A person could try various approaches to wellness in their later years, and going for an infrared sauna may be one of them. Investing in one for your home might be worth it through an equity release with ASAG.
Principles
An infrared sauna is different from a traditional sauna by using infrared emitters to generate radiant heat. The body will absorb the heat as it penetrates deeper, without having to increase the temperature settings. The end result is that your core body temperature is raised and stimulates your cardiovascular system, immune system, and the lymphatic system while you sweat.
Choosing your infrared sauna
Infrared saunas are designed like self-contained booths, and choosing one bears much thought. They range from around $2,000 for base models and up to $10,000 for premium units. Custom units are pegged at least $15,000 and can only be sought from certain manufacturers. They are mostly made of wood, but choose a timber variety that will not overheat or emit resins, to aid breathing inside the sauna chamber.
For occupant capacity, you have a choice of between a unit for just one person only to as many as five people; however, a two-person sauna can work especially if you have a loved one or carer. The model’s cabinet must have thick walls to help retain the heat and save on power.
Infrared saunas sold in Australia must have Australian Electric Safety approval and certification, and pass waterproofing/water resistance standards. Make sure your seller has national tech and parts support service and a full warranty, including a lifetime heater warranty.
Installation
If you have chosen a particular infrared sauna, the big question is where to install it. You need to figure out the dimensions of the sauna cabinet against the chosen space. Whether you choose to install it indoors or outdoors, make sure it is close to a secure wall socket for disconnection when not in use.
Safety
There are several safety tenets to follow when using a sauna. It is often advised to consult a medical professional on using an infrared sauna, to gauge whether your body can handle it.
However, if you have respiratory, immune and heart ailments, diabetes, or acute infections, using an infrared sauna may not be recommended. This is also inadvisable if you take prescription medicines such as diuretics, antihistamine, and anticholinergics – these medicines, among others, inhibit the body’s capability to absorb the radiant heat. Children and pregnant women are not advised to use it as well.
If you’ve never used a sauna before, a good starting point would be to stay there for 15 minutes to help your body get accustomed to the heat. Subsequent sessions may see that duration raised further, but it is advised just to use the sauna for maximum 40-50 mins a session. An autotimer will be effective in this regard. You can space out the sessions between one to two days apart. If you also do workouts, you can go to the sauna after for recovery.
Keep the thermostat to acceptable levels to prevent skin burns.
You must drink at least half a litre of water an hour before the session, as the heat will trigger heavy sweating and you must remain hydrated all throughout. Have a towel or bathrobe ready and wear trunks or athletic sports underwear. Continue drinking water after the session.
Do not bring any electronic gadgets into the chamber as the heat will irreparably damage them. Smoking is a no-no due to the self-contained atmosphere.
Your health (and yours)
If you are cleared to use an infrared sauna, there’s ample health benefits for you.
- Detox. Daily activities and current eating options expose the body to heavy metals and lethal toxins, damaging the immune system. An infrared sauna enables the body to gradually purge those substances through the sweat you generate.
- Improved circulation. Infrared sauna sessions work for the cardiovascular system by helping reduce blood pressure to normal levels and dilate the blood vessels for increased blood flow. In the long-term, these benefits lower the chances of fatal heart ailments.
- Lung capacity. Infrared saunas can benefit the lungs by helping clear off microbes that trigger mild respiratory infections, possibly averting respiratory ailments. Some studies state that infrared sauna therapy relieves symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis, even bolster the lungs against COVID-19 infection.
- Fixing joint pain. Seniors often have mobility problems as a result of joint pain. In line with the improved circulation, infrared sauna therapy allows more oxygenated blood to flow to affected joints and stop the inflammation and pain. This is already evident in people suffering from arthritis.
- Better sleep. The relief from a sauna session helps the body release endorphins for better moods and help a person have a more relaxed sleep. A Western Sydney University study on saunas from 2019 found 84 per cent of 472 respondents as being able to sleep better for up to two nights after their last sauna session.
- Weight management. If you have eating problems or are obese, an infrared sauna can work wonders. Some studies noted that obese people having sauna therapy for two weeks lost a good deal of body weight and body fat, which may be attributed to the body burning more calories while also limiting release of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Increased ghrelin output, meanwhile, was noted in people of low appetite, resulting in them being able to eat properly.
- Cognitive function. An infrared sauna session may help improve cognitive brain functions in terms of increasing blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation that in the long run leads to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
ASAG supports plan for a home sauna
ASAG can aid in the effort by offering you a chance to draw funds using your home equity through the ASAG Equity Release without ongoing payments. The loan will be repaid over time or when you sell your property.
There’s no harm in trying out ways to better your health even in retirement by covering your Home Improvements. The payoff will be fun if you know where to begin. Set the ball rolling with ASAG at 1300 002 724 or email at info@asagfirst.com.au and let us know any enquiries you have about our equity release solutions.
You may also get started and do your own equity assessment by using our tool below.