While sauna treatment has been used for ages, significant developments have been achieved in this form of therapy, such as the invention and use of infrared saunas.
Infrared saunas have recently grown in popularity in functional medicine and have often been used for weight loss purposes. But, both clients and experts indicate that this sort of sauna therapy might help relieve many physical and health problems, including chronic pain and Lyme disease.
So, what does it represent? How do infrared saunas work? What are the benefits of the sauna room, and are there any downsides regarding the infrared light used? We prepared the following article to answer all your questions regarding infrared saunas and provide you with trustworthy opinions and facts about the topic.
Source: everydayhealth.com
What Is an Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna is similar to traditional saunas in that they utilize heat in controlled surroundings to stimulate detoxing through sweating and relaxation, reduce pain, and even treat chronic illnesses. While both conventional and infrared saunas aim to achieve many of the same goals, the main difference is how they produce and transmit heat to the body.
An infrared sauna is a form of bath cabin that generates heat through illumination. This form of sauna is also known as a far-infrared sauna, as the term “far” refers to where the infrared rays belong on the light spectrum.
In a typical bathhouse, heat is used to warm the air and heat your body. An infrared sauna directly produces heat in your body without warming the air surrounding you.
How Do Infrared Saunas Work
Now that you know the basics about an infrared sauna, you certainly want to know how do infrared saunas work. Even though such saunas may affect each person differently, we did some research and came to the following realization.
Infrared saunas function differently. They heat the body directly instead of air warming up inside the cabinet. As a result, deeper tissue penetration occurs.
The body sweats profusely and enjoys all of the health benefits of a typical steam sauna while avoiding the dangerous and scorching air of traditional saunas. But before you enter an infrared sauna, consult with a health expert.
Advantages of Using Infrared Sauna
Detoxification
The most significant effect of using an infrared sauna is that it flushes all the toxins out of the body. Our immune system constantly fights against various toxins, including pesticides, GMOs, and toxic metals. And all that, combined with a poor diet, leads to a weakened immune system. Luckily, infrared saunas cause sweating, increasing the detoxification of heavy metals, radiation, and contaminants in the environment.
But apart from the infrared sauna, there is no other effective heavy-metal detoxifier. Then there’s radioactivity; we’re exposed to a lot of it without even realizing it, from airplanes to laptops to plugs. So being able to go somewhere and detox is terrific.
Treats acute and chronic health problems
Various studies have shown the benefits of utilizing infrared saunas to treat acute and chronic hypertension, heart problems, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, type-2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Stimulate sensations comparable to those caused by daily workouts
Saunas are attractive because they stimulate sensations comparable to those caused by daily workouts, such as solid perspiration and increased heart rate. An infrared sauna achieves similar results at reduced temperatures to a conventional cabin, making it suitable for persons who cannot endure the heat of a traditional sauna.
Heats up faster
Compared to regular saunas, which take 30 to 40 minutes to heat up, infrared saunas are ready to use in around 15 minutes. Since the air temperature is lower, you can relax in it for longer — a regular session lasts approximately 30 minutes. The health advantages are multiplied due to the way infrared rays work and that you can stay in for an extended time.
Infrared saunas can be used inside a house without any need for ventilation because they produce dry heat instead of steam.
Disadvantages of Using Infrared Sauna
Might cause dry skin problems
Although heat therapy can be beneficial to the skin, the dry heat produced by infrared saunas can cause dry skin problems in certain individuals. If you suspect this will be a concern for you, please moisturize well before and after the session.
Adverse health impacts
Though this type of sauna can provide many benefits, for some people, exposure to dry heat and infrared rays can result in adverse health impacts, most notably cardiovascular difficulties and hypertension. Those who already have these medical conditions are especially vulnerable to complications, as interaction with the dry heat may worsen the issue.
In contrast to regular ones, infrared saunas emit dry heat. While that might be useful in some ways, it can cause issues such as overheating and sometimes even dehydration.
Emits only dry air
Depending on your preferences, the fact that infrared saunas don’t have any humidity might be a plus or a disadvantage. A dry sauna may be unappealing to individuals who enjoy the steamy environment of a typical sauna. However, if you want your saunas to be drier, the absence of humidity can come as a perk.
Source: infrared-sauna.com.au
Who Should Avoid Using Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas offer a calming experience that is beneficial for most people. However, they are not suitable for everyone.
You should avoid using an infrared sauna if you are pregnant, a minor, an older adult, at risk of overheating or dehydration, or have a severe health problem. These issues can increase your likelihood of developing further health complications.
Before using an infrared sauna, consider your overall health situation and consult with your physician.
Conclusion
In terms of health advantages, regular steam saunas produce surface sweating. In contrast, infrared saunas use mild heat and dry air to raise the inner body temperature, which may result in a far deeper sweat, more extensive detoxification, and improved health.
Far infrared is the most recognizable of all the invisible photons emitted by the sun to our body since we produce it. As far-infrared radiation from the sun enters the skin, it helps eliminate undesirable compounds collected in your body. Infrared light can rejuvenate your cells and promote better metabolism.
We hope we have provided you with the answer to how infrared saunas work, what they represent, and mentioned some of their advantages and drawbacks.
Hello! I’m Nicky Rodgers.
Almost a decade ago, I got excited about the idea of employing alternative methods like red light therapy to create a healthier life.
To learn more about it, I did my Certified Light Therapist course from Photonic Therapy Institute and started looking into the intricacies of how light therapy influences several bodily processes. Before I knew it, my interest had become an obsession which resulted in this extensive blog.
Here, I offer countless well-researched articles to help you understand the benefits and uses of light therapy. I hope this information gives you a head start in your wellness journey.