Essential Oil Therapy for Infrared Saunas
Part of my healing over the last few years has involved using my inferred sauna. I believe all of us dealing with autoimmune issues can benefit from infrared heat. How about including a complementary and supportive health booster? Adding essential oils to your therapy session can give your time in the sauna a little extra boost. But, before you start bathing yourself in oils, you must know how to use your oils safely and effectively.
Not all essential oils are created equal. Sourcing, distillation and bottling processes can vary dramatically. The last thing you want to do is breathe in a substandard oil in a small hot space. Reputable brands are well-sourced, often organic and have a standardized distillation process.
Quality oils come in dark glass jars with proper detailed labeling. Price, in this case, is often a determinant of the quality of the oil. With essential oils, you get what you pay for. Some reputable brands I use are DoTerra and Blue Marble Botanicals .
Once you have decided on what oils to try, you need to know how to get the therapeutic benefits from these aromatic fragrances!
There are three ways to use essential oils:
You can use them topically, usually with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil and rub directly on the skin.
Diffuse/inhale your oil into the air.
Ingest (Only high-quality oils, noted suitable for consumption, should ever be taken internally.)
For sauna use, diffusing/inhalation is the best method. Because of the heightened temperature of the skin and the openness of the pores we need to be very careful when applying oils topically while in the sauna.
Safer, is to use one of three diffusing/inhalation alternatives:
Consider using a cordless diffuser you can set on the floor of the sauna.
You can create a special sauna spray. (See recipe below)
Or you can put a few drops on a small washcloth and hold the towel close to your face for inhalation.
All these methods will safely allow you to enjoy the many benefits of the oils.
Sauna Spray Recipe:
Take a small glass spray bottle. Use a 1:3 ratio of witch hazel to water. (This will create the carrier for the oil.) Add 10-15 drops of quality essential oil or oil blend. Secure lid tightly. Always shake well before using.
When deciding what oils to use, it is best to steer clear of oils that are naturally “heating.” You are already getting excellent heat therapy from your sauna, and we don’t need to add fuel to the fire! Oils like ginger, black pepper, oregano, or marjoram are some of the “heat-producing” oils. Oils such as peppermint, lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus are great for sauna sessions because of their cooling effects.
You can mist your sauna spray into the air periodically or directly onto a hand towel. When using undiluted oil, or an oil blend, you can add a few drops to a damp towel and take five breaths in, inhaling deeply. You could also prepare a peppermint mister to spray on skin for cooling down after your sauna.
Infrared sauna is an amazing health solution. The use of essential oils can be a beautiful compliment.
Resources
Blue Marble Botanicals Apothecary boasts a level 2 accredited aromatherapy certification. They only source the finest ingredients that come into the shop organic certified, non-GMO, and ethically sourced.
Heather Denniston DC., CCWP., health explorer, researcher and obsessor of all things health related.