If you’ve ever tried a traditional sauna, it can conjure up memories of high heat, hot rocks and steam. This method of heating hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years.
Infrared saunas have gained popularity because of their lower, more comfortable temperatures and links to potential wellness outcomes.
About Infrared Heat
Infrared heat occurs naturally as the warmth we feel from the sun. It has been used by health practitioners in devices such as heat lamps for many years. Infrared is entirely safe and is completely different to UV or microwaves. The spectrum is outlined below:
How an infrared sauna works: The Basics
- Infrared is emitted through heater panels
Different heater materials are used in different saunas. In a Sunlighten sauna, infrared heat is emitted via Solocarbon® heater panels inside the sauna. Solocarbon® is proprietary technology and proven to deliver 99% emissivity.
This is more infrared output than any other sauna in the world.
What does this mean?
In some saunas, you will get significantly less infrared and a higher volume of cabin heat. Without high emissivity your body will not receive the optimum quantity or quality of infrared.
- High heat is unnecessary
Those who have used traditional hot rock and steam saunas often find them to be uncomfortable. The high oppressive heat and difficulty breathing deter some people from returning to this type of sauna.
In infrared saunas you don’t have this issue as they are optimal at lower temperatures (between 45 and 58 degrees Celsius).
- Infrared will penetrate the body deeply
What makes infrared fantastic is its ability to penetrate deeply into the body to raise core body temperature. On the other hand, traditional saunas only heat the surface of the skin for a shallow sweat.
- Blood vessels will dilate which may assist with circulation
As you sit in your sauna, it creates a mild hyperthermia effect which causes the blood vessels to dilate. The dilation causes your heart beat to slightly increase which to assist your circulation.
Summary
The result of infrared saunas is a cleansing, therapeutic sweat. They are an ideal product for anybody searching for an improved state of physical and mental wellbeing.
For further information on infrared sauna research studies, please read our previous article.
