infrared sauna Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Are Saunas or Cold Plunges Better for Your Energy, Heart, & Brain?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:23:36 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Saunas and cold plunges have gained popularity as wellness practices that not only relax the body but also boost overall health. Both of these temperature-based therapies offer distinct benefits and interact with the body in unique ways. Let’s explore how they positively influence our energy, heart health, mental clarity, and even help with long-term conditions like Alzheimer’s. Saunas: Warm Embrace for the Body and Heart Saunas are known for their warmth, which brings profound relaxation to both body and mind. Studies show that regular sauna sessions can promote cardiovascular health. The heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure. This improved circulation supports heart health and has been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases. A 2015 study conducted in Finland found that frequent sauna bathing was associated with a decreased risk of sudden cardiac death, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality. Saunas essentially give your heart a gentle workout, while allowing your muscles to relax in a calm environment. For those looking for an energy boost, saunas can be a natural solution. As the body heats up, it releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in the brain. These endorphins not only relieve stress but also help elevate mood and energy levels long after leaving the sauna. In addition, spending time in the heat helps the body regulate cortisol levels, supporting better energy balance throughout the day. By allowing your body to destress and reduce cortisol, saunas also promote improved sleep quality, which is crucial for sustained energy. Sauna bathing is also being studied for its potential neuroprotective effects, particularly in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A longitudinal study from the University of Eastern Finland showed that men who used a sauna four to seven times per week were significantly less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s compared to those who used saunas only once a week. The improved circulation, the reduction in inflammation, and the relaxation benefits all contribute to better brain health and resilience. Types of Saunas: Traditional vs. Infrared Saunas come in different forms, each offering unique benefits. The two most common types are traditional saunas and infrared saunas. Traditional Saunas Traditional saunas use either wood, electricity, or gas to heat the air, which then warms the body. Temperatures typically range from 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C) with relatively low humidity. Traditional saunas heat the body indirectly by warming the surrounding air, which can be deeply relaxing and promote sweating. Studies have shown that traditional saunas can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and support muscle recovery. The 2015 Finnish study mentioned earlier primarily focused on traditional saunas and their impact on heart health and longevity. Infrared Saunas Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared light to directly heat the body without significantly warming the surrounding air. The temperatures in infrared saunas are generally lower, ranging from 120°F to 140°F (50°C to 60°C). Because of this, many people find infrared saunas more comfortable and easier to tolerate for longer periods. Infrared saunas penetrate deeper into the skin, which may enhance detoxification and improve circulation. A study published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that infrared sauna use helped reduce blood pressure, improved arterial stiffness, and promoted overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, infrared saunas have been associated with pain relief and reduced inflammation, making them an excellent choice for individuals with chronic pain or arthritis. Both types of saunas offer significant health benefits, but the choice often comes down to personal preference and specific health goals. Traditional saunas provide a more intense heat experience, while infrared saunas offer a gentler heat that penetrates deeper into tissues. Cold Plunges: Icy Invigoration for the Mind and Body Cold plunges, or cold water immersion, may appear intense at first glance, but their benefits are powerful. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, it triggers an adaptation response that enhances circulation and increases metabolic rate. This boost in circulation strengthens the cardiovascular system by prompting the heart to pump more efficiently and regulating blood flow throughout the body. Studies indicate that cold plunges can improve blood vessel elasticity, which directly benefits heart health over time. Energy-wise, cold plunges are a major wake-up call for the body. The sudden drop in temperature activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a surge of adrenaline, increased heart rate, and a boost in energy. Many athletes and wellness enthusiasts swear by cold plunges as a natural way to boost alertness and reduce fatigue. The invigorating effect can also translate to an improved mood—cold water immersion triggers the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria and improved mental well-being. The benefits of cold plunges extend to the brain as well. Regular exposure to cold water has been shown to reduce inflammation, which may help support brain health and prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Cold immersion also boosts the production of certain proteins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain plasticity, learning, and memory. These effects make cold plunges a compelling practice for maintaining cognitive function as we age. Saunas vs. Cold Plunges: Complementary Benefits Both saunas and cold plunges can provide impressive health benefits, but they work in different—yet complementary—ways. Saunas induce a state of relaxation, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing stress, while cold plunges stimulate the body, promoting energy and enhancing mental clarity. When used together, these practices can have a powerful synergistic effect on the body. The transition from hot to cold, often called contrast therapy, encourages the body to adapt to temperature changes, which improves circulation, boosts immune function, and reduces muscle soreness. For heart health, both practices show substantial benefits—saunas gently promote circulation by dilating blood vessels, while cold plunges increase vascular tone by constricting and relaxing blood vessels. This balance of expansion and contraction is great for cardiovascular strength and endurance. In terms of energy and mental clarity, saunas help by reducing cortisol and allowing the body to enter a deeply relaxed state, promoting better sleep and sustainable energy. Cold plunges, on the other hand, deliver an immediate jolt of energy and heightened focus by releasing norepinephrine and adrenaline, making them perfect for those moments when you need an instant boost. Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Health Both saunas and cold plunges have unique and powerful health benefits that can positively impact energy, heart health, and even protect the brain from cognitive decline. By embracing these practices, either individually or in combination, you can harness the power of temperature to support your wellness journey. Whether it’s the comforting warmth of a sauna or the invigorating chill of a cold plunge, these therapies offer a natural way to enhance your vitality, boost mental clarity, and improve long-term health outcomes. How to Access Saunas and Cold Plunges Many gyms now offer traditional or infrared saunas that can be used as part of a gym membership. This is a convenient way to access the benefits of sauna bathing without the need for a major investment. For those who prefer to have their own sauna, there are makeshift saunas available for purchase, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. When it comes to cold plunges, you have several options. You can add ice to a cold bath at home for an easy and cost-effective solution. Alternatively, there are dedicated cold plunge systems that you can purchase, ranging in price depending on the features and setup. If you are a DIY enthusiast, there are also ways to build your own setups. Here are a couple of helpful resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOwg9vBBR6A How to Build Your Own Outdoor Cold Plunge These resources can help you set up your own wellness space at home and take advantage of the health benefits of saunas and cold plunges. References Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2015). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, 46(2), 245-249. Laukkanen, J. A., & Laukkanen, T. (2018). Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 93(8), 1111-1121. Biro, S., Masuda, A., Kihara, T., & Tei, C. (2003). Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle-related diseases. Journal of Cardiology, 42(1), 1-5. Shevchuk, N. A. (2008). Adapted Cold Shower as a Potential Treatment for Depression. Medical Hypotheses, 70(5), 995-1001. Shirey, T. M., & Hayes, A. (2017). Infrared Sauna Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Summary of Current Evidence. Journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 31, 76-82. Huttunen, P., Kokko, L., & Ylijukuri, V. (2004). Winter swimming improves general well-being. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 63(2), 140-144. To read the original article click here.

The post Are Saunas or Cold Plunges Better for Your Energy, Heart, & Brain? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How a Sauna a Day Keeps the Stress Away

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 07:00:18 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – If you have been following me for a while, you will know how much I love my infrared sauna from Sunlighten! It is an integral part of my mental and physical health regimen, my favorite place to do brain research and detox my mind, and something I cannot live without! In this podcast (episode #423) and blog, I talk to the co-founder of Sunlighten Saunas Connie Zack. We discuss why infrared heat is so good for us, the difference between infrared and conventional saunas, the best way to use an infrared sauna, common mistakes we make when using infrared saunas, the science behind Sunlighten’s amazing saunas, and so much more! So what exactly is an infrared sauna? The light spectrum in an infrared sauna comes from the sun. It heats the body directly, whereas a conventional sauna only heats the air around the body. Although any kind of heat in a sauna can be good for us, infrared heat directly impacts our health, working naturally with our body to supercharge our cells without tiring us out or draining us. This allows for maximum detoxification and purification. There are many benefits to an infrared sauna, including: 1. Detoxification: An infrared sauna can help detox the brain and body, right down to the level of our cells. This helps us get rid of impurities like heavy metals, which can impact our mental and physical health. In an infrared sauna, your body is sweating in a relaxed state, and can excrete more toxins and heal and repair itself. This is because infrared heat can reach the toxins that are surrounded by a protective layer of fat deep in the body, pulling out those substances you don’t normally get rid of by sweating in a conventional sauna or by going to the bathroom. Even if you avoid smoking, eat well, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, use natural products and sleep well every night, you will be exposed to toxins that your body will store in a protective layer of fat. We all have bad stuff in our bodies, which is why it is essential that we take the time to detox our brains and bodies if we want to live a truly healthy lifestyle, and infrared saunas can help with this. 2. Heart health and circulation: As the heat in an infrared sauna heats your core up, your body has to work harder to cool you down, which improves your circulation and boosts your heart health. Better circulation, in turn, can clear your mind and help you process information faster, lower blood pressure, give your skin a gorgeous glow, help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, give you more energy, boost your metabolism, aid recovery and more. Instead of getting out of the sauna and feeling worn out, you will feel more energized, healthier and ready to take on any challenge! 3. Immunity: We should all be doing what we can to boost our immune systems, especially as the colder months approach, and an infrared sauna can help us do this. The energy from infrared saunas is absorbed on a cellular level, which positively affects the heat-shock proteins that strengthen the immune system. This not only boosts the immune system, but also helps free up the body to deal with any other health issues we may have. 4. Pain relief, recovery and aging: Better blood circulation from infrared light means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aiding in muscle recovery and joint pain, which can be a big help after an intense workout, a physical accident or with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Near infrared waves in particular have a shorter frequency range and penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin, impacting the body at the cellular level, encouraging tissue growth and collagen production, helping with the negative effects of aging and speeding up muscle recovery. 5. Mental health: Not only do saunas help us relax, which is certainly important for our mental health, but research on infrared saunas has also shown that it can have positive effects on our mood, helping with depression, anxiety and other types of mental distress. Just one infrared sauna treatment can potentially reduce depressive symptoms by up to 50%, with the benefits continuing for up to 6 weeks, while regular sessions in an infrared sauna can reduce cortisol levels, helping with toxic stress and burnout, and increase our clarity of mind and focus. I personally love using my Neurocycle app to detox my thoughts while I am detoxing my brain and body in my Sunlighten sauna—this is a perfect mental self-care cleanse, like a spa day for the mind! I also love to use my Sunlighten sauna to have “thinker moments”, where I just switch off and let my mind wander and daydream. These moments give the brain a rest and allow it to reboot and heal, which increases clarity of thought and organizes the networks of the brain, rather than just letting toxic mindsets build up in the brain and cause all sorts of mental health issues. (For more information on thinker moments and how to make them a part of your daily routine, see my books Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess and Think, Learn, Succeed). When it comes to using an infrared sauna, consistency and frequency are key. Even though it has all these great health benefits, it is important to remember that an infrared sauna is not a magic bullet or cure-all. It strengthens the brain and body over time, harnessing your natural power and helping you feel stronger and healthier than you did before. When using an infrared sauna, you also need to listen to your body and focus on your unique needs. Many experts recommend up to forty minutes a day if you are an adult, depending on your health history and what program and type of sauna you are using. When you choose to use a sauna is up to you and what you are looking for. I personally avoid using my infrared sauna too late at night because it keeps me awake, unless I need to stay awake to work on a new book or research deadline! It is, however, important to note that not all infrared saunas are created equal. There are three different parts of the infrared light spectrum, and each of which have different effects on the body and our health. Many infrared saunas don’t use all three types of infrared light, or don’t use them in an effective way or in the right frequency with the right materials and deliverability. This is why I love Sunlighten Saunas. They focus on the science behind their unique technology, always searching out the safest and most effective way to help provide optimum infrared light frequency and results, as well as creating non-toxic and sustainable products using high-quality materials that are safe and long-lasting. After using my infrared sauna regularly for several years, I can truly say I am impressed with the results. I am in my fifties and feel younger, healthier and happier than ever. It really is my “secret” weapon when it comes to my mental and physical health! To read the original article click here.

The post How a Sauna a Day Keeps the Stress Away appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How to Use Heat, Light & Sweat to Improve Your Mental Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:24 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – If you have been following me for a while, you will know how much I love my infrared sauna from Sunlighten! It is an integral part of my mental and physical health regimen, my favorite place to do brain research and detox my mind, and something I cannot live without. In this week’s blog and podcast, Connie, the founder of Sunlighten Saunas, joins me to discuss why infrared heat is so good for us and why it makes us feel so good, the difference between infrared and conventional saunas, the best way to use an infrared sauna, common mistakes we make when using infrared saunas, infrared saunas and children, the incredible science behind Sunlighten’s saunas, and so much more. What is an infrared sauna? The light spectrum in an infrared sauna comes from the sun. It heats the body directly, whereas a conventional sauna only heats the air around the body. Although any kind of heat in a sauna can be good for us, infrared heat directly impacts our health, working naturally with our body to supercharge our cells without tiring us out or draining us. This allows for maximum detoxification and purification; in fact, an infrared sauna is seven times more effective than a conventional sauna at getting rid of toxins in the brain and body! There are many benefits to an infrared sauna, including: 1. Detoxification. An infrared sauna can help detox the brain and body, right down to the level of our cells. This helps us get rid of impurities like heavy metals, which can impact our mental and physical health. In an infrared sauna, your body is sweating in a relaxed state, and can excrete more toxins and heal and repair itself. This is because infrared heat can reach the toxins that are surrounded by a protective layer of fat deep in the body, pulling out those substances you don’t normally get rid of by sweating in a conventional sauna or by going to the bathroom. Even if you avoid smoking, eat well, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, use natural products and sleep well every night, you will be exposed to toxins that your body will store in a protective layer of fat. We all have bad stuff in our bodies, which is why it is essential that we take the time to detox our brains and bodies if we want to live a truly healthy lifestyle, and infrared saunas can help with this. 2. Heart health and circulation. As the heat in an infrared sauna heats your core up, your body has to work harder to cool you down, which improves your circulation and boosts your heart health. Better circulation, in turn, can clear your mind and help you process information faster, lower blood pressure, give your skin a gorgeous glow, help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, give you more energy, boost your metabolism, aid recovery and more. Instead of getting out of the sauna and feeling worn out, you will feel more energized, healthier and ready to take on any challenge! 3. Immunity. During a global pandemic, we should all be doing what we can to boost our immune systems, and an infrared sauna can help us do this. The energy from infrared saunas is absorbed on a cellular level, which positively affects the heat-shock proteins that strengthen the immune system. This not only boosts the immune system, but also helps free up the body to deal with any other health issues we may have. 4. Pain relief, recovery and aging. Better blood circulation from infrared light means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aiding in muscle recovery and joint pain, which can be a big help after an intense workout, a physical accident or with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Near infrared waves in particular have a shorter frequency range and penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin, impacting the body at the cellular level, encouraging tissue growth and collagen production, helping with the negative effects of ageing and speeding up muscle recovery. 5. Mental health. Not only do saunas help us relax, which is certainly important for our mental health, but research on infrared saunas has also shown that it can have positive effects on our mood, helping with depression, anxiety and other types of mental distress. Just one infrared sauna treatment can potentially reduce depressive symptoms by up to 50%, with the benefits continuing for up to 6 weeks, while regular sessions in an infrared sauna can reduce cortisol levels, helping with toxic stress and burnout, and increase our clarity of mind and focus. I personally love using my Switch app to detox my thoughts while I am detoxing my brain and body in my sauna—this is a perfect mental self-care cleanse, like a spa day for the mind! It is a great tool for helping you learn how to manage your mind, deal with the roots of your mental chaos, and overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact your mental health through the mental process of reconceptualization (it is now on sale at 50% off for a 3-month subscription), and can easily be a part of any infrared sauna session since it only takes 7-15 minutes a day! I also love to use my Sunlighten sauna to have “thinker moments”, where I just switch off and let my mind wander and daydream. These moments give the brain a rest and allow it to reboot and heal, which increases clarity of thought and organizes the networks of the brain, rather than just letting toxic mindsets build up in the brain and cause all sorts of mental health issues. (For more information on thinker moments and how to make them a part of your daily routine, see my book, Think, Learn, Succeed) 6. Safe for children. Even children can use infrared saunas! However, they should only be allowed to use the sauna at a lower temperature, for no more than 15 minutes (depending on their age) and accompanied with an adult, as they have a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When it comes to using an infrared sauna, consistency and frequency are key. Even though it has all these great health benefits, it is important to remember that an infrared sauna is not a magic bullet or cure-all. It strengthens the brain and body over time, harnessing your natural power and helping you feel stronger and healthier than you did before. When using an infrared sauna, you also need to listen to your body and focus on your unique needs. Many experts recommend around forty minutes a day if you are an adult, depending on your health history and what program and type of sauna you are using. When you choose to use a sauna is up to you and what you are looking for. I personally avoid using my infrared sauna too late at night because it keeps me awake, unless I need to stay awake to work on a new book or research deadline! It is, however, important to note that not all infrared saunas are created equal. There are three different parts of the infrared light spectrum, and each of which have different effects on the body and our health. Many infrared saunas don’t use all three types of infrared light, or don’t use them in an effective way or in the right frequency with the right materials and deliverability. This is why I love Sunlighten Saunas. They focus on the science behind their unique technology, always searching out the safest and most effective way to help provide optimum infrared light frequency and results, as well as creating non-toxic and sustainable products using high-quality materials that are safe and long-lasting. After using my infrared sauna regularly for several years, I can truly say I am impressed with the results. I am in my fifties and feel younger, healthier and happier than ever. It really is my “secret” weapon when it comes to my mental and physical health! To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Leaf click here.

The post How to Use Heat, Light & Sweat to Improve Your Mental Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Keep You Brain and Body Toxin-Free + Manage Your Mental Health and Avoid Burnout

AHA Publisher — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 08:00:42 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this week’s blog and podcast, I share one of my best-kept secrets secrets to keeping my brain and body healthy and toxin-free: infrared saunas! In this blog, I will cover everything from the different types of saunas, how they benefit our mental and physical health, how to best use a sauna and so much more! I sat down with Alicia Botyrius from Sunlighten Saunas to help answer some questions. Sunlighten has been around for 20 years—they were one of the first companies to make high-quality, research-based infrared saunas. Although other wellness fads have come and gone, their infrared saunas have withstood the test of time, helping thousands of people improve their mental and physical health on a daily basis. I have always loved saunas, and I am a big fan of Sunlighten—I have had my sauna for 7 years! As I like to joke, this sauna is my “woman cave”: it is where I wind down after a long day, where I have quality mental self-care time, where I rest and rejuvenate after a hectic travel schedule, where I detox after the holidays, where I destress and catch up on all my favorite TV shows, where I meditate and calm my mind, and where I recover after an intense workout. To say I am a fan of my infrared sauna is an understatement; when I am at home, I don’t go a day without using it! Why am I such a fan of infrared saunas? As Alicia notes, research on infrared saunas has shown that the light can have a long-lasting effect throughout the day, helping you feel more energized, improving your mood, aiding digestion, reducing depression and so much more. Over time, regular use of an infrared sauna can have a compound effect, although just one session now and then can make a big difference (the ideal time to use an infrared sauna is about 30 to 40 minutes around four times a week, although this can change depending on someone’s individual needs). Why do I recommend using an infrared sauna, as opposed to a conventional sauna? As Alicia points out, infrared saunas have a number of benefits: 1. Mental Health: Not only do saunas help us relax, which is certainly important for our mental health, but research on infrared saunas have also shown that it can have positive effects on depression, anxiety and other types of mental distress. Just one infrared sauna treatment can potentially reduce depressive symptoms by up to 50%, with the benefits continuing for up to 6 weeks! I personally love using my Switch app to detox my thoughts while I am detoxing my brain and body in my sauna—this is a perfect mental self-care cleanse, like a spa day for the mind! Switch is based on my 5-step program, which is designed to help you identify and eliminate the root of your toxic mindsets, and help you build a healthy new thinking habits through the mental process of reconceptualization by teaching you how to stand outside of yourself and observe your own thinking, feeling and choosing. It is easy to use, takes just 7 to 15 minutes a day, and can be accessed on the go or in a sauna! I also love to use my sauna to have “thinker moments”, where I just switch off and let my mind wander and daydream. These moments give the brain a rest and allow it to reboot and heal, which increases clarity of thought and organizes the networks of the brain, rather than just letting toxic mindsets build up in the brain and cause all sorts of mental health issues. For more information on thinker moments and how to make them a part of your daily routine, see my book, Think, Learn, Succeed. 2. Relaxation: The heat from an infrared sauna only reaches around 130 degrees Fahrenheit (while conventional saunas, where you pour water over the rocks, can reach around 200 degrees Fahrenheit), making it more bearable and relaxing, while the specific wavelength of infrared light is gentler on the skin. This heat is more like wearing your favorite comfortable sweater—it heats your body up from the inside, while helping your mind and body enter into a relaxed, parasympathetic state (that is, it switches on the body’s down regulation system, which is so important for our mental health). This kind of sauna is engineered to be “enjoyed not endured”. The intense heat in conventional saunas, on the other hand, which really only heats the air around you, may put your body in a toxic stress state. In this kind of sauna, the surface of your skin gets very hot, making you sweat a lot without penetrating the deep layers of fat that hold toxins deep in the body. This kind of heat can actually become unbearable in a short amount of time, and make you feel quite weak and even dizzy when you get out. This of course is not very relaxing! 3. Detoxification: As mentioned above, in an infrared sauna, your body is sweating in a relaxed state, and is able to excrete more toxins and heal and repair itself. This is because infrared heat can reach the toxins that are surrounded by a protective layer of fat deep in the body, pulling out those substances you don’t normally get rid of with regular sweating, in a conventional sauna or by going to the bathroom. This detoxification process is incredibly important, because all of us are exposed to toxins as we go about our daily lives, which can affect both our mental and physical wellbeing. For instance, Alicia notes that when several people who quit smoking a decade ago started using an infrared sauna, they noticed that their sweat smelt like cigarette smoke—these toxins were stored deep in the body for years! In fact, if you use the sauna in the early evening, you will notice that your body temperature will slowly come down during the night, which will put you into a deeper sleep earlier. This, in turn, further detoxes the mind and brain and helps your body recover and heal itself (for more on the mental health benefits of sleep, see my recent blog). Even if you don’t smoke, eat well, exercise regularly and sleep 8 hours a night, you will be exposed to toxins that your body will store in a protective layer of fat. We all have bad stuff in our bodies, which is why it is essential that we take the time to detox our brains and bodies if we want to live a truly healthy lifestyle, and infrared saunas can help with this! 4. Circulation: As the heat in an infrared sauna heats your core up, your body has to work harder to cool you down, which improves your circulation and boosts your heart health. Better circulation, in turn, can clear your mind and help you process information faster, lower blood pressure, give your skin a gorgeous glow, help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, give you more energy, boost your metabolism, aid recovery and so on. Instead of getting out the sauna feeling all worn out, you will feel more energized, healthier and ready to take on any challenge! 5. Immune system: The energy from infrared saunas can also help boost the immune system, which is really important as we go into cold and flu season! How does this happen? This energy is absorbed on a cellular level, which positively affects the heat-shock proteins, strengthening the immune system. This is almost like putting a shield over your body, which is also why infrared saunas are great when you have been traveling. In fact, by detoxing the brain and body and boosting the immune system, infrared saunas help free the body up to deal with other health issues, such as cancer! 6. Pain Relief and Recovery: Better blood circulation from infrared light means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aiding in muscle recovery and joint pain, which can be a big help after an intense workout, a physical accident or with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Near infrared waves in particular have a shorter frequency range and penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin, impacting the body at the cellular level, encouraging tissue growth and collagen production, and speeding up muscle recovery. 7. Safe for children: Even children can use infrared saunas! However, they should only be allowed to use the sauna at a lower temperature, for no more than 15 minutes (depending on their age) and accompanied with an adult, as they have a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. After using my infrared sauna regularly for several years, I can truly say I am impressed with the results. I just turned 56, and feel younger, healthier and happier than ever—it really is my “secret” weapon when it comes to my mental and physical health! To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Leaf click here.

The post Keep You Brain and Body Toxin-Free + Manage Your Mental Health and Avoid Burnout appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.