subject: How Do Infrared Saunas Work? [print this page] In recent years, the popularity of saunas has significantly increased due to its numerous health benefits and its ability to help one relax and reduce stress. The Infrared Sauna is one type of sauna that is becoming well known for its positive health impact on the mind and body.
An infrared sauna is different than a conventional sauna as it does not use steam. Instead, it utilizes special heaters that produce and disperse infrared rays. Infrared light is a wavelength of light naturally emitted by the sun. Infrared saunas produce the same infrared energy we get from the sun, but it is not harmful ultraviolet light. Infrared is thermal radiation, meaning that it conducts heat. The electromagnetic energy enters the body and causes it to heat up which results in sweating.
Ceramic heaters are used in modern infrared saunas. The temperature created ranges from 110 to 130 degrees F. It is cooler than a traditional sauna which allows one to sit in the sauna longer thereby perspiring more. The infrared radiation only heats the body, and not the air. The heating effects are produced below the skin and the deep penetration of the infrared rays into the skin allows more contaminates to be removed than if one were to use a conventional steam sauna.
Infrared rays have shown to be beneficial to the body. The harmless rays enter skin and the heat produced will cause fat cells to loosen up resulting in toxins, metals, and other harmful elements being released. As one perspires, toxins, bacteria, and metals, are driven out from the body which makes infrared saunas an effective method of body detoxification. Once one eliminates the harmful substances from their body, they will have more energy, be more alert, and have an overall feeling of good health. They will even sleep much better.
Infrared saunas are also effective at clearing up acne. As well, it helps to reduce cellulite, improves skin elasticity and tone, and even helps to heal such conditions as burns, eczema, scars, and psoriasis. In fact, for those interested in shedding some extra pounds, infrared saunas can burn 400-600 calories in one 30 minute sitting.
Infrared saunas are also an effective therapeutic technique for relieving muscle pain and spasms, as well as speeding up the healing process for injured muscles and tissue. The heat that is produced warms up the body internally which boosts blood circulation and brings oxygen and nutrients to the injured area and removes fluid build up from the area.
As well, the deep penetration of the infrared rays is an effective method of treating bone and joint conditions such as osteoarthritis. The healing properties and its stress alleviating effects makes this type of sauna a good choice for those wanting to improve their overall health and well being.
The health benefits for both the mind and body have made infrared saunas a popular choice for the home as well as in wellness spas. Regular use of an infrared sauna will detoxify the body of harmful chemicals, metals, bacteria, and other toxins from the environment, and one will soon achieve healthy weight loss, a strengthened immune system, and most importantly, good health.
