Introduction
The use of heat for hygiene and health purposes dates back centuries. While traditional Finnish-style saunas have long been popular, the introduction of infrared saunas has recently caught the functional medicine community by storm.
Saunas have been used for anything from relieving stress and cleansing the body to curing and preventing diseases. Consistent sauna use has been shown to improve mood and decrease pain, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, and even lengthen life expectancy.
In this article, we’ll investigate the claims made about saunas’ positive effects on health, discuss the key distinctions between traditional and infrared saunas, and analyse the research supporting infrared saunas to see if they measure up to the hype.
This is the big one, the big showdown – a question we are asked all the time:
Which is Better, an Infrared Sauna or a Traditional Sauna?
Well, we’re here to answer that question the best we can, there’s a much to discuss so get yourself a brew and settle in 🙂
Infrared saunas and traditional saunas are both designed to provide users with relaxing and therapeutic benefits. However, there are some significant differences between the two.
One of the main differences is the way they heat the body. Infrared saunas use infrared radiation to directly heat the body, while traditional saunas use heated air to indirectly heat the body. This means that infrared saunas can provide a more intense and deeper heat penetration, while traditional saunas can provide a more traditional sauna experience with higher temperatures.
Additionally, traditional saunas require a more extensive installation process, including a dedicated space and electrical wiring, while infrared saunas can be portable and plug into a regular outlet.
Overall, the choice between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna ultimately depends on personal preference and desired benefits. Infrared saunas are great for those looking for a deeper and more intense heat therapy, while traditional saunas provide a more classic sauna experience.
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas are the type of saunas that have been around for centuries. They are typically made of wood and are heated by a stove that burns wood or uses electricity. The heat generated by the stove is used to heat rocks or coals, which then heat the air in the sauna. The high heat and humidity created by the steam in traditional saunas are believed to provide various health benefits, including relaxation, detoxification, and improved sleep.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas are a newer type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body directly. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas do not use steam and have a much lower level of humidity. The heat generated by the infrared light is absorbed directly by the body, which causes the body to sweat and release toxins. Infrared saunas are believed to provide various health benefits, including relaxation, detoxification, improved circulation, and weight loss.
Differences Between Traditional Saunas and Infrared Saunas
Traditional saunas use steam to create a high-humidity environment that can make you sweat heavily. The heat source is typically a stove that burns wood, but electricity can also be used. The stove heats up rocks or coals, which in turn heats the air in the sauna, creating a hot and moist environment. In contrast, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly warm the body, which causes you to sweat with a lower level of humidity.
Infrared saunas are considered to be more gentle than traditional saunas since they don’t require high heat to make you sweat. Instead, the infrared light penetrates your skin and warms your body up from the inside, which can offer several health benefits, such as improved circulation, detoxification, and relaxation. In contrast, traditional saunas are known for their high temperatures, which can be challenging for some people to tolerate. However, the high humidity levels in traditional saunas can be helpful for those with respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma.
Another important difference between the two is their energy consumption. Traditional saunas require more energy to operate since they need to heat up water to boiling point to create steam. This can result in higher operating costs. In contrast, infrared saunas only need to power their heating elements, which makes them more energy-efficient and cost-effective to run.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional saunas and infrared saunas depends on personal preference and individual health needs. Both types offer unique benefits and can be a great addition to your wellness routine.