There’s nothing like the feeling of a good sweat during an intense workout, but for Kansas City Chiefs players, surprisingly, it’s after practice when the heat really gets turned up.
It’s been said that Chiefs players are indulging in infrared sauna treatments, a whole-body experience and “longevity treatment.”
The good news is you don’t have to be a pro athlete, physically or financially, to reap the health benefits and indulge in the rising popularity of infrared sauna treatments.
What is an infrared sauna? Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you. Instead, they use infrared light or wavelengths to create heat, which is then absorbed by the body.
This heat is used to alter the state of your body’s core temperature to trigger different aspects of healing, both physically and mentally. These wavelengths contribute to your overall health by reducing inflammation, aiding in detoxification, improving circulation and promoting relaxation.
Effective at lower temperatures than a traditional sauna, infrared sauna sessions last longer and allow for a more enjoyable, relaxing experience while loosening stiff muscles, reducing joint pain and giving you some much-needed time to yourself.
What are the benefits? Makers of infrared saunas claim the treatments can benefit most any wellness routine, but they specifically call out people struggling with chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, cancer, Alzheimer’s and chronic fatigue. They’re also said to boost skin health, aid in weight loss and help lower blood pressure.
Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten and Sunlighten Day Spa, is excited that “awareness of empowered wellness has gained momentum in the past 18 to 24 months, and everyone is starting to understand what we’ve known all along—the power of infrared light to enhance life, longevity and help people feel better.”
Headquartered in Overland Park and sold globally, Sunlighten is the only brand to provide all four infrared wavelengths in their saunas: far, mid, near and red-light therapy. It’s like the multivitamin of saunas. Other brands may only offer one or two wavelengths, Zack says.
The Chiefs are big fans and provide a customized Sunlighten sauna in their locker room as part of their after-practice wellness routine for players. Sporting KC installed one in their world-class training facility, too.
Where can infrared saunas be found? In addition to customizing in-home saunas, Sunlighten offers single sessions to customers visiting their day spa.
At Sweatheory in downtown KC, one-hour sessions are enjoyed in the luxury of your own private room with a sauna and shower. This experience begins with a shot of cayenne and alkaline water to jump-start your sweat. It ends by rinsing off with all-natural amenities that leave you feeling rejuvenated—as if you spent an expensive day at the spa, not just $35.
In Corinth Square, CYL Sauna Studio provides a more unique experience—albeit equally relaxing. “Our solo infrared pods allow you to lie down and relax in your own private suite,” says owner Amanda Tinsley. You don’t have to submerge your head in the heat; you can breathe room-temperature air while still absorbing the benefits. Plus, it’s easy to dip in and out quickly on your lunch break.
“We offer 30-minute sessions to heal your body and mind simultaneously,” Tinsley says. “There’s something powerful about sweating and meditating at the same time.”
Are there drawbacks? Overall, infrared saunas are purported to have a whole-body effect at the cellular level to ease the effects of aging. However, as with any lifestyle intervention, you should consult a physician first if you’re prone to heat intolerance, low blood pressure, dehydration or claustrophobia or are on certain medications.
