It’s a kitschy and bossy tagline by Higher Dose, makers of the infrared sauna blanket that’s just too good to keep to myself. I’ve appreciated the benefits of infrared saunas for years, but have been reticent to purchase one for personal or professional use for a variety of reasons: notably space, logistics and the cutthroat claims of each sauna brand to be better than the rest. But let’s widen our perspective first; why saunas, why infrared, and why this product in particular?
Why Sauna?
Sauna usage has been reported as early as 1112 in Finland, and consisted of a glorified embankment into the ground with a pile of stones as a fireplace. Water was thrown onto the stones to create steam and increase heat within the dwelling. Later, they were built above ground and cradled by wooden logs. Saunas were used for purification, religious ceremonies, cleansing, healing illnesses and relaxation. Babies were born in them and elders went there to die.
Throughout history and present day, saunas have primarily been used to
- DETOXIFY. Sweat opens pores and releases toxins like pesticides, nicotine and other impurities. If you think you’re doing this while working out, think again. Sweat from working out (or in a sympathetic state) is predominantly water. To release toxins, you need to be in a parasympathetic state (the rest and digest component of your nervous system), in other words, relaxed. Skin becomes clearer and kidneys are tonified.
- RELIEF. Heat softens and soothes tight and achy muscles and other musculoskeletal pain. Beta endorphins and norepinephrines (natural pain killers) are released.
- BURN. Calories that is, upwards of 300 per hour. Saunas increase metabolic rate, promote circulation and encourage weight loss (though mostly water weight).
- IMPROVES immunity, sinus congestion and sleep.
Why Infrared?
The sun emits both visible and invisible light, with infrared composing a portion of the invisible spectrum. Infrared light is what makes the sun feel warm and is beneficial to the human body because it is easily absorbed, stimulates the lymphatic, immune and cardiovascular systems and also help remove toxins. Infrared does all of this without any of the harmful rays of sunlight.
The major difference between a traditional steam sauna and an infrared sauna is that traditional saunas use a single heater that is heating the air and this hot air heats the user. In contrast, infrared saunas use advanced therapy to heat the user directly with only a small percentage of the heat heating the air. This results in a deeper sweat and at a lower ambient air temperature. Infrared saunas usually operate between 115° – 135°F, while traditional saunas can get up to 195°F. In my opinion, infrared is far more comfortable and there’s something simply unappealing about breathing steamy air.
Added benefits of infrared sauna:
- Penetrates 3x deeper than traditional sauna
- Detoxifies 7x more than traditional heat
- Burns 2x more calories – up to 600 per day
- Boosts collagen, improves skin appearance and produces a healthy “glow”
Why Higher Dose Blanket?
Traditional sauna usage can be expensive, upwards of $65 per session. Results are typically cumulative, and many benefits require continued use to maintain. As a user, I wonder how clean the facility is and how well the units are maintained. As an owner, they can take up a lot of space, can use up a lot of energy, and can emit LOTS of harmful EMFs. Further, this is an arena where it’s beneficial to drop a grip of cash: cheaper options sold at big box stores are often built with toxic materials than offgas toxins when heated (counterintuitive, I know) and emit EMF volumes that totally negate any health benefits.
And as funny as it is, I personally don’t love having my face heated. Certain skin conditions (notably melasma) can worsen with both sun and heat, so there’s some vanity at play here as well. I’ve personally had the sauna blanket for just over two weeks, have used it almost daily and have noted the following: softer skin, strengthened detox pathways (as evidenced by quicker sweating), reduced pain and improved skin tone (on my face, which again is not even being heated). I really enjoy it at the end of the day and have found that I sleep sounder when doing it before bed. Other, more objective benefits of the Higher Dose Infrared blanket (the only one of it’s kind) include:
- Healing amethyst which deepens infrared benefits
- Tourmaline layer which generates negative ions
- Charcoal layer to amplify detoxification
- Medical grade magnetic strip for improving circulation
- Low EMFs
- Non-toxic interior and exterior fabrics
- Designed by Dr. Raleigh Duncan, founder of Clearlight Saunas (what I would personally buy if purchasing a traditional sauna, and expert on all things infrared)
What’s not to love?! If you or someone you love needs this in your life, you can use this link here to check it out. Use code SWEAT100 to receive $100 off the $499 MSRP if purchased by 12/31. Makes a great Christmas gift!!
