The Process
The infrared sauna, developed in the 1960s, radiates energy waves just beyond visible light. Infrared energy waves are not absorbed by the air. Infrared energy waves are absorbed by the human body, increasing core body temperature. This is the same energy felt when the sun warms the skin, without harmful ultraviolet rays and bright visible light. When an infrared sauna heats the body, the body responds with a barrage of metabolic processes known as thermoregulation. Thermoregulation, in response to increasing body temperature, includes increased heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and the most noticeable change, perspiration.
Cause
The infrared sauna causes weight loss two different ways. The first is increased calorie consumption to facilitate perspiration. Thermoregulation is a very calorically expensive process. More calories are burned any time cardiovascular and metabolic rates are increased. Extra calorie consumption promotes caloric deficit, which results in weight loss. The second way infrared sauna causes weight loss is by decreased water weight as a result of perspiration.
Benefits
Infrared sauna increases core body temperature more efficiently than conventional sauna. Conventional sauna mostly heats indirectly by warming the air around the body and transferring heat near the skin's surface. Infrared sauna heats directly by radiation; infrared energy penetrates deep into skin tissue. The effective temperature of an infrared sauna is lower than that of a similar conventional sauna. This makes infrared sauna more tolerable to the body for a longer period of time. The result is a greater thermoregulatory response over a longer period of time. That means more calories consumption and water loss.
Considerations
To date there is no clear scientific consensus on the amount of calories consumed by thermoregulation during sauna. However holistic practitioners have a long history using sauna and heat therapy to promote the active lifestyle and bring about weight loss. The water weight lost during sauna is not permanent and is immediately replenished upon rehydration. This effect is useful to some, but on its own is not an effective means to long-term weight loss.
Warning
Sauna sessions may not be appropriate for everyone. Prolonged heat exposure is contraindicated for those with unstable angina and other acute cardiovascular risk factors. Saunas have many other health benefits in addition to weight lost and can also be used to treat specific conditions. Consult your physician and holistic health practitioner before using a sauna for weight loss or as a treatment to any other condition.
References
- Journal of the American Medical Association; Effect of Sweating; Ward Dean; Aug 1981
- Journal of the American Medical Association; Effects of the Sauna; Ward Dean; Jan 1982
- American Council on Exercise; ACE Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Manual; 2009
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