What Is Infrared Sauna: A Detailed Overview

Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular in recent years as people have begun to learn about their many benefits. These include joint pain relief, relaxation, reduced high blood pressure levels, improve immune system, and other therapeutic effects.

Though regular sauna use has been making headlines, not a lot of people really understand what it is or how it works. Read on to learn everything you need to know about infrared heat therapy!

History Of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas were first used by the ancient Greeks to treat conditions such as arthritis.

The modern infrared sauna was invented in Finland during the 1960s for this very purpose.

The person who invented the infrared sauna, Dr. Vihtori Kosola, also patented an invention that could measure sweating rates inside of a traditional Finnish stove or fireplace.

This invention was later used to create the first commercially available infrared heaters!

What Is Infrared Sauna Therapy?

It is a type of dry heat therapy that provides what is known as whole-body infrared heating. It uses controlled radiant infrared heat waves which penetrate deep into your body tissues without heating up your skin like other methods of heat therapy.

The heating elements make your core body temperature rise, resulting in intense sweating.

How Does An Infrared Sauna Work?

Does infrared sauna really work? When you’re having infrared therapy, invisible light waves are heating up your cells and tissues. The deep-penetrating waves stimulate the sweat glands, making it possible for the body to sweat out toxins through the skin while promoting the relaxation of sore muscles.

Once you reach the “profuse sweating achieved” phase like you would after an intense exercise is done, the infrared light therapy starts working its magic. One of which is to boost blood circulation to speed up healing and burn calories.

---

Traditional Sauna Vs. Infrared Sauna: The Difference

There’s a difference between traditional sauna and infrared sauna. A traditional sauna uses heated air to create heat, whereas an infrared heat treatment uses radiant heat.

This means that the infrared waves come directly from the source (e.g., a panel in the wall or ceiling) and penetrate your body much more deeply than traditional sauna bathing, which is created by hot air circulating around you.

Some people call infrared saunas the “lazy man’s sweat lodge.” Unlike traditional saunas, this doesn’t require you to stand up and move around. It simply heats your body from the inside out so your body increases sweat production. The infrared light waves penetrate deep into the layers of fat in your body, heating them up.

Once they are heated sufficiently, what happens next is called perspiration – this causes an individual to sweat profusely if they are in a room that has humidity set at 60%.

The infrared light also penetrates deep into our cells and tissues in order to heal what needs healing without harming healthy cells or tissue around it! This can lead to many cardiovascular benefits as well.

Why Are Infrared Saunas Better Than Traditional Saunas?

Conventional sauna therapy is hot, but what’s the point if you’re just going to sit there and sweat? Infrared therapy is more effective because it heats your body from within – as opposed to simply heating up the air around you. It penetrates the skin more deeply, which allows for better detoxification.

An infrared session is also more relaxing because you don’t have to move around – you can simply sit there. Moreover, the infrared waves don’t heat up your skin as traditional steam saunas do, so you can stay in it longer without getting too hot.

---

Two Main Types Of Infrared Saunas

Each of which is designed according to the users’ needs and preferences.

Portable Infrared Sauna

These small, self-contained units can be moved around the home or carried with you to a friend’s house!

They make it easy for people on the go to enjoy what many consider an essential part of their well-being routine.

If you’re looking for affordable portable at-home saunas, Sauna Area got so much to offer!

Room-sized Infrared Saunas

These are what most people think about when they hear about infrared sauna treatments. Although much more expensive and require space in your home to install them properly, these larger models amplify the benefits of infrared saunas.

---

Different Types Of Infrared Light

There are three types: near, mid, and far-infrared.

Near Infrared Light

This is what you find in your everyday LED lights. It has a short wavelength and is the most beneficial type of infrared for human health.

Mid Infrared Light

Mid-infrared waves have a longer wavelength than near-infrared and are not as commonly used in saunas. They are beneficial for a wide range of health conditions and chronic health problems.

Far Infrared Light

Far infrared saunas have the longest wavelengths and are said to be the most beneficial for overall health. They are what is used most today because far infrared saunas penetrate the skin more deeply than other types of infrared light.

Far infrared wavelengths provide a full-body healing experience similar to what you can get from other natural treatments. A far infrared sauna is also known for its detoxification properties, as it helps remove toxins through the skin.

You can find a lot of budget-friendly personal far-infrared devices online.

---

Top 12 Astounding Health Benefits Of Infrared Saunas

Some infrared sauna benefits include:

• Joint pain relief from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia
• Weight loss (helps burn calories)
• Detoxification of the body from heavy metals, environmental toxins, and other harmful compounds (sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, and uric acid)
• Reduced blood pressure levels
• Increased blood circulation
• Sore muscles relief or eases muscle tension
• Solution for chronic pain
• Strengthened immune system
• Improved skin health (removes dead skin cells and enhances skin tone)
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Addresses chronic health problems
• General health improvements such as better sleep quality and increased energy levels

---

Common Myths And Misconceptions About Infrared Sauna Therapy

There are a few common misconceptions about infrared saunas that we would like to clear up:

Myth #1: Infrared Saunas Are Dangerous

This is definitely not true as there are a lot of health benefits infrared saunas provide. Potential risks and dangers only apply when saunas are used improperly or when the user fails to follow the safety guidelines.

Myth #2: You Have To Be Naked During Infrared Sauna Sessions

You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. But thin clothing will allow for more infrared light to penetrate your body.

Myth #3: Infrared Saunas Require High Temperatures In Order To Work Properly

Most of them only get as hot as what you would find at a nice, warm spa – around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the heat penetrates deep into the layers of fat on and beneath our skin which is what makes it so effective!

One woman reported that she was able to lose 15 pounds in one month by having a regular infrared sauna session! The most important thing when looking for an infrared sauna is finding one with mid-infrared or near-infrared lights because they are what heat up your internal organs while relaxing sore muscles.

Myth #4: You Can’t Enjoy The Health Benefits Of Infrared Sauna Treatments Without Excessive Sweating

You don’t have to break a sweat to reap the infrared sauna benefits because it heats up the fat cells beneath your skin which releases toxins and promotes weight loss.

The higher heart rate and localized blood circulation work in tandem to prevent fatty deposits and fibrosis from accumulating fluids in the fat cells, reducing the cellulite look and even leaving your skin glowing!

Myth #5: All Infrared Saunas Are Created Equal

Be sure to do your research and find one that emits the right type of infrared wavelength for your needs. Most people would prefer far-infrared sauna bathing.

Myth #6: Infrared Saunas Are Expensive To Buy Or Maintain

So, how much does infrared sauna cost? While more expensive infrared models can cost a few hundred dollars, there are far cheaper ways of getting an effective infrared treatment without breaking your bank account! One way is by purchasing an infrared heating pad to use at home.

---

Tips & Tricks For Best Infrared Sauna Experience

Make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the room where an infrared sauna has been set up. You do not want to make a carbon monoxide (CO) chamber! If possible, have a window open or use fans; otherwise, invest in an excellent CO detector.

The best temperature setting on a traditional wood stove/fireplace can be determined by holding your hand at different points on its surface. The hottest point is what you should aim for in order to get the most health benefits that infrared sauna imparts.

Thoroughly cleanse yourself before and after an infrared sauna session by drinking a lot of water, sweating profusely (in either traditional or infrared saunas), washing with natural soap, or taking a warm shower at least once each day.

If possible, try to use only pure essential oils as fragrance – this will help avoid skin problems such as acne!

Avoid heavy meals before your sauna session and drink plenty of fluids, especially water, as you will be sweating a lot.

---

Installing An Infrared Sauna In Your Home And The Kind Of
Maintenance Required

What you need to do what a sauna installed in your home depends on the type of unit that you purchase. For example, portable units are self-contained and can be moved around easily with no tools required!

If you buy a room-sized model, plan ahead for installation costs such as hiring a professional or paying fees if it is part of your HOA rules. Room models may require additional materials like electrical outlets and vents.

It’s important to keep track of what needs to be done by taking notes along the way – this will help ensure success when installing one yourself!

Maintenance requirements vary between each manufacturer, but generally speaking, it requires very little effort on behalf of the user once installed. Most manufacturers recommend using distilled water and a cleaning agent like vinegar to clean it.

Make sure that what you are purchasing is well made. If you can, avoid going with the cheapest option available! You want to go with high-quality materials, as they will last longer over time.

While cheap infrared saunas might look good in your living room at first, their poor build quality means that they won’t last for long before needing repairs or replacement parts.

---

FAQs About Infrared Saunas

We’ve answered some of the common queries from first-time sauna users:

How Long Can I Stay In An Infrared Sauna?

It’s a good idea to start out with just five minutes in your first light therapy session so that you don’t overheat or dehydrate yourself; this is especially true if you’re not used to regular dry sauna bathing.

Build up the time gradually, and aim for at least 20-30 minutes per session.

How Frequently Do I Need To Have Infrared Sauna Treatments?

This depends on what your goals are. If you’re using an infrared sauna for detoxification, then it’s a good idea to have sessions at least three times per week. For weight loss, cardiovascular, or tangible health benefits for the skin, aim for two or three times per week.

Do I Need An Infrared Heating Blanket?

If you have never used one of these blankets before then we recommend trying them out together. They work by using near-infrared therapy similar to what occurs during sunbathing sessions outdoors.

The best ones use soft fabrics so you can wear them directly on your skin, and they are designed to be used as a supplement for what you already do.

They won’t replace what you get from saunas or infrared lamps, but it is one more option that is worth having in your arsenal of health options!

Who Can Use An Infrared Sauna?

Almost anyone! Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before using an infrared sauna, as should people who have problems with the heart or cardiovascular system and other health conditions.

Otherwise, infrared saunas are safe for most people to use. Infrared saunas are also safe if used with children, as long as they’re supervised at all times during sessions. If you have an older child who can understand instructions, instruct him or her on what is appropriate behavior while inside the sauna!

---

What Is Good in Infrared Saunas?

 

---

Conclusion

An infrared sauna is a device that uses radiant heat to create warmth and promote sweating. It differs from traditional sauna bathing, which uses heated air.

Sauna use, especially exposure to a far infrared sauna, can help in detoxifying your body, speed up weight loss , boost the immune system, and improve blood circulation by heating up your core temperature. That’s what makes it a popular device that is used in homes all over the world!

Want to have your own sauna at home? Check out Sauna Area today!