Charm City Integrative Health - Infrared Sauna

History of Saunas

Some speculate that saunas have been around for over 2000 years. Writings about sauna use go back to Scandinavia over 1000 years ago. These saunas are often referred to as Finnish Saunas and some can hold temperatures in excess of 200°F.  These saunas were traditionally heated with fires that were replaced by electric heating elements. The next evolution in sauna therapy occurred in the 1950s when infrared heaters to warm saunas in Japan.

Contraindications for Sauna Use

While saunas are very safe, there are a few conditions in which we cannot allow people to use the sauna. They include:
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol consumption prior to use
• Low blood pressure

Infrared Sauna or Mo An (Gentle Warming Therapy)

Saunas have been on our radar from the time we opened our doors, and we took our time to research the different types and benefits and make the right choice for everyone. Most people think of saunas as a “spa” treatment, but there are some amazing studies to show that people should incorporate this modality into their regular healthcare routine.

Benefits include lower blood pressure, better circulation, and it mimics a cardiovascular workout. Shockingly, JAMA published research stating that the regular use of infrared saunas can reduce overall causes of death by 40%!

We are also including this in our Membership Plan, so if you’ve been on the fence about signing up, now is the time!

Our infrared sauna relies on a milder temperature (140°F or less) for a longer period of time to achieve the following benefits:
• Workout Recovery
• Improved Heart Health
• Improved Heart Rate Variability
• Blood Pressure Reduction
• Immune System Stimulation
• Reduced Inflammation
• Increased Cellular Energy
• Mimics a Cardio Workout
• Reduction in Overall Mortality Rate of Users

Treatments in our sauna are about 50 minutes at which time we suggest people read, listen to music (our unit has Bluetooth capability), or just relax. We have water available, but we suggest people bring their own water bottles as on average a person sweats out approximately half a liter of fluid during each session. We provide towels, but please be aware that anything you wear in the sauna may be soaked with sweat. We recommend either wearing a bathing suit or something you don’t mind getting sweaty. Feel free to step out or open the door briefly if the heat gets too intense. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy or otherwise unwell, please exit the sauna and get the staff’s attention if necessary.