Far Infrared Sauna

Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) is a form of electromagnetic light energy that is invisible to the human eye. The thermal effect deep within the layers of tissue causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate, improving blood circulation and helping the body to get rid of toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating. The sauna we have in the studio holds one or two people and is made by one of the oldest and most trusted far infrared sauna makers in the US, Heavenly Heat.

What are the health benefits of a Far Infrared Sauna?

  • Detoxification from an infrared sauna is reported to be 7 to 10 times greater than conventional saunas because it operates more effectively at temperatures 60 to 80 degrees lower than conventional saunas. In an infrared sauna, the average person sweats out 20% toxins and 80% water, whereas only 3% toxins and 97% water in a conventional sauna.

  • Scientific evidence shows that far infrared therapy helps the body maintain healthy levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone.”

  • “Saunas are an important aid to weight loss and thyroid repair because as you lose weight, fat tissue releases stored toxins such as PCBs and pesticides,” says Dr. Mark Hyman, author of the NY Times best-selling book “Ultrametabolism.” Studies have shown a 30-minute far infrared sauna session can burn 200 to 600 calories. Weight loss occurs because body fat becomes water soluble at 100°F and the body will remove it through sweat. The far infrared sauna assists in weight loss in three significant ways:

    It reduces heavy metals, which have been directly related to metabolic imbalances in the body, causing poor digestion and weight gain.

    The far infrared sauna decreases fat stored (lipophilic) toxins. Often, weight loss cannot be accomplished unless these toxins are removed first.

    Although weight loss due to perspiration (water loss) is quickly regained, sending more blood to the capillaries and converting fats and carbohydrates results in as much as 600 calories burned during one short sauna session.

  • New clinical research on pain offers evidence to establish a new class of “heat-responsive pain” or HRP, which encompasses several common pain conditions that can be treated with the use of heat therapy. Research shows relief of chronic aches and pains, including back pain, muscle soreness, stiffness, menstrual pain, headache, cramps, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

  • Repeated far infrared sauna treatment improves impaired blood vessel functions in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

  • Heating of muscles with far infrared produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during exercise. Body temperature elevation also produces an increase in blood flow.

  • Evidence shows that infrared sauna treatment can help reduce/improve inflammation, acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, and other skin conditions. Users report firmer skin tone and improved elasticity, as well as reduced cellulite.

  • The following symptoms are often related to toxicity: allergies, acne, anxiety, burning skin, brain fog, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, depression, eczema, frequent colds or flu, feeling “sick all over”, insomnia, loss of dexterity, low body temperature, memory loss, mood swings, muscle/joint pains, and poor concentration. If you have three of more of the above symptoms, you should strongly consider the far infrared sauna.

  • Continuous strain on the autonomic nervous system often leads to a high level of stress, one of the elusive causes of many chronic diseases. By facilitating the expansion of capillary vessel and thus improving circulation, stress levels are reduced.
 The most immediate and noticeable effect is tremendous relaxation. Relaxation alone can have a profound impact on your health. While in the sauna, read, listen to music, or meditate. Take time to settle down and feel your body soften.

I’m a long-time believer of infrared sauna therapy for natural healing and as a powerful tool for weight loss, blood pressure reduction, pain relief and detoxification (7 times more effective than traditional saunas for detoxification).

—Dr. Mark Hyman, physician and New York Times bestselling author

CONTRAINDICATIONS

It’s important to note that there are some contraindications for any sauna use. Here is a thorough listing for you to consider. If you are ill, be sure to consult with a primary care physician concerning the usage of a far infrared sauna. Do not attempt to self-treat any disease with a far infrared sauna without direct supervision of a physician.

  • If you are using prescription drugs, check with your physician or pharmacist for possible changes in the drug’s effect due to an interaction with infrared energy.

  • According to some authorities, it is considered inadvisable to raise the core temperature of someone with adrenal suppression, systemic lupus erythematosus, or multiple sclerosis.

  • If a person has a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the hot and swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed infections, be they dental, in joints, or in any other tissues.

  • In pregnancy or the suspicion of pregnancy, discontinuation of sauna use is recommended. Finnish women use traditional saunas that don’t heat the body as deeply as an infrared sauna for only 6 to 12 minutes and reportedly leave at that time due to perceived discomfort. Their usage of traditional saunas at this low level of intensity is not linked to birth defects. Infrared sauna use may be two to three times more intense due to deep tissue penetration, and comparatively shorter 2 to 6 minute sessions hardly seem worth any minimal risk they may present.

  • Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared rays and are not heated by an infrared heat system. Nevertheless, a person should consult his or her surgeon before receiving such therapy. Certainly infrared therapy must be discontinued if a person experiences pain near any implants.

  • Silicone does absorb infrared energy. Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses may be warmed by infrared rays. However, since silicone melts at over 392°F/200°C, it should not be adversely affected by an infrared heat system. It is still advised that a person check with his or her surgeon, and possibly a representative of the product manufacturer, to be certain.

  • Heating of the low-back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. Once a woman is aware that this is occurring, she can choose to allow herself to experience this short-term effect without worry, or she may simply avoid using an infrared heat source at that time in her cycle.

  • Hemophiliacs and anyone predisposed to hemorrhage should avoid infrared usage or any type of heating that would induce vasodilation that can lead to the tendency to bleed.

  • Should any condition worsen with the use of an infrared heat system, the use of the system should be discontinued.

  • Pain should not be experienced when using an infrared heat system. If it is, the use of radiant heat is clearly inappropriate for the person at that time.

Reserving the Sauna

  • Pre-booking of sauna sessions is required, especially since we need at least half and hour to warm it up ahead of time. The easiest way to set up your appointment is to call (212) 595-2221 or email sauna.uwsyoga@gmail.com. Last-minute requests are rarely accommodated.

  • If your plans to use the sauna change, please cancel your appointment so that another person can use that slot. Cancellations and schedule changes received less than 24 hours before appointment time will be charged in full.

  • Sauna sessions are available in 30-minute increments, which is the recommended duration for optimal benefits. You can use the sauna alone or bring one friend.

  • Half-hour session: One person $30 (plus tax = $32.66) Two people $45 (plus tax = $48.99)
    5 Pack (1 yr expiration): $135 (plus tax = $146.98) 10 Pack (1 yr expiration): $250 (plus tax = $272.19)

SAUNA USAGE TIPS

  • Far infrared penetrates through clothing. You may wear clothing or, if not, please wrap yourself in and sit upon a towel for modesty and hygiene. Although a curtain protects the sauna room, there may be some visibility from the studio room.

  • Arrive at least 5 minutes before your session, as your session end time does not change if you are late. Sign in at the front desk, before your session starts.

  • Place your personal belongings in the changing room by the sauna.

  • Bring one or two bath towels from home or use two of ours. Kindly use one to sit on.

  • Use of the sauna is highly beneficial before or after exercise, but evidence shows more metabolic benefits if used immediately following exercise.

  • No cell phone conversations in sauna, please. Use personal electronic devices at your own risk. Magazines or books are fine. Or, best of all, use the time to practice meditating.

  • If you feel like the sauna is too hot for you, you can open the top air vent inside the sauna. If this is insufficiently cooling for you, please open the front door of the sauna.

  • Exit immediately and alert staff if you begin feeling uncomfortable, lightheaded, or sleepy.

  • Check with your doctor before using the infrared sauna if you are pregnant, ill, or receiving ongoing medical treatment.

  • Drink plenty of water or fluids before, during, and after your sauna session. This will aid with detoxification and keep you hydrated. Bring a water bottle or fill a cup with our filtered water in the waiting room.