From the birth to now!

When something lasts over 2000 years, there’s generally a good reason for it.

The ancient concept of the sauna has truly stood the test of time and transformed into a whole new experience. Once you’ve spent a bit of time in one, it’s easy to understand why.

The medicinal powers of a sauna has made its way from a beginning in Finland. The principle then spread throughout the world and has since evolved from the humble wood fires to infrared lighting.

Whatever the size, shape or method of heat creation, the sauna is created for one major reason — to make us sweat.

What Is An Infrared Sauna?

Typically, old style saunas use heated rocks and sometimes steam to heat the air within the enclosed cabin-like structure. The infrared sauna heats the body directly using radiant heat from light, rather than ambient heat. The invisible infrared light spectrum penetrates the skin membrane to heat the body from the inside out. This process capitalises on the use of radiant heat.

Another description would be to call these innovative and state of art healing structures, infrared light baths. The enclosed normally timber structure is filled with light waves vibrating at the frequency of the near, mid and far infrared light from the electromagnetic spectrum. The exceptional uniqueness of the human skin membrane is highly receptive to the frequency of the infrared waves. This allows for deep penetration beyond the initial epidermis membrane to stimulate every cell in the body.

The infrared sauna uses completely different technology from other forms of heat therapy. It also differs significantly from its Finnish namesake and original concept. The infrared sauna is designed with the specific intent of maximizing the power of thermal therapy. It then as well utilises the impact of certain light frequencies on the health of the body.

In a nutshell, the infrared sauna is a light ‘bath’, in that it is intended to optimize heat therapy using light waves to warm the body from the inside out. The infrared sauna has many notable differences from other thermal therapy structures in its origin and function. The infrared sauna is sometimes considered to be the most evolved sauna available today. The use of also full spectrum saunas go even further because of its ability to spark massive biochemical changes on the cellular level in response to light wavelengths.

 

What Does Infrared mean?

Infrared light naturally exists within the sun’s produced spectrum of beaming light. Infrared relates to the far end of the light spectrum moving away from the visible colour red into the realm of invisible light. This is comprised of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths. Infrared light is a radiant heat part of the family. It is also known as the electromagnetic spectrum.

 

There are three primary infrared wavelengths. These are known as the near, mid and far infrared light. These vibrate at different frequencies with very unique qualities. Infrared is invisible to the human eye but is experienced by the tactile senses as heat. This band of infrared light frequencies was first discovered in recorded history between 1825 and 1835.

 

Light is measured using the system of nanometers. Visible light to the human eye is measured between 380 nm (violet) and 740 nm (red). All other visible light ranges are measured between these two. 

Infrared light is consequently the bandwidth of light that is unseen to the human eye, just passed the visible colour red.

What Is Chromotherapy Or Colour Therapy?

Chromotherapy is the science of using colours to balance the body’s vibrations to frequencies. His results in the increase of health and harmony.

The Chromotherapy process works on various energy points to help balance your body. This is achieved via the full spectrum of visible light, with each colour addressing a different need. Chromotherapy sauna benefits include physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing.

Preparation Through Hydration

Be sure to drink water before, during and after your Sauna Session

Preparing your body for the amazing experience of an infrared sauna begins with proper hydration. Detoxification protocols, including infrared sauna sessions that rely on copious sweating, will need to be done in conjunction with adequate hydration.
Ideally, hydration should part of your normal everyday protocol, however additional hydration should begin several days before taking an infrared sauna. A minimum of three litres of water a day should be consumed by someone engaged in regular sauna use. The infrared wavelengths, including near, mid and far all penetrate deeply into the initial epidermis of the skin. This will cause the body’s temperature to rise from the inside out. While this method of heat therapy is far more effective in its detoxification protocol, it also tends to cause dehydration. With this in mind it is essential that you hydrate properly before and after the session.

Towel Use

You will not sweat a little, you will sweat a lot and some people more than others.

You will be supplied a full size towel that is to be used to sit on inside the sauna. That towel is to collect the sweat during the sauna and protection of the sauna seat surface. A smaller hand towel will also be supplied to wipe down excess perspiration during and on upon completion, however it is suggested to bring an additional towel. If you request a shower, an additional towel will be supplied for use after the shower. Additional towels can also be supplied at an additional cost. You will want to have some kind of cover to put on as you walk from the change area/bathroom to the infrared sauna. The supplied seat towel can be used for his purpose. It can also be used for the return, however depending on how much you have perspired it could be a bit wet. It is suggested to bring an additional towel for this purpose or order an additional one during the booking process. Once you have finished a complimentary cool towel will be supplied for wipe down.

Shower Protocol

A shower before and a shower afterwards with exfoliation can enhance your sauna experience!

After your full spectrum infrared sauna session it is advisable to take a shower. We have shower facilities at a minimal extra cost. This will do two things. Not only will you feel more comfortable but will also assist in the detoxification protocol. In the shower it will also be helpful to exfoliate the skin. We supply body scrubs as part of your shower as it is very effective because it is warm and the pores are open. This will also remove dead skin cells. It is also important to use a natural cleanser which we also supply to remove any toxic build up on the skin. It is important not to use anything too harsh, as the skin is open and vulnerable at this time.

Tips and Guidelines To Maximize Your Experience

The use of an infrared sauna is safe, easy and beneficial using Massage Wellbeing's Wellness Centre guidelines. We can assist in the process benefits and results to serve you better.

As with any new exercise or healthcare protocol, you will want to start slow with regard to the following:

1. Frequency of Sessions

2. Length of Time of Each Session

a. It is recommended to sit inside the sauna for no more than about 30 minutes for the first few sessions. If you feel uncomfortable and want to make you time shorter you can just walk out. During the early stages give yourself a day or two between each sauna session. By the third week, the body will be acclimatized to both the heat and infrared wavelengths. Rest assured that sweating occurs even at lower heat settings due to the nature of the infrared wavelengths and their depth of penetration into the soft tissues of the body.

b. By the third week the body will be well acclimatized to sit in the infrared sauna for more than 30 minutes. At this point we will slowly begin to increase the temperature.

c. Once you are comfortable we can increase up to 45 minutes per sauna session.

d. Eventually, when the body is acclimatized, and provided you are properly hydrated, the infrared sauna can be used as much as you like up to twice a day for 45 minutes. The temperature can be set to 150 degrees Fahrenheit without any issues.

3. Hydration is the total key to creating the desired health benefits offered by the full spectrum infrared sauna. This becomes more important particularly as you increase time and frequency of use. The absolute minimal amount of water you should consume is 3 litres a day with regular sauna use. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated pre, during and post your sauna session is important. We will have water available during the session.

4. Temperature of the Sauna

a. Infrared saunas, come fully equipped with their own thermostat so that you can set the preferred temperature. As you begin your voyage through full spectrum infrared sauna therapy, it is important to begin with lower temperatures. Massage Wellbeing Wellness Centre will set the correct temperature to acclimatize the body to the heat. If you have little to no experience, we will begin setting your temperature at 100 degrees Fahrenheit to start. Even if the temperature is not set too high, you are still benefiting at a cellular level from the light.

b. The infrared sauna’s capacity for heat ranges from 100-150 degrees Fahrenheit. As you make steady progress with the time you spend in the sauna we will slowly increase the temperature for each session. It is better to spend longer periods of time and more frequent sessions than it is to set a high temperature.

5. Reframe if possible of the use of any personal care products prior to entering your session. Products with oils, lotions and antiperspirants can tend to lead to the decrease perspiration by blocking skin pores.  You can apply these after your session, however we suggest especially underarm antiperspirants be not used for best results.

6. After your session it is very much suggested to wear loose clothing. You will continue to perspire for a while after until your body temperature normalises. Trying to get into tight clothing will be difficult and very uncomfortable after a sauna session.

7. If you have sore and tight muscles, you can massage these areas during your session. Furthermore a massage prior to your sauna can be a great option. These can be booked as a package or individually.

8. A quick warm shower and dry brushing before arriving or at our premises can help stimulate blood circulation and the lymphatic system. This extra can be added on during the booking as a pre sauna shower. This will greatly enhance toxic elimination and promote blood circulation.

9. During your session it is suggested to continue to towel off excess perspiration. A towel is supplied but is used to sit on for comfort and cleanliness. Additional towels are available or you can bring your own.  This will help the body sweat more freely.

10. If you feel like reading, bring a book or magazine with you. We have a basic selection available as well. You can also listen to some relaxing music and connect via Bluetooth to the onboard sound system.

Massage Wellbeing Wellness Centre will design a protocol for relaxation and nurturing where both the body and mind can relax. We can introduce you to the features you will want to use while using your infrared sauna.