Far Infrared Sauna and Changing Seasons

The change of seasons doesn’t have to be a negative thing. Sure, in Wisconsin it undoubtedly means there are more colds and the flu going around, but it’s also a great time to turn inward and practice some self-care. Preventing illness from taking hold is all about building a strong immune system and balancing life’s hectic schedule with relaxation. 

Our Far Infrared Sauna is a noninvasive, simple way to do just that: relax. 

First, let’s breakdown what the Far Infrared Sauna is and how it is different than traditional steam saunas. The term “far” refers to where infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. They are invisible and beneficial light rays naturally produced by the sun. This type of light ray penetrates the skin surface up to two inches, which provides heat to blood vessels, tissues and muscles.

This therapeutic effect is what creates a long list of benefits from using the Far Infrared Sauna even on the first visit. Here are the top benefits we have heard from our clients:

1. Relaxation

After just 30 minutes in the sauna, your beta-endorphins levels in the blood can double. Beta-endorphins are released during intense exercise but also enhance mood and foster feelings of relaxation. Also the act of sitting still without numerous stimuli pulling for your attention i.e. your smartphone, will certainly calm stress and aid in relaxation. 

2. A Healthy Immune System 

Booking a sauna session while you are fighting a cold can be one of the best things to keep your immune system strong. Sauna therapy creates an artificial “fever” by increasing the body’s set point for temperature. A fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism to kill microbes. 

3. Increased Blood Circulation

Better blood flow and circulation helps lower blood pressure, provides drug-free pain relief and reduces inflammation. Heat from the sauna stimulates vessels to dilate and increase blood flow to the skin surface. This increased demand on the heart creates the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise. 

So who is Far Infrared Sauna good for?

Those that struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), low energy or have a hard time committing to a relaxation practice. The release of beta-endorphins provides a calming effect for both the brain and the body. If you don’t enjoy massage therapy but still want to soothe sore muscles, sauna therapy can also loosen and lubricate the joints and reduce stiffness. Lastly, if you aren’t as physically active as you’d like to be, sauna therapy’s ability to raise your basal metabolic rate means you will burn calories at an elevated rate for hours after the session. 

Other benefits include improved sleep, increased metabolism and improved heart health. For long-term benefits, you can use the Infrared Sauna up to two to three times per week. If you’re ready to give it a try, we’re offering half off one session from now until Oct. 28th. Book your appointment here.

Summer Detox

Summer can be a great source of socialization and joy- but not without the temptations to indulge.  Now that autumn is just around the corner, we can establish more nourishing routines that will strengthen the body and boost the immune system.

sweat it out : Studies have shown that perspiration contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic.  A well-hydrated work out or sauna session can help you sweat out some of that bad stuff.    

go green : Green vegetables have a high inventory of nutrients.  Many of the body’s detox processes are linked to having adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.  Start cooking with generous amounts of spinach and cruciferous vegetables to maximize your detox nutrients.

citrus boost : Vitamin C is an immune booster.  It helps the body produce an antioxidant that neutralizes toxins and also enhances digestive enzymes.  Because we cannot produce our own vitamin C in the body, eating adequate sources in whole foods or supplements is vital to better immune health. Start and end each day with a glass of warm lemon water!   (strawberry, acerola cherry, citrus fruits, papaya, black currant, kiwi, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, melons, and dark leafy greens are great food sources)

controlled breathing : Oxygen is a critical component of natural detoxification.  Controlled breathing: a deep, 5 second inhalation through the nose followed by a long exhalation through the mouth- you will achieve a full oxygen exchange, swapping incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.  This supercharges your lymphatic system to ward of toxins, pathogens, and waste. Integrate this controlled breathing practice several times per day.

drink more tea : Green tea leaves are withered and steamed, rather than fermented, so it produces a beverage that is rich in compounds that eliminate free radicals.  Start your day with a cup of green tea and a squeeze of lemon. 

Transition to Autumn

It’s that time again. Where we beg summer not to end so we can keep enjoying our outside activities, fresh food from the farmers market and regular sunshine. The change in seasons is nature’s way of giving us balance. If we chased barbecues, sangria and pool parties year round our living spaces would be unkept, our digestion would be unruly and we’d be left with little time to recharge ourselves - which is the key to handling stress and preventing illness. This transition into Autumn does not have to be drastic either. On Sept. 22 - the first day of Autumn - we recommend the following simple tips to help embrace the shift into a new season. 

1. Stay Active

Not every summer activity can translate to 20 degrees + snow conditions, but many of the things you enjoy about summer can take place in the cooler months as well. If you enjoy hiking, there are many spots in Wisconsin that become even more beautiful as the leaves change. These spots also come with the relaxing benefit of being in nature and away from work or home stress. If you are looking to stay local and indoors, Milwaukee has two indoor rock climbing gyms that you can check out when you need something a bit more challenging.  

2. Boost your Immune System

Before the Farmers Markets officially end, stock up on your favorite, colorful vegetables and fruits and freeze them for use in the winter months. This will make it easy to keep a variety of immune boosting foods (like berries, spinach or kale) on your plate so the flu and colds have a hard time taking you down. Do not forget about probiotics - these are essential to keeping your gut healthy, and your immune system stronger. 

3. Vitamin D

Exposing your skin to the sun to get vitamin D enhances your mood and energy. One research study found that B-endorphins - which make us feel good - increase after sun exposure. This may be one reason we have better moods in the summertime. To keep your levels up into Autumn, a vitamin D supplement might be beneficial if you tend to show signs of deficiency such as muscle weakness, chronic pain or excessive sweating. 

4. Stay Social

We may tell ourselves that it is easier to just stay on the couch than to make plans, but socializing with friends and family can help keep isolation at bay and feed our need to connect. Our shift in schedules can increase stress levels and having a space to vent, share and laugh is important to stay balanced and keep a positive mindset.

5. Embrace Tea Season 

When sweating in the summer sun it is easy to make sure we are drinking plenty of water, but when the cool air hits we tend to forget and reach for a comforting cup of coffee. We recommend a compromise: sipping on hot tea. Although water is still the best way to hydrate, tea can be a great alternative to that craving for a warm beverage while also preventing dehydration. Stay tuned for the release of our very own tea blends in collaboration with Urbal Tea.