Infrared vs traditional sauna health benefits: Which one should you select?

A comparison of the heat sources, penetration, size, cost, and setup of infrared vs traditional sauna. According to our Sunasusa team inquiry, traditional saunas provide a more powerful, perspiration-inducing sensation, whereas infrared saunas provide a softer, deeper heat that is more comfortable for longer sessions.

Both Infrared vs traditional Saunas offer special benefits, although infrared saunas appear more successful at detoxifying. The traditional sauna is frequently the first thing that comes to mind when people think about saunas. These saunas have long been typical, particularly at upscale resorts and wellness facilities. However, a brand-new kind of sauna has surfaced in the last several decades: the infrared sauna.

Infrared saunas function differently than traditional saunas, and research indicates that, in comparison to their more traditional competitors, they may encourage the body to expel more toxins. This article will examine the variations and parallels between these two kinds of saunas(Infrared vs traditional Saunas), focusing on the benefits and drawbacks of each. By reading on, find out if the stories you’ve heard about infrared vs traditional sauna are true.

What is an infrared sauna?

Instead of heating the air, an infrared sauna emits infrared heat waves through carbon heaters. These saunas are built with safety and comfort in mind, using natural softwoods. By releasing chemicals that strengthen the immune system and cause sweating, which helps in the removal of toxins, they facilitate recovery.

Infrared sauna benefits

Improved Blood Circulation: Expanding blood vessels, improving circulation, and potentially lowering blood pressure all help to improve blood circulation.
New Heating Technique: Heats the body inside at a lower temperature, increasing sweating.
Enhanced Metabolic Process: Raising body temperature enhances detoxification and calorie burn.
Sports Recovery: Promotes circulation, which lowers inflammation and helps recover muscles.
Quick Detoxification: Helps in getting rid of pollutants that have built up from daily life and exposure to the environment.
Non-physical exercise: It provides benefits similar to those of exercise by raising capillary drainage, heart rate, and lung capacity.
Cheap Beauty Treatment: Promotes and increases the formation of collagen in the skin.
Modification of the Central Nervous System: Increases dopamine, decreases cortisol, and promotes neurons, which reduces mood and stress reactions.

Infrared saunas risks

Dehydration: Sweating excessively might cause dehydration. Before, during, and after use, make sure that you drink enough water.
Overheating: Overheating might result from extended exposure. Keep meetings to a maximum of 20–30 minutes.
Electromagnetic radiation (EMF): Low quantities of EMF are emitted by infrared saunas, which poses a risk. To reduce worries, choose low-EMF models and limit input time.
Pre-existing health conditions: See a doctor if you suffer from high-pressure levels or heart disease.

What is a traditional sauna?

A wood burner or heated rocks are used in a traditional sauna to heat the air, resulting in high temperatures (150–195°F) and little humidity. You may turn it into a steam room by filling the heat source with water.

Traditional sauna benefits

Detoxification: Heat causes pores to open, allowing toxins to be released.
Reduces Pain: Applying heat therapy helps those with chronic and reactive pains.
Calm and Positive Attitude: Lowers tension and elevates mood via dopamine release and cortisol reduction.
Fat Burning: As a result of the warmer weather, heart rate and calories burned rise.
Removal of Bacteria and Viruses: Warm temperatures increase the creation of white blood cells, which strengthens the immune system.

Traditional sauna risks

Dehydration: Stay well hydrated. This is similar to infrared saunas.
Safety Concerns: Traditional saunas can be harmful due to their greater temperatures. Don’t use them if you’re high on drugs or alcohol.
High temperatures: High temperatures may be severe and cause overheating. Keep an eye on the temperature and keep sessions between 20 and 30 minutes.
Pre-existing Health Conditions: If you have any health concerns, see a healthcare professional with infrared saunas.

Comparing infrared vs traditional sauna

A comparison of the infrared vs traditional saunas’ heat sources, access, costs, and setups. A wood-lined room with a stove or heater, stacked stones, and a bucket of water with a spoon is typically what comes to mind when you see a sauna. This is the typical traditional sauna, found throughout Finland and the Nordic countries. The Finnish-style sauna is regarded by many sauna fans as the height of the real sauna experience.

On the other hand, infrared saunas became popular as a substitute for traditional saunas in the 1970s. These sun-inspired saunas employ infrared heat to create a more concentrated and singular experience. An analysis comparing the infrared vs traditional sauna heat sources, penetration, dimensions, prices, and setup.

Heat Origin

A wood stove or electric heater is usually used in traditional saunas to heat the air, producing a dry, strong heat that can reach as high as 230 degrees Fahrenheit. As opposed to heating the air, infrared saunas use heating devices that release heat directly onto the people and items within. Lower temperatures typically between 120 and 160° F produce a more gentle and spreading heat in an infrared sauna.

Heat Absorption

The various heat sources also have an impact on the body’s absorption of heat, which affects the detoxification process. The main effect of heat in conventional saunas is on the skin’s surface, which leads to perspiration and opens pores to help remove pollutants.

On the other hand, infrared light waves from infrared saunas can reach up to 1.5 inches below the skin’s surface. By encouraging the release of toxins held in fat cells and other tissues, this greater absorption supports a more complete detoxification process. An investigation compares the infrared vs traditional sauna heat sources.

Location and Price

Cost and space are important factors to take into account when deciding between the two types of saunas. Because of their heating components and airflow requirements, traditional saunas typically take up more area. Installing and maintaining them can also be more expensive, particularly if you go with a wood-fired sauna.

Because they produce a lot of dampness, especially when water is spilled over the stones, traditional saunas are frequently placed outside. Indoor humidity levels can be harmful and even encourage the growth of microorganisms. On the other hand, infrared saunas are usually made for indoor usage and can fit in smaller locations, such as homes or flats.

A sauna can range in price significantly. Traditional sauna prices can vary from $7,000 to $50,000 based on features, dimensions, and customizing. Traditional sauna prices can vary from $6,995 to $8,495 based on features. An analysis contrasts the setup and cost of infrared vs traditional saunas. Here you can buy the best Wood 4-Person Sauna.

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Installation

Infrared saunas are frequently made with simple installation and assembly in mind. For example, saunas have pre-wired electrical components that simply need a 110V/20-amp outlet and modular panels that snap together rapidly. An analysis contrasts the setup, cost, and installation of infrared vs traditional saunas.

Setting up a traditional sauna, on the other hand, is more difficult. A toolbox filled with necessities like a square, a hammer, and a tape measure is required, along with many hours to complete the project. Since most conventional sauna heaters need a hardwired 240V connection, setting them up usually requires hiring a qualified electrician.

Comparing Different Heating Techniques

The comparison of infrared saunas vs traditional saunas in terms of their heat sources, accessibility, costs, and setups. The two main heating techniques used in saunas are infrared and traditional. Traditional saunas use heat-trapping air that can reach 190°F to convectively warm the body.

In contrast, infrared saunas employ infrared radiation to heat the body directly while operating at lower temperatures (between 120 and 150°F). The colder, less humid air in these saunas often contributes to their increased comfort. Sauna sessions can be shorter with infrared saunas since they heat up more quickly and use less energy.

Both types of saunas have health benefits: traditional saunas increase blood flow and reduce soreness in the muscles, while infrared saunas may strengthen the immune system, detoxify the body, and promote skin health. Traditional saunas for immense heat and sweating, or infrared saunas for mild, effective therapy—the choice is entirely up to the individual.

Health Benefits of Infrared vs Traditional Sauna

You will sweat whether you spend twenty minutes in a standard sauna or ten in an infrared one. Even a brief period of strong heat absorption gives your body a sufficient amount of stress that promotes higher cellular repair, improved heart function, and increased stress patience, among other health benefits. A comparison of the price and level of resources of infrared vs traditional saunas is conducted.

Levels of Energy

The capacity of infrared saunas to reach depths of up to two inches in tissue is well recognized, and it has a beneficial effect on cellular health. According to one study, those who spent 6 days in a sauna had 28% extra mitochondria in their bodies.

Increasing the efficiency of mitochondria, which are the energy generators in cells, can raise energy levels. The key to long life and continued energy is enhancing mitochondrial function, which enables optimal health. The study underlined the benefits of far-infrared vs traditional sauna heat, which has a 360-degree heating system that boosts the effects of a range of infrared radiation.

Heart-related health

The air surrounding you warms in a traditional sauna, which warms your body and causes sweat. This produces several health benefits. In contrast, infrared saunas release light waves that reach the skin’s surface and heat the body from the inside out. Both kinds of saunas have cardiac advantages that are similar to those of regular physical activity, including improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and raised heart rate.

Traditional Finnish saunas have higher temperatures, which can compound the advantages to your heart by raising your stress response. According to long-term research, using a conventional sauna 3 to 7 times a week is linked to a lower risk of fatal stroke, fatal cardiac heart disease, and sudden cardiac death. However, not everyone can withstand the greater temperatures seen in a sauna.

Extra Health Benefits

Infrared saunas can be especially appealing if you’re looking for relief from skin disorders like psoriasis, skin irritation, chronic pain, muscle injuries, or arthritis because of their lower temperatures and deeper heat penetration. Furthermore, well-known for encouraging rest, lowering stress levels, and enhancing general well-being are infrared saunas.

Why infrared saunas are better than traditional saunas?

We feel that infrared saunas are better than traditional saunas for the following reasons: mobility, efficiency, accessibility, and frequency.

Mobility: If you have sufficient space, you can install them in any area with an electrical outlet, including your living room, office, place of employment, or vacation home.
Efficiency: Infrared saunas are easy to set up and operate; all you have to do is plug them into a regular 110V outlet, and the sauna will heat up in approximately five minutes.
Accessibility: Infrared saunas can be found all over. You can usually find them at spas, gyms, and beauty parlors if you would rather not buy one.
Frequency: Compared to traditional saunas, infrared saunas have lower temperatures, which makes them suitable for more frequent usage. Some sources even indicate that frequent use is safe.

Safety and precautions: Infrared vs Traditional Saunas

Although they are generally safe, take these safety precautions:

Time Limit: Limit sessions to 20 to 30 minutes to prevent overheating.
Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature to make sure the sauna doesn’t get too hot.
Keep Hydrated: To avoid becoming dehydrated, drink water before, during, and after.
Avoid alcohol and drugs: Using saunas when drunk increases danger.
See a Doctor: People who have health problems, such as heart disease, must see a doctor.
Electromagnetic Radiation: Select low-EMF infrared saunas and set duration limits for exposure.

Conclusion: Infrared vs Traditional Saunas

In conclusion, the heating techniques and temperature ranges used in infrared vs traditional saunas provide distinct health benefits. While typical saunas heat the air surrounding the body, infrared saunas employ infrared light to heat the body directly. Because infrared saunas usually run at lower temperatures, people who are allergic to extreme heat can use them.

The decision between infrared vs traditional saunas is based on individual preferences and health objectives. Although they can be a terrific supplement to a healthy lifestyle, both saunas should be used carefully and in moderation. When utilizing saunas, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s cues and drink plenty of water.

Infrared vs traditional sauna health benefits: Which one should you select?