Infrared sauna

What it is

Infrared Sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to make heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna. “Far” describes where the infrared waves falls on the light spectrum. In comparison, a regular sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body.

At Renew U we offer MPULSE SMART SAUNA

CONNECTED & CUSTOMIZABLE RED/NEAR, MID & FAR IR.

Unlike any other sauna, mPulse makes optimizing your health, and lifestyle easier and smarter. The technology manages the sauna, your schedule and your self-care. Select specific health programs or customize your own, and connect the sauna to your routine, biometrics and community.

Enhance your sauna experience and transform your mental well-being with Chromotherapy, or color therapy, the science of using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. Chromotherapy works on various energy points to help balance your body via the full spectrum of visible light. Each color possesses frequencies of a specific vibration, and each vibration is related to different physical symptoms.

This lighting feature paints your sauna with colors from the sun's visible light spectrum, creating an artful atmosphere with a balance-bringing effect. Choose the color that matches your wellness needs and feel even better.

Potential Benefits

Benefits of Infrared Sauna includes boosting immune system, relieve sore muscles, detoxify, clear skin, relieve joint pain, enhance circulation, weight loss/increase metabolism, improve appearance of cellulite, reduce fatigue, better sleep, and improve injury recovery.

Chromotherapy sauna benefits include physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. This feature is unlike any other on the market. Instead of seven single-color lights, Sunlighten provides combinations of the seven-color spectrum to include 16 colors, four color-changing modes, and four brightness/intensity settings.

Red Light:

Stimulates collagen
Reduces wrinkles
Improves skin tone and firmness
Increases circulation

Learn more

Difference between traditional saunas:

Temperature Differences - While traditional saunas sizzle at temperatures between 150°F and 210°F, infrared saunas play it cool with a more manageable 110°F to 140°F. This lower temperature makes infrared saunas more tolerable for folks who aren't fans of extreme heat.
Heating Mechanisms - The heat source is another key difference. Traditional saunas heat the air in the room using hot rocks, while infrared saunas use infrared heaters to send waves of infrared heat directly into your body.

Tips for using infrared saunas

Start low and slow. Dial down the temperature and keep your sessions short when you begin using an infrared sauna. “Start at something like 110 degrees for five to 10 minutes,” says Dr. Young. “See how you feel, then build from there.”
Max time. Even if you’re an experienced sauna user, keep sessions below 45 minutes to avoid putting too much stress on your body. It’s best to limit visits to three to four times a week, too.
Stay hydrated. The sweat that pours out during a sauna session can leave your body’s fluid levels low. “Bring water in with you,” advises Dr. Young. Sports drinks with electrolytes may also be a good option. (Side note: Avoid mixing alcohol with sauna use.)
Rinse off afterward. A shower after your sauna will wash off any toxins you sweated out before they can be reabsorbed through your skin. - We offer a fresh water squirt bottle as a quick option OR better yet we highly recommend floating after your sauna session. You will shower before floating and while your pores are still open you will maximize magnesium absorption through your skin more readily for even further benefits!

Contraindications for using infrared sauna

Medical Conditions
If any of the below apply to you, consult your physician prior to sauna use:

Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes – Individuals suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.
Medications – Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics, such as amitriptyline, may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.
Alcohol & Drug Abuse – Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “sweat out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore, he/she may not realize when the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by heat stress. The use of alcohol, drugs, or medications prior to a sauna session may lead to unconsciousness.
Elderly – The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. If elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Children – The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated with Reduced Ability to Sweat or Perspire – Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors, and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Consult a physician.
Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone to Bleeding – The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
Fever & Insensitivity to Heat – Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the sauna until the fever subsides.
Pregnancy – Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.
Menstruation – Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. This should not preclude sauna use.
Joint Injury – Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.
Implants – Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using.
Pacemakers / Defibrillators – The magnets used to assemble our saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.

In the rare event that you experience pain or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.

Infrared Sauna - Frequently Asked Questions

What is infrared?

Infrared is light, for life.

Nature gives us infrared light. You can’t see it with your eyes, but you know it. It’s that good feeling you get the moment the sun comes out on a cloudy day. It’s the warmth you love to soak up at the beach or next to a fire.

Infrared is the healthy, healing rays that come from the sun, the ones that feel like a hug. It also helps plants bloom. The right amount helps stems grow fast and strong. Everything in nature needs it to live. And we don’t get enough of it in our modern world.

https://www.sunlighten.com/light-science/what-is-infrared-light/

What do I wear?

Less is more (even nothing at all if you please!). Typically, a bathing suit or underwear are ideal for use in our infrared saunas (just be sure it’s free of plastic or metal fasteners or eyelets). However, we ask that you use towels between you and the sauna!

How long is a typical session, and how often can I take a session?

Most people partake in a 30-45 minute session, 3-4 times a week, but it is safe to use every day and at whatever heat suits you best. For most people, daily sauna use is okay after your body has become accustomed to infrared therapy. Drink increased amounts of water to stay hydrated. Listen to your body and stop your session if you feel any discomfort.

Is there a sauna protocol I should follow?

Proper sauna use is important; just like we warm up and cool down our bodies when we exercise, there are some basic steps to follow to ensure you gain maximum benefits of using a sauna.

Before Sauna Use:

Drink a minimum of 8 oz. of water to prepare your body for an increase in core body temperature.
Prep your sauna: Pre-heat your sauna for 45-60 minutes. Your sauna will heat up approximately one degree per minute, depending on room temperature. You can use automatic start up for the Signature or Amplify infrared sauna by setting it in Reservation Mode, or schedule a start time in the mPulse Smart sauna.
Lay down towels on the bench to absorb sweat. It’s also nice to have an extra around to wipe your face during sessions. We recommend using Celliant towels.

During Sauna Use:

Watch your time: Make sure to adjust your session length in accordance to your body’s needs. If you are just beginning with regular sauna use, it is important to start slow and get your body accustomed to infrared therapy. We recommend beginning with 10-15 minute sessions at 100°F every other day. Gradually increase toward 40 minute daily sessions in the optimal temperature range. Always listen to your body and adjust based on what it’s telling you.
Stick with it for long-term benefits: Just as with exercise or eating healthy, sauna use takes time and consistency to see results. You may not even sweat the first few times you use your sauna, but know that sweating (and the detox that comes with it) will increase over time, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and healthy. We recommend Pure Sweat amplifying cream, which increases sweating and circulation to boost results.

After Sauna Use:

Rehydrate with at least 24 oz. of water or electrolyte drink.
Dry off and cool down naturally, or with a refreshing shower.

Is it ok to use the sauna while breastfeeding?

Please consult with your physician before sauna use.

Are children allowed to use the sauna?

The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using your sauna with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time. A general rule of thumb is 1 minute inside your sauna per year of age for the child, but always accompanied by an adult. And remember to keep you and your children hydrated, even if you don’t see them sweating.

What is the difference between traditional sauna and infrared sauna?

Key differences:
- Traditional saunas heat the air first.
- Infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly.
- Infrared saunas use less heat.

Due to the reduced humidity, less intense heat, and gentle warmth you feel during an infrared sauna session, it is a more relaxing and stress-relieving experience than a traditional sauna.

Is it really beneficial to sweat?

Consider this: when you sweat, you increase circulation, which results in glowing skin, pain relief, weight loss, stress relief, increased athletic performance, improved immune function, injury recovery and more. Sounds pretty beneficial to us!

Is the sauna at max temp as soon as I enter?

You will actually start your session when the sauna cabin temp is 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit and let your body warm up along with the cabin air temperature. The heater panels are already emitting far infrared energy at maximum capacity and your body is receiving all the infrared energy it can absorb. Take your time and enjoy yourself.

Far Infrared ‘soft’ heat is calming and relaxing, just like feeling your body soak up the warmth of the sun on a cool day, and as your body becomes more accustomed to raising your core temperature on a regular basis you will sweat twice as much and detoxify more compared to a traditional sauna – all at cabin air temperatures that are 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit lower than hot rock and steam saunas!

After you have ‘ramped up’ in your first week or two of use, you will probably find that you want to spend more time in the sauna. It feels good, works great, clears your mind and strengthens your body. Get ready to feel your stress, body aches and pains melt away.

How do you burn calories while sweating?

By heating your core temperature and inducing sweating, infrared saunas increase blood flow and heart rate, much like moderate exercise, and can burn 400-600 calories in just one 30-minute session.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

The more water that’s in your body, the more productive your session will be. So we recommend good hydration as well as a light meal prior to your session (but nothing heavy or directly before your session).

Can I do my treatment with someone else?

Yes! The Infrared Sauna’s at Renew U are roomy enough to bring in a spouse, significant other or friend and are a great way to encourage one another on your path to total wellness. Our saunas can fit up to 3 people however for the most comfort we only recommend 2. See our special pricing for “adding a friend.”

What does it feel like?

Warm, cozy and relaxed – how does that sound? That’s what the first portion of your treatment will feel like. During the last 10 minutes, your sweating and heart rate will increase though your comfort level will remain.

How will I feel after and what should I do for best results?

Think of how you feel right after a workout and that’s probably the feeling you’ll have right after your sauna session. But within 30 minutes, you’ll experience a boost in energy and mood resulting in a productive afternoon and restful night’s sleep.

How do you clean the sauna?

The good news is, infrared heat kills 99% of bacteria for a naturally sterile environment. But at Renew U, we go a step further and clean each suite in between sessions with non-toxic cleaners.

What is Chromotherapy?

Chromotherapy is the science of using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. The belief that color is important in healing has been around for thousands of years rooted in the idea that specific colors in the spectrum of light positively affect your emotions.

What is the benefits of Chromotherapy?

Chromotherapy has been shown to improve a range of emotions including sociability, happiness and success to name a few. See chart posted for additional reference.

How many color options do you offer?

At Renew U, our infrared saunas offer you a choice of 12 different color options, each with frequencies of a specific vibration related to different physical symptoms to help your body re-establish its natural balance.