We’re programmed to push ourselves. Sometimes getting through the day takes everything you’ve got. Science validates the value of rest for your whole self. Stress impacts not just the mind but the body as well. Infrared saunas provide an enjoyable place in your wellness routine to receive the full-body benefits of relaxation and stress reduction.

Studies show stress impacts the brain, blood pressure, weight and immune system. It creates memory problems, anxiety and learning difficulties. Neuroscientists say chronic stress can cause physical changes in grey and white matter, impact quantity of neurons and the size and connectivity of the amygdala.

The American Institute of Stress estimates stress problems make up 75 to 90% of all primary care doctor visits. Cortisol is the culprit. Stress increases that “fight or flight” hormone that raises heart rate, blood pressure and deposits excess calories in our midsection.

Infrared sauna sessions raise your heart rate and increase circulation. This replicates a cardiovascular workout we term “passive cardio.” In fact, blood flow during infrared sauna use may rise from a normal rate of 5-7 quarts/minute to up to 13 quarts/minute. Your heart is a muscle; working it makes it stronger. A stronger cardiovascular system helps capillaries deliver more oxygen to muscle cells. For people with injuries or conditions precluding them from cardio activity, Sunlighten saunas can help serve as an alternative for needed cardio benefits.

A Japanese study published in the October 2008 issue of The Journal of Cardiology examined the clinical effectiveness and safety of infrared blood pressure therapy, as compared to standard therapies for patients with chronic heart failure. The report concluded that far infrared sauna therapy is both safe and effective at improving clinical symptoms and cardiac function as well as decreasing cardiac size in chronic heart failure patients. Repeated infrared sauna use improved impaired blood vessel functions in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This suggests a preventive role, as a part of a healthy lifestyle, for infrared sauna use for arteriosclerosis.

It sounds too good to be true, but science supports it. Photobiomodulation uses invisible, near infrared (NIR) wavelengths (700 to 1,200 nanometers (nm)) and visible red light (620-750 nm) to deliver energy to cells. Research shows specific light frequencies have specific activity. NIR has the perfect wavelength (880 nm) to penetrate skin best. When NIR is applied to the skin, fibroblast cells absorb the light activity, stimulating production of collagen and elastin. When combined with visible red light at 660 nm, it is even more effective.1 Over time, those increases create thicker, younger looking skin, decrease lines, fade scars, and promote skin renewal, cell health and tissue growth.2

The most current research shows behavior change techniques are now critical to weight management programs.1 Sunlighten saunas are beautiful, enjoyable experiences using infrared light to heat your body from the inside instead of heating the air. Infrared saunas can do more for the body’s health in a more pleasant environment (between 110 and 130 degrees) than the harsh suffocating heat of traditional saunas (180-210 degrees). Built-in chromotherapy lights create body-balancing beauty and calm.

Listen to music or watch a favorite show while the infrared light therapy does its work at the cellular level to expel toxins, increase circulation, spark metabolism, burn calories and help decrease waist size.

Most people understand the benefits of exercise and training when trying to enhance performance or build muscle. In fact, that’s often the only thing they do. Equally important is the recovery process, or downtime in between training, when energy is restored, and the body is able to heal tissue damage and rebuild muscles. Building muscle not only increases strength, but also boosts metabolism, reduces risk of injury, improves bone density and helps with excess body fat.

The trainers of this championship pro soccer team believe in the power of infrared sauna for recovery and performance. They built a custom Sunlighten sauna in their world-class training facility as part of the innovative technologies they provide their athletes to help them succeed on the field. Hear from the trainers and players why they use a Sunlighten sauna.