The traditional steam sauna has been around for over 2000 years – offering a wealth of benefits and enjoyment to people around the world. That being said, unfortunately there are some who cannot partake in this age-old thermotherapy treatment due to the intensity of the steam. Enter the infrared sauna – an increasingly popular addition to the wellness industry that allows almost anyone to get in on the action thanks to its ability to provide the same perks at a lower temperature level. This begs the question – what is an infrared sauna and how does it work? Keep reading our detailed guide to get all the information you need.

What Is an Infrared Sauna & How Does It Function?

Before you can learn how an infrared sauna functions, it's best to understand the workings of a traditional sauna first. The primary difference is the way in which they use heat, and here is how:

Traditional Sauna: The more widely-known traditional sauna functions by heating the air within through the use of steam or flame-stoked heat, which then warms your body, causing you to sweat. It typically reaches temperatures of between 150°F and 195°F.

Infrared Sauna: In contrast, the infrared sauna uses infrared lamps and electromagnetic radiation to warm your body directly. Since this plug-in option uses light to generate heat, the ambient temperature of the sauna is much lower (between 110°F and 135°F) but still offers the same results and benefits as a traditional sauna, making it the ideal choice for those who struggle with the heavy steam levels.

How Does an Infrared Sauna Work?

While the traditional sauna utilizes a single heat source to warm the air (and in turn, your body), the infrared uses lamps to heat the sauna in a different way. These lamps promote heat generation within your body while only warming a small percentage of the air around you – resulting in a deeper sweat at a lower ambient temperature, allowing you to remain in the sauna for longer.

In other words, this "dry sauna" provides all the relaxation and health benefits of a traditional steam sauna at a much more comfortable temperature. Infrared saunas are also considered more energy efficient and have a quicker warm-up time. It's worthwhile knowing that the infrared light does not fall on the part of the light spectrum that contains UV rays, meaning it won't damage your skin the way a tanning bed would.

Tip!

For more info on just how saunas work, read our guide here.

What Is an Infrared Sauna Good For?

While the exact studies and results on the effectiveness of infrared saunas are still being proven, there are no indications of negative effects from using them. As with a traditional steam sauna, you should bear in mind the potential effects of the heat (dehydration, overheating, interference with medication, and potential dangers to those with heart disease, who are pregnant, or under the influence of alcohol), and consult your doctor if you are pregnant or have heart disease.

The benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to those of using a traditional sauna. These include the following:

Soothes Sore Muscles: The improved blood circulation from infrared saunas can help speed up muscle recovery after physical activity.

Relieves Pain: Similarly to traditional saunas, infrared saunas pose a promising method of relief from chronic pain caused by issues like arthritis.

Relaxation: Spending time in the sauna (no matter what type) gives you a few moments to yourself where you can decompress and unwind. The warmer temperatures can help you relax after a strenuous workout or a stressful day.

Improved Sleep: The relaxation that comes from sauna use is also linked to better sleep.

Improves Heart Health: Within minutes of entering an infrared sauna, you will begin to sweat as your blood vessels dilate – increasing blood flow as well as your heart rate. Some research equates the body's physical response to an infrared sauna as similar to that of walking at a moderate pace.

Tips for Using an Infrared Sauna

Here are a few tips and precautions you should take to help make your session as pleasant and beneficial as possible.

• Start at a low temperature and keep sessions short – you can build slowly from there.
• Stay hydrated – bring water or a sports drink with electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
• Due to how much infrared saunas make you sweat, you may feel lightheaded when you stand up – if so, stand up slowly, sit once you leave the sauna, and drink plenty of water.
• Keep your sessions below 30 minutes to prevent stressing your body.
• Try to limit your sauna sessions to three to four times a week.
• Shower afterward to wash off any toxins you sweated out – but allow your body to cool down first.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before using ANY sauna.
• Avoid using the sauna if you feel ill.
• If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor before your first sauna session.

If you find the high temperatures of steam saunas are too much for you, you now have an alternative that will provide you with the same benefits without the heat. Take a look at our range of infrared saunas to find the right one to help you sweat today!

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