If you think a visit to the steam room is the height of luxury, you might want to think again, because there’s a newer and supposedly more effective version: the infrared sauna.
It is a device that has quickly gained the support of celebrities around the world, with health fad queen Gwyneth Paltrow and singer Rita Ora praising its benefits.
Unlike a typical sauna that heats the air to warm the body, the infrared sauna uses red light to heat the body directly without heating the air, producing similar effects but at a lower temperature.
Because users can experience sweating for longer given the reduced temperature, it allows for a more intense effect, which in turn is said to help alleviate mental health issues such as anxiety, muscle pain, and conditions including high blood pressure and chronic headaches.
Individual sessions typically start at £40 for 30 minutes in the UK capital, but the health-conscious can get their infrared fix with memberships at high-end gyms such as Soho House, and those looking to buy one outright can expect to pay between £1,500 and £10,000.
Infrared sauna use is on the rise among celebrities, including Espresso singer Sabrina Carpenter (pictured)
Infrared saunas use electromagnetic radiation to directly heat the body to a lower temperature, typically between 120°F and 140°F, compared to the 150°F and 180°F of a traditional sauna, according to Healthline.
Purported benefits include better sleep, weight loss, detoxification, relief from sore muscles, improved circulation, and clear skin.
It’s a list of potential benefits that has drawn Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow to step into the infrared sauna several times a week to promote healing and benefit her skin.
Writing about Clingy“Everything I do makes me feel good, it’s like a gift for my body,” said the 51-year-old when talking about infrared saunas.
‘I have energy, I exercise in the mornings, and I go to the infrared sauna as often as I can, all in the service of healing.
‘An added benefit is my skin, which makes me happy and makes me want to take care of it even more.’
Last year, TV presenter Cat Deeley spoke about the long-term COVID symptoms she suffered and how she combated them using an infrared sauna and a -118-degree cryochamber.
Talking with Women’s health in the UK Speaking about her poor health before her appearance on the morning TV show, Cat said: ‘After I had Covid I was left with pain in my hands and the doctors couldn’t help me so I started looking into other things.
Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow has incorporated infrared sauna sessions into her wellness regimen
Hot Right Now singer Rita Ora, 33, visits infrared sauna to reduce anxiety symptoms
Unlike traditional saunas, the treatment uses electromagnetic radiation to heat the body directly.
‘The symptoms I had were a bit like those of multiple sclerosis: joint pain, lack of strength in my hands and something strange that happened to me when I looked down (there is a nerve in the back of my neck) and I felt an almost effervescent, electric sensation.
“I saw that they often treat MS patients with oxygen tanks as it helps with rejuvenation. I found a place nearby that has one, and they also have a red light sauna and a cryo chamber, and I thought, ‘What you have to do is pay a penny and pay a pound!'”
The former Stars In Their Eyes host will be spending 45 minutes in the sauna, so she has to do things to entertain herself.
She explained: ‘I have to read a magazine. So, I put my glasses on and at the same time I try to put my legs up the wall. Completely naked. I mean… thank God, no one can see me.
‘And then I sit there for 45 minutes, sweat bullets, shower, wash my hair, and then jump into the cryogenic tank.’
Sabrina Carpenter, 25, took time out from her burgeoning music career to relax in an infrared sauna.
TV presenter Cat Deeley discovered the infrared sauna after suffering from prolonged Covid symptoms
More recently, Daisy Ridley revealed she uses infrared saunas after being diagnosed with Graves’ disease last year, an autoimmune disorder that includes an overactive thyroid, causing problems such as increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
Talking with Women’s healthThe Star Wars actress revealed that she had integrated infrared saunas to relieve symptoms, among other physical therapies, including massage and acupuncture.
“I do a lot of holistic work, but I also understand that it’s a privilege to be able to do those things,” she told the publication.
Meanwhile, stars including Sabrina Carpenter and Rita Ora have revealed their use of the infrared sauna by posing under the fluorescent red light in photographs shared on Instagram.
Earlier this year, Rita detailed her mental health struggles in an interview with Evgeny Lebedev on his A happy world podcast, as well as the various methods she uses to manage her well-being.
Rita said she credits the widely publicized methods of The Ice Man Wim Hof and regularly participates in 40-minute infrared saunas, followed by a cold bath or shower.
The Hot Right Now singer added that panic attacks “used to feel strange” when they occurred, but she now uses acupuncture and other Chinese medicine methods to manage her symptoms.
Rita explained: “I have a lot of anxiety, I think anyone in my industry has anxiety, to be honest I think it’s really cool now that it’s become a conversation and some days are better than others.”
However, Healthline warned that, as is to be expected with anything, there are potential risks. Pictured here is a stock image of a sauna
Meanwhile, professionals seem to think that while infrared saunas are generally beneficial, not enough is yet known about them.
‘Many studies have looked at the use of infrared saunas in the treatment of long-standing health problems and have found some evidence that saunas may help,’ says a post on Mayo Clinic saying.
‘Conditions studied include high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, headache, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.
“But larger and more precise studies are needed to prove these results. Some of these studies were also conducted with people using a conventional sauna.”
However, Health line He warned that, as is to be expected in any situation, there are potential risks.
The outlet cited that negative side effects could include heat illness, low blood pressure, dizziness, leg pain, airway irritation and claustrophobia.
They also said medical reports have seen sauna users suffer burns, fainting or falls, although these do not appear to be specifically linked to infrared options.
Experts added that there are also groups of people who might want to avoid using saunas or be cautious about doing so, including people with motor and nerve function problems, those who are pregnant, people with compromised immune systems and/or unhealed wounds, people with heart problems, the elderly and young children.
Speaking to the outlet, Dr. Ashish Sharma of Yuma Regional Medical Center also warned that “the dry heat generated in an infrared sauna can lead to overheating and, if used for an extended session, can also cause dehydration and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”