Ten Things We Wish We Knew Sooner About Cryotherapy and Infrared Sauna Use
Not to brag, but we were relatively early adopters of Cryotherapy and Infrared Saunas. We discovered these modalities many years ago and have been fervent believers ever since. But, we won’t pretend that we really knew anything about what they were actually doing for our bodies. All we knew was that after we used them, we felt REALLY good. It wasn’t until we began to consider actually opening a Studio that we started to dive into the research and the science behind why our bodies felt so much better and what was actually happening inside. What we found was that there is a mountain of health benefits associated with regular use of these therapies, benefits that can actually extend the length and quality of your life.
Here are ten things we’ve learned that we wish we had known sooner.
Infrared sauna differs from traditional sauna in that it uses infrared lamps to directly heat the body rather than warming the air around it. As a result, infrared sauna is a more efficient and comfortable way to sweat, providing a number of health benefits, including weight loss. Sweating is an effective way to rid the body of toxins, and infrared sauna can help facilitate this process. In fact, research has shown that infrared sauna can cause sweating up to seven times more than traditional sauna, making it a powerful detoxification tool.
Sauna use also helps to increase circulation, promote relaxation, and even reduce pain and inflammation. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that infrared sauna therapy can significantly reduce blood pressure and increase heart rate, indicating improved cardiovascular health.
Both infrared saunas and cryotherapy have been associated with weight loss. Infrared saunas can help with weight loss by increasing the body's core temperature and metabolism, leading to increased calorie burning during and after the sauna session. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that infrared sauna use can result in a reduction in body fat and body weight. Cryotherapy, on the other hand, can help with weight loss by increasing the body's metabolic rate and activating brown fat, which burns more calories than white fat. In addition, a single three-minute cryotherapy session has been shown to burn between 500 and 800 calories.
Both infrared saunas and cryotherapy can improve athletic performance. Infrared saunas can improve athletic performance by increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and reducing muscle soreness. A study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that infrared sauna use can lead to significant improvements in endurance and maximal strength. Cryotherapy can also improve athletic performance by reducing inflammation and promoting recovery. A 2019 review published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that cryotherapy can reduce muscle soreness and enhance athletic recovery.
Infrared saunas can help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and increasing the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that regular sauna use can lead to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety.
Cryotherapy can be helpful in treating arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain in the affected joints. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that whole-body cryotherapy can reduce pain and improve function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Infrared saunas can help to improve skin health by increasing circulation, promoting collagen production, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that infrared sauna use can lead to a significant improvement in skin texture and elasticity.
Cryotherapy can be helpful in treating a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that cryotherapy can improve the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Cryotherapy can also improve the appearance of the skin by increasing collagen production and reducing the size of pores.
Hot and cold therapies, also known as contrast therapies, have been used for hundreds of years to help treat a wide range of conditions. These therapies involve alternating the application of heat and cold to the body, either by immersing the body in hot and cold water or by using hot and cold packs. Throughout history, different cultures have used hot and cold therapies in their traditional healing practices. For example, the ancient Greeks used hot and cold water to treat various ailments, and the Romans used hot baths to relieve muscle pain and inflammation. Native Americans used hot stones and cold water to treat injuries and improve circulation, and the Japanese have been using hot springs to promote relaxation and healing for centuries.
Overall, infrared sauna and cryotherapy are promising tools for improving health and well-being. These modalities should be incorporated into a comprehensive wellness plan to achieve a happier, healthier and longer life.
The more you know. 🌈
