Infrared Body Wraps – Top Five Benefits
Posted by Andrea on Oct 26, 2011 in Blog, Infrared Body Wrap | 2 commentsInfrared Body Wraps – Top Five Benefits of Infrared Body Wraps
I received a call yesterday from a client of mine who happened to see an article I had written, which I am posting below. She questioned me as to why I have in the Infrared Body Wraps for Weight Loss section I stated in “30 minutes you can expend up to 600 calories” when, in fact, I have her staying in the infrared wrap for 50 minutes! Go ahead read the article below, then we can discuss the 30 vs. 50 minute controversy!
What is an Infrared body wrap?
An infrared body wrap is a body treatment that involves an infrared blanket and may or may not consist of a product application.
An infrared blanket allows the client to relax while enjoying the benefits of infrared. When applying certain products to the body prior to the treatment, can accelerate the of the benefits.
First let’s talk about the benefits for a few moments of an Infrared Body Wrap.
Detoxification. Sweating is the natural way for the body to heal and stay healthy. Infrared provides a person with a deep sweat and cleansing of the skin because it penetrates the about 1 – 2 inches and pushes the toxins out through the sweating process.
Skin Rejuvenation. Infrared body wraps and infrared saunas can actually help restore skin to a more youthful appearance. There was a study done by the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy that showed a significant difference in just 12 weeks with the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet as well as a toning of the skin such as firmness, elasticity and clarity.
Pain Relief. Many people experience infrared heat works by penetrating joint, muscles and tissues, speeding up oxygen flow and promoting better circulation.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction. It has been studied that infrared helps the body to maintain healthy levels or cortisol. We have all heard about cortisol and how it the number one cause of belly fat. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the body and raises when we are stressed out and raises the heart rate and blood pressure leading to the deposit of excessive fat and weight in the midsection. So taking a 30 minute session 3 times a week can help you to relax and reduce the effects of excess cortisol.
Weight Loss. If you are looking to lose weight, then an infrared body wraps may be the key to your success. It has been shown that a 30 minute session can actually burn up to 600 calories. When the body temperature is raised by heat of any kind, our bodies need to cool itself down. In doing so our heart rate increases as well as our metabolic rate, which causes the body to burn calories. Using infrared is a simple and relaxing treatment to help with those extra pounds many of us are carrying around.
Infrared body wraps are becoming a popular service at spas and salons around the world, and with good reason.
The benefits from infrared wraps are many. Here were just five of the benefits people enjoy when receiving an infrared body wrap treatment.
I urge you to do some research and find out for yourself how this simple and affordable treatment can benefit how you look and feel.
For more information on infrared body wraps and the possibility of using them to look and feel your best you can check out more information about the Infrared Wrap.
Andrea Pekarik Welch is known as “The Body Wrap Expert” among her peers. To learn more find out how you can incorporate infrared body wraps into your life and in the lives of your clients check out Spalon Techniques.
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I had atreatment using 60 degree infrared temperature. My body did not sweat
what is the temperature needed to activate sweat ?
Does a plastic drop cloth increase heat to the body?
Should you shower before and after infrared sauna treatment?
How important is dry brushing before treatment?
Can use of creams or lotions effect heat penetration, (if used day before
and removed the day of the treatment?)
Can diabetes safely take infrared treatments?
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for posting your questions here…I am happy to help you. I am going to answer your questions in bold print.
I had a treatment using 60 degree infrared temperature. My body did not sweat. What is the temperature needed to activate sweat ?
60 degree celsius is equal to 140 degrees fahrenheit….. That is quite hot. I have never used any infrared at that high of a temperature. Normally I start someone at 46 celsuis (114.8 F) and go to 54 celsius (129.2) at the most and that is very seldom. The best range I have seen over the years in 50 – 52 celsius. With that being said, I am wondering…even though…you did not sweat, did you feel hot at all even though you did not sweat?
Everyone begins to sweat at a different temperature… so if I put 3 different people in there and had it on 50 celsius, one of them may begin to sweat in 10 minutes, one in 15 minutes and another it may take 20 minutes to begin to sweat. It has to do with if they are active or not, their body composition, any medical history, etc. How long did you stay in the infrared? AND what did you use…a blanket, an individual stand alone, or one of the portable tents?
At 60 celsius I am wondering if the infrared blanket or sauna was functioning properly.
Does a plastic drop cloth increase heat to the body?
It may help you to sweat faster and you will or should feel hotter because of the plastic. Whether you are just in the blanket alone without plastic or if you are using plastic, you are encased within the blanket. The plastic drop cloth is used to protect the blanket. Me, I do not like laying on the plastic, so I wear a thing cotton tank top with men cotton boxer shorts or I put the plastic drop cloth down and then a very thin white cotton sheet and then wrap…so no plastic is touching me. Again I just don’t like that feeling. However, there is a bit of controversy as to whether the infrared penetrates through the cotton clothing and the sheet…..and also the controversy if the plastic is emitting toxin fumes being heated in the blanket. I can tell you that I and the clients that have used the blanket sweat with the cotton sheet just as much as if only using the plastic drop cloth, but feel like it is more with only the plastic. Moral to this story is, if you can tolerate the feel of the plastic then no clothing is preferred. Plus I am not concerned about any fumes or toxicity from the plastic as I have not seen or found any evidence to cause concern. One more thing, if a person does sweat a lot, the sweat can become quite hot and may feel like it is burning…if so, then it is wise to lay a thin towel down or a king size white cotton pillowcase on the plastic and lay on that to help absorb the sweat. Also a small hand towel where the heels of your feet are as they can feel like it is burning too.
Should you shower before and after infrared sauna treatment?
Yes, I would definitely do so and also do not use a moisturizing soap as they cause a barrier. And yes, on after the treatment if at all possible or at least take a damp towel to wipe off your skin. Some people can get a rash from sweating out even their own toxins. So why take the chance! Which leads to your next question….
How important is dry brushing before treatment?
It is not whether it is important, but more that it is more beneficial. Do not worry if you don’t do it, but if you can it is better to dry brush! Help to remove dead skin to allow for better sweating and also stimulates circulation.
Can use of creams or lotions effect heat penetration, (if used day before
and removed the day of the treatment?)
If you are a heavy cream or lotion person, I would advise not doing so one to two days if possible before treatment… unless you are ONLY using an all natural product, then I wouldn’t worry about using it. But stop using anything the day you are going to receive infrared treatment.
Can diabetes safely take infrared treatments?
This is a great question! I have read that it is not good because diabetics have a tendency to not sweat much due to the fact that their body uses lots of its water to try to remove the excess glucose by excreting it in your urine. It takes water to make urine, which leads to a loss of moisture in your body. HOWEVER, I have also read and follow this…. Start your infrared treatments slowly and monitor any unusual changes in blood sugar. Infrared sauna use does not increase the blood sugar level or the body’s consumption of glucose. So this is where I would start the client at 46 celsius and increase with further treatments.
Patricia, Ok a little bit more info…. Remember to drink at least 16 ounces of filtered water prior to infrared…and to drink again after to help flush the body. Everyone should be drinking at least half of their weight in ounces each day! 100 lbs. then 50 ounces
When using infrared it is best to stay in there for at least 30-35 minutes after you start sweating to get the best benefits….BUT NO MORE THAN 60 minutes!!!! For example: if you start sweating in about 10 minutes then you will only be in the infrared for 40-45 minutes. Also if you feel like you are getting to hot, you can always take your arms out, that will help. Plus if you are on a bit of an incline with a pillow or two instead of completely flat, you will be able to tolerate the heat better.
Also, supposedly the body will begin to burn fat at 118 degrees Fahrenheit and also with being in the infrared heat and your system is working to sweat, your heat will beat a bit faster, hence the metabolism being revved up and that is where the calories burned are part of using the infrared. It is always good to either take about a 10 minute walk, or use a small rebounder trampoline or even get on one of those vibrations machines after an infrared treatment. The reason is that when you are laying down during the treatment, your lymphatic system is inactive (you must be moving for it to function) and the lymphatic system is the ‘garbage out’ system and will help you to flush your system better.
Always, please consult your doctor if you ever have even the tiniest question about any treatment you are seeking.
I hope this helps you.
Be well,
Andrea