. Instead of using hot rocks to heat the air, infrared saunas use infrared rays to directly heat the body. These infrared rays do not raise the air temperature as high as traditional saunas do. For this reason many people who do not like excessive levels of heat prefer to use infrared technology. Other individuals enjoy infrared models because of their unique benefits.
One such benefit involves sweat. Infrared rays stimulate sweat production, and sweating profusely has been shown to provide skin-clearing benefits. Sweating in a sauna also promotes the detoxification of surface tissues and body organs.
A related benefit of infrared sauna models is enhanced blood flow. More blood flow means more oxygen reaches the body tissues. Increased oxygen levels boost immunity by enhancing the body's ability to protect itself from infection. Sauna users also report that infrared saunas raise their metabolism rates and help them lose weight.
This type of sauna shows a lot of promise for alleviating symptoms of certain painful medical conditions. Preliminary studies have shown that some arthritis sufferers experience pain relief and decreased fatigue by spending time in an infrared sauna. Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers have also reported lowered fatigue and pain levels. Everyday aches and pains can also be alleviated by soaking up infrared rays.
Several benefits of infrared models overlap with the benefits of traditional saunas. These benefits include relaxation and stress reduction. Users of any sauna type report deep feelings of peace and tranquility during their sessions. After a session is over, feelings of relaxation and well-being tend to continue on throughout the day.
A few practical benefits of infrared technology in saunas are also worth mentioning. Whereas traditional saunas often require specialized electronics and difficult installations, infrared models usually need minimal assembly and they generally plug directly into normal wall outlets. Saunas that use far-infrared panels provide a safety advantage over traditional models because the panels do not become hot to the touch even when they have been on for a long time.