Infrared saunas are taking the world by storm, and Israel is no exception. But is this a fad or a legitimate wellness trend?
I recently had the chance to experience an infrared sauna session, and it was unlike anything I'd imagined. Inside a cozy wooden booth, illuminated by a soft glow, I felt a gentle warmth envelop me. Unlike traditional saunas, this one relied on two red lamps to radiate direct heat, creating an inner warmth that was both soothing and unique.
After a 30-minute session, I stepped out feeling refreshed and energized, as if my body had been reset. It was an incredible experience, and it got me thinking about the history and benefits of saunas.
Saunas have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, especially in Northern Europe. In Finland, for instance, saunas are an integral part of daily life, serving social, spiritual, and therapeutic purposes. Beyond their cultural significance, saunas offer a wide range of health benefits, which prompted me to consult Dr. Dalit Dreman-Medina, a functional and integrative physician, to delve deeper into the science behind sauna use.
Dr. Dreman-Medina highlighted two major reviews published in recent years, one of which included an impressive 40 clinical studies with around 4,000 participants. The findings were remarkable: improved vascular flexibility, reduced blood pressure, enhanced cardiac function, and positive impacts on mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression, improved mood, and relief from conditions like fibromyalgia and headaches. One study even showed a 66% reduction in dementia risk and a 40% decrease in all-cause mortality among Finnish men who used saunas regularly.
But here's where it gets controversial: a study published in Sweden found that participants who used saunas just once to four times a month still enjoyed significant health benefits, including lower blood pressure, better sleep, reduced aches, more energy, and an overall boost in well-being and life satisfaction. This raises the question: is more always better when it comes to sauna use?
The traditional sauna formula has evolved with the rise of infrared saunas, which use heat waves to penetrate the body and tissues directly, without warming the air. This method has gained popularity in the United States, spreading to medical centers, integrative clinics, and even bedrooms, and is now making its way into Israeli homes.
While Finnish saunas have a long history, dating back thousands of years, infrared saunas are a more recent innovation, originating in Japan in the 1960s. Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa developed a unique ceramic heater that emits far-infrared radiation (FIR), initially used for medical treatments in hospitals. It wasn't until the late 1970s that the first consumer version of an infrared sauna appeared, eventually gaining popularity in American fitness and wellness centers and later in Europe.
Today, infrared saunas are available in various settings, from clinics and wellness centers to compact home units. They are often seen as a more accessible alternative to Finnish saunas, especially for those sensitive to high heat. Dr. Dreman-Medina explains that infrared saunas heat the body directly, resulting in a lower overall temperature inside the sauna, making the experience more pleasant and tolerable for many.
But the benefits of infrared saunas go beyond comfort and accessibility. Research has shown that they offer unique physiological effects, including improved detoxification and blood-pressure reduction. Infrared saunas also enhance skin health by increasing blood flow and stimulating collagen production, resulting in better skin texture and elasticity.
Infrared saunas have also proven effective in pain relief, particularly for conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Athletes, too, can benefit from infrared saunas, as they help reduce muscle damage and improve muscle function post-exercise, compared to traditional saunas. This makes infrared saunas a popular choice for athletic recovery routines in various sports.
So, how often should one use a sauna to gain benefits without overdoing it? According to Dr. Dreman-Medina, even relatively low-frequency use, once to four times a month, can provide significant health benefits. However, she emphasizes that individual sensitivities and health conditions must be considered, and consulting a doctor beforehand is crucial.
Certain groups, such as those with heart disease, pregnant women, and individuals with complicated medical histories, should exercise caution or avoid saunas altogether. It's not something to experiment with at home without professional guidance.
When asked about the buzz surrounding saunas, Dr. Dreman-Medina sees it as a legitimate therapeutic tool, not just a passing trend. She points to the strong results from Scandinavian countries, where saunas have been an integral part of life for centuries, backed by large-scale studies. Sauna therapy is a scientifically grounded practice with extensive research supporting its benefits for quality of life and health.
In the United States, infrared saunas have been common for years, often recommended by functional medicine doctors. In Israel, as with many trends, adoption may be a bit slower, but it's happening. Over the past year, more and more Israelis are not only visiting spas and clinics but also installing infrared saunas in their homes.
Yaakov Piamente, marketing manager and sauna installer for Ismor, the official Israeli representative of HotSpring, has witnessed this surge in popularity firsthand. He attributes it to the accessibility and affordability of home infrared saunas, which are easy to install and don't require special electrical connections or preparations, unlike traditional saunas. They are like a compact wardrobe, taking up minimal space and offering all the benefits of a sauna in the comfort of one's home.
When it comes to cost, prices vary depending on quality and import source, ranging from 12,000 to 24,000 shekels. Piamente advises against opting for the lowest-priced options imported from China without oversight, as the quality and safety of the radiators used may be questionable.
Most people install their home infrared saunas in spare bedrooms, creating a dedicated space for relaxation and cleansing. Piamente believes the sudden rush to install home saunas is about improving quality of life, offering a place of calm and tranquility in an increasingly hectic world.
And this is the part most people miss: the value of quiet. In a world filled with noise and pressure, the sauna provides a sanctuary of peace, and Israelis are beginning to recognize and appreciate this.
