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INFRARED SAUNA INFORMATION
A traditional sauna uses steam, as a heat source. An infrared sauna does not. As the name implies, this type of sauna uses a heater which emits infrated radiant heat.
In a nutshell, infrared radiant energy warms the body through a conversion process. Infrared waves actually penetrate the skin, instead of heating the surrounding air. This is the same type of energy, which is produced by the heat from the sun (without the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays).
A typical infrared sauna is contained in a small wooden room and consists of several infrared heaters. Because of the type of heater used, infrared saunas are much cooler than traditional ones. Even so, they still allow the sauna user to "sweat" just as if they are utilizing a Finnish (traditional) unit. Many consumers will tell you that this is a definite advantage. The lower heat levels allow them to enjoy a longer sauna session with little health risks and the added benefits, of additional sweat.
The average air temperature in a traditional sauna usually runs somewhere between 169 and 190 F. The average temperature in an infrared sauna is 110 to 130 F. As you can see, this range indicates quite a difference in temperature. But, rest assured the sessions are just as beneficial.
There are many benefits to an infrared sauna session. The majority are comparable to that of a traditional sauna session. Taking the time to relax, in a saunas, will do wonders for stress and fatigue.
Weight loss and increased metabolism are two additional benefits, of sauna use. The infrared heat causes the body to sweat, burn calories and increase overall circulation. Many day spas utilize infrared saunas to assist their clients, in the removal of unwanted cellulite. Since this type of sauna radiates heat that can penetrate the skin up to three times as deep as a traditional sauna, results are much more favorable.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. A sauna session is a wonderful way to improve the skin. Increased blood circulation helps to reduce eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems. Cuts and open wounds heal more quickly, as well, with less chance of scarring.
Other benefits of using an infrared sauna include: muscle and joint pain relief, an improved immune system and ridding harmful toxins from the body.
Heat production:
The infrared radiations are artificially generated in these 'infrared saunas' which are similar to that generated by the sun. They emit infrared radiant heat which is highly beneficial to the body.
Infrared is a part of the 'electromagnetic wave spectrum' which falls under the 'invisible light' spectrum zone. The rays of these infrared lights are scientifically termed as 'infrared rays'. The infra band is not visible to human eye, but its presence can be felt as it is perceived by our body in the form of heat.
Here, the heat production is done with the assistance of infrared heaters. This category of Sauna baths have the same environment as that of conventional sauna with the added benefits of the infrated radiations.
Benefits of infrared sauna over conventional sauna:
Infrared helps in cell activation, increasing the metabolism rates and works as an antioxidant nutrient. It is also useful in faster healing of wounds and regeneration process of cells.
As compared to the conventional saunas, in the infrared sauna, the heat penetration is higher, which is about 1.5 inches into the body. This property is very advantageous in the healing of tissue injuries and other disease like arthritis.
These radiations also kill acne producing bacteria and helps in dealing with some special skin related disorders.
In infrared type sauna, preheating is not necessary which saves on time and electricity and the operating costs. Apart from this, infrared sauna directly heats up the body which means that the air around is comparatively cooler and more comfortable and the sweat produced is of the same level. Hence this low heat type is more useful to the people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
In traditional sauna, heat is produced by indirect means, wherein first convection takes place and then conduction. Whereas in infrared type, heat is directly converted this keeps the body warm by penetrating up to greater skin depth.
The history of saunas is extensive, however the infrared sauna is a relatively new concept. The evolution of sauna heaters from the smoke sauna to the infrared sauna heater makes for an interesting story. Palm healing, with a 3000 year history in China, is based on the natural healing properties of infrared. Today's Infrared sauna is an excellent combination of ancient sauna and Infrared wave technology.
The Infrared Sauna is fairly new but it is quickly gaining its own reputation. The most important part of any infrared sauna is the infrared emitters. Air in the infrared sauna is heated to between 110 - 120 F, the traditional sauna heats up to between 150 - 180 F. There is a common misconception that the infrared sauna does not get hot because it heats the occupants and not the air. This is not true. The Infrared Sauna is a "dry" environment at lower temperatures than its traditional counterpart. The infrared sauna is safe.
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