Infrared Saunas and Their Benefits for Lyme Warriors

One of my favorite ways to detox is a daily infrared sauna.  Saunas have been used for thousands of years for overall well-being and health.  The Mayans used sweat houses 3,000 years ago, according to Harvard Health Publications. Saunas are extremely popular in Europe.  I have found saunas to aid in my detoxing because nothing else triggers me to sweat the way a sauna does. I prefer an infrared sauna over a regular sauna because it penetrates your body deeper, and it doesn’t put off the dry, hot air that a traditional sauna does.  Infrared saunas use electromagnetic radiation to warm your body.

Saunas increase a person’s heart rate, and blood vessels widen. Resulting in increased circulation, similar to how moderate exercise does.  Heart rate may increase to 100-150 beats a minute while using a sauna. 

The potential benefits of using an infrared sauna are:

• better sleep
• relaxation
• detoxification
• weight loss
• relief from sore muscles
• relief from joint pain such as arthritis
• clear and tighter skin
• improved circulation
• help for people with chronic fatigue syndrome

Studies in Finland have shown saunas may lower cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s in users depending on the frequency and length.  

I currently use this sauna but am hoping to get this one soon.  I look forward to my 30 minutes as my time to relax and meditate.  I also use my Vielight red nose clip during my time in the sauna.  

Tips for Sauna Use

1) Drink lots of water before and after the sauna.

2) Take a binder such as this before the sauna to grab any toxins released during the sauna.

3) Choose the temperature and proper level.  You want to ease into it slowly.  So start at a lower level or temperature and gradually increase.

4) Length of time. For first-time users, start with 10 to 15 minutes. You can add time for each session until you reach the suggested time of 20 to 30 minutes. Saunas come with a timer, so make sure to set it. You don’t want to stay in there too long and risk becoming dehydrated.

5) What you can do while in the sauna. Relax, read, meditate, listen to music, or visit with friends. Just don’t go to sleep.

6) After the session is over. Take a cool shower or bath. Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water.

For more tips on how to detox your body and push through Lyme symptoms make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter and to get my detox for Lyme checklist, go to lyme360.com/detoxchecklist.