Two months with IR SaunaPod have brought unexpected benefits
When I first unpacked and assembled the IR SaunaPod Active, I thought about the many health benefits I had heard of. Fewer muscle aches, clearer skin, and more energy. Among other things. But the sauna would turn out to have more positive surprises in store!
I don't know if it's due to my ME diagnosis, or the fact that we've moved into a house and no longer have radiator heating included in the rent. (Now we can choose between being warm and cozy all year round, or going personally bankrupt from Hafslund.) What I do know is that I've been continuously freezing since October. Especially my feet and hands. And my legs. And my arms. And the rest of my body. This winter, I bought my first adult pajamas. At the same time, I started wearing wool underwear indoors.
Better quality of life with infrared sauna?
This is where the IR SaunaPod comes in. What was originally intended as a health-promoting measure has turned out to be the only thing that can warm up my body in the winter cold. Sinking into the chair, zipping up, and feeling the heat penetrate my skin brings a greater sense of happiness than I could have imagined! Half an hour at sixty degrees, followed by a moderately warm shower, and presto – I no longer tense all my muscles from the cold.
Freezing is not particularly healthy when you are chronically ill. Being happy, as I am from sitting in the sauna and feeling warm and fresh afterward, is very healthy for body and soul. The conclusion is obvious: the IR SaunaPod Active contributes to a better quality of life – at least during the winter months.
Sometimes I bring a book and read while the sweat pours. Suddenly, the timer signals that 30 minutes have passed. Other times I listen to an audiobook, or a meditation video on Youtube. Whatever I feel like at the moment. This has become my quality time.
My knee loves the IR SaunaPod
Recently, my knee started hurting after something as silly as sitting with my legs crossed for a long time on the dining sofa. My knee hurt to touch, and it hurt to go up stairs. I thought I would have to live with the discomfort until it passed in a day or two, and went to the sauna as planned that same evening.
Two hours later it hit me: My knee didn't hurt at all anymore! True, it was still a little tender when I touched it with my finger, but when moving, I felt nothing.
Also, the muscle pain that my back scoliosis sometimes triggers is reduced after a session in the IR SaunaPod. Of course, it doesn't change the problem, but as someone with a chronic illness, you accept absolutely all pain relief you can get with very open arms…
Men and sauna
I've tried to persuade my partner to try it. He alternates between having pain in his left shoulder and knee, and I'm convinced that a regular, infrared sauna routine would do him good. He stubbornly insists, however, that the sauna sessions he takes after training at Sats are enough.
"It's not the same!" I try, so far to no avail.
Not only do I sweat more intensely in an IR SaunaPod than I do in a regular sauna. I also don't have strangers, naked people around me. By all means, nudity is natural and it's nice to meet people. But precisely being able to withdraw, close the door, and crawl into my own warm sauna world is a big part of the joy of the ritual.
The best thing in the world can look strange
"Where are you?" my partner calls out.
"In the sauna," I call back.
He opens the door, looks in, struggles for a few seconds to hold back his laughter. Then he gives up.
"Ha, ha, it looks pretty weird!" he says.
"Yes," I smile and lean back contentedly.
If only he knew.
Maybe one day! In the meantime, I continue to enjoy the benefits alone.
Read Mette's story right after starting here
