What is a sauna?
Traditional saunas use a heat source, typically a fire, to heat the air in a small room. The humidity in the room is designed to promote sweating, helping the body to eliminate toxins as well as promoting improved circulation and relaxation.
What is infrared?
Infrared light is comprised of electromagnetic waves that transport a certain amount of energy. Longer infrared waves give off radiation in the form of heat, such as that emitted by the sun and felt on your skin on a warm summer day.
What is an infrared sauna?
Using infrared heaters, these saunas emit radiant heat which is absorbed directly into the body, whereas traditional saunas transmit heat indirectly via steam. Infrared saunas are therefore considered to be more effective. Physiotherapists have been using this technology for some time to treat joint and muscular ailments. The heaters are typically constructed of carbon fibre panels or ceramic plates/rods that emit long infrared wavelengths from the safe end of the spectrum. Infrared saunas consist of a number of infrared heaters in small, often portable timber cubicles. These are available in a variety of sizes, from single units to larger models suitable for a number of people, that can be installed in the home. Options for colour therapy, aromatherapy and music in the cubicle are all designed to enhance the user experience.
Advantages of infrared vs. traditional sauna
There are a number of practical benefits to an infrared sauna over a traditional type, these include:
- More oxygen is available to the body as there is less steam/humidity in the room, which leads to enhanced vitality
- Infrared saunas warm up quicker than a traditional sauna, leaving more time to enjoy the sauna benefits
- Heat penetration is more direct from an infrared sauna, and avoids the high temperatures needed in a traditional sauna, making for a more enjoyable experience
- Infrared saunas require 90 percent less energy than traditional saunas, so are greener!
Infrared sauna benefits
Infrared sauna has a number of benefits, including:
- Cleansing the body of accumulated toxins, thereby enhancing your immune system
- Rejuvenating the skin and assisting in relieving skin conditions such as eczema and acne
- Assisting in weight loss
- Relieving pain from muscles and joints
- Relieving stress and relaxing the body
- Releasing new energy and reducing fatigue
- Helping control your blood pressure
- Strengthening the cardio-vascular system
- Improving sleep
- Prevent dementia
Are infrared saunas safe?
Saunas are safe however the following precautions are advised:
- When purchasing a sauna ensure that it is safety certified, particularly its wiring certification
- Use your sauna for no more than 30 minutes at a time
- Do not expose sensitive areas of skin to the radiant heat
- Make sure you are adequately hydrated before and after a sauna
- Whilst using the sauna take frequent showers to cool down and remove toxins from your skin
If you are interested in exploring the benefits of infrared saunas, visit a reputable retailer or day spa to experience their benefits.
|
Do you have a natural health & wellness business? |
