Why you should try an infrared sauna for the ultimate detox

If you’re feeling the weight (physically, mentally and emotionally) from the recent festivities of ringing in the new year, chances are you’re looking for a way to revive, refresh and rejuvenate back to a healthier you. The answer? Sauna therapy.

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We caught up with qualified nutritionist and founder of Sydney’s Bondi Beach infrared sauna studio Nimbus & Co, Su Tuttle, to get the lowdown on why infrared sweating should be high on your radar to try this 2017.

What is an infrared sauna and how does it differ from a traditional sauna?

Traditional saunas use convection and conduction to heat only the air around you and the surface of your skin. On the other hand, infrared saunas use infrared heating panels that emit light, which helps your body detoxify, giving you a deeper cleansing experience.

The light used in these saunas radiates a dry heat that penetrates deep within your muscles, joints, tissues and cells, and increases circulation and oxygen flow in your body. By heating the body from the inside out, no damage is caused to the skin’s surface. Infrared saunas use dry heat, while traditional saunas use humid heat, making it much easier to withstand the higher temperatures.

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What are the benefits?

There are a number of benefits, and Su says that regular sweating is the best way for our bodies to purge the toxins and nasty chemicals we consume and absorb on a regular basis.

She says sweating can flush the body of unwanted substances, and because the infrared rays used in these saunas gently heat the body and increase the core temperature, this helps to create a deeper reaction from the body to assist with the detoxification process.

But it turns out, detoxifying the body isn’t all it’s good for. Su also says that regular use of infrared saunas can assist with weight loss. “Studies have shown that you can burn up to 700 calories per session,” she says. They can also help with anti-ageing and sleep deprivation, as well as boosting your immune system, pain relief and managing stress.

Who can enjoy it?

“The infrared sauna is suitable for most people, as it helps with a range of health concerns,” says Su, who adds that the only people she recommends give the treatment a miss are those who are pregnant, or suffer from heart conditions. “We always advise anyone with chronic health conditions to check with their physician before using the sauna.”

How much does it cost?

The good news is, Nimbus & Co offers an introductory pack, which gives you three 45-minute sauna sessions for $80. Casual sweaters can enjoy a session for $42, while a five-pack session costs $195. Those more dedicated will pick up a 10x pack for $380 and diehards can get a 20x pack for $720.

Any additional advice?

First and foremost, be sure to stay hydrated pre and post sauna session. “We also recommend using a towel to wipe your sweat off, and to wait at least 20 minutes for your body to cool down naturally before showering,” says Su. “You’re still sweating during this time, and it’s best to let the detoxification process continue to get the best results.”  

Have you tried an infrared sauna before?