Have you ever heard of infrared sauna blankets? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone! While they are becoming more and more popular these days, many people still don’t know exactly what they are or how they work. In this article, we’ll take a look at what infrared sauna blankets are, how they work, their potential benefits, and whether or not they live up to the hype.
What are Infrared Sauna Blankets?
Sauna blankets are becoming an increasingly popular way to relax and detoxify the body. But what are they? How do they work? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about infrared sauna blankets!
An infrared sauna blanket is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body. Unlike a traditional sauna, which heats the air around you, an infrared sauna blanket heats your body directly. This allows for a deeper, more intense sweat, and can also help improve circulation.
There are many alleged benefits of using an infrared sauna blanket, including weight loss, improved skin health, reduced stress levels, and increased energy levels. Additionally, infrared saunas are said to provide relief from pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness.
If you’re interested in trying out an infrared sauna blanket, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a quality product from a reputable company.
What is Far Infrared?
Far infrared (FIR) radiation is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends from approximately 700 nm to 1 mm in wavelength. This region of the spectrum is sometimes referred to as the “thermal” or “heat” region because longer wavelengths are associated with increasingly higher levels of thermal energy. FIR radiation is used extensively in many industrial, medical, and scientific applications.
One of the most important properties of FIR radiation is its ability to penetrate deeply into human tissue. In contrast, visible light and ultraviolet radiation generally do not penetrate beyond the outer layers of skin. This deep penetration capability makes FIR radiation ideal for a wide variety of medical and therapeutic applications.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna Blankets
If you’re looking for a way to relax and detoxify your body, an infrared sauna blanket may be a good option for you. Infrared saunas use heat to penetrate the body, which can provide a number of health benefits.
According to Science Direct, the benefits are indeed scientifically proven.
IR thermal blanket improves blood circulation and the metabolism of the whole body, accelerate the detoxification, trigger the consumption of calories and fat burning. It is an alternative treatment to saunas but more effective.
Science Direct Volume 102, November 2019, 102991
Detoxification: Infrared saunas can help the body release toxins through sweat. This can improve your overall health and help you feel more energized.
Weight Loss: Infrared saunas can also help you burn calories and lose weight. In fact, one study found that using an infrared sauna for 30 minutes burned approximately 600 calories.
Pain Relief: Infrared heat can also be used to relieve pain. It can help increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Stress Relief: Finally, spending time in an infrared sauna can be a great way to relax and relieve stress. The heat can help improve your mood and promote better sleep.
Do Sauna Blankets Burn Calories?
If you’re like most people, you probably think that saunas are only for relaxation. However, there are many benefits to using a sauna, including weight loss. Sauna blankets are a type of infrared sauna that uses infrared rays to penetrate the skin and create heat. This heat causes the body to sweat and burn calories.
A single session in a sauna blanket can burn up to 600 calories. That’s more than most people burn in an hour of moderate exercise. And, unlike exercise, using a sauna is relaxing and can be done in your own home.
Sauna blankets are also great for detoxification. The heat helps to loosen toxins stored in fat cells and allows them to be released through sweat. This process can help improve skin tone and reduce cellulite.
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, detoxify your body, and relax at the same time, then a sauna blanket may be right for you.
Further Research into Sauna Blankets
When I looked for scientific evidence of the efficacy of sauna blankets and home saunas, I was fascinated to come across more research that has potentially far more benefits than the mere cosmetic ones that are usually touted. Here are just a few, but I will have to write many more posts to cover the science on the use of sauna blankets and infra red therapy for specific conditions as there is so much out there!
According to PubMed there is a clear indication that infrared treatments may have neuroprotective properties in the treatment of Alzheimers and dementia.
Another study showed the Beneficial effects of sauna bathing for heart failure patients which is particularly interesting because as the authors note: “Generally, the sauna bathing has been contraindicated for patients with chronic heart failure. However, it has been well tolerated and improved hemodynamics has been shown in patients with chronic heart failure after a single exposure and after a four-week period of sauna bathing (five days per week)”. The results seem clear even though the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Please note that certain precautions and observations must be made in this category of client.
“Waon therapy improves quality of life as well as cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure” This research got my attention because I thought that at last PubMed researchers were ‘human’ and had made a typing mistake! But no! Waon is a Japanese word that refers to ‘soothing warmth’ that is generated with a sauna blanket! The results of the research repeatedly showed ‘significant improvement’ in several areas of cardiac function.
Potential Risks of a Sauna Blanket
There are not many risks to be aware of before using an infrared sauna blanket, but it is not suitable for some people.
The biggest risk is dehydration because of the profuse sweating. It may feel lovely and cosy under the blanket, but over-indulgence could lead to a headache, light-headedness and low blood pressure.
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use them.
Additionally, people with pacemakers should not use them. Those with heart conditions are traditionally advised not to use them, but the science seems to be leaning more towards the idea that this could be an effective treatment so long as certain observations and precautions are taken.
Finally, it’s important to make sure the blanket is not too hot before getting in, as this can cause burns.
Alternatives to Infrared Sauna Blankets
The infrared sauna blanket is a great way to get all the benefits of an infrared sauna, without having to go to a spa or purchase a expensive home unit. However, there are some alternatives that you can use to get the same benefits.
One alternative is to use an infrared lamp. These lamps emit the same type of infrared waves as the sauna blankets, and can be used in a similar fashion. You can either sit in front of the lamp, or place it on your body while lying down. Kineon Labs have an excellent rating on Trust Pilot with customers praising the quality of the lamp and the standard of service.
Another alternative is to use an infrared heating pad. These pads emit infrared waves and can either be a full length mat to lie on or a ‘go mat‘ which is smaller and can be used on your chair in the officer. They are especially helpful for pain relief, as they can penetrate deep into the muscles and tissues.
Infrared Sauna Blanket Conclusion
In conclusion, infrared sauna blankets seem to be a very low risk way to relax and improve your health. with the biggest risk being dehydration due to profuse sweating. Customer reviews from the two companies I have reviewed are extremely positive in terms of the results, the quality of the products and the service they received.
The benefits of using an infrared sauna blanket can be seen in improved circulation, better sleep, increased metabolism and weight loss. Infrared saunas may also help reduce inflammation, joint pain and skin conditions such as psoriasis. When used properly and regularly they can provide many people with a truly therapeutic experience that will leave them feeling refreshed.
