20 Tips for Best Infrared Saunas Results

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Katie Hopkins

20 Tips for Best Infrared Saunas Results

The Food and Drug Administration approves of the therapeutic use of Far Infrared Saunas. Health Insurance Companies may offer reimbursement for cost of a sauna if prescribed by a doctor. The IRS may allow a health expense deduction for Infrared Sauna Therapy if prescribed by a doctor.

1. Wait at least 1 – 2 hours after eating before beginning a sauna session. This allows your body to attain the best detoxification results.

2. Best Times for sauna use are early in the morning or before bedtime in the evening, although anytime is good.

3. When you first begin to use your sauna, Start Slowly, with 20 minutes sessions and limit your first week’s sessions to a maximum of 30 minutes. After becoming acclimated to infrared heat, most users average 30-40 minute sessions. You can gradually work your way up to 45-60 minute sessions, if desired. Two sessions per day is permissible if you are working on a specific therapy goal like weight loss or detoxification.

4. Stay Hydrated! Most people do not drink enough water to begin with and now that you are using an infrared sauna and sweating, it is even more important to stay properly hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight by two and drink that many ounces of water on a daily basis. (160 lbs. divided by 2 = 80 ounces of water or eight 10 ounce glasses of water, daily) Always drink plenty of spring water or fruit juice before, during and after your sauna routine.

5. You may not sweat much during your first 2-3 sauna sessions. This is normal for many people, as they haven’t had a recent history of sweating, and it takes a few sessions to “retrain” the body to do what comes naturally. Take care not to overheat during your first few sessions. As the body continues to adjust, sweating can increase dramatically and body temperature regulation becomes more effective. An increase of up to 50% above the resting pulse is safe unless a heart condition requires keeping it lower. Body temperature should not be allowed to rise above 102 degrees F. Over time, You will begin to sweat more quickly and at a lower temperature setting as your body adjusts to your sauna routine.

6. Children over age 6 may use the sauna accompanied by an adult. Sessions should not exceed 20 minutes. Children’s metabolism is much faster that adults, so take precaution not to overheat.

7. Elderly. “Moderate sauna use is safe for most older people, but diabetics and anyone being treated for heart or circulatory conditions should check with their doctor, particularly if taking medication” states Dr. J.H. Halperin, Professor of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center.

8. Healing Reactions are temporary symptoms associated with eliminating toxic substances, healing chronic infections or metabolic changes in the body. They are an important function of all deep healing methods. These short lived “flare-ups” are generally short-lived and mild and are positive sign that deep healing is occurring. Symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, odors, and fatigue.

9. Sauna Apparel. Lightweight shorts and tee shirt are ok. Swim suits are better. “Birthday Suit” is fine, too. More skin exposure is certainly preferable.

10. Place a towel or two on the bench seat to absorb perspiration during your session. Wipe off sweat during your session to promote your body to sweat more. You may also place a towel between your feet to catch sweat drops and help keep your sauna cleaner.

11. Set your sauna temperature to 130 degrees F to begin infrared sauna warm up. When sauna reaches 105 to 110 degrees F, go ahead and step in to begin your session. Let your body warm up along with the sauna temperature. Most people find that a temperature setting between 120-130 degrees F

12. If sauna cabin becomes too hot or stuffy, you may open the vent in the ceiling to allow heat to escape. Or, just open the door for a minute to let some fresh air inside. Drink at least 10 ounces of water during or after your sauna session. Alcohol consumption during a sauna is a definite “No-No”!

13. Fat and Cellulite deposits begin to melt at 101 degrees F. Massaging fatty tissue during your sauna session will help to break down these areas into smaller water clusters which can be more easily eliminated through the pores of the skin.

14. Stretching your arms, legs and back area during your session creates more body flexibility. Massage congested and “knotty” muscle areas to help alleviate pain and tightness.

15. Do not use skin lotions or oils during your sauna session as this will inhibit sweating.

16. If your feel a cold or flu symptoms beginning, it is a good idea to use your sauna 3 times per day/ 20 minute sessions, to induce hyperthermia which strengthens your immune system. This increases your white blood cell count which helps your body to fight viruses. You will lessen the effects and duration of a flu bug and in many instances, eliminate it totally.

17. When you finish your sauna session, it is important to relax and cool down while your body continues to perspire. Sit or recline with a towel or robe around you for about 10 minutes.

18. Take a warm shower and use a loofah, skin brush or exfoliating wash cloth to remove toxins from your body. Soaps containing oils, creams and lotions are Not Recommended as many contain chemicals which clog your pores. When your body is thoroughly clean, you may complete your session with a cold shower to cool your body completely and close the skin pores.

a. Scrub calloused areas on your feet, etc. with a short bristled fingernail brush and watch those calluses soften and diminish.

19. After your sauna session it is a good idea to sit or lie down for 10-15 minutes to allow the body to attain the full benefit of Infrared Therapy.

20. Replace Electrolytes. Make certain that you are replacing the calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium which are depleted during sweating. If you take these minerals with your regular vitamins and supplements, it is probably not necessary to increase their consumption.

21. Turn your body fluid pH slightly alkaline. Most people today have an acidic blood and body fluid Ph which prevents optimum body healing and cell regeneration on many levels. Ph is a scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being extremely acidic, 7 neutral and 14 very alkaline. The Ideal pH level for your saliva is around 6.9 to 7.2. For more information on changing and measuring body fluid pH levels below is a link for various informative websites: http://www.ajpip.com/resources/site_map.htm. Expensive supplements are not necessary to attain proper body pH. Calcium/Magnesium, taken in a 2 to 1 ratio, as a vitamin supplement will help rebalance your body fluid pH. Example: 800mg Calcium, 400mg Magnesium in pill form is inexpensive and effective.

22. Sauna Maintenance. Vacuum your sauna once per week to keep it free of dust and hair. Use a mild detergent soap with a damp sponge and rinse the wood with clear water afterwards using a damp sponge will keep backrests, floor and bench seats clean. Try not to soak the wood with water as this can darken the color. No harsh chemical cleaners. If you use plenty of towels to sit on and wipe your sweat off as you go during your session, you will reduce the amount of cleaning maintenance. When I lean against the backrest, I will drape a towel over my shoulders, to help keep the backrest dowels clean. Editor’s Note: For any questions regarding proper procedure and use of a Far Infrared Sauna, please email Katie@RockyMountainSaunas.com or give us a call at 1-888-358-1270 1-888-358-1270

Rocky Mountain Saunas is the Ultimate Value in InfraRed Saunas. Carbon Wave 360 Technology = the Largest and Most Carbon Heater Panels in Every Model = Maximum Results in Less Time. Precision Handcrafted Quality in a Commercial Grade Sauna at Affordable, Factory Direct Prices. More Standard Features, Full Coverage Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping and a 90 Day Risk Free Trial/ Money Back Guarantee.

We invite you to our website: www.RockyMountainSaunas.com where you can see detailed inside/out views of every model and feature. We provide accurate, up to date information on everything from infrared technology to documented medical studies regarding specific health issues. From proper woods for infrared sauna construction to personalized tips for best infrared sauna results. You Will Find Everything You are Looking For at: www.RockyMountainSaunas.com. Thank you for considering our firm for your Commercial or Residential Infrared Sauna purchase.

Categories: For Men  |  For Women