneous deposits, consisting of water, fat and toxins.

Infrared sauna – What is it?

Externally, the standard infrared cabin is a cabinet made of environmentally friendly pure materials (natural wood), with glass door. Infrared emitters are mounted in walls and under seats. Depending on the size, it can accommodate from 1 to 5 people.

Infrared sauna – Features of the procedure

The bath procedure in an infrared sauna differs from the traditional one. A normal wellness session should be continuous and last about half an hour. Ideal pose in the infrared cabin - sitting, legs down, back straight and arms extended along the body. Despite the deep heating, the body does not perceive these conditions as overheating, so after a session in infrared cabins you should not take contrasting water procedures. It is enough to limit yourself warm shower to wash away sweat. To compensate for the loss of moisture, after the session you need to drink tea (preferably green) or mineral water.

In addition to providing deeper heating and increased sweating, an infrared sauna has a number of advantages over traditional sauna and bathhouse:

Since the air in it heats up less (the optimal temperature in an infrared cabin is 45 - 55 degrees, in a Finnish sauna - 90 - 110 degrees), and there is no steam formation, it is easier to tolerate, people in it are in more comfortable conditions, the possibility of burns (for example , when touching walls) is excluded. An infrared sauna allows even elderly people and children, people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, and those who feel discomfort due to the heat to fully receive the therapeutic effects of the bath.
The infrared cabin allows you to significantly save time. It has a short warm-up period compared to a regular sauna - 10-15 minutes (it takes 1-2 hours to heat up a regular sauna, depending on the stove). If a visit to a regular bath involves a fairly long bath procedure (2-3 hours), then to obtain a healing effect it is enough to spend half an hour in the infrared radiation cabin. After taking an infrared thermal procedure, you will not experience the feeling of deep relaxation and drowsiness as after a regular sauna. On the contrary, you will have a feeling of joy, energy and good performance. In addition, thanks to the lower temperature in the infrared cabin, you will not come out steamed and with reddened skin, as after a regular bath, and will be able to immediately start doing your current tasks. That is, the infrared procedure can be taken even in the morning before work, while the bath procedure, which involves several visits to the steam room and rest in the dressing room, requires a significant investment of time. Therefore, people usually go to a traditional bathhouse or sauna once a week, but you can visit an infrared cabin at least every day (of course, you should focus on your well-being).
A number of other advantages are associated with design features infrared cabin. Since there is no stove inside the infrared cabin, unlike a sauna, and its walls are thin, it takes up little space. Used in saunas electric ovens consume a lot of power and require separate power supply. Infrared cabins are connected to a regular household electrical outlet. Thanks to low power consumption (1.5 - 3 kW, for comparison, Electric kettle consumes 2.2 kW), their operation is much cheaper than conventional saunas. In addition, the infrared cabin is easy to assemble, it will take no more than an hour. Therefore, the infrared cabin is mobile and can be installed in any room, including a city apartment. No fire department permission is required for its installation. So you can have a home fitness center where, after gymnastics or aerobics, you can relax and relieve tension in the infrared sauna.

The rapid spread of infrared cabins does not mean that over time they will replace conventional baths and saunas. A traditional bath procedure is a whole ritual, which, along with therapeutic effect provides an opportunity to have a good time and have fun. An infrared sauna should be considered as a highly effective therapeutic procedure that does not require much time, is comfortable and convenient and can be used quite often, including for those who cannot tolerate high temperatures. Therefore, many amateurs prefer to visit both traditional and infrared baths.

Infrared sauna - harm

Using an infrared sauna does not cause harm to the body, but there are some contraindications that you need to pay attention to before visiting an infrared sauna.

Infrared sauna - Contraindications

All amateurs need to take into account the individual ability of their body to tolerate thermal loads;
When accepting the lebo leaf-ups or medical preparies: pronouncing with the healing vice or FARMETAL CHANGE in the lecturerings of Vosmotvytvy, which are shut-off of the leaks. The combination of infrared heat with certain medications is fraught with side effects and undesirable consequences;
The presence of tumors (benign or malignant) or the suspicion of their presence are also included in the list of contraindications for the use of an infrared sauna;
Also, visiting the infrared cabin is contraindicated for women during the menstrual cycle. Heating the lower back in women during the menstrual period can cause bleeding. Therefore, it is better to avoid visiting the infrared cabin during this period of time;
It is contraindicated for any person, regardless of his physical characteristics, to take a cold bath or cold shower immediately after an infrared sauna. You should also avoid situations where the body sweats but the feet remain cold. Warm feet promote sweating;
Pregnant women, hypertensive patients, infectious patients, as well as patients who have undergone surgery can use an infrared sauna only with the permission of a doctor;
There are contraindications to visiting the infrared cabin if you have a cold: if you have a high body temperature caused by colds, starting with acute respiratory infections and ending with the influenza virus, then visiting the infrared Different saunas can complicate the course of a cold.

In most cases, an infrared cabin is a method of prevention, but it does not replace drug treatment prescribed by a doctor. If you have any doubts about the possibility of using an infrared cabin in the treatment of your disease, consult your doctor.