Sweating inside a heated space has transcended time and many cultures. From Romans to the Ancient Greeks and Russians, as well as the Native Americans who had sweat lodges, the benefits of sweating have been known to mankind.
Our skin is our largest organ, and sweat is one of the major elimination channels for toxins.
Saunas are a standard fixture in many fitness centers, spas, and other health-related facilities across the United States.
When choosing what type of sauna you want to use, some options range from the traditional sauna to the infrared sauna. Every kind of sauna comes with its differences, and we’re going to explain the benefits and variations of these types of sauna.
Differences between infrared and traditional saunas
Heat
One of the main differences between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna is the heat involved while inside.
Traditional saunas use temperatures as high as 185 to 195 degrees F. While these temperatures are safe, some people cannot tolerate this level of heat and find it to be uncomfortable.
Infrared saunas use a milder temperature environment between 120 to 150 degrees F. With this type of sauna, the heat travels deeper into the body. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature.
Humidity
Many types of traditional saunas vary based on their humidity. Steam saunas are humid with a 100% level of humidity, but not very hot and are generally kept between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dry saunas have some humidity, but not nearly as much as steam saunas. A dry sauna usually maintains a ten-percent level of humidity, varying by the application of steam via hot rocks and water.
Infrared saunas have a very low level of humidity and then to have the same humidity level as the inside of your house.
Power Consumption
Dry and steam saunas require more overall power to run, up to three (or even five times) as much as infrared saunas. This means that a traditional sauna is almost three times as expensive to run as an infrared sauna.
Benefits of using an infrared sauna
Detoxification
Infrared saunas allow you to eliminate about seven times more toxins than a traditional sauna.
Relaxation
Infrared sauna therapy promotes relaxation by helping to balance your body’s level of cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone.
Pain relief
Infrared saunas can relieve muscle aches and joint pain by increasing circulation and relaxing your muscles.
Weight loss
The heat generated by an infrared sauna will cause your core temperature to increase, which can also lead to an increased heart rate —also experienced when exercising. When your body has to work harder to lower your core temperature or keep up with an increased heart rate, your body will burn more calories, resulting in weight loss.
Immune system support
The penetrating infrared wavelengths from infrared saunas raises the core body temperature, inducing an artificial fever. A fever is the body’s mechanism to strengthen and accelerate the immune response, as seen with infections.
The artificial fever enhances the immune system, and combined with the improved elimination of toxins and wastes via intense sweating; it can increase overall health and resistance to disease.
Improved circulation
As the heat from infrared saunas increases your core body temperature, your circulation will increase along with it. Consistent infrared sauna sessions can stimulate blood flow, improve muscle recovery, and decrease pain and inflammation.
Skin purification
The profuse sweating achieved after just a few minutes in a sauna carries off deeply embedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and clean. Increased circulation draws the skin’s natural nutrients to the surface for a natural glow.
Many people report improved skin tone, color, elasticity, and texture. Increased blood circulation has also been shown to help improve acne, eczema, psoriasis, and aid wound healing with reduced scarring.
Diabetes support
Infrared waves have been studied, and results show that they have been effective in treating wounds and other issues related to type 2 diabetes by inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting healing through increased circulation and detoxification, because the infrared rays boost circulation, relax muscles, and promote healthy cells.
Every type of sauna has a different benefit depending on what you’re looking for, but the health benefits of infrared saunas are very impressive. No matter what kind of sauna you choose to spend your time in, now you know that you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.
