Conventional Steam Saunas Vs. Infrared Saunas - Which
Sauna Is Better?
The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for
centuries, beginning with sweat lodges, traditional Finnish saunas,
and other methods of heating the body and producing perspiration that
cleanses the cells and pores. Typically, a heat source such as a wood,
electric or gas sauna stove is used to produce the heat in a sauna.
But in recent years, a technology known as far infrared has been used
to replace the traditional steam sauna with infrared saunas, and some
people feel that the result is superior.
How Does A Far Infrared Sauna Work? Manufacturers say that far
infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the skin directly, rather
than warming the air first. In an infrared sauna, a heater produces
this radiant energy, which is similar to the heat from the sun. Most
of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr.
Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department
of Fuji Medical.Infrared sauna promoters state that unlike UV radiation
or atomic radiation, infrared radiant heat is safe and beneficial. When
infrared rays hit your skin, they transfer heat energy, which proponents
say penetrates more than an inch and a half into the body to heal and
stimulate tissues, making it an effective therapy for arthritis and
tissue injuries.In addition, the heat causes you to sweat, thus achieving
health benefits similar to those from a conventional steam sauna. In
fact, some say that the more penetrating and intense heat of a far infrared
sauna makes you sweat 2-3 times more, resulting in more comprehensive
cleansing.Reasons to Choose a Far Infrared SaunaThose who favor the
use of the far infrared sauna say that the right frequency of infrared
rays triggers a process called resonant absorption, wherein toxins are
removed from the cells in our bodies at a higher rate than with a steam
sauna. When comparing infrared saunas to standard indoor or outdoor
saunas, infrared has several other advantages.Perhaps one of the most
important differences between conventional saunas and far infrared saunas
is that they function at a lower heat setting.
Standard U.S.saunas typically operate at temperatures ranging
from 180F to 190F. This high heat can be uncomfortable or even dangerous
for some people, especially those with cardiovascular problems.In addition,
the heavy, thick air can be difficult to breathe, and the evaporation
can dry out membranes in the nose and eyes. Sometimes the exceptionally
high temperatures make the wood benches and any metal surfaces extremely
hot as well, creating potential for burns.A far infrared sauna functions
between 100F and 130F. Claims state that less than 20% of the infrared
energy from the heater goes into the air, so not only does the body
receive 80% of the heat benefits, some people find that the air is more
tolerable. And other than the heaters, there are no hot surfaces to
worry about.Another claim of infrared sauna manufacturers is that an
infrared sauna heater uses considerably less electricity than indoor
or outdoor saunas that use electricity to heat.
Plus, the sauna is usually warm within 10 or 20 minutes, whereas
a conventional sauna can take over an hour to reach optimal temperatures.And
infrared uses no water, so you don't have to plumb pipes or pay for
that additional expense. In fact, many feel that infrared saunas are
easier to assemble and they can be moved to a new
location with relative ease.The Other Side of the Sauna StoryOn
the flip side of the comparison, many people feel that a steam sauna
provides benefits that can't be matched by a far infrared sauna. Their
main position is that the steam produced by a conventional sauna is
essential to the healing process, especially in regard to respiratory
health.In response to those who say a steam sauna will dry out membranes,
supporters of Finnish and other conventional saunas state that the steam
is beneficial to those with sinus conditions and add that because they
operate without steam, infrared saunas are drying and can irritate nasal
and lung passages. In addition the dry heat from infrared saunas can
cause hair to dry out and skin to become itchy and flaky.Supporters
of conventional saunas feel that information about the health benefits
of saunas that operate with infrared have been exaggerated or claimed
without proof. They refer to different studies that show a traditional
sauna produces more sweat and removes more toxins.And some say that
any radiation, even infrared, is unhealthy and should be avoided.
An infrared sauna has several heaters, and bathers must sit
within a foot of the heat source in order to gain full benefits. In
some cases, this has caused people to feel sunburned following an infrared
sauna.Others who prefer conventional saunas feel that a steam sauna
simply feels more healthy and refreshing. And because you can control
the steam, heat, and humidity by adding more water or moving to a higher
or lower bench in the sauna, you can tailor the experience to match
your needs and preferences.Some people prefer a sauna that is heated
with wood, allowing a traditional heat source as well as the option
to add smoke to the sauna for additional purifying features. Others
add aromatherapy oils to their sauna steam to create a dual cleansing
and healing effect. This is typically not possible with an infrared
sauna.And there is the tradition and ritual that comes along with certain
aspects of a sweat lodge or Finnish sauna that have been a part of different
cultures for hundreds of years.
For many people, a sauna is not only key to a healthy physical
life, it is also important to overall spiritual health, and making the
steam, or læyly (lou-lu), is an important part of that ritual.Gain First-Hand
Knowledge Before Choosing When it comes to choosing between an infrared
sauna and a steam sauna or one that operates with more conventional
technology, it is best to try each type yourself and to talk with people
who own them. Take time to fully research your options and talk to your
doctor about health concerns with either type of sauna. In the end,
the choice may come down to limitations in budget, space available,
preferences in heating sources, or other personal factors.No matter
which you choose, you will be joining the ranks of millions of people
who use and enjoy saunas to improve their health, provide relief and
relaxation from life's stresses, socialize with friends and family,
and even find spiritual peace..
