Now I like a sauna as much as the next person, it releases tension, water weight and of course helps you when you’re feeling slightly under the weather too, but heading into the Iyashi Dome at L’Atelier Aquafitness, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was in for…
Originating and inspired by a traditional Japanese technique called Suna Ryogo – a practice where the Japanese were burying themselves in the sand near the hot springs on a beach to eliminate toxins, the Iyashi Dome is a device using a unique technology that deeply cleanses the body, restoring balance and even said to provide somewhat slimming effects.
What it actually does in fact is emit vibrations of far-infrared rays from inside its carbon based dome – which is the same amount of infrared that we naturally produce, so not apparently a health concern (my first question). Interestingly enough, we actually generate our own far infrared rays, between 8-14 microns in fact. So when we are treated with more rays in this manner, they are naturally absorbed by the body (up to 40mm under the skin). These far infrared rays generate heat, hence the sauna-like effect.
The Iyashi Dome aims to stimulate your metabolism and trigger deep set sweating. I’m not entirely sure the concept of sweating whilst lying down is a key in losing weight, but the sweat you are said to lose on a number 10 switch is apparently the same amount as running 20kms (approx 1200 ml). Each session lasts for 30 minutes and whilst your head stays out of the Dome for comfort, the rest of your body is hidden but the towel covering the entrance, as you’ll have to strip off to get in.
One thing is for sure, it’s a great way of removing any nasty toxins, and is a great skin cleanser. Ultimately, the experience was also quite relaxing, although I could have down with a little reading material in there, as i’m used to burning my calories a little more dynamically.