Infrared Sauna Therapy

People have been using traditional saunas for thousands of years, and due to their relaxing effect, they are still quite popular among most individuals. Multiple studies have reported that sauna therapy has numerous health benefits, but is that the case for infrared sauna therapy? In this article, we are going to explain what infrared sauna therapy is and how different it is compared to the traditional version. Also, we will dive into the health benefits and possible side effects and risks it may pose to the human body.

What is infrared sauna therapy?

An infrared sauna is a new version of the traditional sauna that utilizes a certain type of light to deliver heat to the body. Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use a unique type of lamp alongside electromagnetic energy to heat up the body directly. The average temperature of infrared saunas is lower than traditional ones, and this is why those people who can not stand in a warm environment prefer this new version over the traditional sauna.

The infrared light directly penetrates the body and warms it up from the inside, and it does not change the temperature of the air. The average temperature of an infrared sauna is between 43 and 57 degrees Celsius, while the temperature of a traditional sauna can go up to 90 degrees Celsius. According to what most manufacturers of infrared saunas claim, 80 percent of the heat will go to the body, and only 20 percent will affect the air.

What are the health benefits of infrared saunas?

The health benefits of infrared saunas are quite like the traditional version. The most common health benefits are:

Higher quality of sleep after treatment
Good for relaxing
Body detoxifying effects
It can help in losing weight.
Decreasing the soreness of muscles
Reducing joint pain
Increase skin tissue quality and texture
Better blood flow and circulation
Lymphatic drainage
Good impact on people with chronic fatigue syndrome

Although there have been many clinical studies on saunas and their health benefits for the human body, you should know that most of the research was conducted on the traditional one, not this new version of saunas.

Some of the studies show that:

A study conducted on ten individuals showed that people who had chronic fatigue syndrome benefited from this type of sauna as a part of an overall treatment.
Another similar study with the same number of subjects reported that infrared saunas can help with muscle soreness and recovery after exercise sessions.
Also, infrared sauna therapy is said to be effective in lowering the blood pressure.

Please note that there is yet to be enough data on how infrared saunas can impact the human body. Each manufacturer uses a certain type of technology in their products, and it is important that you check the reviews of the people who have already used their technology.

The adverse effects and possible side effects of infrared sauna therapy also need to be studied more, but generally speaking, the possibility of overheating, dehydration, and the probability of interfering with certain medications alongside the side effects that may occur to pregnant women are among the risks of using infrared saunas.

Is infrared sauna therapy safe?

Infrared saunas are generally considered to be safe, and most people can use them for relaxation. The good news is even if they do not provide the body with the health benefits mentioned above, which is quite unlikely, they can help you relax and decrease your stress level, ultimately resulting in mood improvement.

In fact, based on studies so far, infrared sauna therapy has antidepressant effects. Both traditional saunas and the new version with infrared light can help people feel much better after sessions, and they will increase pain tolerance. There are also reports suggesting that infrared sauna therapy can prevent cardiovascular disease, dementia, and some skin and lung-related problems.

Although infrared and traditional saunas are generally risk-free, there might be some complications, such as:

Heat discomfort
Hypotension of low blood pressure after the session can be prevented.
Lightheadedness to lower blood pressure
Airway Irritation
People with claustrophobia might get uncomfortable
There are also some reports of burns and fainting.

It is worth mentioning that one study conducted in 2013 showed that regular sauna sessions can pose some risks to sperm health, though infrared saunas were not specifically studied. This study showed that two sessions in a week, each lasting for 15 minutes, led to lower sperm count, but the negative effect was temporary.

certain medical conditions

People with certain conditions should avoid sauna therapy due to the effects it can have on their health. These conditions are:

Unstable coronary artery disease
Ischemic heart failure
Orthostatic hypotension
heart valve disease
Pregnant women
People with certain implanted medical devices.

Please consult with your doctor or a health care provider who is aware of your overall health conditions before exposing your body to intense heat therapy.

Overheating and dehydration are more likely in people with the following situation.
Having low blood pressure
Having kidney disease
Those who are taking certain medications for lowering their blood pressure

Tips to use Infrared sauna treatment

Before giving yourself a relaxing time with sauna therapy, you should take the following tips into consideration for having the best experience:

If you are a beginner and you want to start infrared sauna therapy, it is best to start at lower temperatures and short sessions.
Even if you have regular infrared sauna sessions, it is best not to stay in there for more than 30 minutes as it can put your body at more risk.
Do not drink alcohol if you are going for the treatment
If by any chance you are having a fever, then it is best to avoid sauna therapy until you get better.
Lightheadedness is quite common, so after the session ends, get up slowly, sit down for some time, drink water, and wait for your body temperature to go down.

What are the best-infrared saunas?

There are many companies producing different types of infrared saunas. Some are good options for home use, and some are portable, but the best options are usually suited for health and wellness clinics since they have more settings and are more complex than those made for home use.

IYASHI Dome Infrared sauna

One of the most popular infrared saunas that can be used both in clinics and even at home is the IYASHI Dome, a Japanese device that is capable of delivering exactly what it promises, and the result so far suggests that this Modern version of the Japanese sauna is a good option for those seeking different health goals via infrared sauna therapy. If you are looking for a certified provider of IYASHI Dome in Dubai, you can contact elegant hoopoe at any time.

Sun Home Full-Spectrum Infrared Saunas

This luxury Full-spectrum infrared sauna offers a unique experience with its modern technology. The Sun Home can procure infrared light from low to mid and near range. It allows the user to insert their customized setting for optimal relaxation. Sun Home is the best choice for those who would like to have a sauna in their own home. However, it might be considered expensive.

The SereneLife

The best option for portable infrared saunas is The SereneLife; it has a compact design and can be easily moved to wherever desired. This sauna uses a 1300-watt power heating element that can reach 60 degrees Celsius in no time.

Some other infrared saunas that can be good for home use are: