Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas do not heat the surrounding air. Instead, they use infrared lamps (which use electromagnetic radiation) to directly heat your body.
"These saunas use infrared panels instead of conventional heat to easily penetrate human tissue, warming your body before heating the air," explains physical therapist Vivian Eisenstadt, MAPT, CPT, MASP.
An infrared sauna can operate at a lower temperature (typically between 120 ˚F and 140 ˚F) than a traditional sauna, which is usually between 150 ˚F and 180 ˚F. Manufacturers claim that only about 20 percent of the heat in an infrared sauna goes to heat the air, and the remaining 80 percent heats the directly to your body.
Proponents of infrared saunas say the heat penetrates deeper than heated air. This allows you to experience more intense sweating at lower temperatures.
According to Eisenstadt, this environment is more tolerable, allowing you to stay in the sauna longer while raising your body temperature by two to three degrees.
The expected benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to using a traditional sauna. They include:
– better sleep
– relaxation
– detoxification
– weight loss
– relief from sore muscles
– relieves joint pain such as arthritis
– clear and tight skin
– improved blood circulation
– help for people with chronic fatigue syndrome
People have been using the sauna for centuries for all kinds of health ailments. Although there are many studies on traditional saunas, there are not as many studies specifically on infrared saunas:
– A small study of 10 people found that using an infrared sauna as part of a general treatment was beneficial in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
– Another study of 10 people found that infrared saunas helped reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery from strength training.
– Several studies have found that infrared light therapy saunas can help lower blood pressure, according to one review.
The lack of solid evidence and extensive research on the potential benefits of infrared saunas leaves the consumer (you) sorting through the claims made by companies offering this service.
There are also no reports of negative effects so far, except for warnings about the sauna experience. These include the potential for overheating, dehydration, and drug interference, as well as potential dangers for those who are pregnant, have heart disease, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, among other things.
The good news: Even if your sweat session doesn't do everything it claims to do, at least it'll feel good. Plus, it contributes to your overall health and well-being by helping you relax, loosen stiff or tight muscles, reduce joint pain, and give you some much-needed time to yourself.
