Allison Huff
SweatLounge member Elinor Malcolm on why she’s fallen in love with a futuristic light therapy pod in W4
‘When I read in Chiswick Locals about a new wellness centre offering a different take on conventional saunas, I was curious. Saunas? I love the after-effects, but the actual experience, not so much: I may feel glowing, but sensitive facial skin means I look like a radioactive beetroot. SweatLounge’s infrared light pods cocoon you from toe to chest while you lie with your head in fresh air. I had to try it.
‘I didn’t expect such an attractive private space – all subdued lighting, gentle music, aromatic air diffusers. The friendly receptionist explained everything: how the pods slide open, allowing easy access onto the comfy bed; the temperature control; how to seal in more heat by draping a towel over the pod opening. Providing a chilled wet towel for after, she left me to enjoy my deep sweat retreat.
‘At first just cosily relishing the relaxation, at 15 minutes I felt the heat really kick in – far more pleasurably and powerfully than the traditional sauna. Those heat from the outside in: these pods raise your core temperature at a cellular level from the inside out, prompting natural healing processes and profound detoxing. Towelling off after 30 minutes, I was incredulous at how good I felt: de-stressed yet energised; sweated out, yet refreshed and ‘cleansed’. Feelgood factor 100% and no beetroot face.
‘SweatLounge’s website is hugely informative, and I like that it cites scientific sources for the many medical benefits of infrared light therapy. It’s also fascinating to hear owner Allison Huff’s personal experience of healing with the pods.
‘I don’t need further convincing. Just one session produced the best night’s sleep in months; follow-ups have lessened joint pain and boosted my energy. As for banishing the SAD winter mood on dark days, I’ve found nothing beats a cosy light pod. I’m getting all my lucky friends gift vouchers for Christmas!’
SweatLounge
48 Chiswick High Road
Chiswick W4 1SZ
020 3354 5718
hi@sweatlounge.co.uk
https://sweatlounge.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/sweatlounge.w4
Main Photograph:
https://www.instagram.com/annabelmoellerphotography/
