How to Use Infrared Saunas: What Every Beginner Should Know

Here we cover the basics on how to use an infrared sauna

If NIR Infrared is new to you we recommend starting out with just a light array, use in an open area. Enjoy the benefits of infrared, an enclosure can be added at anytime.

Infrared saunas are an affordable and accessible way to reap the benefits of saunas at home. Red light therapy can also help promote general wellness and may help aide the treatment of chronic health conditions. If you’re new to infrared saunas, we’ve compiled a list of the basics every beginner should know on how to use an infrared sauna.

Be mindful of your distance from the bulbs

For best results and comfort, we recommend sitting 18 to 20 inches away from the bulbs.

Keep track of your time

Time spent in front of near infrared lights will vary by person. For beginners, we recommend slowly introducing your body to the lights. Try starting with three to five minutes and increasing gradually per session. And we recommend avoiding too much time on your face and head area. Keep track of your time with each of our four red light arrays – there is a built in timer with the Sauna Comfy Classic.

Build up your frequency overtime

Again, the frequency will vary by person based on needs, health status, and different health conditions. It’s always best to be in tune with your body and consult your healthcare practitioner in developing a custom plan for your needs.

Have a good seat plan

It’s important to be comfortable during your sauna session. Beyond comfort, you also need to consider a seat that offers functional benefits. For a full body session, we recommend rotating every four to six minutes. It’s critical to have a good stool or seat that allows for you to turn with ease (and comfort).

Be careful with sweat around heated bulbs

A hot glass surface is likely to crack or shatter when splashed with water. Near infrared bulbs are no different. With sweat being mostly water, there is a chance the bulbs could shatter if splashed. Each of the Sauna Comfort light arrays come equipped with a stainless steel guard to protect you from accidentally rubbing or touching them. However, sweat could get through if you get too close and drip sweat (or water for that matter) onto the bulbs. We encourage you to be cautious.

Use eye protection

The intensity of the red lights is strong and with the chance of a bulb shattering (see note above), sunglasses are recommended while using. There has been evidence that near infrared light could be a safe and effective method for treatment within the ophthalmologic and neurological fields in the near future. But we recommend you consult your doctor.

To learn more about using a near infrared sauna, check out these 4 tips on using an infrared sauna. To get set up with a near infrared light array and enclosure, shop Sauna Comfort.

/by

4 tips for making the most of a near infrared sauna

Red near infrared light

Prioritize your health and wellness with a near infrared sauna at home

When it comes to promoting overall health and wellness, saunas certainly rank high on the list. Fortunately, you no longer need to rely on a gym membership to reap the many rewards of regular sauna use. With innovative near infrared (NIR) light saunas, you can now safely and conveniently use a sauna at home – without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering an at home NIR sauna, we have four tips to help you make the most of your sauna and start soaking up the benefits.

Establish a routine

With a NIR sauna at home, you’re able to enjoy sauna benefits on a regular basis. However, as with any new wellness activity, it’s important to establish a routine to encourage and sustain your activity. We have found that our clients get the most use of their sauna when they have an established routine. This may take the shape of picking a general time of use, such as in the morning, afternoon, or evening. And it’s also helpful to have a plan and align sauna use with other activities, such as first thing in the morning before a shower.

Dedicate a space

Creating a calm and inviting environment can enhance your NIR sauna experience. You may be fortune enough to dedicate a whole room to your sauna, but a nook can also work with a portable NIR light array. As you determine the best space to relax and rejuvenate, Sauna Comfort offers three types of sauna use:

  • Portable light array: ranging from one to four blubs, use on their own within any space, such as a nook in a room or even take traveling with you.
  • Wood enclosure: custom built to fit your space, these enclosures are 100% basswood, have no off-gassing, and are more permanent – although they can be disassembled and moved.
  • Fabric enclosure: fabric with an all wood frame allows you to trap in the heat while also allowing you to easily take down and store or use as a room divider when not in use.

In general, know that you have options, and your space doesn’t need to be elaborate. But the more special you make your space, the more likely you are to use it.

Bring your essentials

Once you have your space and NIR sauna, there is little you need to worry about to start getting the benefits of sauna light therapy. To create even more ease, we have a list of what you’ll need for your regular use:

  • Water: hydration is key as you sweat
  • Towel: sweating can be induced and towel to keep dry and wipe up afterwards is recommended
  • Seat: comfort should be a top priority and you can choose from our Mighty Comfy Stool to a seating plan of your own choosing
  • Tunes and earbuds (or speaker): completely optional but definitely recommended for listening to your favorite music or even a guided meditation

Be in tune with your body

Whether you found a NIR sauna out of a desire for overall health and wellness or to alleviate a specific issue, you may already have a general idea on how you plan to use your NIR lights. To maximize the benefits, be aware of what your body may need or how it’s reacting to the lights. For some, this may mean more focused attention to a specific area of your body or it may mean taking your time easing into the light therapy by gradually increasing your time spent in the sauna.

Ready to put these tips into action? Explore our near infrared sauna light therapy products.

/by