Ayurveda is a system of healing originating in ancient India that has been practised for thousands of years. It understands that our body balances the elements; water, air, earth, fire, and ether. 

This blog post will explore using infrared saunas through an Ayurvedic lens. 

We all love to sauna, particularly for their profound health benefits of promoting circulation, detoxification, and relaxation. They increase the fire element in the body. In Ayurvedic practice, this is known as Pitta dosha. The positive qualities of pitta are; transformation, leadership, invigoration, passion, clarity of thought, and strong digestion. By exposing ourselves to the fire element, through infrared sauna, we can increase these positive attributes.

On the flip side, however, Ayurveda recognises that if we simply add heat to the body without balancing out, this overheating can lead to a plethora of issues.. On a mental level, this could look like agitation, anger, feeling controlling or intense. On a physical level, inviting too much fire could lead to skin rashes, inflammation, acid reflux, and headaches. 

[Ayurvedic guru Cat in action for our NIMBUS ONLINE series as she takes you through an 18-minute good morning yoga flow.]

Supporting your body

To support the body’s innate intelligence and ensure equilibrium, it’s essential to incorporate cooling and liver-supporting foods and herbs to accompany your regular infrared sauna practice. By doing so, you can continue to reap the benefits of infrared sauna therapy without tipping into excess heat.

Here are five Ayurvedic-aligned foods and herbs to support cooling and liver health:

1. Aloe Vera – With its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera pacifies Pitta and nourishes tissues while promoting gentle detoxification. Make sure to purchase a sugar-free aloe vera juice from your local health food store and keep it in the fridge to keep the fire element in control. 
2. Coriander – A potent herb for balancing Pitta, coriander cools the body and aids in liver detoxification, making it ideal for post-sauna nourishment.
3. Cucumber – Hydrating and cooling, cucumber has a sattvic (pure) nature that soothes internal heat, helping to restore balance after sauna sessions.
4. Turmeric – Though mildly heating, turmeric supports liver function by purifying the blood and reducing inflammation, harmonising the overall detox process.
5. Coconut Water – Cooling and sweet, coconut water calms Pitta, replenishes electrolytes, and rehydrates the body, making it perfect after an infrared sauna.

Have you got these in your Ayurvedic mindset?

Ayurvedic practice and food intake

Incorporating these foods and herbs ensures that your infrared sauna experience is not only transformative but also brings the body back into balance, supporting long-term vitality and adding to your Ayurvedic practice.

Learn more about Ayurvedic Wisdom with Studio Ojas, and book your next infrared sauna with NIMBUS CO. For more health and wellness video content, visit our portal.

Words: Caterina Boutagy, Ayurvedic Counsellor from Studio Ojas (and Nimbus Co - Byron Manager)