“We are not your mother’s day spa.”
That’s what HigherDOSE—or at least it’s head of client services and marketing manager, Elyse Fonseca—likes to say about company’s popular infrared saunas. And we couldn’t agree more.
I first experienced the magic of HigherDOSE’s mood-enhancing and health-transforming sweat boxes earlier this year—and I have not stopped raving about them. I recently persuaded ESSENCE Relationships & Wellness Director Charli Penn to book a session with me. Imagine being able to detox, work out, de-stress and improve your skin simply by sweating in a sauna for 25 to 45 minutes.
Forty-five minutes in the infrared sauna is equal to a three- to four-mile light jog.”
—Elyse Fonseca, Head of Client Services and Marketing Manager
A traditional sauna only heats the air, whereas an infrared one creates a wavelength similar to the sun—without exposing you to UV rays. In the process, your internal temperature rises from the core, and that, Fonseca says, kick-starts your digestion, heart rate, and circulation. “Our studies have shown that 45 minutes in the infrared sauna is equivalent to a three- to four-mile light jog,” Fonseca explains. “And in terms of detoxifying effects, it’s equivalent to what you might get out of a seven-day juice cleanse.”
The LED lights in each box don’t just look groovy, they offer chromotherapy, or color therapy. Depending on the hue you choose, the lights work to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. For instance, the red light helps boost skin-perfecting collagen, while the blue light aids in relieving anxiety. Sign me up. The saunas are roomy enough to accommodate two, but I suggest solo treatments so you can really stretch out—and zen out. There are built-in speakers inside each box that help create your own personal vibe.
I spent my time manifesting and listening to trap music. It can get uncomfortable inside the saunas if heat isn’t your thing, so don’t be afraid to open the door and step outside a few times, as I did. The best part? No matter how long you last, any time spent in the sauna is a wellness win.
HigherDOSE also offers an infrared blanket treatment, in which you’re swaddled like a baby to get the same advantages. Whichever you choose, this is one hot treatment that’s too cool to pass up.
KNOW Before You Go
- Drink lots of water: It helps beat the heat and pull toxins out of your system.
- Baby on board? Pregnant women should check with their doctor before booking an appointment.
- Stay relaxed: Wear loose, comfortable clothing afterward to allow your body to breathe