About Infrared Sauna Therapy and other Types of Saunas

Compared to the traditional steam sauna, infrared sauna therapy is a relatively new technology which brings with it numerous health benefits and advantages.

Firstly, what are some common types of saunas?

Types of Saunas

The various kinds of sauna baths are Infrared Sauna, Wet Sauna, Dry Sauna, Smoke Sauna and Steam Sauna.

Traditional saunas are wood or gas fired and requires preheating to about 200 degrees to induce profuse sweating in users. This may cause fatigue and exhaustion to those that cannot tolerate high temperatures or if the user is ill.

Comparing Infra Red Saunas and Traditional Saunas

Infrared sauna therapy is very different. Infra red saunas heat the body, but the air remains cool. Sweating is instantaneous and there is no accompanying fatigue or exhaustion; the experience is pleasant.

From the viewpoint of energy conservation, pre-heating is unnecessary, saving fuel or electricity. Infra red bulbs or ceramic elements are used to generate gentle heat; though infra red bulbs are very expensive.

Infrared saunas can also provide color therapy.

Whether it is the conventional sauna bath or the technologically advanced infra red saunas, it is the personal preferences which decide which experience is better. The benefits of both can be said to be more or less equal, although, in my view, infrared saunas offer more benefits.

About Infrared Sauna Therapy

The sun is the primary source of radiant energy, and we all seek to soak in as much of its goodness as is possible. People who live in climates where sunshine is seasonal experience bouts of depression without the warmth of the sun (seasonal affect disorder or SAD).

However, not all of solar radiation is beneficial and too much sunlight causes sunburn and other radiation-related conditions.

Although life needs energy from the sun, too much sunlight damages the skin. FIR (Far- Infrared Radiation) is as beneficial as sunlight, but does not carry the harmful side effects of solar radiation.

FIR heat provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation.

Radiant heat is also called infrared heat or infrared energy. The most important feature of this type of naturally occurring energy, that heats objects via a process generally referred to as direct light energy, is that only the desired object is warmed and not the surrounding area of air.

This is the most beneficial aspect of infrared sauna therapy and is the reason why it is an energy conserving and gentle form of experiencing the sauna bath and its effects.

Infrared heat should not be confused with ultraviolet radiation, as that is different.

To read more about the health benefits of infrared saunas, click here.

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Some Related Sauna Pages

Health Benefits of Saunas - Introduction and Overview

How Does Sauna Benefit Health?

About Infrared Sauna Therapy and other Types of Saunas

Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna

How To Use a Sauna - Some Suggestions

How to Build a Sauna - Basic Sauna Building Plan

Click here to read more about Saunas in our Full Body Detox section.