For a host of both physiological and psychological reasons, quitting smoking can be one of the most challenging things an individual can do – while also being the most rewarding. The journey involves not only overcoming the physical addiction to the effects of nicotine, but also triumphing over the psychological and emotional triggers associated with its routine, associations and conditioning. More often than not, many smokers looking to quit find themselves trying various methods to ease withdrawal symptoms and promote relaxation. As a lesser-known (and somewhat unexpected) approach, sauna detox benefits offer physiological effects that could potentially address its burdens on the body. While not having the same level of popularity as more traditional means, it offers a unique and effective way to support smoking cessation. Discover how sauna detox benefits can help, with our team at Sun Stream Saunas NZ below!
How Smoking Affects the Body
Cigarette smoking sends harmful chemicals such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide through the body – affecting our cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. These substances not only create dependency, but also overwhelm the body’s detoxification pathways.
When an individual quits smoking, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, mood swings, and headaches occur as uncontrolled, homeostatic responses of the body, as it adjusts to the absence of nicotine. What’s worse is that the accumulation of toxins over time the person has engaged in the habit can prolong these symptoms.
Infrared Sauna Detox Benefits – Detoxification
Infrared saunas work by emitting infrared light, targeting deep tissues and triggering a cascade of responses involved in the body’s detoxification process as a result. This mechanism provides a few unique sauna detox benefits to those who are looking to quit smoking, including the following:
- Increased Sweat Production: The sweating that users experience in infrared saunas helps to promote the removal of smoking-related toxins like cadmium. Moreover, infrared heat, which can reach 1.5 inches beneath the skin, mobilises lipid-soluble toxins stored in fat cells. Smoking-related chemicals often bind to these fat deposits, making them challenging to remove through traditional means.
- Improved Circulation: Infrared heat causes vasodilation, or the expansion of blood vessels to allow for better blood flow. This enhanced circulation allows more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues damaged by smoking. Beyond this, the added oxygenation from the process helps the respiratory system expel carbon monoxide, a harmful gas imparted by cigarette smoke, from the body.
Managing Cravings and Restoring Neurochemical Balance
The reason why smoking is so addictive is that nicotine alters brain chemistry. It artificially stimulates dopamine release, creating the euphoric sensation smokers feel when they take a puff. However, when nicotine is removed, dopamine levels drop sharply, encouraging addiction and cravings as the body’s natural response to maintaining its internal environment. The sauna detox benefits accrued by consistent practice, by virtue of its physiological effects, help restore the body’s natural balance and support the brain’s recovery process.
- Endorphin Release: Heat therapy, as experienced in an infrared sauna, encourages the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals reduce feelings of discomfort, and promote feelings of relaxation. With regular sauna use, this feature can help elevate mood, and provide a more balanced and sustainable alternative to the temporary “high” that smoking provides.
- Brain Repair: Infrared sauna sessions encourage improved blood circulation throughout the whole body, including the brain. With improved circulation, brain cells receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function at full capacity, especially in recuperation and repairing nicotine-induced damage to the brain. This is crucial, especially for the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for impulse control and resisting cravings.
Stress and Relapse Prevention
Stress is one of the largest factors behind smoking relapse. Fortunately, infrared saunas help buffer against this challenge.
- Cortisol Reduction: Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, increases during withdrawal. However, regular infrared sauna use helps regulate these levels over time, allowing individuals to handle daily stressors without turning to cigarettes for relief.
- Enhanced Parasympathetic Activity: The deep tissue heating of infrared saunas relaxes muscles and relieves tension, stimulating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system or its rest and digest state. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing individuals to turn their attention to other helpful pursuits against smoking relapses.
Key Takeaway
Quitting smoking is no small feat – however, with powerful allies such as infrared saunas, the process can become smoother and more bearable. For best results, it’s best to consult with a professional who is knowledgeable about the treatment.
At Sun Stream Saunas NZ, we provide top-of-the-line at-home infrared saunas designed to support a variety of health and wellness goals. Take the first step towards a smoke-free life and explore the benefits of our infrared saunas today. Contact us for more questions or inquiries on how we can help!