As we approach the colder months, I am often looking for health-boosting practices that also warm me up. I am a huge sauna fan, both infrared and wood-fired, as well as red light therapy, which offers additional benefits. Beem® Light Sauna, a new infrared studio in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver, offers a unique blend of infrared sauna and medical-grade light therapy.
Red light (typically 630–660 nm) works by penetrating the skin to activate mitochondria, increasing ATP (cell energy). This then helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve skin tone and texture, speed up wound healing (useful after surgery, burns, or acne lesions), and reduce inflammation.
Infrared light (generally around 800–1000 nm) penetrates deeper tissues, improving circulation and reducing oxidative stress.
The main benefit of infrared is pain relief and inflammation reduction, and it is also used to improve recovery and enhance muscle repair. Some studies also suggest that it has benefits for focus and memory, can increase serotonin, and reduce neuroinflammation.
There is also some strong evidence that evening red light exposure may improve sleep quality and can help counteract blue-light exposure from screens. You can book single or social sessions at BeemLightSauna.com.
In addition to Beem, our beloved sauna friends from Portal continue to enjoy being in the Highlands behind Nuture and will be hosting a number of fun events throughout the winter at the Denver location. Ice bath Aficionados can now order custom cold plunges crafted in signature Portal style for the home as well at PortalThermaculture.com.
If you are up for a little drive, Puffin Sauna Club offers monthly memberships and single sessions in a lovely rural setting called the Yellow Barn. Book online at Puffinsauna.com.
On the way up Boulder Canyon behind the historic Foot of the Mountain Motel, you will find Ember & Ice, also offering two wood-fired barrel saunas and access to icy cold Boulder Creek for the brave (and hot) at heart. Check their website for ongoing events, as well as a run club, breathwork, and yoga at EmberNIce.com.
However and wherever you like to do it, there are a lot of excellent options to relax, sweat, and reset this winter.