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Sauna

Warm up this Winter with Far Infrared Sauna

September 16, 2023

It's getting to be that time of year again, you know, that one that possesses a chill destined to work its way to your bones. For me, that means hot cocoa, warm soup, and frequent trips to hot yoga and the infrared sauna. Since our expansion at Theta Wellness Center, the infrared sauna has been a tool that we have had the opportunity to experiment with, especially in conjunction with our massage and flotation therapy services.

Here are some things we have discovered…

You Determine The Heat

The sauna is as intense as you want it to be. You decide whether you want to roast at 145 degrees or 120. It's not recommended to sit for longer than 45 minutes in the sauna either way, but you may find that the hotter it is, the less likely you are to reach the 45-minute mark. So if you are wanting a longer, more relaxing experience, start at a lower temp and work your way up. Here’s a quick read on the benefits of far infrared sauna therapy.

Combine It With a Massage

Some have said hopping in the sauna after a float or massage can sometimes eliminate that euphoric effect you have from those services. It is true, the intensity of the sauna can wash away that post-float glow or that mushy feeling you get from some deep-tissue knuckling. Others think it is the perfect compliment.

Follow It With a Float

My favorite discovery so far is that when the sauna is used prior to floating, your float seems to be even more therapeutic. This makes sense when you think about it. If you have already floated, then you know that sometimes it can take a minute for your body to relax into a proper position. The more kinked up you are, the longer this can take. A quick 45-minute sauna session will get all those muscles heated up, ready to melt into the comfort of one of our float tanks. Several of our clients have discovered this as well and now jump in the sauna before every float. I don't blame them. After my first experience doing this, I was sold.

Tips for using the sauna

Stay hydrated. Drink at least 12oz of water prior, and bring a water bottle if you can.
If you're new to the heat, start your temp low, around 120, and raise it as needed.
If you have CDs you would like to listen to, there is a CD player in the sauna.
Some phones will turn off if they get too hot. We provide an aux. cable if you would like to play something from your phone. It is best to keep it outside of the sauna.
Everyone is different, but most people have found that using the sauna prior to a float or massage is more beneficial than using it after.
Intermittent cold shower sessions during your sauna is a great way to improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and mitigate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

If you start to get light-headed or dizzy, get out of the sauna immediately and sit down.

Far Infrared Sauna in Springfield, Missouri

At Theta Wellness Center in Springfield, our 2-person infrared sauna has chromotherapy and can get up to temperatures of 150 degrees. Book now with us online to try it out today!

Sauna and Cold Plunge Therapy: A Natural Approach to Health and Recovery

June 7, 2023

Sauna and cold plunge therapy is a natural approach to health and recovery that has been used for centuries. This therapeutic technique involves alternating between a sauna and a cold plunge, which can provide a range of benefits, such as improved circulation, detoxification, stress relief, and improved immunity.

Theta Wellness Center explores the science behind sauna and cold plunge therapy and explains how this method can improve your overall well-being.

What Is Sauna and Cold Plunge Therapy?

Sauna and cold plunge therapy combine hot and cold treatments that can be used as a natural approach to health and recovery. The hot sauna, which can reach temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, uses heat or far-infrared light waves to help open up the pores and relax the muscles.

On the other hand, cold plunge therapy involves immersing the body in cold water to help reduce inflammation and stimulate your body's natural healing processes.

The combination of hot and cold treatments can be highly effective for improving overall health and well-being. By using both sauna and cold water therapy, you can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote relaxation throughout your entire body.

This natural approach to health and recovery is excellent for anyone looking to improve their overall health, pain, and anxiety levels without relying on prescription drugs or other forms of medication.

The Benefits of Sauna Therapy

Sauna therapy has been validated by numerous long-term peer-reviewed scientific studies, showing it to be highly effective in promoting health and wellness.

One significant benefit is lowered blood pressure, as studies have shown that regular sauna use can help reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Additionally, sauna therapy has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Sauna therapy also helps prevent muscular atrophy and may even alleviate symptoms of depression. Moreover, it increases insulin sensitivity, leading to improved glucose regulation and a lower risk of diabetes.

Sauna therapy has also been shown to enhance cognitive function and memory retention by increasing neural plasticity and the expression of heat-shock proteins.

Furthermore, sauna use has been linked to an increase in BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which aids in neuron repair and maintenance.

It’s worth noting that the benefits of sauna use occur in a “dose-dependent manner”, meaning that the longer and more frequently you use the sauna, the greater the benefits you’ll experience.

The Benefits of Cold Plunge Therapy

Cold water therapy, also known as cold plunge therapy, is gaining popularity as an effective and natural way to improve health and well-being. While the idea of jumping into cold water may seem daunting, the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of this practice are well worth it.

One of the most notable benefits of cold plunge therapy is its ability to increase metabolism. When your body is exposed to cold water, it activates its "brown fat" cells, which are responsible for burning calories and generating heat. This process not only helps to increase metabolism but can also lead to weight loss over time.

Cold plunge therapy has also been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. The shock of cold water triggers the release of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Improved circulation is another benefit of cold plunge therapy. As the body adjusts to the cold water, blood vessels constrict, which helps to increase circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body. This can lead to improved immune function, better digestion, and even healthier-looking skin.

Cold plunge therapy has also been linked to improved sleep, as well as increased energy and alertness throughout the day. This may be due in part to its ability to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the body, both of which can contribute to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

How A Sauna and Cold Plunge Work Together

Sauna and cold plunge therapy have been used for centuries as natural remedies. From boosting your immune system to reducing inflammation and increasing endurance, these two therapies are packed with numerous health benefits.

When you enter a sauna, your body responds by sweating profusely, which increases blood flow to your skin and internal organs. This increased blood flow also causes your body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Additionally, the heat from the sauna causes your blood vessels to dilate, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to flow throughout your body. As a result, this process helps to lower blood pressure and increase overall cardiovascular health.

Cold plunge therapy, on the other hand, works by submerging your body into ice-cold water. This extreme cold exposure stimulates your body's natural stress response, causing it to release adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood flow. Cold therapy has been shown to help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, improve recovery times, and even help with weight loss.

When combined, these two therapies create a powerful effect on your body. The sauna's heat helps to open up your blood vessels, which then allows your body to absorb nutrients and oxygen more effectively. And, when you combine that with the shock of the cold plunge, your body becomes more resistant to stress, which leads to improved recovery times and better overall health.

Sauna and Cold Plunge in Springfield, MO

Theta Wellness Center offers Finnish and Infrared sauna sessions and cold water therapy in the form of our Titan cold plunge.

Let us help you become the best, most relaxed version of yourself. Book online or call us at 417.812.5135.

What Is a Far-Infrared Sauna?

January 31, 2023

If you love a good sauna experience, you may have heard about the far-infrared saunas available. But what is it, and how is it different from the traditional Finnish sauna?

Theta Wellness Center has both and can explain what makes an infrared sauna different.

Far-Infrared Sauna

Traditional saunas use a heating element to heat the air inside the sauna to a certain temperature, which in turn makes the sauna user sweat. Typically these saunas have heated rocks that you can pour water over to create steam. Rocks are used because they absorb and retain the heat from the heating element. The sauna can get up to 185 degrees inside.

In an infrared sauna, however, the sauna is heated using special lights instead of the heating element. Far infrared simply describes where the light falls on the spectrum.

Unlike a traditional sauna, the infrared lights don’t necessarily heat the room but heat the individual instead. This can be a more comfortable experience for those who don’t necessarily like the high heat of the traditional sauna room, as the far-infrared sauna temperatures stay between 120-150 degrees.

Many far-infrared saunas also utilize chromotherapy, and you can choose the color displayed.

Benefits of Saunas

There are many benefits to using both types of saunas, including:

Eased muscle pain and soreness
Increased circulation
Reduced stress
Increased heart rate
Improved skin issues like psoriasis
Relieved symptoms of asthma
Lowered blood pressure
Reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

A 2009 study also showed evidence that far-infrared saunas may reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular issues with regular use.

Another study in 2017 showed that regular sauna use correlates to a reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers.

Far-Infrared Sauna in Springfield, MO

Theta Wellness Center offers both infrared and Finnish saunas for the 417 region and beyond. Let us help you become the best, most relaxed version of yourself. We also have flotation therapy, massages, and a cold plunge. Book online or call us at 417.812.5135.

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