Tried and tested : Infrared sauna

The first time I have done an Infrared sauna was at Bodyworks in Bali few years ago. It consisted of an hour long intense sweating session in a Polly Pocket sized cabin... but it was so worth it!

Unlike a traditional sauna that heats the body primarily by conduction and convection from the heated air, the infrared sauna uses infrared waves as radiant heat to penetrate the surface of the skin. This enhances circulation, metabolism and oxygenates your tissue. Basically, instead of being smothered by hot steam, the heat comes from within you. You can easily breathe in an infrared sauna and even catch up on the latest gossip as no steam means the ink from the magazine isn't going to run off.

I had to leave before the hour ended as it was a bit too much for me, but still it was enough to ripple all the benefits out of it. I was refreshed, energized and my joints and muscles were a lot less sore. Walking around the street of Bali with a humid weather did no good for my arthritis pain but I felt so much better after the sauna. I don't know if it the "detox" effect, the strong heat on my muscles or the fact it gave me a good night of sleep but I couldn't wait to look for the same thing as soon as I was back home in Perth.

I found it, but at double the price. Now I know that when I am in too much pain, I have got this option and it is priceless! I strongly recommend to get a 10 visits pass if you have got that choice, it makes it a lot cheaper.

Be kind with yourself after the sauna, you have just been "detoxed." Drink lots of water and fresh juices and be aware of how you nourish yourself. An infrared sauna can be a great new fresh start for your liver so take this opportunity to go alcohol free for a while or/and smash down the green juices on that week.

While writing this post, I actually discovered that in 2008, a study was conducted in Netherlands regarding the benefits of infrared sauna on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. And good news, the patients showed a short-term improvement to pain and stiffness with no adverse effects! If you wish to read this study, follow the link.

Give it a try and tell me what you think!

xxx