Near, Mid and Far Infrared Technology Explained

The illustrations below show the combination of near, mid and far infrared waves for the various types of programs you can select in Unwind’s infrared sauna. The programs automatically combine the three wavelengths to give you the optimum benefit during each session.

Infrared Sauna Q&A

What is Infrared Heat?
Infrared heat is a naturally occurring output of the sun. It does not contain the harmful UV rays associated with unprotected sunlight. In fact, infrared heat is so safe, it is used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.

What’s the Difference Between Infrared Saunas and Traditional Saunas?
Traditional saunas heat the air then heat the body. Infrared saunas uses a process called photobiomodulation, which is a form of light therapy. By utilizing this process, light frequencies are able to penetrate the tissues directly, to a depth of up to 1.5 inches into the skin allowing clients to experience a more gentle, radiant heat.

Can I use an Infrared Sauna if I am on Prescription Medication?
If you are currently prescribed any form of medication, we recommend that all clients seek the advice of their personal physician before booking a treatment. When the body is exposed to infrared waves possible side effects may occur. Diuretics, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics such as amitriptyline may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.

Can the Elderly Use Infrared Saunas?
As we age, the ability to maintain core body temperature decreases. This is due in part to decreased sweat gland function and circulatory conditions. If a senior adult would like to use our infrared sauna, then we recommend a custom session where controls would set at a lower temperature and sessions would last for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

If someone is pregnant can they use an infrared sauna?
Because every pregnancy is different, it is best to check with your doctor or medical professional. Infrared sauna is helpful for the treatment of certain heart and body functions. It is advised that pregnant females should avoid using infrared sauna as high temperature can harm pregnant females and the development of a fetus. Increased heat can also result in dehydration. Although it is scientifically proven that infrared saunas have tremendous health benefits, the use of one is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks.

Are children allowed to use the sauna?
The core body temperature in younger adults rises faster than an mature adults. This is due in part to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, cardiac circulation, and a difference in body temperature that stimulates the sweating process. If someone is under the age of 15 years old, it is recommended that an adult must be present during the session. We suggest lowering the cabin temperature and by limiting the use of the sauna to 1 minute per the age of the child. It is important to stay hydrated before and after each session even if you do not experience sweating.

Is it ok to use the sauna while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers are advised not to use an infrared sauna due to potential risks that may be involved, however, it is best to consult with a medical professional.

What should I wear in the sauna? Can I go nude?
Clients can go nude if they would like. We do provide stocked towels outside of the cabin. Men typically wear light clothing or swim trunks; women typically wear workout shorts and a tank top or a swimsuit. Whether you choose to go nude or wear loose clothing it will not alter the effectiveness of the sauna session.

What time of day should I use the sauna (am or pm)?
It is completely up to you and our availability. There is no current data showing more of a benefit for in the morning or evening. However, appointments are required for all services upon entering the facility.

How long is a typical session? And how often can someone take a session?
Our sessions range anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Most people use the sauna 3 -4 times a week, but it is safe to use every day.

What health benefits are associated with infrared heat, and which have been proven and documented?
All material and health benefits that Unwind shares with our customers, have been either clinically tested by the manufacture or are based on studies of infrared wavelengths that Sunlighten has tested with our patented heaters. We chose to partner with Sunlighten because their saunas are proven up to 99% effective at emitting the highest quality and quantity of infrared heat required for delivery a full range of health benefits.

What is EMF? Is it harmful to the body?
EMF stands for electric and magnetic fields. EMF’s are waves of electric and magnetic energy radiating through space. Electric and magnetic fields are found everywhere; ie homes, offices, lamps, outlets, appliances, computers, cell phones, basically anything with electric.

Unwind’s infrared sauna contains proprietary heaters that were specifically designed to produce virtually NO EMF. In fact, the sauna in our facility produces less EMF than a standard hair dryer. Our mPulse cabin reduces EMF’s to the lowest level yet and are the safest and most effective infrared heater on the market.

What is the difference between ceramic and carbon infrared technology?
Ceramic and carbon based technologies are ways in which infrared heat can be delivered. Carbon panels produce a more consistent infrared output at a lower temperature. Ceramic rods require excessive levels of high heat that can result in hot and cold spots within a sauna. Unwind at Westclox values the importance of thorough research, therefore, we have chosen to offer our clients the 1st & Only: Patented Solocarbon 3-in-1® Infrared cabin, which is the only clinically backed carbon-based heater on the market.

Does infrared technology interfere with implants (metal, silicone, etc.)?
We always recommend consulting your physician prior to using any treatment at Unwind. However, metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system.

How does infrared affect the skin?
When blood flow is increased it causes the body to eliminate heat. Regular use in an infrared sauna can help accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation of the skin through the photobiomodulation process. In addition, it has been used to treat acne, actinic keratinosis, and basal cell carcinoma.
When lipid bilayers are compromised problems like eczema and psoriasis can occur do to inflammation and environmental influences. Infrared sauna treatments can help with these issues by strengthening the skin’s barrier and reducing overall inflammation.

What are the benefits of Far infrared therapy?
Far infrared therapy stimulates protective nitric oxide production in the blood vessels, reduces oxidative stress, and increases mitochondria function. Several studies have shown that far infrared exposure helps with numerous inflammatory diseases, including:

• cardiovascular diseases
• diabetes
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic pain
• fibromyalgia
• chronic fatigue
• Sjögren syndrome (an immune condition marked by dry eyes/mouth)
• rheumatoid arthritis
• asthma and chronic bronchitis
• poor sleep

By increasing circulation in the body, heat exposure can help reduce inflammation.

Can Infrared Sauna help with Mood, Mental Health, and Cognitive Function?
Just as when you go for a run, sauna use increases endorphins (the happiness hormone) and opiods (the body’s natural pain reliever), as well as a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain.

BDNF stimulates neurogenesis (the growth of new neuronal cells) in the brain. Improving BDNF levels is therefore important for cognitive function. In addition, low or abnormal levels of BDNF may be a cause of several mental and psychiatric diseases.
Infrared saunas can also reduce stress by re-balancing the stress response axis. It can help lower cortisol, and thus helps with stress-related health problems. Saunas also improve the neurotransmitter called norepinephrine, which can help improve cognitive performance.

Can Infrared treatments help with cancer?
Near infrared is great for detoxification. Health benefits include cancer treatment and prevention, detoxification, killing infections, etc. Individuals who experience a lack of energy, brain fog or are suffering from a chronic disease or condition, most likely is a result of something called toxin accumulation.

Viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells have a poor tolerance to heat compared to normal healthy cells and are easily killed with near infrared sessions. However, consistent use and dedicated is required to prevent cancer and other health issues. It takes 1-3 years of daily sauna use to rid the body of the bulk of heavy metals, chemicals and chronic infections that built up over a lifetime. After this period of intense sauna therapy, clients must continue to use a sauna twice a week to rid the body of new environmental influences. Near infrared sauna therapy is not a stand-alone cancer therapy unless combined with other therapies, but may help to rid the body of toxic burdens contributing to cancer formation.