Is the Infrared Sauna better than a Traditional Sauna?
Supporters of infrared saunas say the heat penetrates more deeply than warmed air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature, s well as stay in the sauna longer.
There’s nothing quite like a 20 minute sweat session in a sauna. You feel more relaxed and rested after you’re done, and the heat helps relieve sore muscles and improves your overall health and well-being.
But if the high temperatures of a traditional sauna are just too much for you to handle, an infrared sauna may offer the benefits of a sauna without the extreme heat.
What is an infrared sauna?
Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you. Instead, they use infrared lamps (that use electromagnetic radiation) to warm your body directly.
“These saunas use infrared panels instead of conventional heat to easily penetrate human tissue, heating up your body before heating up the air,”
An infrared sauna can operate at a lower temperature (usually between 120 F and 140 F) than an traditional sauna, which is typically between 150 F and 180 F.
Manufacturers claim that in an infrared sauna, only about 20 percent of the heat goes to heat the air and the other 80 percent directly heats your body.
What are the supposed benefits of using an infrared sauna?
The supposed benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to those experienced with a traditional sauna.
These include:
Better Sleep…..Relaxation…..Detoxification….Weight Loss….Relieve from sore muscles…..Relieve from Joint Pain-such as arthritis….Clear and tighter skin…..Improved circulation…..Help for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
People have been using saunas for centuries for all sorts of health conditions. While there are several studies and research on traditional saunas, there aren’t as many studies that look specifically at infrared saunas.
A small 10 person study found that people with chronic fatigue syndrome benefited from using an infrared sauna as part of an overall treatment.
Another 10 person study found that infrared saunas helped decrease muscle soreness and increase recovery from strength training sessions.
According to one review, several studies have found that infrared light therapy saunas may help reduce blood pressure.
A few things to always remember with a sauna….
DRINK WATER, make sure you’re hydrated before going into a infrared sauna. Drink a glass before your session, and you also bring water into the sauna, especially if you’re sensitive to higher heats.
CHOOSE THE TEMPERATURE, the average temperature for an infrared sauna ranges from 100 F to 150 F, with beginners starting out at the lower end and more experienced users at the higher end. If this is your first time, start with 100 F. You may want to stay at this temperature for a few times to acclimate your body.
You can always increase the temperature each session until you reach 150 F
LENGTH OF TIME, for the first time users, start with 10-15 minutes. You can add time each session until you reach the suggested time of 20-30 minutes. Saunas come with a timer, so make sure to set it. You don’t want to become dehydrated.
CLOTHING, how you dress is your choice. Some people will wear bathing suits, while others prefer to go in naked.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WHILE IN THE SAUNA, Relax, read, meditate, listen to music, or visit with friends.
AFTER THE SESSION IS OVER, when your session is done, it’s suggested that you take your time and allow your body to cool down. Once cooled down, feel free to take a shower (we have one right there) and resume drinking water.
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE YOU TRY AN INFRARED SAUNA?
Avoid using an infrared sauna if you’ve been drinking alcohol…..forget what you see on TV
If you feel ill or have a fever, it’s best to wait to use the sauna until you’re feeling better.
Using the sauna will cause you to sweat a lot, so you may feel lightheaded when you stand up. If this happens, make sure to rise slowly and sit down once you leave the sauna and drink water.
You should always address any health conditions to the operator of the sauna and you are cleared before you decide to do a sauna. Sauna’s like everything else must be respected and rules must be followed to insure that you can address all your health challenges positively.