5 Benefits of the IR Lamp Sauna for Athletes

Saunas have been used for many years by a variety of cultures. Many of the benefits below apply to a traditional hot air sauna, but those benefits are amplified with the use of an Infrared Lamp sauna. IR rays penetrate the body and heat on a deeper level than hot air. You are also able to receive the benefits at a lower temp with the IR (105-110 vs. 140-150). IR lamp saunas are also inexpensive to make and can be taken down when not in use. For details on making your own check out this site. A home unit can be built for less than $150.

Now onto the benefits of sauna therapy as they apply to the athlete
1. Increased heat from the sauna helps tight muscles relax. It also improves circulation to the extremities. More blood flow brings nutrients to healing ligaments, tendons and muscles. It also carries away waste products. This all adds up to improved recovery. Increased circulation also improves oxygenation of the blood.

2. Balanced ANS (Autonomic Nervous System). Exercise as well as today's lifestyle stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. This is the "Fight or Flight" half of the ANS, it is catabolic in nature. Meaning it tears down the body. Though exercise causes sweating it stimulates the sympathetics which prevents any repair or detoxification that might occur. Sauna therapy reduces sympathetic overload which strengthens the parasympathetic (PS)system. The PS is the "rest and digest" half of the ANS. This system is anabolic. This is where the rebuilding takes place and includes improved digestion, increased immune function, and stimulation of the elimination organs. Again this contributes to improving the ability to recover.

3. Normalizes Alkalinity. The heat of the sauna improves enzyme activity which will balance the pH in the body. Though not in the research I speculate this would help neutralize lactic acid build up.

4. Sauna therapy through the actions of the above steps will decongest internal organs (liver, kidney, colon) and improve elimination of toxins and heavy metals. This in turn will contribute to fat burning and weight loss. The body deposits excess toxins in fat stores. If one has a compromised detox pathway the body will be reluctant to burn the fat and release the toxins. Second, thyroid hormone is converted from T4 into T3 (the active form) in the liver. By improving liver function you improve the activity of thyroid hormone. Lastly estrogen is conjugated into a less toxic form in the liver and excreted via bile into the intestines for elimination. If the liver is sluggish the estrogen can be reabsorbed. This not only applies to women. Fat cells produce estrogen also which is a fat storage hormone. Men and women alike are exposed to xenoestrogens which are estrogen mimicking chemicals found in carpet, deodorizers and "new car smell"

5. Just like the remark about kettlebells weeding weakness out of the gene pool, the same applies to sauna therapy. This is accomplished in 3 ways. First, elimination of toxins which can damage DNA. Second by the creation of something called Heat Shock Proteins which stimulate DNA repair. And third, by destroying damaged and mutated cells. Stronger cells = stronger person.

The reference for the above is "Sauna Therapy for Detoxification and Healing" by Lawrence Wilson, MD. This book can be purchase at his website, linked above. Additional benefits and research as well as usage protocols can be found there also.