What is an infrared sauna?
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An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to make heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna. "Far" describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A regular sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body.
An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you.
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Generally, people like saunas because they cause reactions like those caused by moderate exercise, such as vigorous sweating and an increased heart rate. An infrared sauna gives these results at lower temperatures than does a regular sauna. This makes an infrared sauna a choice for people who can't stand the heat of a sauna.
INFRARED SAUNA
110-140° F
Deep, penetrating heat
More sweat at lower temps
Enjoyable heat, longer session
Requires less power
Uses infrared light panels as heat source
Less humidity
TRADITIONAL SAUNA
150-210° F
Surface heat
Sweat happens at higher temps
Extreme heat, shorter session
Requires more power
Uses heat stove at heat source
More humidity
Infrared sauna health benefits
Improved heart health
Within minutes of sitting in an infrared sauna, your body’s natural response begins. Beads of sweat appear on your skin. Your blood vessels widen and increase blood flow. Studies show that infrared saunas can help boost heart health and reduce blood pressure. Researchers equated the physical response of an infrared sauna session to walking at a moderate pace.
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Soothing sore muscles
The improved blood circulation brought on by an infrared sauna session can help speed up muscle recovery following physical activity. Regular use may even help athletes improve performance.
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Pain relief
Researchers found that infrared sauna therapy “may be a promising method for treatment of chronic pain.” The determination followed a two-year study where people showed improved outcomes with the treatment.
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Relaxation
Warming your body seems to warm your soul, too. Setting aside some sauna time may help decrease depression, anxiety and stress. Basically, think of it as a meditation session in warmer temperatures.
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Better sleep
A bonus benefit to being more relaxed? Better sleep, which has also been linked to sauna use.
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Fighting off illness
There’s evidence that regular sauna use can help you avoid the common cold. Saunas also reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer and degenerative diseases like dementia.
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Detox
Sauna use can provide a detoxification effect as you sweat out toxins such as cadmium and lead.