When it comes to relaxation and health benefits, saunas have been a popular choice going back centuries. However, with the introduction of infrared saunas, many people are left wondering which type is superior. Both traditional and infrared saunas offer significant health benefits, but they do so in different ways.
In this article, we'll dive into the debate of infrared vs traditional sauna to help you decide which might be best for you.
Key Takeaways:
Both the infrared and traditional sauna offer considerable health benefits that can enhance your quality of life.
Choosing the right sauna depends on your comfort with the heat levels, health objectives, and personal preference.
Table of Contents
Infrared Sauna Vs. Traditional Saunas: What’s the Difference?
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas, use a heater to warm the air inside the sauna room, which then heats your body. This process typically involves either electric heaters or wood-burning stoves, with rocks that get heated and help distribute the warmth. Users often pour water over these heated rocks to increase humidity, which helps to induce sweating at temperatures that can reach up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
Infrared Saunas
In contrast, infrared saunas do not heat the air around you. Instead, they use infrared lamps (that use electromagnetic radiation) to warm your body directly. This type of sauna operates at a lower temperature, usually between 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The infrared heat penetrates more deeply into body tissue, which proponents argue provides enhanced health benefits at more comfortable temperatures.
Health Benefits Comparison
Detoxification
Both sauna types are excellent for detoxification. Sweating is one of the body’s most natural ways to eliminate toxins. The intense heat in a traditional sauna will produce a lot of sweat over a short period.
On the other hand, the deeper penetration of heat from an infrared sauna can induce a more profound sweat at a lower temperature, which might be more comfortable for longer sessions.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
The heat from saunas helps relax muscles, soothe aches and pains in muscles and joints, and reduce stress levels. While traditional saunas are great for a short, intense session, the gentler heat of an infrared sauna might allow for longer sessions, potentially offering greater stress reduction and relaxation benefits.
Cardiovascular Health
Regular use of any sauna can help improve circulation and may lower blood pressure. The high temperatures cause your heart rate to increase, similar to the effects of moderate exercise.
Infrared sauna vs traditional sauna studies suggest that the infrared option might be easier for people who cannot tolerate the high heat of traditional saunas but still want to receive cardiovascular benefits.
Weight Loss
While both types of saunas can aid in weight loss by helping to burn calories through increased heart rate and body temperature, the efficiency of infrared heat in penetrating deeper into the tissues might aid in breaking down fat more effectively.
Skin Health
Infrared sauna proponents often point to the ability of infrared heat to penetrate deeper into the skin, which can enhance collagen production and help clear out pores. Traditional saunas also promote healthy skin by cleansing the pores through heavy sweating and increasing circulation.
Which One is Better?
Choosing between an infrared and a traditional sauna often comes down to personal preference and specific health goals. If you prefer more intense heat and the traditional sauna experience with steam, a traditional sauna may be best for you. However, if you're more interested in a lower-temperature experience with potentially deeper tissue benefits, an infrared sauna might be the better choice.
Experience the Relaxing And Restorative Infrared Sauna
Experience the soothing warmth that goes beyond traditional methods! Visit Modern Mindbody Massage to discover how you can elevate your wellness routine with our state-of-the-art infrared sauna.
Feel rejuvenated as deep penetrating heat helps to relax your muscles, detoxify your body, and boost your overall health. Book your session today and step into the warmth that heals!
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