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How To Use Aromatherapy In Infrared Saunas
The infrared sauna teams up with aromatherapy in an awesome wellness combo.
Essential oils such as birch, cinnamon, citrus, eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, peppermint, pine, sandalwood, and tea tree, to just name a few, are known to stimulate brain function and promote healing [1].
Aromatherapy uses the effects of these oils to integrate body and mind for holistic well-being. They have a proven track record for stress reduction, mood enhancement, pain relief, and immune system support. And did you know it's easy to blend your own essential oils for your home infrared sauna?
To make the use of aromatherapy in your sauna as beneficial and secure as possible, we suggest some methods for application of these oils, their potential risks, and give you a few important safety tips.
Practical application Methods and Tips
Pairing aromatherapy with infrared sauna will more than double the enjoyment and gains from your sessions. Some aromatherapy methods can be universally applied, others may rely on specific features or accessories provided by the sauna's manufacturer.
Hot Bath Method
Add a few drops of essential oil to a hot bath before entering the sauna. As you relax in the sauna, the essential oils from the bath diffuse into the air, making your stay in the sauna both soothing and therapeutic.
Essential Oil-Infused Towels or Wraps
You can also sprinkle essential oils on a damp towel or wrap. Place it around your neck or on the sauna bench, and savor the release of the aroma as the towel heats up.
Aroma Stones or Clay Pendants
Infuse these with essential oils and bring them into the sauna. The heat will gently free up the fragrance.
Aromatic Spritzers
Combine water and essential oils in a spray bottle and spritz the air or your sauna towel for refreshing scents.
Aromatherapy Diffusers
These are devices specifically designed to disperse essential oils into the air. Depending on the type, they may use water, air (nebulizing), or heat to turn oils into a fine mist, which is then spread throughout the room. Use diffusers designed for Infrared sauna use, which can be placed on a ledge or shelf to disperse essential oils as the sauna heats up.
Aromatherapy Cup
This is a small container designed to hold essential oils. You can pour a few droplets of your favorite essential oil into the cup. It's actually a simpler form of diffuser. As the sauna heats up, the oil emits its properties and scent. In some models, the aromatherapy cup is specifically designed to be attached to the sauna's heating element. This way, efficient heating and dispersion of the essential oil's aroma is guaranteed.
Aromatherapy Pad
A unique feature - a pad attached to the sauna's oxygen ionizer. Pour a few essential oil drops on the pad, allow the integrated system to gently warm the oil.
Aromatherapy in Infrared Saunas: potential risks
Though aromatherapy offers a number of health benefits, we need to be aware of potential risks.
High Temperature Risks
In the high temperature of an infrared sauna, the properties of essential oils can intensify. Some oils, when heated, might lead to skin irritation or trigger allergies. To minimize this risk, use these oils in reduced quantities. Steer clear of oils that are sensitive to heat to safeguard your skin's well-being.
Respiratory Irritation
Inhaling essential oils in the sauna's hot atmosphere, requires caution. High concentrations of some oils may irritate your lungs and airways, especially in such warm conditions. Begin with a minimal amount of oil and opt for those known for their gentle impact on the lungs.
Specific Oil Cautions
Certain essential oils, notably citrus-based ones, can cause photosensitivity [2], or skin sensitivity to light. This could lead to unpleasant reactions, even more so in the heat. Understanding the unique characteristics of each oil helps to avoid potential irritation issues.
Aromatherapy in Infrared Saunas: safe use
When you’re just starting to use aromatherapy in infrared sauna sessions, begin with a small number of essential oil drops. If everything goes well, you can adjust as you go along.
Before beginning aromatherapy, check with your healthcare provider, particularly if you're pregnant, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication. A skin patch test before using new essential oils might be helpful too. And of course, follow your sauna manufacturer's guidelines for safe use.
To safeguard against skin conditions and irritation, allergic reactions, photosensitivity, and to maintain a clean sauna environment, implement the following safety measures:
Use Cordless Diffusers
Choose heat-resistant, sauna-safe diffusers that can be placed on a shelf within the sauna. This avoids any direct contact with the skin and ensures even dispersion essential oil molecules.
Essential Oil Mist
Create a diluted aromatic spritzer with essential oils and water to mist the air or towels, which helps prevent direct skin contact and reduces the risk of irritation.
Infused Towel Method
When you put the wrap or towel around your neck with a few drops of essential oil, make sure it touches your skin gently. Be mindful of skin sensitivity to certain heated oils. If you're concerned about direct contact, just place the towel on the sauna bench instead.
Topical Application
When you put oils directly on your skin, make sure they are properly diluted with a carrier oil, and be mindful of heightened skin sensitivity due to the opening of pores from the heat.
Regular Cleaning
To prevent oil buildup and maintain a clean sauna environment, regularly wipe down surfaces to remove any residue from essential oils. For more info on maintenance and cleaning, check our advice here.
Excited to add aromatherapy to your sauna experience? Then you might find the following articles of interest as well.
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Daine Sargent
References
1. M Lis-Balchin, Essential Oils and 'Aromatherapy': Their Modern Role in Healing, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9519666/
2. American College of Healthcare Sciences, Essential Oil Safety: What is Photosensitivity? Achs.Edu, https://info.achs.edu/blog/what-is-photosensitivity-with-essential-oils
