If you've followed me long enough, you know that I'm traveling along my own health journey. Essentially that's what brought me to this place. Autoimmune diseases are frustrating and without a cure from the allopathic community, so most of us just travel around searching for something that helps to send it into remission or heal the systemic issues from deep within. That said, I listen to a lot of functional medicine podcasts and spend time researching things they share. The full spectrum saunas have been showing up again and again, so I thought I'd take a look at the studies, costs, availability and details.
A full spectrum sauna delivers infrared rays in three different lengths, near (NIR), mid (MIR) and far (FIR). Waves are absorbed into the body just like the waves of the sun.
NIR: These waves are shorter wavelengths and target anti-aging, skin care and muscle recovery. However, they are hard to absorb because you must be really close to the source.
MIR: These are mid length waves and target heart health, circulation, pain relief, and muscle recovery
FIR: These are the longest waves and target detox, heart health, weight loss, immunity, relaxation, and muscle recovery. These waves help relaxation and the overall feeling of wellness. Most closely related to how the sun makes us feel. This stat got me...ready? "Far infrared systems can detoxify the body as much as seven times more effectively than standard sauna", says Jacuzzi Saunas at https://infraredsauna.com/blog/near-infrared-vs-far-infrared-heat/
Detoxification is so, so important for our health! So, that stat alone peaked my interest.
One company, Sunlighten, lists many research studies that I thought would be beneficial to my readers. Take a look and read at your leisure...
There are both portable and free standing options. A portable sauna can run less than $1,000 and a free standing anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 and can seat one-four people. They appear to be easy to put together and often have warranties lasting several years.
Some options are ergonomic seating, chromotherapy (visual light therapy), halotherapy (salt healing), aroma therapy, additional heaters, bluetooth speakers, wood types, etc.
Here's a list of some questions to ask when researching:
-What light waves does the sauna include? Remember NIR, MIR and FIR
-Does the sauna include chromotherapy?
-What are other options?
-How much is shipping?
-Are they in stock? (Like anything else, supply chain is an issue!)
-How easy is it to put together?
-Do you finance? (Many mfg do!)
-Is it difficult to disassemble if I move?
-How long will the bulbs last? What about replacements?
-What's the warranty?
-What EMF levels are emitted and how are they measured?
So many things to consider. I recommend setting up a consult for any mfg. you are considering and then compare their answers.
EDITED TO ADD: I spent almost 2 hours talking with a rep from Sunlighten. I am not an affiliate and don't make any $$ from this post. However, I was uber impressed. Not only did the rep answer every single question I had, Carson provided sources and research articles to support his answers. I also shared my concern about the NIR waves and wondered if I was wasting my money because I wasn't sitting 2 inches from the source and he told me that I was right in that you had to be pretty close but they have a technology to circumvent that issue. Dig into it yourself, but totally think this company is worth a look!
In peace ~C
I am not a therapist or physician. Mental health challenges are real. There is no shame in seeking help. Reach out to experts if you need them because you are loved and valued.