As the noise, technology, and stressors of everyday life continually increase, so does the need for recovery. Stress - and the toxicity it creates in our bodies - reduces our natural immunity, debilitates our emotional well-being, and contributes to chronic pain.

Pure Sweat + Float Studio opened in Georgetown in May with state-of-the art infrared sauna and float therapy technologies that provide proactive ways to reduce inflammation, detox, de-stress, and heal the body naturally.

Private full-spectrum infrared cabins, custom-made by leading innovator Sunlighten, provide three deeply calming light wavelengths to warm the body at a cellular level. This breaks down toxins and eliminates them through a deep, detoxifying sweat that is good for the body — and also for the brain, increasing serotonin for peace and contentment, improved sleep, and anti-aging.

Pure Sweat + Float Studio Georgetown owner Elizabeth Baker says the infrared sauna experience is more comfortable than conventional saunas because infrared raises core body temperature from the inside out. “It's a therapeutic, comfortable hug of dry heat, and it’s safer,” she notes, as infrared is used to heat new-born babies in the NICU.

Liz is a former manager of one of the first Pure Sweat + Float Studio locations, which originated in Nashville. She’s brought the concept and new studio to DC after relocating here with her husband, a former Naval officer who has used infrared saunas, float therapy, and cold plunge to alleviate pain from injuries he sustained while in the service. Each wavelength — FAR, MID, and NIR — targets a different part of the body to release specific health benefits:

With a frequent practice, infrared therapy has been helpful in reducing symptoms of various autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Lyme disease, as well as environmental toxins, such as mold, mercury, and allergens.

“We offer something for everyone, from athletes who use sauna for performance and recovery, to those suffering from chronic pain, or individuals that are looking to de-stress, lose weight, or age gracefully. The healing benefits of infrared sauna are endless,” Liz says. 

Float Therapy. The new studio’s float therapy suite enables individuals to float effortlessly in 12 inches of warm, filtered water buoyed by 1,500 pounds of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). The salinity of the water creates a gravity-free environment supporting natural alignment and easing aches and pains through the neck, spine, and hips. It allows clients to reach a deeply relaxed state with numerous anti-inflammatory benefits including lowering cortisol and blood pressure.

The float, complete with ensuite showers, is spacious enough for two although many use them individually. The experience is completely customizable with ambient lighting, music options and is designed to trigger a deep relaxation response - even deeper than normal sleep. Forty  minutes in a float is comparable to four hours of sleep.

Cleanliness is assured through a filtration unit and cleaning cycle developed by Superior Float Tanks in Norfolk, Virginia, the industry’s top manufacturer of therapeutic floatation tanks. After each float there is an automatic 15-minute filtration cycle where the water runs through a UV light three times, then goes through an ozone filter three times. No toxic chemicals are used to clean the water, only food-grade hydrogen peroxide.

Safety is a priority for the team members at Pure Sweat + Float, who are alert to every client’s needs - such as people with pacemakers. A control panel in every sauna enables the temperature to be matched to an individual’s tolerance, Liz says, but adds, “We are not medical professionals. We are well-informed about sauna and float, but you are encouraged to consult your physician regarding concerns  about health conditions and the use of the infrared sauna and float therapy.”

Liz’s experience has taught her the efficacy of Pure Sweat’s modalities in treating different causes of inflammation and has numerous success stories of people with anxiety, eczema, brain health, and PTSD finding the services beneficial. Liz notes that short 15-minute infrared sauna sessions at low temperatures have been proven to be beneficial for children with ADHD and explains that for families with nervous systems affected by mold toxicity “we turn down the temperature so that the young ones can sit in the sauna with their parents; it's a great way to detox and fight inflammation in the body.” 

 “We have a beautiful space. Seeing people realizing improvements in their health and well-being — that’s the driving factor for me,” Liz says. “We all need more self-care and compassion, so we create special experiences for you when you float: Stars on the ceiling, your choice of music. We have what you need to relax and enjoy your visit. Then with our luxury shower amenities, you rinse off, and walk out feeling your very best.” 

What Pure Sweat + Float provides is rooted in compassion, self-care, and health and seeks to cultivate a community of wellness enthusiasts with special speakers and events throughout the year. For upcoming events, follow along on social media @puresweatdc or sign up for their newsletter at www.puresweatstudios.com/washington-dc.

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It’s time to recognize that de-stressing is as vital as eating and sleeping. The American Institute of Stress estimates that over 75% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems.