Are you ready to ditch the sweltering traditional sauna for the modern infrared sauna but unsure how it works? This guide will answer your question, “ How does an infrared sauna work” by explaining the science behind it and shedding light on its distinct benefits for your health and wellness.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding how infrared saunas work will help you maximize their benefits safely and effectively.
Infrared saunas directly heat the body and allow for deep tissue penetration.
Each session offers a unique and beneficial experience that supports relaxation, detoxification, and overall health.
Table of Contents
Infrared Saunas Basics
Infrared saunas differ fundamentally from their traditional saunas. Rather than heating the air within the room, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit infrared light. This light is absorbed directly by the skin, heating the body from the inside out.
The Science Behind Infrared Saunas
Infrared Technology
At the core of how infrared saunas work is the application of infrared heaters that emit infrared radiation. This radiation is a form of electromagnetic light energy that is invisible to the human eye but felt as heat on the skin. Unlike ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin and cause burns, infrared light is safe and provides numerous benefits.
Types of Infrared Heaters
There are generally three types of infrared heaters used in saunas:
Near-infrared heaters
These use light energy that is closest to the visible light spectrum and can help improve skin health and cell health.
Mid-infrared heaters
These are effective for deeper penetration into the body’s soft tissue, increasing circulation and releasing oxygen to injured areas.
Far-infrared heaters
Far-infrared heaters are the most common in infrared saunas. These heaters provide deep penetration and generate heat that leads to profuse sweating at lower temperatures.
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
To answer the question, “How does a far infrared sauna work”, we’ll look at two important areas, direct heating and heat penetration.
Direct Heating
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the body indirectly by warming the air, infrared saunas work directly on the body without significantly heating the surrounding air. This method allows for a deeper heat penetration at much lower temperatures, typically between 110°F and 140°F (43°C to 60°C), compared to the 150°F to 210°F (65°C to 98°C) common in traditional saunas.
Penetration and Heat Absorption
The infrared waves penetrate the skin to a depth of up to 1.5 inches (about 4 cm), directly heating the body tissues and muscles. This deep penetration allows for a more intense sweating process at a lower temperature, which many find more comfortable than the hot air of a traditional sauna.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Work for Health and Wellness?
Infrared saunas promote relaxation by helping to balance your body’s level of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. The heat generated will also help to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, perpetuating a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Other benefits include:
Detoxification — By inducing a deep sweat, the body can eliminate toxins accumulated in the skin and organs.
Improved Circulation — As the body’s core temperature increases, blood flow rises, leading to improved circulation.
Skin Purification — Infrared wavelengths naturally purify the skin by eliminating impurities from the pores.
Pain Relief — Infrared heat penetrates joints, muscles, and tissues, increasing circulation and speeding oxygen flow to areas needing healing.
Are Infrared Saunas Safe?
Yes, infrared saunas are safe for most people. However, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and to time the sessions correctly to avoid overheating. People with medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Experience the Infrared Sauna at Modern Mindbody Massage
Are you ready to experience the deeply relaxing and rejuvenating infrared sauna? Come to Modern Mindbody Massage. We offer a variety of preset and customized infrared sauna programs that allow you to gain all the benefits this therapy has to offer. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Commenti