The Science Behind Infrared Sauna Use

Educational Series: Infrared Sauna

Last week we learned about what an infrared sauna is as well as the recommended frequency and length of a session. Today we are going to dive deeper into the science behind how it works and how an infrared sauna offers more benefits than a traditional steam sauna.

What is the science behind infrared saunas?

The science behind infrared saunas revolves around the use of infrared light, a type of electromagnetic radiation that falls just outside the visible light spectrum, to directly heat the body. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air to warm the body indirectly, infrared saunas emit infrared wavelengths that penetrate the skin and heat the body from within.

This direct method of heating offers several physiological effects and health benefits:

• Penetration Depth

  • Infrared light can penetrate human tissue more effectively than the hot air used in traditional saunas. The depth of penetration depends on the wavelength of the infrared light:

    • Near-infrared (NIR): These wavelengths penetrate the outer layer of the skin, potentially promoting cell health, wound healing, and skin rejuvenation.

    • Mid-infrared (MIR): These wavelengths reach deeper into the soft tissues, improving circulation, oxygenation, and potentially aiding in pain relief.

    • Far-infrared (FIR): These wavelengths penetrate the deepest, directly heating the body and causing a rise in core temperature, which can induce an intense sweating response.

• Thermal Effect

  • The infrared heat increases the body's core temperature, inducing a sweat response at lower ambient temperatures than traditional saunas. This thermal effect can help in detoxification through sweating, relaxation, and contributes to cardiovascular health through vasodilation, similar to the effects of moderate exercise.

• Metabolic Rate Increase

  • There is evidence to suggest that the use of infrared saunas can increase the heart rate and metabolic rate, similar to the effects observed during physical exercise. This can lead to calorie burning and potentially aid in weight loss, although these effects should be considered supplementary to regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Why is an infrared sauna better for you than a steam sauna?

Infrared saunas and steam saunas offer different experiences and health benefits, and some people find infrared saunas better suited to their needs due to specific advantages.

Here are some reasons why an infrared sauna is considered to be more beneficial than a steam sauna:

• Lower Temperatures

  • Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature range (usually between 120°F and 150°F) compared to steam saunas (which are typically between 150°F and 195°F). This makes the infrared sauna more accessible and comfortable for people who can't tolerate the high heat of traditional saunas, allowing for longer sessions and enhancing deep tissue penetration.

    • *The infrared saunas we have get hotter than most others available so those folks that really want to feel the heat still can!

• Deeper Penetration

  • Infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate into the body, heating it directly rather than heating the air around you. This can lead to more efficient sweating and deeper health benefits like improved circulation and muscle relaxation, as the heat penetrates deeper into the tissues.

• Improved Air Quality

  • Steam saunas increase humidity, which can be uncomfortable or problematic for people with respiratory issues. Infrared saunas have dry heat, which is easier on the lungs and more comfortable for individuals with asthma, allergies, or sensitivity to humidity.

• Efficiency in Detoxification

  • The deep penetration of infrared heat is believed to produce a more intense sweat at a lower temperature, which is more effective for detoxification purposes compared to the more superficial sweat induced by the high heat of a steam sauna.

• Health Benefits

  • While both sauna types offer health benefits like relaxation, improved circulation, and pain relief, the specific mechanism of infrared heating offers unique benefits, such as deeper tissue penetration, which is more effective for certain health objectives.

Next week we will discuss all of the benefits of regular infrared sauna usage. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it so stay tuned!

Ready to get started with an infrared sauna session now?! Call us at (402) 934-9931 to schedule your appointment or you can request an appointment online by clicking below. We offer both memberships and a la carte packages to suite our client’s individual needs.