Which Essential Oils can be used in an Infrared Sauna
I have recently been asked about using Essential Oils in a Sauna and wow I have enjoyed doing some research on this question.
Firstly what is an Infrared Sauna and what are benefits?
What exactly is Infrared heat? We have all experienced the following: It’s a partly cloudy day and you are outside and it feels cool. All of a sudden the clouds move out of the way of the sun and a rush of warmth comes over you. This warm feeling is the far infrared band of sunlight warming your body.
This band of light has the ability to penetrate our skin and warm our body directly. The far infrared heat produced by a sauna is totally safe as there are no harmful rays of sunlight produced, just natural healing heat. In fact, this heat is so safe that is it used in hospitals to keep newborns warm.
Infrared rays are the healthiest, penetrate into your skin deeply and they dissolve harmful substances accumulated in your body. The Infrared Rays vitalize your cells and metabolism.
How does Infrared Therapy work?
Infrared Heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sunlight that heats the body normally.
Far infrared waves penetrate deep into our body for a deep heating action which allows for the body to activate the sweat glands. The sweat glands offer one of only a few mechanisms that the body has to eliminate toxins and since the skin is the largest organ in the human body it is apparently a very good means for elimination.
Why is infrared heat better than traditional saunas?
Traditional saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level within the chamber to warm the body. When you are sitting in a traditional sauna, you are sitting in a hot room; 80°C -105°C degrees. Some people have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, far infrared saunas heat the body directly.
The radiant heat can penetrate deep below the skin producing a gentle warming inside the body. The warming effect on your body stimulates your cardiovascular system, your immune system and your lymphatic system. Your body’s response to that is to sweat. In the infrared sauna, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot air of a traditional steam sauna.
Is Infrared heat safe?
Yes! Infrared heat is all around us. Infrared heat is very safe and not at all like the heat produced by microwaves.
Do you want to experience far infrared heat right now? Take your hands and put your palms together. Move your hands about 1/2 an inch apart. You will feel warmth emanating from your palms.
Some of the benefits
- Improves Appearance Of Skin And Cellulite – The profuse sweating after just a few minutes in your sauna increases blood circulation and has been shown to relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, lesions and cuts. The sweating also carries off deeply imbedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and immaculately clean.
- Reduces Stress And Fatigue – Relax in your sauna as the stresses and tensions of every day life melt away! Just a few minutes in the gentle warmth of your sauna and you’ll feel relaxed, rejuvenated and renewed.
- Eases Arthritis, Joint Pain And Stiffness – Radiant heat has been effective in the treatment of arthritis, sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness and many other muscular-skeletal ailments. Much of the stiffness, aches and soreness that comes with ageing is reduced or eliminated.
- Improves Cardiac Health and Lowers blood pressure – Research has shown that sauna therapy reduces systolic blood pressure because the heat dilates blood vessels and reduces the volume of the inner lining of the vessels, thus promoting healthy blood pressure. Anything you can do to keep your blood pressure in the healthy range reduces your chance of heart attack and stroke.
- Detoxifies – Using your Infrared Sauna helps detoxify your body as it rids itself of accumulated highly toxic metals (lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sulfuric acid, and other organic and inorganic compounds.
- Improves the Immune System – Your Sauna’s infrared heaters will raise your core body temperature, inducing an artificial fever. This enhanced immune system, combined with improved elimination of toxins and wastes via intense sweating, increases your overall health and resistance to disease.
- Relieves Muscle Pain – The deep heat of your sauna helps peripheral blood vessels dilate, bringing relief and healing to muscle and soft tissue injuries. Infrared heat relieves muscle tension thereby helping your body to make the most of its intended healing abilities.
- Lyme Disease – Lyme Disease is conventionally treated with antibiotics, which frequently come with unwanted side effects such as, nausea and vomiting. However, recent research has shown that infrared sauna therapy offers a safe alternative that can even be used in conjunction with regular treatment to accelerate the healing process.
And then to add these amazing Essential Oils to support even further…
Aromatherapy has long been used by many civilizations and is still being enjoyed today. Ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Greek cultures used this practice of using aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for various purposes. The term was originally coined in 1937 when it was discovered that lavender essential oil had medicinal properties to help relieve burn victims. Now, the use of essential oils for aromatherapy has become widespread, being used for homeopathic remedies like reducing pain, soothing sore muscles, preventing depression, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.
Spending time in an infrared sauna is relaxing on its own, but you can enhance the experience even further by incorporating essential oils. It is important to note that essential oils are very strong and should be diluted or used with a carrier oil to avoid too much exposure. Learn more about the 10 best essential oils for sauna usage, and how you can utilize different scents for a range of revitalizing uses, from relaxation to reinvigoration!
Best Essential Oils for Sauna Aromatherapy
- Firs – Douglas , Birch, Balance, Siberian.
In traditional Finnish saunas, tree oils are one of the most commonly used scents. Tree essential oil offers a wide range of health benefits, including bacterial and fungal prevention, pain reduction, improved circulation, skin toning, body detoxification, and skin condition treatment. The antiseptic properties not only clean the body, but they clean the sauna as well! - Cinnamon
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up during your sauna use, diffuse some cinnamon oil during your next session. The warmth and spice of this essential oil isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but is also an invigorating sensation for the rest of the body. Cinnamon essential oil is wonderful for soothing sore muscles and can be used as a natural decongestant if suffering from a cold. This oil also reduces inflammation, promotes blood circulation, boosts mood, and improves metabolism. - Citrus – Lemon , Wild Orange, Tangerine, Lime
The citrus family of essential oils comes in a number of scents, with lemon and orange being some of the most popular. Starting off your day with an invigorating sauna session filled with zesty citrus notes will wake you up more than a glass of orange juice. On top of giving you a boost of energy, citrus oils feature anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and antidepressant properties. Avoid using these types of oils before going to bed, as they will most likely wake you up instead of creating a calming effect. - Eucalyptus
While peppermint and lavender oils have topped the list of most popular essential oils for a while, eucalyptus essential oil has been climbing the ranks. This refreshing oil eases mental exhaustion and offers many health benefits. Eucalyptus has a pleasant scent that works as a deodorizer and helps kill germs and bacteria in the air. Because of this, diffusing eucalyptus oil helps aid in respiratory issues. If you have any wounds, this oil is germicidal and antimicrobial, meaning it aids in faster healing while soothing at the same time. - Frankincense
Using frankincense in your sauna is a particularly great choice if you are fighting a cold or other sicknesses. This essential oil comes from the Boswellia carterii, sacra, papyrifera, and frereana trees and has been known to aid in enhancing immune system performance. Some studies show that using frankincense can help fight certain cancers and lessen the negative side effects of chemotherapy. Using this essential oil is also great for preventing signs of aging, improving digestion, and balancing hormones. - Lavender |
Lavender essential oil has long been a favourite for aromatherapy. Known for its soothing properties, this oil is wonderful for winding down after a long day. The relaxing scent helps calm headaches and promote a good night’s rest, but other healing properties of lavender include burn and wound treatment, anti-aging antioxidants, diabetes protection, and improved brain function. Sitting back and relaxing in a sauna with lavender aromatherapy is sure to be a restoring experience. - Peppermint
On the opposite end of calming lavender is peppermint oil. Peppermint essential oil is a stimulant and boosts energy. If you’re having trouble waking up in the morning, sit in a sauna and diffuse peppermint oil to awaken the senses. On top of boosting energy and mood, peppermint contains antispasmodic properties, making it a perfect natural remedy for stomach ailments such as nausea. The cooling properties of this oil will make for a truly reinvigorating sauna session. - Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Widely known as one of the best essential oils for fighting infections and boosting your immune system, tea tree oil is a must-have for aromatherapy. Many use this oil when feeling under the weather, as its antiseptic properties are highly effective for fighting respiratory issues and sicknesses like the flu. Other conditions that can be treated with this oil are athlete’s foot, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Because of its healing strength, be sure to dilute this essential oil, and avoid contact with your eyes and nose.
Depending on your desired results, try mixing different essential oil combinations. It may take some tries to find the perfect blend, but every attempt is sure to be a positive one! Some simple combination ideas include citrus + peppermint for an energizing experience and lavender + Frankincense for mental clarity and relaxation. Simply place a few drops of your favourite oil in a small container and place it in your sauna to be heated and enjoy.
Here is a great link to read some further information https://www.infraredsauna.com/health/kaiser/
Please contact Jo on jo@oilsbyjo.co.uk for any further information.
