Far Infrared Sauna
Our low-EMF infrared sauna uses ceramic heaters to emit far-infrared light that causes your core temperature to rise from the inside, helping you work up a great sweat. Instead of heating up the air around you, this infrared light penetrates deep to reduce inflammation, relax muscle tension and improve lympathic flow. Infrared heat is just like the heat from the sun, except without all the harmful UV radiation. Regular sauna use can help with weight loss, increased metabolism, muscle pain relief, boosting your immune system, reducing joint pain and stiffness, lowering stress, and improving skin tone and elasticity.
Sauna Benefits
People have been using saunas for centuries as a health and wellness tool, and they’re an integral part of many cultures around the world. In addition to feeling great, they’re good for both your body and mind! Many peer-reviewed studies support the use of saunas for optimal health. Here are a few of the benefits of regular sauna use.
Healthspan
The latest studies are showing that regular sauna use can reduce morbidity and mortality across the board, protect against both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease, and extend your healthy lifespan.
Weight Loss
Athletes in many sports know that using a sauna can help lose weight, fast. In addition to the short-term loss of water weight through sweating, sauna use actively burns calories, and can also help rev up your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular health, which helps with long-term weight loss.
Pain Relief
Saunas can have beneficial impacts on a wide variety of pain and chronic health conditions. Studies have documented the effectiveness of sauna therapy for people with hypertension, congestive heart failure, COPD, chronic fatigue, and many others.
Immune System Boost
Sauna usage can decrease your stress and cortisol levels, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. And by mimicking the body’s natural fever response, raising your core temperature and getting a good sweat can help boost your body’s natural immune functions and even raise your white blood cell count.
Joint Stiffness
As anyone who has used a sauna knows, there’s no better way to get your body feeling loose and limber. Sauna usage is great for post-workout recovery, minimizing soreness, and improving joint mobility.
Stress reduction
Sauna use isn’t just for your body, it can also help with your mental health. A few minutes in the sauna can leave you feeling relaxed, happy, and loose. People report benefits in dealing with anxiety, depression, and overall stress levels.
Skin Tone & Elasticity
Sauna use is great for your skin! The heat and sweating helps improve your epidermal barrier function, and can lead to lasting improvements in skin tone and elasticity.
Sauna FAQ
What is an infrared sauna?
A far-infrared sauna is a type of dry sauna that emits infrared waves (thermal heat) into your body to raise your core temperature. Infrared saunas feel different than traditional dry or wet saunas because they heat YOU instead of the air around you. This allows you to work up a great sweat without feeling quite as “overheated” as you do in a traditional sauna.
How hot does the sauna get?
We generally keep our sauna in the range of 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit (48-60 degrees Celsius). If you ever feel too hot inside, opening the door will allow some cooler air to enter the cabin.
What do I need to bring?
Just you! We recommend bringing a bottle of water into the sauna with you, but if you forget we’ll happily provide you with a cup. We have small and large towels, and also recommend having one or two on hand in the sauna.
What should I wear in the sauna?
The sauna is in a private room, so you’re welcome to wear as much or as little clothing as you’d like.
Can I shower after using the sauna?
Generally, yes – however, our showers are housed in our float rooms, so are subject to availability depending on whether your sauna appointment overlaps. Feel free to ask the front desk about availability before or after your appointment. Or, book a float + sauna package and do both!
Can I bring my phone in the sauna?
You’re welcome to bring your phone and headphones inside if you like, but note that it’s possible your phone will overheat and is done at your own risk. We sometimes get messages like “phone is too hot, must cool down before use.” If that happens, just set it outside the sauna to cool down.
How often should I use the sauna, and for how long?
There’s no one answer and it will depend based on each person’s goals and preferences. But many of our members tell us that once or twice a week works well for them. We generally recommend 30-60m sessions depending on the temperature you prefer.
If I’m doing both a float and a sauna, which should I do first?
Totally up to you, and we have many guests that prefer one or the other. If you’re unsure, we find that most people prefer to sauna first, then float.
How many people can fit in the sauna?
Our sauna is large enough for 3 people to comfortably use at once, but may accommodate up to 4 people depending on size. However, your sauna session is private, you won’t ever have to share unless you choose to book together as a group.
Is your sauna low-EMF?
Yes! Our sauna is built to be very low-EMF using carbon/ceramic heaters with maximum safety in mind.
What kind of wood is your sauna made from?
Our sauna is made from naturally reforested Canadian hemlock.
Can I combine the sauna with another therapy at Equilibrium?
Absolutely! Combining the sauna with a float session, massage, or chiropractic appointment makes for a perfect spa day.
Should anyone NOT sauna?
Severe medical conditions, hemophiliacs, those who don’t sweat, anyone predisposed to hemorrhage, and pregnant or lactating women should not use the sauna. If you’ve had any recent sprains, bruising, lacerations, or surgery, you should wait a minimum of 48 hours or until the swelling has reduced before using the sauna. As always, consult your doctor if you have any questions prior to sauna use.
What kind of sauna do you have?
We have a 3-4 person “Bergamo” sauna made by Dynamic Saunas/Golden Designs.