Two months with the IR SaunaPod have brought benefits I didn't expect
When I unpacked and assembled the IR SaunaPod Active for the first time, I thought about all the health benefits I had heard about. Fewer muscle aches, better-looking skin and more energy. Among other things. But the sauna turned out to have a few more pleasant surprises in store!
I don't know whether it's down to my ME diagnosis, or the fact that we have moved to a house and no longer have radiator heating included in the rent. (Now we can choose between being warm and cosy all year round, or being personally bankrupted by Hafslund.) What I do know is that I have been constantly cold 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 pair of pyjamas as an adult. At the same time, I started wearing woollen underwear indoors.
A better quality of life with an infrared sauna?
This is where the IR SaunaPod comes in. What was originally meant to be a health-promoting measure has turned out to be the only thing that manages to warm my body in the winter cold. Sinking into the chair, zipping it up and feeling the heat penetrate the skin brings a greater sense of happiness than I could have imagined! Half an hour at sixty degrees, followed by a pleasantly warm shower, and just like that, I'm no longer tensing every muscle against the cold.
Being cold is not particularly healthy when you are chronically ill. Being happy, as I am when I sit in the sauna and feel warm and fresh afterwards, is very healthy for body and soul. The conclusion is obvious: the IR SaunaPod Active contributes to a better quality of life, at least in the winter months.
Sometimes I bring a book and read while the sweat runs. Suddenly the timer tells me that 30 minutes have passed. Other times I listen to an audiobook, or a meditation video on YouTube. It depends on what I feel like at the time. This has become my quality time.
My knee loves the IR SaunaPod
Recently my knee started hurting after something as silly as sitting for a long time with my legs crossed on the dining sofa. The knee hurt to touch, and it hurt to climb stairs. I thought I would have to live with the discomfort until it passed in a day or two, and went into the sauna that evening as planned.
Two hours later it struck me: my knee didn't hurt at all anymore! Admittedly, it was still a little tender when I touched it with my finger, but when I moved, I felt nothing.
The muscle pain that my spinal scoliosis sometimes triggers also eases after a session in the IR SaunaPod. Of course, it doesn't change the underlying problem, but when you are chronically ill, you welcome any pain relief you can get with very open arms …
Men and saunas
I have tried to persuade my partner to give it a go. He alternates between having a sore left shoulder and a sore knee, and I am convinced that a regular infrared sauna routine would do him good. He stubbornly insists, however, that the sauna sessions he has 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 an ordinary sauna. I also avoid having naked strangers around me. Don't get me wrong, nudity is natural and it's nice to meet people. But 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 things in the world can look a bit odd
"Where are you?" my partner calls.
"In the sauna," I call back.
He opens the door, peeks in and struggles for a few seconds to hold back his laughter. Then he gives up.
"Ha ha, that looks rather odd!" he says.
"Yes," I smile, leaning back contentedly.
If only he knew.
Maybe one day! In the meantime, I will keep enjoying the benefits on my own.
Read Mette's story right after she started here
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research into infrared heat and red light therapy is still evolving, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
