Looking for a quick and easy way to self heal and pamper, Lifestyle influencer @misseileensoo and I visited Yaletown to give Shrink Wrap and their infrared saunas a try.
The premise is that through high temperatures you are sweating out all the toxins you ingest orally, as well as what you absorb through your skin. Their manifestos and literal writing on the wall promises numerous health benefits including a detox, anti-aging, weigh loss, the improvement of circulation, lowered blood pressure, pain relief, stress relief, healing and cell regeneration, plus improved sleep. (More on each benefit listed below, as taken from their website).
Detox
The use of infrared sauna can help your body to detox by producing a deep, purifying sweat at a cellular level, where heavy metals and toxins reside.
Anti-aging
By stimulating both collagen and elastin production, infrared sauna therapy is known to improve your skin – not only your face, but your whole body.
Weight loss
Infrared sauna weight loss sessions were shown to burn up to 600-1000 calories. During a sauna weight loss session, core temperatures increase.
Improve circulation
Infrared sauna therapy increases your heart rate, much like regular cardiovascular exercise. When your heart rate is increased – your blood circulation is also improved.
Stress relief
Infrared therapy can release serotonin and increase dopamine levels in your brain, much like the “runners high” you get from traditional cardio exercise.
Immunity
By raising your core body temperature, infrared therapy induces an artificial fever that can help your body fight viruses and infections.
Healing
By aiding the healing process of your dermis and epidermis skin layers, infrared therapy can assist skin renewal, wound healing and tissue growth.
Improve sleep
The soothing infrared heat makes the muscles relax and can help restore sleeping patterns as well as improve your overall quality of sleep.
These are all similar benefits you get from a hardcore work out, but without the actual work. No cardio, but your heart does race and palpitate due to the higher heat in a confined space. Think a dry sauna, but all contained within a personal pod, held within a private studio suite. So you can and should go in the nude, lest you wish to bring heavy sweat drenched clothing/underwear home for a necessary deep cleaning wash.
Your experience begins at the threshold of the private session rooms. The standard infrared sauna session is up to 45 minutes long, set at 150 degrees F. You are encouraged to bring a water bottle to drink and stay hydrated with, or to fully utilize their water cooler.
You also get to choose the colour of your pod lights for the benefits of chromotherapy. As taken from their website: “Chromotherapy aka color therapy is the science of using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony”. It is also known for the potential benefits in anti-aging and anti-acne. Eileen went red/orange for its ability to burn fat and treat asthma and bronchitis. I went blue to help lubricate my joints while treating infection, stress, and nervous tension. I typically lean towards relieving stress, if I get to choose.
You are then left to disrobe and climb into the pod. Feet first, you shimmy in and pull the cover up over your shoulders, leaving only your head exposed. You lay on towels and an additional towel acts as a curtain to fully incase you shoulders down. Next was the hardest part for me: doing nothing for the next 45 minutes. I got bored and fidgety and did find myself reaching for my phone to take note and write this as I did it. (Although this is typical of my personality and is a similar conclusion to other such activities I have experienced in the past.) Here, I would recommend bringing your headphones and listing to a pod cast or ebook being read to you.
When the timer runs out, the machine shuts down and a fan begins to cool it. You are then able to push the covering back down towards you feet, and climb out. You can take your time to clean up, mostly wiping yourself down. However, there are no amenities so it is best to plan this around going home and showering after; because physically moving or not, you will be drenched in sweat. The type of sweat that continues to run down your back and pool under your boobs, well after your session is done.
You can also fill your time cooling down by booking a session with their European body roller. This device apparently helps to reduce cellulite as well as lymphatic drainage. Although, as I did not try it, I cannot speak to it. But it looks like a self massage chair. And if I wanted the work I would buy a similar device for self application at home. Or better yet find a spa that will have an attendant administer said treatment on me, and I can lay on my stomach and simply relax; just as I wish to do whenever in the vicinity of a spa.
The conclusion of our session: we both immediately noticed how clear our facial complexion looked and how smooth our skin across our body was. I was particularly pleased to see my abs even better defined, only after 45 minutes. This is definitely a great option for those wanting to impress with a sexy night out, exposing your midriff. Think, how celebrities prepare for a gala or award show, and they want to be in their best physical condition.
In closing, having tried it, I feel that this isn’t necessarily the experience for me. I get too antsy, and really don’t like sitting still. And the service is too hot to nap or ignore. Therefore, I don’t see myself returning or committing to multiple treatments. However, the folks at Shrink Wrap have listed what those who do commit can expect. So as taken from their website, for your consideration.
AFTER 3 SESSIONS
You’ll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. Your body is beginning to acclimate to the infrared sauna sessions, and you’ve experienced a small portion of the overall health benefits. Don’t stop here!
4-8 SESSIONS
You’ve started to unlock the powerful detoxification process. Your body is now starting to eliminate surface level toxins more efficiently through perspiration. You’re burning more calories and raising your core temperature more quickly.
9-16 SESSIONS
Your body is fully acclimated to the sauna sessions and the real magic has begun. Complete cellular detoxification is underway, eliminating harmful, heavy metals, aches, pains and stiffness. Circulation has increased, your overall stress levels are down, your skin is glowing and renewed, and you are in a state of complete relaxation.
17+ SESSIONS
You’ve committed to a lifestyle change and a new you.
You can see and feel the results. You are increasingly stress free, sleeping better, and detoxifying at a deep cellular level. You are healing naturally from within and burning substantial calories in every session. You are on your way to living a happier, healthier life!
Shrink Wrap Infrared Sauna Spa
1028 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T4
(604) 558-1722
getshrinkwrapped.com
