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The Independent
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
The wellness world is hot for infrared – but do these saunas really offer revolutionary cellular healing?
Embraced by ancient civilisations and modern holistic practices alike, sweating has long been a cornerstone of healing. From Mesoamerican sweat lodges to traditional Scandinavian saunas, the concept of using heat to shift stagnant energy, clear the mind and support physical recovery is age old. Though the modern wellness movement has fully embraced the benefits of heat therapy, it's also taken it to new heights with the invention of the infrared sauna. These high-tech heat pods have now largely replaced traditional wood-fired saunas in many hotel spas and upscale gyms. With glowing endorsements from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, and a cult following among longevity enthusiasts and biohackers, infrared therapy is touted as a smarter, softer, deeper heat. But are the supposed cellular-level health benefits legitimate? After reading several studies published between 2018 and 2023 which suggested regular sauna use could increase brain-derived neurotrophic factors, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease and extend lifespan, I started using infrared sauna cabins regularly, before investing in a sauna blanket I could use at home. I had hoped that regular use would reduce inflammation and stress and help with my haywire hormone levels and sleep issues. After a couple of years of regular use I've largely been impressed with the results and I now try to do at least a weekly session in my sauna blanket or visit a dedicated infrared sauna location – like west London's Sweat Lounge. Though I've found my sauna experiences to be effective, I was keen to find out if many of the claims made by infrared sauna manufacturers and biohacking enthusiasts can be corroborated by health professionals. I spoke with two longevity doctors for their verdict on the benefits of infrared. What is an infrared sauna? According to Nasa, infrared light has a range of wavelengths, with near infrared light being the closest to visible light and far infrared waves being thermal and perceived as heat. Unlike a traditional convection heated sauna, these waves rapidly penetrate and heat the tissue in the body rather than heating the air around the body. This creates a more comfortable experience, with lower ambient temperatures, typically 45-60C compared to 70-110C in traditional saunas. An infrared sauna will still make you sweat, but you might not feel the sweat rolling off your body as quickly as you might in a traditional sauna. 'Think of infrared heat as gentle, invisible light that warms you directly, rather than just heating the air around you,' says Dr Matthew Calcasola, chief medical officer at Get A Drip. 'Unlike a traditional sauna that feels super hot, an infrared sauna gets you sweating comfortably at a much lower temperature. This direct, deep warmth is why it's so popular – you get all the benefits of heat therapy without feeling overwhelmed, making it a great option for more people.' What are the health benefits of infrared sauna? 'The list of benefits is pretty impressive, and it's why we're seeing so much excitement,' says Dr Calcasola. 'By gently raising your body temperature, it's like a mild workout for your heart, boosting circulation and potentially lowering blood pressure.' 'The warmth soothes sore muscles, eases joint stiffness and can help with chronic pain. It's a secret weapon for athletes recovering from intense workouts. The cosy warmth is incredibly relaxing, helping to lower stress hormones and boost your mood. It's a great way to unwind and improve sleep.' 'Better circulation means more nutrients reaching your skin, which can lead to a clearer complexion and even help with collagen production for healthier-looking skin,' he adds. Dr Harpal Bains, a longevity doctor and medical director at Harpal Clinic, adds that, 'regular use has been associated with reduced inflammation, lower stress levels through nervous system calming, enhanced skin tone and condition and faster injury recovery. It may also support parasympathetic activation and lower cortisol over time.' A 2015 study showed promising effects on the speed of wound healing and healthy new cell growth, however, the results weren't conclusive enough to say whether or not infrared saunas are a miracle treatment for skin damage. One thing that is conclusive is that regular use is the best way to see results. 'Many people find great results using an infrared sauna three to four times a week, with each session lasting 20-45 minutes,' says Dr Calcasola. The body benefits from consistent protocols, which is why the biohacking crowd is so attached to their morning and evening routines. Consistent use is proven to be much more effective if you're seeking the benefits of infrared, than a one-off sauna session, although this can still be relaxing and provide a decent circulation and heart rate boost. One of the buzziest claims around infrared saunas is their ability to detoxify the body. While the word detox has become a loaded and often misused term in wellness, there is some support for the idea that intense sweating can help eliminate certain compounds. 'Regular use may reduce overall toxic burden, although exact clearance levels vary,' explains Dr Bains. 'Infrared heat increases circulation and stimulates sweat glands, which may help release stored toxins like heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), BPA and phthalates.' With that said, many health professionals still push back on the narrative that the body needs help with detoxing. Our liver, kidneys and skin already do this job very well on their own. The science around how much infrared therapy enhances these natural processes remains inconclusive, but it's clear that the practice can support how the body feels while it's doing its job. Are infrared sauna blankets worth it? With the rise of at-home wellness tools, infrared sauna blankets have entered the mainstream as a more affordable, accessible option. But how do they compare to full cabins? I've tried almost every sauna blanket on the market and personally, I'm a fan. At-home gadgets like blankets can be great for people with busy schedules, those with limited mobility or pain issues or for those who prefer to sweat in private, rather than at a longevity clinic or gym. However, there are some differences that the experts note. 'The main difference [between blankets and cabins] lies in heat distribution and intensity,' explains Dr Bains. 'Sauna cabins provide full-body (including the head) and evenly dispersed infrared exposure, while blankets are more localised and may not raise core temperature as effectively. However, blankets can be a convenient and cost-effective option for home use especially if used consistently.' Dr Calcasola agrees: 'It's all about how infrared is delivered to the body. An infrared sauna cabin is a dedicated, enclosed space where infrared panels beam heat directly onto your body. Blankets are portable wraps you put on. They use infrared, but much of the heat comes from direct contact with your skin. They're super convenient and more affordable for home use, offering many similar benefits in a more accessible way.' Joie Risk, managing director of Sunlighten – one of the world's leading manufacturers of quality infrared saunas – explains that there are also a few things to consider if you're not sure whether to invest in a blanket, spend money on visiting a cabin at a clinic or invest in a cabin of your own 'If someone is serious about supporting their health goals, they should look for a product that offers therapeutic benefits, not just relaxation or a 'recreational' experience',' she says. ' In recent years, the infrared sauna market has seen huge growth with lots of new entrants to a largely unregulated market. Therefore, there are a lot of low-cost, unregulated products, many of which lack scientific backing.' 'Far infrared is the foundational wavelength offering therapeutic health benefits. Some infrared cabins might offer additional wavelengths (often called full spectrum) which have mid infrared (MIR) and near infrared (NIR). These wavelengths penetrate the body slightly differently. MIR activates water cells and hormesis, NIR activates mitochondria, cell regeneration and stimulates collagen and elastin. They all offer additional therapeutic benefits such as skincare, deep tissue muscle recovery and improved sleep.' she adds. A sauna blanket typically only offers far infrared waves and doesn't offer the other wavelengths. You'll still experience plenty of benefits from infrared alone, however, Risk also explains that not all infrared technology is created equal and that customers should be discerning. She also recommends avoiding cheap materials, high EMFs and volatile organic compounds that can be off-gassed from some products. 'Avoid saunas made with ceramic heaters, low-grade hemlock wood which is often unsustainably sourced, or poor-quality red light LEDs – these are comparable to those used in chicken coops,' she advises. 'Also look for clinical or third-party testing, without this health claims are unsubstantiated. And avoid products with high VOCs – these can be harmful and counterproductive to wellness goals. If you're buying any kind of sauna you want to ensure the company has ultra-low EMF testing and understands EMF remediation. A more spacious cabin may offer more opportunities for habit stacking with room for yoga or stretching, but it's a matter of personal preference whether cabins are more relaxing.' Infrared sauna risks – are there any? While infrared therapy is generally considered safe, it's not without caveats, especially for those with underlying health conditions or sensitivity to heat. Heat therapy can feel strange the first few times you're exposed so always start at a lower temperature and work your way up. It's also worth being mindful of broken or irritated skin as this can be more sensitive to heat, and removing any jewellery before entering a sauna. It's also important that you're using a sauna for the right reasons. Though you might have seen claims around weight loss, it's important to note that any water weight you lose through sweat, you'll likely put back on as soon as you rehydrate. Infrared saunas are beloved as a wellness tool for better sleep, better circulation and glowing skin but they're not really a weight loss tool. Dr Calcasola adds, 'you'll sweat a lot, so drink plenty of water or electrolytes before, during, and after your session. Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or unwell, step out. Overheating isn't good. If you have heart conditions or are on certain medications, speak to your doctor. Think of saunas as a great complement to a good diet and exercise, not a replacement.' It's hard to deny the feel-good effects of a stint in an infrared sauna. Skin feels smoother and looks glowier, muscles feel more relaxed and the mind feels lighter. Whether or not you subscribe to the detox narrative, the relaxing effects, raised heart rate and circulation boost are real enough. 'Infrared sauna isn't just about sweat, it's about cellular recovery, circulation and stress recalibration. When used correctly, it can be a powerful adjunct to longevity and healing protocols,' says Dr Bains.
South China Morning Post
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
9 savoury desserts by Hong Kong restaurants: from Hansik Goo to Noi by Paulo Airaudo
In Hong Kong, the highest praise for a dessert is to say it's 'not too sweet'. So it seems fitting that the city is witnessing the rise of savoury desserts across its fine dining scene. Advertisement Savoury desserts emphasise herbs, spices, or umami and fermented flavours – often using ingredients typically found in main courses. As Mono's chef-owner Ricardo Chaneton observes: 'The term 'savoury dessert' might sound challenging, but many ingredients we consider savoury are technically fruits or berries, like tomatoes, avocados and pink peppercorns. When creating these desserts, the goal isn't just mixing unusual ingredients – it has to make sense.' This innovative approach resonates deeply with local tastes. 'Hongkongers have a nuanced palate,' comments Leela's chef-founder, Manav Tuli. 'Think of how red bean soups, sesame desserts or even mango pomelo sago rely on natural bitterness or tartness.' 'Ultimately, it's about creating a conversation,' says the restaurant's pastry chef, Cynthia Erica Sugiarto. 'Why can't desserts surprise us the way savoury dishes do?' Without further ado, here are nine savoury desserts from Hong Kong's top restaurants that may surprise you. 1. Ecuadorian chocolate with Andean and Peruvian chillies – Mono Ecuadorian chocolate and Peruvian ají amarillo with Andean chillies at Mono in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout Chocolate and chilli is sort of like Latin America's answer to our tong yuen and ginger soup. This match made in heaven dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilisations, where the Mayans and Aztecs mixed ground cacao with chilli peppers to create xocolatl, a bitter, spiced chocolate drink.
What's On
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
4 of the best restaurants to try in Dubai this weekend: July 18 to 20
When it comes to dining in Dubai, the options are endless. Even if you're not a die-hard foodie, you've probably heard of these standout spots – and if you've been thinking about trying them, consider this your nudge to finally go. Here are 4 of the best restaurants to try in Dubai this weekend Girl and the Goose What first started as a supper club by Nicaraguan-born Chef Gabriela Chamorro has blossomed into the UAE's first restaurant that brings together the diverse and vibrant cuisines of the Mesoamerican region under one roof. The chef enthralled and delighted the taste buds of many a discerning diner before expanding her home into the stunning space at Anantara Downtown. And those are exactly the comforting vibes you want as you tuck into the ravishing Central American fare – all reimagined by Gabi's travels around the world during her time as an Emirates crew member. Location: Anantara Downtown, Downtown Dubai Times: daily, 12pm to 1am Contact: (0) 52 772 9888 @ Rare Rare Dubai Rare is a What's On award-winning restaurant in Dubai for a reason. The Art Deco New York cocktail bar meets Parisian brasserie has had Team What's On visit on multiple occasions, and it has not disappointed. On the menu, there are steaks that give a whole new meaning to the term 'well done.' But for diners who aren't red meat eaters, there's plenty, from oysters, bone marrow on toast to chicken thigh skewers, succulent prawns, and more. It's perfect for date night or even spending time with friends or colleagues. PS. Don't ask the waiter to take away the Brussels sprouts before you even try them—they are delicious. Location: City Walk Dubai, C2 Licensed District Times: Sun to Thurs 12pm to 1am, Sat and Sun 12pm to 2am Contact: (0)4 287 4604 Revolver Revolver Dubai Singapore's sleek experimental South Asian export, Revolver, opened in Dubai earlier this year at T he Opus by Zaha Hadid. Its interior is a stark difference from the ME Dubai, bringing raw industrial aesthetics, dark wood, and metallic surfaces to the bright and futuristic hotel. The twisting round of glowing bullets suspended above is eye-catching, as are the fiery and smokey theatrics of the chefs behind the open kitchen. But it's not just for your entertainment, as the dishes that come out from the kitchen are packed with flavour. It's all the creation of Chef Jitin Joshi, who has a Michelin-starred history. No matter how hungry you go, you'll want to return to try other dishes on the menu. For your first dishes, we recommend you try the Goan prawn calchao, the burrata – a unique pairing of peanut sauce and warm churros, and the seafood and tender coconut pot. Location: T he Opus by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay Times: daily 6pm to 1am and weekdays for lunch 12pm to 3pm Contact: (0)4 257 9334 Tresind Dubai If you love Indian cuisine, this fine dining restaurant at One&Only Royal Mirage is one to book this week. Chef Mohammad Zeeshan takes the restaurant's bold claim of 'the birthplace of innovative Indian cuisine' to new heights as he curates bold Indian flavours with a modern lens. Try the degustation menu, which includes lip-smacking dishes such as cannoli samosa with tomato chutney, portobello steak with chimichurri chutney and truffle, a 'modernist' chaat tart, and paan-flavoured cotton candy. It's recognised by the Dubai MICHELIN Guide for a reason, which means you have to try it. Location: One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina Times: 12pm to 11.45pm Contact: 056 420 9754 Images: Supplied and Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Boston Globe
10-07-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
In Belize, Maya ruler's tomb unearthed with artifacts from his ancient world
It was the 1,700-year-old tomb of a Maya ruler — the first ever found at Caracol, the largest Maya site in Belize — and it held clues to a Mesoamerican world where cities contended with one another from hundreds of miles apart. 'They've found a very early ruler, so that's very important, and he's claimed to be the founder of a dynasty,' said Gary Feinman, an archaeologist at Field Museum of Chicago who was not involved in the excavation. 'That's a major find.' Advertisement Arlen Chase, one of the archaeologists working at Caracol, was among the first to enter the tomb. 'As soon as we saw the chamber, we knew we had something,' he said. From the style of ceramic vessels, he knew the tomb was exceptionally old, and the red cinnabar all around indicated it was for someone of very high status. But it was the mosaic mask, in pieces of jadeite off to the side, that made him realize just how unusual the tomb was. 'Oh my God, this is much more important than I thought it was,' he remembers thinking. With each discovery he called Diane Chase, an archaeologist with whom he has been working at Caracol for four decades. Advertisement 'I kept saying, 'Do you want me to come down?'' she said. 'And he kept saying no. And then, eventually he said yes.' The Chases will celebrate 50 years of marriage in August. Diane Chase hurried from their base at the University of Houston to take stock of the discoveries. The Maya ruler, they determined, had grown old for his time, living long enough to lose all his teeth and for bone to grow over his jaw. 'We've never found anyone that we could identify as a ruler at Caracol before, so that in itself was amazing,' Diane Chase said. 'Double wow,' she continued, the ruler could be identified as the founder of a dynasty. The ruler had been interred not just with the mask but three sets of jadeite ear flares, an extraordinary luxury for the Maya elite, and a variety of ceramic vessels. They showed the Maya god of traders — a hummingbird and a ruler holding a spear, with supplicants making offerings to him. Vessels depicted a monkey, an owl, and the heads of coatimundi — mammals sometimes described as raccoons crossed with lemurs. 'It's stuff that we've never seen before,' Arlen Chase said about some of the designs. Through hieroglyphics, the archaeologists identified the ruler as Te K'ab Chak, who took the throne in A.D. 331. He ruled Caracol as it was growing into a larger city, the Chases said, but centuries before its peak as a regional power with an estimated 100,000 people. Like other Maya cities, it had been abandoned around A.D. 900. The discovery 'adds a whole new dimension' to the site, said Melissa Badillo, the director of Belize's Institute of Archaeology, a longtime working partner of the Chases. 'This is the first of its kind in that it's a ruler, a founder, somebody so old, and in so good a condition, to be honest, because the humidity doesn't lend itself well to preservation.' Advertisement For the Chases, the discovery was thrilling also because of how the artifacts related to other finds over the years. 'Without this tomb, we wouldn't have any idea as to how everything tied together,' Arlen Chase said. Some of the artifacts found in the tomb closely resemble those at two other Caracol burials, dating around A.D. 350, the Chases said. One of those also held cremated human remains, blades of green obsidian from central Mexico and a projectile for an atlatl — used to throw spears — the sort of object often associated with Teotihuacán, an ancient metropolis nearly 750 miles to the north. Cremation was a practice of high-status Teotihuacán but not of the Maya elite. The evidence, the Chases argue, suggests that the early Maya had relations with the people of central Mexico decades earlier than previously thought, despite the great geographic distances between their cities. It is likely to have taken more than 150 days to walk from Teotihuacán to Caracol in the days of Te K'ab Chak. Even today it takes nearly 24 hours by car. The artifacts show that these cities were not just aware of one another but also interacting, perhaps with envoys at the highest levels of society, the Chases said — a sign of what they called a 'globalized' ancient world of trade and diplomacy. That conclusion fits with other research showing that the Maya built societies with complicated political relationships, experts said, although some expressed caution about extrapolating from the artifacts until they could learn more. Advertisement 'This was a very dynamic, political world,' Feinman said. 'They have evidence of some kind of connection to Teotihuacán in central Mexico, but what the mechanism of that connection is — a person? ideas? — it's harder to say. Their interpretations may be right, but I would say I'd like to see it spelled out in an article before I could say more.' Rosemary Joyce, an anthropologist at the University of California, Berkeley, also said that she wanted to learn more. DNA and isotope testing, which the Chases hope to do, could reveal more about the lives of the interred people, and more detail about the ceramic vessels could help determine if they were imported or local imitations, Joyce said. The Chases believe that the artifacts indicate prolonged Maya relations with Teotihuacán decades before A.D. 378, a moment often called the 'entrada,' which some archaeologists believe signals the arrival of central Mexicans into the southern lowlands. When exactly all these cities were interacting, and how and where, will almost certainly be a matter of intense debate among archaeologists, in part because the degree of precision that dating technology can offer is limited. Badillo said that Belizean authorities hoped to showcase some of the artifacts at Caracol, and that the site should become more accessible with the completion of a new road. She also said that she expected that the Chases, 'based on their track record,' would be back to the site again soon.
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Ancient Ruler's Tomb Uncovered After Nearly 1,700 Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Archaeologists from the University of Houston have uncovered the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, the first known ruler of Caracol, an ancient Maya city in present-day Belize. The discovery comes after over four decades of excavation by married archaeologists Arlen F. Chase and Diane Z. Chase. The burial site, dating to around 350 AD, contained an array of artifacts, including 11 pottery vessels, jadeite jewelry, a mosaic jadeite mask and Pacific spondylus shells. The Context The uncovering of Te K'ab Chaak's tomb sheds new light on the origins of Maya dynastic rule and early regional connections in Mesoamerica. This find is the first time a Caracol king has been identified over the decades of research at the site, which was a dominant Maya metropolis before its abandonment by 900 AD. Diane Z. Chase in the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak with vessels in the foreground and jadeite mask to the left and the south wall niche. Diane Z. Chase in the tomb of Te K'ab Chaak with vessels in the foreground and jadeite mask to the left and the south wall niche. Caracol Archaeological Project / University of Houston What To Know Te K'ab Chaak ascended to the throne around 331 AD and is recognized as the founder of Caracol's royal dynasty. His tomb was located at the base of a royal family shrine. Two pottery lids in the chamber featured the heads of coatimundi, or tz'uutz' in Maya. These motifs were later adopted by Caracol rulers as part of their names. The Chases estimated that Te K'ab Chaak was of advanced age at the time of his death. They also estimated that he was approximately 5'7" in height. Researchers discovered a cremation burial containing the remains of three individuals dated to around 350 AD. It also contained goods from central Mexico such as knives, obsidian blades and atlatl points. "Maya carved stone monuments, hieroglyphic dates, iconography, and archaeological data all suggest that widespread pan-Mesoamerican connections occurred after an event in 378 AD referred to as 'entrada,'" Diane Z. Chase said in a statement. The University of Houston team collaborated with Belize's Institute of Archaeology for this field season. David Stuart, a professor of Mesoamerican art and writing at the University of Texas at Austin, said the tomb dates back to a significant time period in Maya culture. "The three hundreds was a key time in Caracol, in the history of that kingdom," Stuart told Newsweek. He said the dynasties of various different kingdoms emerged during that period and began having foreign contacts. Stuart explained how the tropical weather of the region could impact what is found at Maya burial sites. "You can find the skeleton preserved, maybe, although a lot of times that will deteriorate, but you'll find the durable things," Stuart said. "You're going to find ceramics, jade, maybe some other organic materials." He said there is "no doubt" that Maya tombs had textiles, wooden artifacts, painted gourds and other artifacts that were not preserved. What People Are Saying Arlen F. Chase, in a statement: "Both central Mexico and the Maya area were clearly aware of each other's ritual practices, as reflected in the Caracol cremation." David Stuart, a professor of Mesoamerican art and writing at the University of Texas at Austin, in comments to Newsweek: "The goal of archaeology is never to find everything. It's to find the things that can tell you the most about the ancient culture, and the history and how they lived." What Happens Next The university said further research is planned, including reconstruction of the jadeite mask and DNA and isotope testing on recovered remains. The full results will be presented by the Chases at a conference on Maya–Teotihuacan interaction at the Santa Fe Institute in August. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
