Why
I prefer infrared saunas over hot water ones
Who should really care about the preference of infrared saunas
over hot water saunas? Well, lots of people, including you, of course.
In fact, everyone should be concerned. Here's why...
Hot air interferes with pulmonary function. That is, it makes
the exchange of oxygen in the lungs more difficult. Consider how you
feel when you walk outside on a very hot dry summer day (like in Texas,
where I lived.) It feels like you are "out of breath." You almost want
to gasp for air.
If the air in the sauna were to become saturated or foggy the
air inside the lungs would also become saturated and this would interfere
with the pulmonary exchange in the lungs. This would trigger a sense
of exhaustion.
When the air (or atmosphere) is hot and dry, or steamy and humid,
it will feel uncomfortable. That is why great effort is taken to ensure
that the humidity and temperature in a sauna are at optimum levels -
particularly more so with the hot water sauna.
Infrared saunas heat you first
Hot water saunas heat the air in the chamber. The air then transfers
the heat energy to the skin. On the other hand, infrared saunas heat
by radiating the heat energy from the infrared sauna heater to the skin.
The heat energy actually comes to the skin directly.
Consider this the same way the sun heats the ground (earth)
first before the air gets hot. Very little of the sun's heat warms the
air first. Instead the ground heats the air directly above it.
So the "atmosphere" in an infrared sauna is better for your
lungs. You breathe easier in an infrared sauna, the heat goes directly
to the body while you relax in a more comfortable atmosphere.
Portable saunas that don't heat your head
There are portable saunas now that optionally does not heat
your head. You just get into one of those things and have a seat. Then
close the chamber, leaving your head out while you have your thermal
therapy for a few minutes.
They have infrared heaters as well so it is quite comfortable
inside.
Some people who are used to the traditional saunas say they
prefer hot water saunas. It is a matter of nostalgic preference (maybe).
But if you are bothered by the potentially clammy atmosphere of the
wet sauna, or if you want to experience the deep soothing warmth of
far infrared waves, then you won't bother with the less convenient hot
water saunas.
Maybe the biggest "plus" to owning an infrared sauna is that
you can easily set it up in your home. No water or pipe attachments,
no heavy stones, etc.
The typical enhancements of music players and other gadgetry
actually complement the relaxing atmosphere of the infrared sauna. It's
truly a healthy experience that everyone should love to come home to
everyday.
