Why HigherDose's Infrared Mat is my latest wellness must-have
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I love a wellness trend just as much as the next millennial (ok, maybe a bit more), but I'm also the first to admit that most of them don't really stand the test of the time.
Swirling coconut oil around my mouth first thing in the morning lasted a few weeks, while cold showers lasted just a few days and lying on an acupressure mat lasted just one painful session.
However, in a sea of ill-fated fads, there are some that do actually stick with me for the long haul.
I purchased the Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 from HigherDose earlier this year (basically your own personal portable sauna) - turns out that it's also loved by wellness enthusiast Gwyneth Paltrow.
She told Vogue in September 2021: "there’s this infrared sauna blanket by HigherDose that is a 10 out of 10. You just get in it and you sweat."
HigherDose, who specialise in all things infrared, recently bought out a new product - the Infrared PEMF Go Mat (which already made the cut on Gwyneth's Goop 2021 gift guide), so I took the plunge and it's now a regular part of my wellness routine.
Watch: Everything you need to know about infrared sauna blankets
On the surface of things, it's just a very expensive mini yoga mat, but actually it's so much more than that.
It combines infrared heat (which is also found in the Infrared Sauna Blanket V3) to help reduce inflammation and increase circulation with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF). So firstly, you'll probably want to understand what PEMF is.
What is PEMF?
It stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and is a technology where you subject your body to electromagnetic bursts in order to improve your general wellbeing.
It sends electromagnetic waves through your body at different frequencies to help promote your body’s own recovery process.
"Unlike the harmful electromagnetic waves found in devices like x-ray machines and microwaves, PEMF waves are delivered in small bursts at a low-frequency, mimicking the same kind of electromagnetic waves you’d find in nature. The longer you use it – both over time and during your PEMF session – the more you will feel the long-term benefits" explains the HigherDose site.
It's not as painful as it sounds though, most people can barely feel anything and one or two feel a slight tingle in their hands and feet.
What you do feel though, is the infrared heat that comes with this mat - I love how it warms and relaxes my entire body and leaves me feeling extra calm and - in the evenings - ready for bed.
So how do I use it?
Every morning, for around an hour, I lie down on the mat, or do gentle stretching, choosing between four PEMF levels depending on what I want to treat or feel. Then I get off feeling energised and relaxed - it helps me alleviate aches and pains from exercise, as well as the quell a pain I often get in my left hip due to a hairline fracture back in my early twenties.
It also helps lessen my anxiety and I notice that I can cope with the stresses of the day more easily.
On top of that it helps me sleep better, boosts my mood and, I'm pretty sure, is to thank for helping me get rid of that dreaded cold that was going around before Christmas much quicker than my friends.
And it should come as no real surprise given that the combination of infrared heat and PEMF being pulsed together throughout your body increase oxygenation and circulation that help boost your immune system and stimulate your body's healing process.
What also makes the HigherDose mat different from other infrared mats on the market is the addition of a 20 pound layer of black tourmaline and amethyst crystals.
According to the brand, when heated, the crystals produce negative ions, which supposedly have an impact on your mood by targeting your serotonin levels (a natural high).
Who knew you could do your mind and body such a favour by lying down?
