Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional and Steam Saunas

The main difference between traditional and infrared saunas is how they use heat. Infrared heat is energy that is able to heat objects without having to heat the air in between the source of the heat and the recipient. One example of infrared heat is the light of the sun. On a warm, sunny day you immediately notice that it feels cooler when a cloud passes in front of the sun. The air temperature hasn't changed, but the amount of heat you feel has drastically changed.

Traditional saunas use a single heater that is heating the air and this hot air heats the user.  In contrast, infrared saunas use advanced therapy to heat the user directly with only a small percentage of the heat heating the air.  This results in a deeper sweat and at a lower ambient air temperature. In an infrared sauna, the air temperature is less important than the quality of the infrared heat. Infrared saunas usually operate between 100-135°F, while traditional saunas can get over 200°F.  In an infrared sauna you will get the relaxation benefits of a traditional sauna along with the increased health benefits that infrared offers all at a much more comfortable temperature. Infrared saunas are also dry saunas and any users find this makes for a more pleasant sauna session.

Infrared Wavelengths

Full spectrum refers to the entire infrared spectrum:  near, mid and far infrared.  You will get the maximum benefit from our saunas as they take advantage of this with a full spectrum infrared heater.  Other infrared saunas often only focus on one segment of the spectrum.

Near infrared is the shortest wavelength, and will be absorbed just below the surface of the skin creating a sweat that promotes healing and revitalization.

Mid infrared is a longer wavelength that can penetrate deeper into the body’s soft tissue increasing circulation which releases oxygen to reach injured areas.

Far infrared is the longest wavelength which penetrates into our body to activate sweat glands.  The sweat glands offer one of only a few mechanisms that the body has to eliminate toxins and since the skin is the largest organ in the human body it is a very good means for elimination.  Far infrared waves also cause fat cells to vibrate expelling more toxins often resulting in the greatest levels of detoxification while stimulating your metabolism to aid in weight loss.

By offering all three wavelengths the infrared heat will penetrate deeper past the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous layer offering maximum effectiveness. Because of infrared lights ability to penetrate deep it is therapeutic having the ability to be absorbed by our body and safely raise our core body temperature. In fact, your core body raises over 3 degrees (to over 102 degrees) after a 40 minute session. This self-induced “fever” results in a healthy, deep detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where the majority of toxins reside. Fevers are the body’s ultimate way of defense. There is an ancient saying:

“Give your body a good fever and there is no disease that can survive.”

The sun is the primary source of radiant energy, but not all of this energy is beneficial. Although life needs energy from sun, too much sunlight damages the skin. Infrared heat provides all the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation. It is completely safe and healthy for all living things and one can be exposed to infrared light for hours without the risk of burning. In fact, infrared is so safe, it is what is used in hospitals to warm infants.