Hot Stuff: Sweat your way to health in an infrared sauna
Sweating is good for you. A good sweat burns calories, helps eliminate toxins from the body and stimulates the function of other organs. For centuries cultures throughout the world have enjoyed the health benefits of the “sweat bath” in its various forms including the Finnish sauna, Islamic hammam, Russian banai and the aboriginal sweat lodge.
Now there is an alternative to the steamy heat of the traditional sauna: the infrared sauna.
Guests can relax in the two-person infrared sauna at
Gazebo B&B (Martin Vernon)Infrared saunas use “far infrared” (FIR) energy, a form of light energy at the five-to-15 micron level. Also known as radiant heat, FIR transforms into heat energy upon contact with objects. Rather than heating the air around you, far infrared penetrates directly into your body—up to an inch and half below the skin—compared to the surface-only heat of a conventional sauna. This gentle, penetrating heat produces a cooler, drier environment (110° to 130°F versus 180° to 235°F) and a profound, deep sweat—two to three times more than a traditional sauna.
Supporters say that infrared sauna therapy helps in detoxification, weight loss, recovery from injury and muscular relaxation. Yoshimi Nakano, owner of the Shinzen Detoxification and Rejuvenation Centre (2786 West 16th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., 604.736.1967) has been offering infrared sauna therapy for six years. Located in a dedicated treatment space that includes a shower and complimentary shampoo and soap, the Shinzen Centre’s infrared sauna is a private paradise. Like many sauna units, Shinzen’s comes equipped with calming music and even coloured light therapy.
Nature’s Spectrum Far-InfraRed
Sauna Centre offers therapy in
Cedar Creek infrared saunas
like this one, among others
(Kevin Halsey)A dedicated advocate of holistic health and natural healing methods, Nakano says the benefits of infrared saunas include “overall body relaxation, melting muscular tensions, refreshing detoxification and better sleep. It also helps people with their emotional and mental states.”
Because of the deep heat penetration into joints, muscles and tissues, which speeds oxygen flow and increases circulation, many sufferers of arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and certain skin conditions find relief with infrared sauna therapy.
Besides clearing chemical build-up in your body, infrared saunas are good ‘exercise’. One half-hour session apparently burns up to 600 calories. After decades of experimentation, NASA concluded that infrared “passive exercise” is the ideal way to keep astronauts fit during space flight. In addition to weight loss, infrared saunas also help reduce cellulite.
The infrared sauna experience is gaining heat. From B&Bs to spas to dedicated therapy centres, you’ll find numerous places to relax and detoxify across the Coast. Single sessions can be anywhere from a half hour to one hour and 15 minutes, and range in price from $20 to $45. Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or menstruating are advised to avoid FIR. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist about sauna use if you are elderly, hypoglycemic or taking any prescription medication.
Here are just a few local ‘hot spots’ for infrared sauna therapy:
Gazebo B&B is a Canada Select 5-Star-rated
accommodation in Victoria (Martin Vernon)
Boditree Pilates & Healing (210-2006 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, B.C., 604.736.2634, www.boditreepilates.com).
Gazebo Bed and Breakfast (5460 Old West Saanich Road, Victoria, B.C., 250.727.2420, TF: 1.877.211.2288, www.gazebo-victoria.com) offers all guests use of its two-person infrared sauna.
Nature’s Spectrum Far-InfraRed Sauna Centre (2585 Vista Bay Rd., Victoria, B.C., 250.477.2277, TF: 1.888.262.4477, www.infraredhealth.com) features two saunas: one unit for individuals and a larger unit for pairs. The sauna room is equipped with rebounder trampolines and an elliptical rider for a pre-sauna workout.
