Recently I had the privilege of reviewing the Physiotherm Far Infrared Sauna at Strength2Strength at Robina on the Gold Coast. Let me just start by saying that I hate sweating, but for some unknown reason I like saunas, probably because I know they are good for me.
So when the company offered me 10 sessions to experience this sauna that is taking Europe by storm, I jumped at the chance. What Is a Far Infrared Sauna and how is it different to your regular sauna? Your regular sauna uses very high temperatures to heat the body and this can cause discomfort for a lot of people. Anyone with a heart condition or respiratory problems is unable to use saunas.
Some people just find it too stifling and find it too uncomfortable. The Infrared sauna doesn't rely on high temperatures to heat your body; it only gets up to about 40 - 45C and you can control the temperature to whatever is comfortable for you. Infrared light is part of the Sun's invisible spectrum and is simply a form of energy that is directly transmitted onto objects because of its specific wavelength. It has nothing to do with ultraviolet light which gives you sunburn and damages your skin. The Infrared rays penetrate your skin, giving you that wonderful natural warmth. You can be exposed to Far Infrared heat for hours and it will never cause your skin to burn. Far Infrared heat is completely healthy and safe for all living things. Before I started my first session I was told to drink plenty of water.
My husband was most pleased to hear this as he is always telling me to drink more. So I did my best and drank about 1 � litres by 3 pm and I took a litre with me. What I wasn't prepared for was how much I was sweating. When I first entered the sauna I was surprised at how comfortable the temperature was. The sauna cubicle is dry, there is no steam and it was around 40 degrees. So I settled back for a very relaxing 35 minutes. Within 10 minutes I was literally dripping with sweat, and I was told to keep towelling it off continually.
Sweating is, I was told the best way to detox the body. 'Elimination of toxins such as metabolic by-products from our own cells occurs through breath, urine, stool and sweat. As the skin is the body's largest organ and one designed to aid in cleansing and purifying (like a kidney), sweating plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body.'(www.physiotherm.net)
I don't think I have ever sweated as much in my life. Needless to say I didn't drink enough water, got dehydrated and had the worst headache for the rest of the evening. That soon taught me to drink more water! Apart from the headache what I noticed most was how smooth my skin was all over my body. This was due to the fact that when you sweat the body's capillary network is dilated. Over my 10 sessions I have noticed a definite improvement in my skin's texture, complexion and tone. Beauty therapists often use Infrared therapy in conjunction with more traditional treatments, to enhance the results of facials, body wraps and exfoliation treatments.
The Infrared sauna is excellent for anyone in pain, suffering from insomnia, wanting to de-stress, wanting to lift depression, detoxify, boost circulation, boost the immune system and wanting to control weight. Yes I did say control weigh as the sweat production results in burning calories. (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal) 'A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off up to 500gms or more in a session. This translates to more than 300kcal - the equivalent to a brisk 30 minute walk. While this weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not. This is a valuable system for those who don't exercise and those who can not exercise, yet want an effective weight control and fitness program, along with the benefits that regular exercise bring
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