About Infrared Heat
While most yoga studios use forced air to heat their rooms, YAM uses far-infrared heat—a natural, therapeutic form of heat that gently supports the body’s healing processes. Far-infrared is the same life-giving heat we receive from the sun and the palms of a massage therapist’s hands. Hospitals use far-infrared heat to keep premature babies warm. Rather than raising air temperature and recirculating stale air, infrared heat directly warms surrounding bodies and objects using radiant heat from a natural source—light.
Because it is well tolerated and easily processed by our bodies, far-infrared is the optimal therapeutic heat to expedite injury recovery and to relax, stretch, tone, and detoxify the body. Of the many forms of light, infrared penetrates the skin most deeply, stimulating cell regeneration, blood flow, and metabolism, and relieving muscle pain, spasms, joint aches, and stiffness.
When you enter our yoga studio, you will feel a gentle heat. The volume of heat you experience will vary according to whether you choose a mild, warm, or hot yoga class. You will find that practicing yoga in a studio warmed by infrared heat is deeply rejuvenating. The significant health benefits responsible for the relaxed, vibrant glow you experience after an infrared-heated yoga class at YAM include:
Detoxification and Healthier Skin.
As your body absorbs infrared waves, molecules vibrate, expelling toxins. The sweat you generate in response to the heat is the body’s natural way of purging what is harmful or no longer useful. The result is a cleanse at the cellular level. Skin pores, muscles, and internal organs are gently warmed and stimulated, catalyzing the natural process of detoxification and elimination. You will feel lighter, healthier, and renewed.
Immune System Support.
Due to high-stress lifestyles and environmental pollution, our immune systems are easily compromised in today’s world. Far infrared heat is an effective way to strengthen immune function. It raises the body’s core temperature, neutralizing potential bacterial or viral infections and creating an ideal environment for the proliferation of white blood cells. Every system in our body performs better when we take time to actively de-stress and detox, especially our immune system.
Strengthening of the Cardiovascular System.
Just like cardiovascular exercise, infrared heat puts positive stress on the heart, increasing heart rate and volume. Research suggests that regular far-infrared therapy tones the cardiovascular system, increasing circulation and oxygenation while lowering blood pressure. NASA recognizes far-infrared therapy as an ideal way to maintain astronauts’ cardiovascular fitness during long space flights.
Pain Relief and Injury Recovery.
Infrared heat penetrates tissue, joints, and muscles to provide relief for both temporary aches and chronic pain conditions. Increased peripheral circulation reduces inflammation in the body and increases flexibility and range of motion to expedite injury recovery. Athletes can temper strenuous activity with infrared heat therapy to reduce the harsh impact of vigorous exercise on muscle and joint health.
Deep Relaxation and Restored Energy Levels.
Unlike the harsh temperatures produced by atmospheric heat, infrared is noticeably milder and gentler on the body. Far-infrared heat will coax your body into releasing tension. The soothing warmth activates your parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s relaxation response. Expect a deep sense of calm, renewal, and improved sleep.