Infrared saunas are a fascinating blend of modern technology and ancient wellness practices, offering a unique approach to heat therapy that's both comfortable and potentially beneficial for health. Let's find out what infrared saunas are, how they work, their benefits, and a bit of their history.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas do. Imagine sitting in a room that's not too hot, but your body is still sweating profusely-this is the infrared sauna experience. The heat is generated by special heaters that emit infrared light, which penetrates your skin and warms you from the inside out.

How Hot Do They Get?

Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. You'll find the heat setting between 113 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (45 to 60 degrees Celsius), which is more comfortable for most people. Despite the cooler air temperature, the actual temperature of your skin can quickly jump to around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and your pulse rate may increase by 30% or more. This means you'll still sweat a lot, but you won't feel like you're in an overheated oven.

What Can a Infrared Sauna Do?

Infrared saunas are believed to offer a range of health benefits. Here are some of the key ones:

Cardiovascular Health

Some studies suggest that using a sauna can lower the risk of heart disease. The heat therapy can improve circulation and blood flow, which supports various bodily functions.

Pain Relief

Infrared sauna therapy may ease pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions like low-back pain, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia.

Stress Reduction

The improved circulation from dry heat therapy may promote relaxation and lower stress levels.

Skin Rejuvenation

Infrared heat may benefit people with certain skin conditions like psoriasis.

Detoxification

While more research is needed, some studies have found increased calorie burn and sweat loss during a sauna session, which could imply a detoxification effect.

A Brief History of Infrared Saunas

The story of infrared saunas begins in the late 19th century with the discovery of infrared radiation by Sir William Herschel. Fast forward to the early 20th century, and we see John Harvey Kellogg inventing the Radiant Heat Bath, which used incandescent light bulbs to generate infrared heat. This was a significant departure from traditional steam-based saunas, offering deeper tissue penetration and more pronounced health benefits.
In the 1960s, Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa of Japan patented a far infrared heater, which is known for its deep body penetration and therapeutic benefits. NASA's research in the 1970s further advanced infrared technology, leading to improvements in sauna heating elements, energy efficiency, and safety features.

How Do Infrared Saunas Work?

Infrared saunas use a process called resonant absorption, where far infrared waves interact primarily with water molecules in your body. This interaction creates a deep-penetrating heat that feels similar to the natural warmth of sunlight on your skin. The far infrared technology is the most researched and beneficial form of infrared therapy.

Safety and Considerations

Infrared saunas are generally considered safe. In fact, infrared heating elements have been used in hospitals to keep newborn babies warm for years. However, as with any heat therapy, it's important to follow safety guidelines, such as not using the sauna if you have certain health conditions, staying hydrated, and not overstaying your time in the sauna.

In summary, indoor saunas for home offer a unique and potentially beneficial way to experience heat therapy. They provide a more comfortable and accessible alternative to traditional saunas, with the added benefit of direct body heating that can lead to a range of health benefits. Whether you're looking to relax, improve your cardiovascular health, or manage pain, an infrared sauna might just be the warm embrace your body is looking for.