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Lady Gaga, who suffers muscle spasms and pain caused by fibromyalgia, swears by the treatment, saying on Instagram: “When my body goes into a spasm one thing I find really helps is infrared sauna.”

What are infrared saunas?

Unlike conventional saunas that rely on steam or dry heat to warm the room, infrared saunas directly warm your body using light from infrared lamps. The resulting electromagnetic radiation easily penetrates human tissue, providing what users say is a deeper and more soothing heat experience.

This form of heating means they operate at lower temperatures – typically between 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) and 60 degrees Celsius (140 Fahrenheit) – compared to traditional saunas which reach temperatures of 65-82 Celsius (149-180 Fahrenheit). Experts claim that up to 80 per cent of the heat goes into warming your body, resulting in a more intense sweat even at these lower temperatures.

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The benefits

All sweating helps eliminate toxins from your body. With infrared saunas, you can take this natural process to the next level by increasing perspiration to cleanse your skin, unclogging pores and reducing the chance of acne, blackheads and blemishes.

The heat can also improve circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your skin, which can promote a healthy complexion, help reduce inflammation, and aid in skin healing and rejuvenation. The benefits may even stimulate the production of collagen, the protein that keeps your skin elastic and firm. As collagen levels increase, you may notice that fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished, leaving you with a smoother, more supple complexion.

If you’re looking to unwind and melt away the stresses of daily life, the soothing, gentle infrared heat creates the ideal environment for relaxation and stress reduction, promoting endorphin release and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.

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Additionally, the deep-penetrating radiant heat can alleviate muscle tension and promote muscle recovery, possibly offering some relief from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

What are the risks?

While infrared saunas are generally considered safe, some people may experience mild dehydration, dizziness or overheating. To stay on the safe side, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your session, and always listen to your signs of discomfort.

Another advantage of infrared sauna is the absolute control of the temperature – something not possible in a traditional, wood-fuelled Scandinavian set up.

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Experts recommend 43 degrees Celsius (110 Fahrenheit) for five to 10 minutes for beginners, and even if you’re experienced with saunas, keep your sessions under 30 minutes to prevent putting too much stress on your body.

While everyone can enjoy the benefits of an infrared sauna, it’s best to proceed with caution if you have medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart conditions, if you are taking diuretics, barbiturates or beta-blockers, if you’re pregnant, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.