Sauna Dome

What is a dome sauna?

A dome sauna is a type of infrared sauna shaped like a dome that covers the body, usually leaving the head outside. It consists of a heated mattress you lie on and one or two domes that emit long infrared rays. This technology is inspired by traditional Japanese saunas and is designed to offer a gentle, penetrating warmth.

Here are the main things to know about the dome sauna

• Long-wave infrared heat: unlike traditional saunas that heat the surrounding air, the dome sauna uses long infrared rays to heat the body directly. These rays penetrate deep into the tissues.
• Mineral stones: many dome saunas include mineral stones such as tourmaline, germanium and jade. These stones are known to amplify the effects of infrared and bring extra benefits such as detoxification, relaxation and a stronger immune system.
• Gentle sweating: infrared heat causes intense sweating but is often felt as more comfortable and less stifling than a traditional sauna, because the head stays outside.

Benefits / Recommendations

• Detox: sweating helps eliminate toxins, heavy metals and waste from the body. Some manufacturers claim up to four times more detoxification than with a traditional sauna.
• Weight loss and slimming: the heat stimulates the metabolism and can help burn calories. Some studies suggest a loss of centimetres and improved skin quality. A 30-minute session is sometimes compared to several hours of exercise in terms of calories burned.
• Relaxation and better sleep: infrared heat promotes muscle relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety, which can improve sleep quality.
• Relief of muscle and joint pain: the penetrating heat can help soothe pain, aches and muscle tension. It is sometimes used by athletes for recovery.
• Better skin: stimulating blood circulation and eliminating toxins can make the skin smoother, firmer and more radiant. Some anti-ageing effects are also mentioned thanks to the stimulation of collagen production.
• Stronger immune system: some mineral stones built into the domes, such as germanium, are known to strengthen the immune system.

A typical session

A dome sauna session usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. You lie comfortably on the mattress and the domes are placed over the body. The temperature can be adjusted to your comfort. As the head stays outside, the experience is often described as less claustrophobic than a traditional sauna. After the session, you generally feel relaxed and light. It is advised to drink plenty of water before and after the session.

Effects

• Detox
• Better sleep
• Deep relaxation
• Muscle recovery

General contraindications

• Pregnancy: a rise in body temperature can be harmful to the foetus, especially during the first trimester. Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid infrared saunas.
• Severe or unstable heart problems: people with acute heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, unstable angina, a recent heart attack or uncontrolled heart arrhythmias should avoid infrared saunas. Heat can increase the heart rate and the heart's oxygen demand.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure: high, untreated blood pressure is a contraindication.
• Orthostatic hypotension: people prone to drops in blood pressure when standing up quickly should be careful.
• Certain medications: some medications, especially those affecting the body's ability to regulate temperature (diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines, barbiturates), anticoagulants or blood pressure medication, may interact with infrared saunas.
• Haemophilia or clotting disorders: heat can increase blood flow.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy: heat can potentially trigger seizures.
• Fever or acute infection: it is best to wait until you have recovered before using a sauna.
• Malignant tumours: as a precaution, using a sauna is often not recommended with active cancer.
• Heat-sensitive skin conditions: some conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can be worsened by heat.
• Recent implants (surgical or cosmetic): it is best to ask your doctor for advice.
• Alcohol or drug use: these substances can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of feeling unwell.
• Rheumatism in an active phase: inflammation can be worsened by heat in some cases.

Important precautions

• See your doctor: before starting to use an infrared sauna, it is essential to consult your doctor if you have pre-existing health problems or take medication.
• Hydration: drink plenty of water before, during and after the session to avoid dehydration.
• Duration and temperature: start with short sessions (10-15 minutes) at a moderate temperature and increase gradually according to your tolerance. Do not exceed the recommended duration (usually 30-45 minutes).
• Listen to your body: if you feel dizzy, nauseous, have a headache, feel weak or uncomfortable, leave the sauna immediately.
• Children and elderly people: they are more sensitive to heat and should use the sauna with caution and under supervision. Sessions should be shorter and at a lower temperature.

Possible side effects

• Dehydration: due to excessive sweating.
• Overheating: can cause dizziness, nausea or headaches.
• Skin burns: in case of direct contact with the heating elements or excessive temperature.
• Drop in blood pressure: can occur after the session, causing dizziness.
• Worsening of certain skin conditions.