Infrared sauna therapy has become increasingly popular as a more accessible alternative to traditional saunas. Especially for those who prefer gentler heat or the convenience of relaxing at home. But how exactly do infrared sauna blankets differ from the classic sauna experience, and why are so many people making the switch?
What’s the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna?
You might’ve seen a traditional sauna room at your gym, spa or pilates studio, with a pile of hot coals in an enclosed, cedarwood lined room.
These can get really hot—upwards of 80˚C hot—making them perhaps not so relaxing for those that can’t handle heat. Infrared saunas work a little differently. Instead of heating the air to induce sweating, they use infrared light to heat your body.
How does an infrared sauna blanket work?
Infrared sauna blankets use infrared light to penetrate deep into the skin, warming the body from the inside out. This process is known as far-infrared (FIR) therapy, a type of heat therapy that directly targets tissues, muscles, and joints to promote relaxation, circulation, and detoxification.
Infrared light exists on the electromagnetic spectrum and is divided into near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths. Far-infrared heat can deeply penetrate beneath the skin, stimulating sweat production without the extreme external temperatures of a traditional sauna.
As core body temperature rises, your body reacts much like it would during exercise. Your heart rate increases, blood vessels expand, and circulation improves, delivering oxygen-rich blood to muscles and tissues. At the same time, your sweat glands work to expel toxins, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants, leading to the ‘detox’ effect often associated with infrared therapy.
The result? A deep, purifying sweat that leaves you feeling lighter, recharged, and refreshed. Kind of like hitting reset on your body from the inside out.
What are the benefits of infrared blankets and saunas?
Professional at home sauna blankets have become incredibly popular, and for good reason. These innovative wellness products have revolutionised the way we experience relaxation, detoxification, pain relief therapy and recovery.
Forbes editor, Olivia O'Bryon, explains “They’re linked with rapid exercise recovery, skin purification…and even anti-ageing.” Supermodels Bella Hadid and Cindy Crawford are known to routinely visit Manhattan sauna rooms, while actress and wellness guru, Gwyneth Paltrow, actually has a sauna room built into her Montecito home.
If you want to get all the benefits of saunas, but don’t want to break your schedule, a portable infrared sauna blanket might be the way to go.
Muscle recovery
Whether you’re an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or simply dealing with everyday muscle tension, infrared therapy can support faster recovery. By increasing circulation and oxygen delivery to tired muscles, infrared heat helps to reduce stiffness and soreness, making it an effective tool for post-workout recovery.
For enhanced muscle relief, pairing your sauna blanket with CurrentBody Compression Boots can help accelerate recovery by using dynamic air compression to promote fluid drainage, flush out lactic acid buildup, and reduce muscle fatigue.
Detoxification and drainage
Sweating is one of the body’s most natural ways to eliminate toxins, and infrared saunas take this process to the next level. Infrared’s deep, targeted heat stimulates sweat production at a much lower ambient temperature, which allows for a more comfortable and prolonged session.
This deep sweat helps to flush out toxins while supporting the body’s natural fluid circulation system for better overall drainage, helping the body eliminate waste more efficiently. As a result, you experience a sense of rejuvenation and an overall feeling of lightness, leaving you refreshed and detoxed from the inside out.
Sleep improvement
Struggling with restless nights or trouble falling asleep? Infrared heat therapy can also be effective in promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. By lowering cortisol levels, reducing muscle tension, and encouraging full-body relaxation, infrared therapy helps to prepare your body for sleep.
The gentle elevation of body temperature mimics your body’s natural cooling process as it winds down, signaling to your brain that it’s time to rest. With regular use, a sauna blanket can help you establish a soothing bedtime ritual, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep throughout the night.
For added sleep recovery benefits, incorporating the CurrentBody PEMF Mat into your night-time routine can take relaxation to the next level.
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy enhances circulation and promotes deeper muscle relaxation, making it the perfect complement to infrared therapy. Using both the sauna blanket and PEMF mat together can help you unwind, alleviate tension, and achieve a more restful night’s sleep, supporting overall recovery and mental wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing
Infrared therapy isn’t just about physical relaxation, it also plays a powerful role in supporting mental wellbeing. The deep, soothing heat encourages the release of endorphins, your body’s natural mood elevators.
This can help reduce feelings of stress and tension, while enhancing overall mental clarity, explaining why many people turn to infrared therapy as part of their self-care ritual. By incorporating infrared heat into your wellness routine, you can create a sanctuary for both body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Do sauna blankets burn fat?
Not quite. As your core temperature rises from the infrared heat, so does your metabolism. That’s what indicates how many calories your body burns naturally. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you burn; which can assist with fat loss as part of an active lifestyle.
It’s not the same as a weight training workout where you increase your metabolism by putting on more muscle. Infrared sauna blankets should not replace a healthy diet and exercise, but it can help to support fluid balance and reduce water retention.
Who would benefit from an infrared sauna blanket?
Whether you’re recovering from a tough workout, dealing with stress, or simply looking for some extra self-care, an infrared sauna blanket is the perfect addition to your wellness routine. Its soothing heat helps ease muscle tension, alleviate discomfort, and reduce soreness.
For those seeking detoxification, the deep sweat encourages the release of toxins, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you’re struggling with sleep, the blanket’s calming effects promote relaxation, helping you enjoy a deeper, more restful night. It’s a winning wellness essential for anyone looking to enhance their daily routine and lifestyle.
