I'm sure you have seen or heard of infrared saunas in the news or on the internet lately. Infrared saunas have become popular with celebrities and athletes in recent years but are they really worth it? What is an infrared sauna? Does it really work? Durasage has taken the time to find out everything you need to know about the infrared sauna. Read below for a infrared sauna 101.
What is an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas use light to create heat. This type of light is called far-infrared "FAR", this is where the infrared waves fall on the spectrum of light. A traditional sauna uses heat to warm the air, which then warms your body. Far infrared saunas directly heats your body without warming the air around you. Infrared light is within the "safe" spectrum, this is why infrared saunas have no known negative side effects.
How do you use an infrared sauna?
Our personal saunas include everything you need to get started today. You can use the hand held controller to set the temperature and time to a desirable setting. It is recommended to drink plenty of water afterwards and to limit your sessions to 20-30 minutes. If you have a heart condition, low blood pressure or are pregnant it is best to speak with a physician or doctor before purchasing any sauna whether that be an infrared or steam sauna.
What other benefits do infrared saunas have?
There are several studies out there. Some claiming to cure everything which is not true, others claim there are no benefits. So whats the truth? Infrared sauna studies have shown to improve the blood vessels flexibility which is good for long-term heart health. Also noted is that infrared saunas can lower your blood pressure.
If you do strength training or are an athlete blind studies have shown to improve performance up to 20%. While also enhancing post training recovery by improving neural recovery.
Other studies have shown improvement in mood, skin health and other areas. Unfortunately infrared saunas cannot cure any disease.
What are the types of infrared saunas?
There are multiple spectrum's of infrared light. Within the infrared light rays there are three main categories based on the size of the waves. Infrared light is considered a safe spectrum with no negative side effects.
1. Near-infrared rays, with a wavelength of 0.75 to 1.5 micrometers (millionths of a meter).
2. Medium-infrared rays, with a wavelength of 1.5 to 5.6 micrometers.
3. Far-infrared rays, with a wavelength of 5.6 to 1,000 micrometers.
The longer the wavelength the more the light will penetrate into the body. There is no evidence showing that near or medium infrared rays offer any additional benefit.
For more information about infrared waves click here.
What to expect from infrared saunas
There’s evidence that shows to…
- Reduce joint pain and stiffness
- Decrease oxidative stress
- Improve overall mood
There’s also evidence that shows to…
- Improve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue
- Support cardiovascular health
- Improve performance and recovery
And lastly, there’s no evidence that infrared saunas can…
- Detoxify your body
- Promote weight loss
- Prevent the common cold
- Improve skin health
- Fight cancer
Infrared saunas will contribute to your overall health and wellness as it is a beneficial form of therapy.
All of our infrared saunas offer all the benefits of far infrared heat. Empower yourself in a Durasage infrared sauna. Click here to see our personal indoor infrared saunas.