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Perspire-ation! Get Your Sweat On!

Opening their fifth studio in Mission Viejo in January, owners Robin Dunivin and Chelsea Bartolotta will bring their saunas to a new area. Perspire features saunas with infrared light that improves circulation and increases weight loss. Dunivin says, “Wellness is the…integration of body, mind and spirit.” Infrared helps that process. Native Knowledge: Perspire saunas have medical-grade chromotherapy technology, which uses electromagnetic light to treat physical issues. From improving circulation to reducing inflammation and pain, you’ll feel as if you’ve just seen your doctor! Perspire 27692 Santa Margarita Pkwy Mission Viejo, CA 92691 949.317.3182

NETFLIX & SWEAT IN AN INFRARED SAUNA

AUSTIN IS A SWEATY PLACE. If you’ve experienced the apex of Texas heat in August, then you may find that the sweat that follows can feel draining. Along those lines, it’s been said that Texans don’t need to sit in a sauna because we sweat plenty. That sounds true, but is it? Perspire Sauna Studio, which opened its first Texas location in Westlake, uses infrared saunas with chromotherapy to induce “a different kind of sweat.” Samantha Tucker, regional manager for Perspire, explains what that means. “Different than a traditional sauna that heats the external environment around you, infrared light will penetrate three to four inches beneath the skin’s surface to start the healing process from within the body,” Tucker says. “That means easing the mind, relaxing muscles, relieving joint pain, and purifying the skin at a deeper level.” What does heating your body at a deeper level accomplish for your health, and does that mean the experience is uncomfortable? “Dry saunas tend to be much hotter, almost 200 degrees, and you can only stay in them for a short session, roughly 15 minutes,” Tucker explains. “IR saunas operate at a lower temp, around 120 to 160, with a session length of 30 to 40 minutes.” Find a Doula, a Yoga Class or a Salt Cave in Our 2020 Wellness Guide Most research on saunas is conclusive. Unless you’re pregnant or your doctor has advised you not to, it’s a safe way to boost your wellness. Toxins and stress, two common nemeses to our well-being, wreak havoc on our sympathetic systems. While our liver and kidneys are our primary detoxifiers, sweat is another way to release excess salts and pollutants that we unknowingly absorb. “The power of IR sauna is in its ability to bring you into a parasympathetic state, or your healing and relaxed state,” Tucker says. “Most people experience this in a massage, that feeling of total relaxation, mind at ease, body feeling less tension, and an overall sense of calm and peace.” CBD, Skin Care and More Austin-Based Wellness Brands to Try If you like the idea of sitting in a sauna, but sharing a small room with strangers and nothing to distract you makes you recoil, then Perspire could be your answer. Each private room has a TV with services like Hulu and Netflix, so you can simultaneously stream and sweat. “Come in, be greeted by a friendly staff, sit in your private suite, with your own personal entertainment setup, and let the infrared panels do the work for you, all while you sit still and fall into deep relaxation,” Tucker says. Perspire’s Westlake Hills studio (at 3300 Bee Caves Road, #100) is just its first location in Austin, with two more opening in the Triangle and Northwest Hills coming soon.

TAKE THE HEAT

Surely you’ve heard that saying, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But what if…you did sweat out the big stuff? Like toxins and stress, for example. That’s the idea with infrared saunas. Infrared saunas are similar to the sauna you may have tried before, in that they are encased in wood and it gets really hot in there. But according to sauna purveyors, infrared is a bit different. Infrared warms your core temperature instead of the air around you, as a traditional sauna would. Infrared light makes your body sweat at a lower temperature that what you would get in a regular sauna, because it penetrates your skin, muscles and joints to purportedly release toxins—and maybe even burn some fat. Infrared puts your body in a fever-like state, so you can burn around 200-300 calories per session, and experience a cathartic, euphoric feeling afterward as your endorphin levels increase. Some people use it for weight loss, and others with chronic illnesses, like Lyme disease or eczema, swear by its soothing, healing effects. As a fan of hot yoga, I’m no stranger to sweat. And I had heard of the benefits of infrared saunas before. But it sounded like something extra fancy that I’d have to go to Beverly Hills to try. Turns out you can turn up the infrared heat right here in town, at Perspire Sauna Studio. While they have grown to offer locations throughout the country, Perspire’s flagship location is right on the corner of 17th and Irvine in Eastside Costa Mesa. It's Cooler At The Coast: Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. CO-FOUNDER, LEE BRAUN, AT THE FLAGSHIP PERSPIRE SAUNA STUDIO IN EASTSIDE COSTA MESA. I Heart Costa Mesa: Co-Founder of Perspire Sauna Studios, Lee Braun, at his flagship location in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) Photo: Samantha Chagollan It started here, almost 10 years ago. Co-founders Lee Braun and Ken Arsenian opened the first Perspire in 2010, after smartly pairing the benefits of infrared with a more comfortable setting. Before Perspire, most people tried infrared at a doctor’s or chiropractor’s office, or if they could afford it—in their own home. But Ken and Lee wanted to bring the experience to everyone. They started with this space in a corner strip mall, taking over an old tanning salon. The duo completely renovated the space, installing cedarwood saunas in 8 private rooms. Over the years, they have continually upgraded and updated the space. Each room now features smart TVs with an entertainment suite, including Pandora, Netflix, and more. When I walked in the doors of Perspire, I was welcomed by co-founder Lee. He gave me a tour of the studio, and we sat down to chat more about why so many people love Perspire. “If you need to hit the reset button or shift your energy, this is a painless, non-invasive treatment that will help you feel so much better,” says Lee. That’s the goal of Perspire. One of their guiding principles is to ensure that every guest, team member, vendor—anyone who walks through their doors—leaves feeling better than when they came in. You can feel that vibe throughout the studio, from the greeter at the front desk, to the small details within your private room. Helpful instruction sheets are offered, along with a cool, eucalyptus-scented towel to refresh you after your session. I Heart Costa Mesa: A couple takes a sauna at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) SWEAT HAPPENS: TURNING UP THE HEAT AT PERSPIRE SAUNA STUDIO IN COSTA MESA. I Heart Costa Mesa: Benefits of Infrared Therapy at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) I Heart Costa Mesa: Sweat and Detoxify at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo courtesy of Perspire Sauna Studio) Each suite is equipped with special, colored lights for chromotherapy, a method of light therapy that users say can help shift your mood. The cooler colors let you relax and chill, while the warmer light can help energize you. A session is 40 minutes long, and Lee stresses the importance of the duration as opposed to temperature. While the heat is set to the maximum temperature of 158° when you arrive, you have controls inside the sauna, and can lower the temp to your comfort. “It’s better to maximize your time inside at a lower tempechrature, like 130°-140°, than to max out your heat and have to get out early,” Lee explains. In my session, I set the lights to blue, for soothing and relaxation, and turn the temp down to 145. It’s hot, but I’m completely comfortable and the heat feels amazing. Lee encourages me to bring the smart TV remote into the sauna with me, and as I stretch out on a big, fluffy-white towel, I cue up some spa music to chill. I Heart Costa Mesa: Smart remote at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) Photo: Samantha Chagollan While the sauna space itself is small, it’s encased in glass, so I don’t feel any sense of claustrophobia. I can see through the walls to the smart TV just outside, and even the ceiling is glass. I can adjust the temperature, lighting and sound at any time during my session, and can keep an eye on my remaining time with the digital panel inside. As the minutes tick by, I am starting to sweat. But not in a gross way! As Lee had mentioned before I went in, infrared kills bacteria, and the cedar is antimicrobial, so this is not your average, stinky sweat. I click my way through some Netflix favorites and land on something that will help me relax and enjoy my time. If you crave a more intense session, request hand weights at the front desk. Since infrared waves already help burn calories, some guests like to ‘up the burn’ with weighted exercises. Perspire provides a helpful guide inside each room, with images and instructions for simple stretches, too. By my last 10 minutes, the sweat is real. I don’t want my infrared time to end! But the eucalyptus towel is an amazing finish. After each guest’s session is over, the staff gives the suite a thorough, non-toxic cleaning, and prepares the room for the next guest. I Heart Costa Mesa: Co-Founder, Lee Braun, in hearts at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) Photo: Samantha Chagollan As I head out, I definitely feel lighter and more refreshed. At the front desk, I ask about Perspire’s other locations. Here in Orange County, you can find other studios in Newport, Huntington and Laguna Niguel. But you’ll find Perspire in Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas too. Costa Mesa is the birthplace of so many cool and amazing brands, and Lee’s Perspire is definitely one of them. When he’s not helping Costa Mesans feel the burn, Lee tells me he loves to grab lunch at East Borough or sushi at Shunka, and he swears by the shave ice at Milk + Honey. But mostly, it’s the Costa Mesa community he loves. As a Costa Mesa resident, going on 10 years, Lee says he thinks of it as the undisputed food and art center of Orange County. Now, that’s hot. ♥ _________________ To book an infrared session at Perspire, make an appointment online or through their app. One-time sessions, packages, and monthly memberships are available. Find Perspire on Instagram or Facebook too.

What Is Light Therapy? From Ancient Medicine to Kanye’s Sunday Service

Amongst the incredible natural healing treatments we have today, one always leaves us in awe and mystery. We’re talking about Light Therapy. Color Light Therapy or phototherapy is a technique of restoring imbalance in human physiology by means of applying color light to the body. However, the treatment helps the body do a number of wonderful things, including reduce swelling, relieve pain, decrease inflammation, decrease recovery time from injuries and operations. But where does it come from? How does it work? We asked Perspire Sauna Studio to give us all the information on the exciting treatment of light therapy. Phototherapy’s Historical Roots Light therapy’s history goes as far back as the Mayan culture. In India, Ayurveda, an ancient form of medicine, is part of the idea that every individual contains five elements of the universe that are present in specific proportions unique to each individual. Ayurveda works with the energies inherent in the colors of the spectrum to restore this balance. However, in China, traditional Chinese medicine incorporates color to be associated with each organ and elemental system. This healing method looks at the idea that every individual is a balance. color light therapy benefits Image: Perspire Sauna Studio The Benefits of Color Therapy or Phototherapy However, the therapeutic applications of light and color are being researched in major hospitals and research centers worldwide. Results also indicate that full-spectrum, ultraviolet, colored, and laser light can have therapeutic value for a range of conditions from chronic pain and depression to immune disorders. Kanye West, grabs inspiration from artist James Turrell and is using light therapy in his Sunday Service performances for therapeutic reasons. “They pull you into a Zen space, and to reprogram … to be calmer, in the moment to be more stable,” explains West in his latest interview with David Letterman. It reduces swelling, relieves pain, decreases inflammation, decreases recovery time from injuries and operations. It helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder by resetting the internal biological clock (circadian rhythms). This helps individuals sleep better and regulate their moods. Promotes anti-aging by energizing the skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, giving skin back its youthful look. It can be a natural boost of energy, improving mental and physical performance. The Science of Color color light therapy benefits Image: Kanye West’s Sunday Service Every color, each with its own frequency, is a form of vibrational energy. Also, all organs, cells, and atoms exist as energy, and each form has its frequency. Each of our organs and energy centers vibrates and harmonizes with the frequencies of these colors. However, various parts of the body deviate from these expected normal vibrations. One can assume that the body is either diseased or at least not functioning properly. The vibratory rates inherent in color (chromotherapy) are such that they balance the diseased energy pattern found in the body. Colors generate electrical impulses and magnetic currents or fields of energy that are prime activators of the biochemical and hormonal processes in the human body. If you want to try light therapy for yourself, visit Perspire Sauna Studio here. While you’re here, check out the six coffee-based beauty products we love for a morning wake-up.

Why Red Light Therapy is the Ultimate Anti-Aging Tool

Red light therapy (RLT) has been around for a while, but it has only recently found itself on the lips (and in the blogs) of myriad mainstream beauticians, skin care specialists, and celebs because of it's promising benefits. But, what exactly is RLT? The “red lights” used in RLT are healing, low-level wavelengths of light. Believe it or not, RLT was originally utilized by scientists as they attempted to grow plants in space. As in: outer! When scientists caught on to the fact that RLT helped facilitate plant cell photosynthesis and growth, they wondered, “what other groovy stuff can these lights do?” (Okay, they probably said something more science-y.) RLT was later applied to humans. Specifically, it was used to treat atrophied muscles, help wounds heal properly, and ease the side effects of chemo. There are different types of RLT that target various issues. But, what does RLT have to do with aging? In recent years, RLT has been found to reduce the appearance of many skin conditions such as wrinkles, stretch marks, and psoriasis. It is widely believed that red light strengthens mitochondria which helps cells function optimally, eventually repairing and restoring themselves. And, RLT is ideal for skin issues because, unlike laser treatments, it does not cause damage to the surface of the skin. Glamour quoted Dr. Lamb, “Science shows that red light therapy protects existing collagen and boosts new production, plus it helps with texture, tone, pore size, and wrinkles.” Red Light Therapy's Two Top Benefits To get a deeper understanding of Red Light Therapy we spoke with Lee Braun, CEO & Co-Founder, and Colton Khan, Marketing Manager at Perspire Sauna Studio. Below they discuss two top benefits of RLT on our body and skin. 1) Reducing Inflammation "Color light therapy has been used for centuries for restoring balance to the body. It has been scientifically studied as an effective non-invasive way to repair the body inside and out," says Braun and Khan. "We've seen this is amplified when combined with Infrared—another light on the color spectrum that is actually invisible to the human eye but experienced as warmth. The combination of the two increases circulation by means of energizing the cells, enhancing the metabolism, opening the blood vessels and increasing the heart rate. This all works together to deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, especially the areas that need it most to help reduce swelling, pain, tension, and soreness." 2) Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles They note that over the years "so many"guests comment on how much their skin has improved—in as little as two 40-minute sessions. "Color light therapy, especially when combined with Infrared energize the skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, giving skin back its youthful look. Additionally, the increased circulation from the Infrared draws your skin’s own natural nutrients to the surface. As a result, your going to see improved tone, elasticity, texture and color—and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and age spots." Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and Chrissy Tegan have all lauded RLT for its benefits concerning psoriasis, improved skin tone and a reduction in wrinkles. But, you don’t have to be a star to experience RLT. While some salons have added RLT beds to their inventory, there are other options available for those who would like to create an exciting salon experience in their very own homes. Screen Shot 2019-08-16 at 9.44.47 AM Joov Go - Red ($295) is a great at-home and travel-friendly option. A fan favorite of celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, “2 of my clients used Joovv every day for 8 weeks. Christine wanted to cut down on fine lines and wrinkles, and Tasha was hoping for a natural acne treatment. Christine’s skin looks WAY BETTER after 8 weeks of Joovvin.’ RLT panels can be purchased in a range of sizes, from small to full-body. The panels are hung on the wall while the user sits or stands, absorbing the red light. Therapy sessions can be done at your leisure and discretion. But, if you think all that sounds good, hold on to your hats, because RLT isn’t just skin-deep. The therapy sessions are believed to go beyond improving the surface of the body to positively affect mood disorders such as depression, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and insomnia. If red light therapy interests you, check out Joovv. When you purchase a Joovv device through Organic Authority and use the code, OA, you'll receive a free gift with purchase!

Perspire Sauna Studio on NBC Austin