Infrared vs Traditional Saunas - Benefits and Health Comparison

Understanding Infrared and Traditional Saunas

Saunas have been used for centuries as part of relaxation and health regimens. The two main types of saunas are traditional saunas and infrared saunas. Both offer a range of benefits, so which one is better? To determine if an infrared sauna is as good as a regular sauna, we need to understand the key differences between the two.

How Traditional Saunas Work

Traditional saunas, sometimes called Finnish saunas, use heat and steam to promote sweating and relaxation. They feature wooden rooms and benches that are heated by a stove with hot rocks or an electric heater. Water can be ladled onto the hot rocks to increase humidity levels in the sauna.

As you sit in a traditional sauna, the temperature is usually between 150F and 185F. This heat causes your body temperature to rise, resulting in sweating as your body tries to cool itself down. The combination of heat and humidity has benefits like:

• Increased circulation
• Muscle relaxation
• Removal of toxins through sweating
• Temporary relief from aches and pains

Understanding Infrared Sauna Technology

Infrared saunas take a different approach to heated sweating. Instead of warming the air around you to induce perspiration, infrared saunas use light waves to directly heat your body. These waves penetrate your skin and heat the tissues and muscles underneath.

There are a few kinds of infrared saunas:

• Near-infrared saunas - Use incandescent lighting to emit near-infrared waves that penetrate tissue up to 1.5 inches deep.
• Mid-infrared saunas - Rely on ceramic heating elements that focus maximum output in the mid-infrared range for deeper tissue penetration of 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Far-infrared saunas - Use metallic carbon heating elements for the deepest tissue penetration, reaching up to 2 to 3 inches below the skin.

As these waves are absorbed by the body, your core temperature increases causing you to sweat profusely at lower air temperatures than traditional saunas. Infrared sessions are usually done at much lower temperatures of 100F to 150F.

Comparing the Benefits: Infrared vs Traditional

Now that we understand the different heating methods used in traditional and infrared saunas, we can compare some of the overall benefits.

Detoxification

One of the main reasons people use saunas is to help eliminate toxins from the body through sweating. Numerous studies have shown that sweating helps remove heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic, as well as environmental chemicals and metabolic waste.

Both infrared and traditional saunas induce a deep, detoxifying sweat at temperatures your body can handle comfortably. Traditional saunas cause you to sweat more overall because the ambient air temperature is hotter. However, infrared waves may stimulate organs directly to release toxins stored deep in tissue.

Calorie Burn and Weight Loss

Using an infrared or traditional sauna can lead to extra calorie burn during and after your session. The amount of calories you burn will depend on factors like the temperature, humidity, and length of time you spend in the sauna.

In a traditional sauna, a 150 pound person can burn about 300 calories in a 30 minute session. Infrared saunas burn fewer calories because they operate at lower temperatures. However, proponents argue the radiant heat technology stimulates your metabolism more, leading to increased calorie burn after you finish.

Lower Blood Pressure

Several studies show that using saunas may help normalize blood pressure levels. The European Society of Cardiology found that regular sauna bathing is associated with lowering high blood pressure, especially for those who have trouble keeping it under control.

Infrared saunas seem to be at least, if not more, effective for improving blood pressure issues compared to traditional steam rooms. In a Japanese study, repeated infrared sauna use was linked to significant decreases in BP over time for people with hypertension.

Relaxation and Sleep

A calming, relaxed feeling is one of the immediate sensations youll get after using any hot sauna. The heat helps relieve muscle tension throughout the body. Endorphins released act as natural painkillers. This provides physical and mental relaxation that can also relieve stress and improve sleep quality later on.

Traditional saunas and infrared saunas deliver all these soothing benefits powerfully and equally well. The relaxation response you get really comes down to your personal preference - the humid heat of a steam sauna or the gentler warmth of infrared waves.

Choosing What's Best For You

When deciding between infrared and regular saunas, keep in mind that neither type is inherently better or worse for your health. Both can enhance wellness in similar ways through detox sweating, circulation benefits, calorie expenditure, pain alleviation, and stress reduction.

Infrared saunas do have a few advantages that may make them more practical on a daily basis. They cost less to install and operate. Their lower temperatures are safer for more people to use longer. Lastly, they dont require lengthy warm up or cooldown periods.

Traditional saunas also have benefits infrared cant duplicate. Many people love the feel of thick steam against their skin. The higher intensity and social culture of traditional saunas creates a unique experience. And they accommodate group sessions better.

As with most health products and wellness tools, regular saunas and infrared saunas are not inherently better or worse overall. Choosing which is right for your needs and goals comes down to personal factors and preferences.

Additional Health Considerations

If you have certain medical conditions, one sauna type may be recommended over the other:

• Sensitive skin conditions Infrared saunas are gentlest.
• Cardiovascular problems Infrared saunas are typically easiest for the heart.
• Implants or devices - Either type may be restricted, so consult your doctor.
• Pregnancy Sauna use is often not recommended during.

No matter which sauna type you choose, be sure to stay hydrated, listen to your body, and consult your doctor if you have any health issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.