As the days pass by, naturally driven therapies are becoming more and more popular among peers. These therapies provide comfort and elegance without the possibility of additional side effects.
Among numerous therapies, infrared sauna and red light therapy are quite significant in their own ways. We have seen many gyms, spas, and private homes with both of those facilities. So, the question arrives, which is better and why?
There is a simple answer, and it’s not me stating which one I like most. The answer is, combining both of the therapies. Both of them provide health benefits in quite different ranges. When combined, one therapy elevates the other.
Seems quite complicated? Don’t worry, keep reading and I’ll explain them thoroughly.
Benefits of Sauna
Modern science has realized the potential health benefits of taking a sauna quite recently. Researchers have found that the heat from the sauna induces the production of “heat shock proteins.” These proteins highly help in repairing and protecting cells while boosting the immune system.
In the past, it was believed that exercise-induced heat spikes could produce such proteins. However, researchers have proven passive heat can replicate a similar effect.
Post-exercise sauna treatment is very helpful in boosting endurance and performance. It also helps get rid of body toxins.
Infrared Sauna
Saunas have been a popular therapy method for millennia. Various cultures had their own ritual of increasing body temperature and sweating for therapeutic benefits. From hot earth pit to smokey wood were used to achieve the ambient temperature for effectively sweating. With modern technology’s introduction, wood stoves and electric heaters replaced smoky woods.
Nowadays, even electric heaters are getting replaced with infrared light. These lights emit a slightly bigger wavelength of light than visible red lights. When the infrared light falls upon your skin, it penetrates the skin and makes you feel warm.
Infrared Sauna has opened the door to keep the temperature low while still feeling the ambient burning in the body. The temperature is kept between 110 degrees to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This doesn’t burn your skin and while still making you sweat. Some people might find an infrared sauna more comfortable than a traditional one.
These infrared saunas have given patients with health problems a way to feel the burn of exercises without actually doing it. Also, the sweet temperature provides more comfort to all the people.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is the process where red and near-infrared wavelengths of light are projected on the body. This therapy targets the skin at a cellular level and induces regenerative and healing effects.
Light therapy is applied via LED light panels producing powerful intensity of light. One needs to expose oneself to this light during daily or frequent sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. This therapy is also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy.
Compared to the sauna, in light therapy, light is employed, while in saunas, heat is employed. They both provide therapeutic benefits in different ways yet are quite complementary.
Combining Light Therapy and Infrared Saunas
In infrared saunas, heat lamps are used for emitting heat to provide warmth. The problem is if you sit closer to the lamp, you will feel the burning sensation. However, if you sit further from the lamp, the efficiency of the wavelength loses.
On the flip side, red light therapy is all about providing the correct wavelengths. They neither get compromised by other light waves nor delivered in compromised irradiance. So, if you are comparing these two therapies, red light is the clear winner here.
By combining these two therapies, it is possible to get the highest benefit for your body. While the infrared sauna is cleansing your body from toxins and simulating your heart-pumping, red light is healing your body from the inside.
Red light therapy will stimulate your body cells more to promote the production of proteins while relieving you from pain. Combining these two therapies can provide much help if you lead an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Both red light therapy and infrared sauna are totally natural. So there are no significant drawbacks. If you have light-sensitive skin or get burned easily, contact your doctor first before taking any of those therapies.
Other than that, both the therapies can cost you major bucks. Different circumstances can force you to get only one of them. However, if you can afford both of them and the circumstances allow you, you should get them.
When combined, these two therapies can throw a concert of healing on your whole health and well-being.
As both of the abovementioned therapy is helpful for your health, getting them together may increase your chance of staying fit and on top of your game.
While light therapy helps you heal and calm your nerves, saunas boost recovery by getting rid of the toxins. Both therapies promote circulation in your body to preserve the health of the heart. Therefore, it is safe to conclude, combining both therapies will elevate your quality of life.
