By now I’m sure we have all been privy to the benefits of infrared technology and infrared saunas. If you are wellness inclined (since you are reading this you most likely are), I’m sure you’ve been targeted on social media by multiple ad campaigns touting infrared products, and many of you have probably experienced a few infrared sauna sessions for yourself.
As a quick refresher, here are a few of the general health benefits infrared saunas can provide:
- Improved blood circulation
- Relief of chronic pain and inflammation
- Detoxification and oxidative stress reduction
- Improved quality of sleep
- Stimulate collagen production
- Aids in athletic performance and recovery
Here at Move With Life, we are always on the lookout for the best new technologies and how to optimize our routines and overall well being. And if you personally know me, you know I have a tendency to “do the most,” so when it comes to my infrared sauna sessions I have created a regimen that upgrades the benefits even more. Here are the steps:
- Dry Brush: Right when you get in the sauna, before you start to sweat, use a dry brush, like the HigherDose SuperCharge Copper Body Brush to accelerate circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage and exfoliate your skin. Start brushing in upward strokes from ankles to thighs, then wrists to armpits. You want to move with quick strokes toward your heart and then brush in clockwise strokes around your belly button to aid in digestion.
- Cupping: Unlike foam rolling or even massage, cupping decompresses the fascial tissue, and the reverse pressure, vacuum like suction of the cup, lifts, stretches and separates soft tissue. This promotes healthy blood and lymphatic flow, releases stagnation and aids in faster healing. I typically start my cupping routine once I have started to sweat and there is a bit more glide across my skin. Check out these videos for how to’s and cupping tutorials.
- Gentle movement & stretching: Depending on how much space you have, it is very important to incorporate some gentle stretching into each session. These don’t have to be big movements and can range from a few neck rolls, spinal rotations, and seated figure 4s and forward folds. The infrared heat penetrates deep into our muscles and helps to relax and alleviate built up tension, so adding nourishing movement into your session will only aid in better mobility and overall range of motion in your body.
- Wait to shower: It is ideal to allow your body to cool down naturally after an infrared sauna session. Research has shown that you continue to sweat out toxins and burn calories while your body cools down. It can take up to an hour to fully cool down, so I like to at least wait 30 minutes or more before I rinse off.
- Moisturize: After you shower and while your skin is still damp it is best to lock in moisture with a heavy duty oil or balm. After all the exfoliation and sweat, your skin will be super thirsty for some love, and one of our favorite products to use post sauna is OSEA Malibu’s Body Balm.
**If you have an at home sauna bag, like the Higher Dose one we use at MWL, start with Step 1, then get in the bag for your desired amount of time. After you get out follow with Step 2 – 5. If you happen to be in the Bay Area, stop by our favorite Self-Care Studio, WORTHY, and be sure to check out their list of services, including infrared sauna.
