Heat Healing: Infrared Sauna + Hot Yoga for Wellness
In the realm of wellness and self-care, infrared sauna and hot yoga have emerged as two powerful practices that offer an array of health benefits, from detoxification to improved flexibility and stress reduction. Both practices harness the power of heat in different ways to promote physical and mental well-being.
This blog post delves into the world of infrared sauna and hot yoga, exploring their origins, how they work, and the myriad benefits they offer to those who incorporate them into their wellness routines.
Infrared Sauna
There was a time when the only way to enjoy a visit to the sauna was by either traveling to a spa or by having a membership to a gym. There's so much value in visiting an infrared sauna, and today there are many more accessible ways to get these benefits.
Saunas offer the opportunity to detox, sleep better, and improve circulation without the potential damage of direct sun rays.
A session - ranging from 10 minutes to an hour - gives us a moment of quiet, alone time to catch up on reading, meditation, or simply introspective time to tune into our inner voice. Sauna treatment is also especially nice for someone intensifying their daily workout, as it can work miracles on sore muscles.
Origins and Benefits:
The concept of using heat for wellness dates back thousands of years, with traditions spanning from the Roman baths to the Native American sweat lodges. The infrared sauna, however, is a relatively modern invention, developed in the 20th century. It offers numerous health benefits, including:
Detoxification: The deep sweating experienced in an infrared sauna helps flush toxins from the body, including heavy metals and environmental chemicals.
Relaxation: The gentle heat of the infrared sauna relaxes muscles, reduces tension, and promotes a deep sense of relaxation.
Improved Circulation: The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation and oxygenation to tissues.
Pain Relief: Many users report significant relief from chronic pain conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Weight Loss: Sessions can lead to a significant calorie burn, as the body works to cool itself, contributing to weight loss efforts.
How to do it:
Before your trip to the sauna, make sure you're completely hydrated. Be prepared to sweat.
Wear lightweight clothing, or perhaps your bathing suit, unless you're comfortable taking your sauna session in the buff.
There's also the at-home option of a sauna blanket. Be sure to read the instructions of your blanket, follow the guidelines for the appropriate amount of time, and what to wear to ensure you're not overheating yourself.
Once your session is complete, relax and allow your body plenty of time to cool down. When you feel ready, take a bath or a shower, and continue to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and balanced.
Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga was the first yoga practice that inspired my interest in becoming a certified yoga teacher. I began practicing when I'd just moved to a new city and immediately was hooked. I found my body awakening in a new way as I stretched in the heated air.
The asanas seemed to flow in a new way as the warmth moved through me. I found more awareness in my breath, inhaling and exhaling, finding a perfect balance of airflow.
Yogis know that while regular practice will support your strength and flexibility, the physical part is just a component of what it's all about. Yoga is a mental and spiritual practice, and in order to truly feel that connection, I love practicing in an environment that emulates nature.
When I begin my hot yoga practice, I imagine being near the sea on a warm summer day, with Mama Earth guiding me through the movements. Of course, the reality is most hot yoga classes don't take place on the beach in the sunshine; however, the temperature in the room may lead you to find yourself there in your mind.
Yoga invites you to explore your vibrancy. It's a practice of self-compassion, gifting us harmony amongst our bodies, our lives, and our relationships.
It's an unlearning, a generating, a reorganizing, a bliss-inducing practice that invites us to find more joy in our lives.
Hot yoga, specifically, typically takes place in a heated room, with the temperature reaching up to 105 degrees. The traditional hot yoga practice is composed of 26 postures, plus 2 breathing exercises; before beginning a hot yoga practice, hydrate and wear clothing that you feel comfortable moving and sweating in.
It's always wise to talk with the yoga teacher before class to learn more about the practice offered at your studio. I've found Hot Yoga to be incredibly wonderful for shoulder tightness, overall flexibility, confidence, and perseverance. If you can make your way through the 26 Hot Yoga postures, you can do anything!
Origins and Benefits:
Though yoga itself is an ancient practice with roots stretching back thousands of years in India, the specific practice of hot yoga was developed more recently. Benefits of hot yoga include:
Detoxification: Similar to infrared saunas, the intense sweating induced by hot yoga helps to eliminate toxins through the skin.
Improved Flexibility: The heat helps to loosen muscles and joints, allowing for greater flexibility and range of motion.
Increased Strength: Many hot yoga poses require supporting your own body weight in challenging positions, building muscle strength.
Stress Reduction: The meditative aspect of yoga, combined with the physical exertion in a hot environment, helps reduce stress levels and promote mental clarity.
Cardiovascular Workout: The combination of heat, poses, and breathing techniques can provide a cardiovascular workout, helping to improve heart health.
Combining Infrared Sauna and Hot Yoga for Maximum Benefit
Incorporating both infrared sauna sessions and hot yoga into your wellness routine can provide a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. While each offers distinct benefits, together they complement each other by enhancing the body's ability to detoxify, relax, and rejuvenate.
How to Incorporate Both Practices:
Schedule Regular Sessions: Aim for a balance that suits your lifestyle and health goals, such as attending hot yoga classes several times a week and complementing them with infrared sauna sessions to aid in recovery and relaxation.
Hydration is Key: Both practices involve intense sweating, making it crucial to stay well-hydrated before, during, and after sessions.
Listen to Your Body: Both infrared sauna and hot yoga can be intense. It's important to listen to your body and take breaks or modify your practices as needed.
TL;DR — Heat Healing
Infrared sauna and hot yoga offer more than just a sweat session; they are gateways to a holistic approach to health and wellness.
By engaging in these practices, individuals can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including enhanced detoxification, improved flexibility and strength, pain relief, and a profound sense of relaxation and mental clarity.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of wellness, incorporating infrared sauna sessions and hot yoga classes into your routine can pave the way for a healthier, more balanced life.
As with any wellness practice, it's important to approach both with mindfulness, paying attention to the body's signals and respecting its limits. With the right balance, infrared sauna and hot yoga can be powerful allies on your journey to optimal health.
About the Editor: Maeve Sullivan is a student at Georgetown University studying English and Government. She is a west coast enthusiast and loves all things reading and writing. You can learn more about Maeve on LinkedIn.
