ABOUT HOT AND COLD (CONTRAST) THERAPY

In the infrared sauna, infrared light penetrates several inches into the body and creates heat, resulting in a whole-body hyperthermia on a cellular level to make you sweat. 

Infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you; instead, they use infrared waves that penetrate the dermal layer of the skin to warm your body directly from the inside and then out. The dry heat triggers perspiration at a lower temperature which allows even those sensitive to high heat to benefit from this treatment.

Yes! Unlike sunbathing, exposure to infrared heat therapy is safe and won't cause the skin to burn. 

No. Infrared saunas use invisible light to heat the body, not the surrounding air. It is more comfortable and allows you to enjoy a longer session than a traditional steam sauna. 

An infrared sauna is very different than a conventional sauna. Infrared saunas are much more tolerable and comfortable due to maxing out at a lower temperature than conventional saunas.  

You can wear a bathing suit or a towel. You will be in a private room alone or with a known partner.

It is best not to shower immediately after your session due to eliminated toxins on the surface of the body. We provide towels to wipe off the sweat.

There are many benefits to using an infrared sauna:

1. Improved circulation
2. Anti-inflammatory (pain relieving)
3. Detoxifying
4. Calorie burning (up to 600 calories within a 30 minute session)
5. Equivalent to a 30-60 min cardio workout
6. Very relaxing, inducing a calm mental state and reduced tension
7. Better sleep
8. Improved skin and complexion
9. Reduces discomfort for those experiencing chronic fatigue and arthritic conditions

More about health and wellness benefits of infrared sauna use can be found here. 

Infrared Saunas are a vital wellness regimen, and for many, a program for enhanced health, well-being, and reduced symptoms. We recommend a consecutive series of 3 saunas to kick-start your body’s detoxification process and to absorb the many benefits of infrared sauna therapy. 

Consistency is key. Just like exercise, you will see more benefits the more you sauna; and you will kick-in to your sweat sooner, faster, deeper with continued practice. Studies are based on a sauna regimen of 3x a week, and we recommend clients with significant health challenges such as autoimmune disease and mold toxicity, sauna at least 1-3x a week, as advised by their health care providers. 

We also recommend being well hydrated with a full bottle of water + adding our electrolyte hydrate packs for nutrient replenishment. 

Our Sauna Cabin also provides a meaningful experience for self-care. Whether it’s quiet, meditative time with our relaxing music, or boosting your skin health with our wellness products and tools, you can customize your sauna practice to serve your mind, body, spirit needs.

At ZEN Natural Wellness Centre, our Infrared sauna is equipped with Low-EMF high quality Carbon Fibre Far Infrared Heaters and 100% Canadian Hemlock Wood.

EMFs are like invisible energy emissions that come from any object that uses electricity. Most common electrical objects give off such low levels of EMF that they pose no risk to humans.

Though infrared saunas are large and powered by electricity, the technology used in our infrared sauna keeps EMF in an extremely low range of 0.2 to 0.3 mG. For context, the Environmental Protection Agency has previously proposed a safety standard of 3 mG, with anything below 3 mG being deemed as safe. Read more here.

 To be clear, the infrared sauna IS NOT for expectant mothers, as it can raise your core body temperature to a level unsafe for babies in the womb. But once baby is here, the sauna is heated and ready for you. 

It’s hard to give to others when our own cups are empty, and this is a great chance to refill that cup. Our sauna and float packages make a great gift for oneself or the new mom in your life. Come see how our floats and saunas can be a game-changer for you during this special time!  

At this time, you must be 18 or older to use the infrared sauna at ZEN Natural Wellness Centre. We will announce when we plan on opening the sauna up to those 13 and older.

Infrared Sauna use is not recommended for people who are pregnant, children under 12, those who cannot handle temperature extremes, those with hemophilia, fever, insensitivity to heat, and those under the influence of alcohol or who abuse alcohol. 

CONTRAINDICTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

Here are some tips to ensure an infrared sauna session is a good fit for you or when to avoid use:

• Avoid using an infrared sauna if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Avoid using while pregnant
• Avoid using within 2-3 hours of any medication (to avoid detoxing the medication)
• If you feel ill or have a fever, it’s best to wait to use the sauna until you’re feeling better.
• Using an infrared sauna will cause you to sweat a lot, so you may feel lightheaded when you stand up. If this happens, make sure you get up slowly and sit down once you leave the sauna. Drink water immediately after finishing your session and wait for your body to cool down before doing anything else.
• In extreme cases, some people may experience overheating (heat stroke and heat exhaustion) or dehydration if outside weather is already extremely warm or you have not replenished with enough hydration.
• Trace minerals or at least some electrolytes will help prevent any healing crisis symptoms and will also help to replenish post treatment

If you have any health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or are under medical care, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before your first session. Even though infrared saunas are known to be safe, you want to ensure it is safe for you and any condition you may have.

 Our sauna is spacious and comfortable for a private or couples session.   

Sessions are typically 30 minutes in duration and are private. 

You will have the ZEN Sauna room for 45 minutes total, giving you enough time to freshen up and change upon completion.

Your sweating and detoxification continues after you get out of the sauna for about 30- to 60-minutes afterwards, so it is not recommended that you shower right afterwards as it will shorten the benefits of the detoxification process.  

Please try our washcloths to wipe off toxins and leave you feeling refreshed and clean.

Yes! Our sauna is sanitized after each use. Infrared light kills all bacteria and any airborne germs. 

There are a few studies that show the effectiveness of the infrared sauna:

1. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors
2. The effects of repeated thermal therapy on quality of life in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
3. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men
4. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications