In recent years, infrared saunas have become a popular trend in the wellness community, offering a modern twist on the traditional sauna experience. These saunas use infrared heaters to warm the body directly through light, providing a host of purported health benefits.
However, with new technology comes the next question, “Are infrared saunas safe?”
Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about infrared sauna safety, how they work, and whether they are right for you.
Key Takeaways
Infrared saunas are safe and many people use them as part of their health and wellness routine.
Infrared warms the body from within offering a more pleasant experience.
Improved heart rate, increased metabolism, detoxification, skin, renewal, and stress relief are some of the top infrared sauna benefits.
Table of Contents
What is An Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to produce heat, which is absorbed directly by the skin. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you to warm your body, infrared saunas directly heat your body without significantly increasing the air temperature. This allows for more intense sweating at lower temperatures.
Is Infrared Light Safe?
The answer to the question, “Is infrared light safe?”, is simple. Yes. Infrared heat is safe. Infrared light is a natural output of the sun, minus the ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to your skin. Additionally, infrared saunas are generally considered safe for most people.
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
Infrared saunas work by using infrared heaters that convert light directly to heat. This heat can penetrate human tissue, which in turn produces a host of health benefits including detoxification through sweat, relaxation, and pain relief.
The efficiency of infrared heating means that these saunas can operate at a lower temperature (usually between 110°F and 140°F) compared to traditional saunas.
Put simply, in an infrared sauna, you get to enjoy all the benefits without the surrounding intense heat found in a traditional sauna.
How Infrared Sauna is Different From the Traditional Sauna
The primary difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is how they deliver heat. While traditional saunas raise the room temperature to heat the body, infrared saunas directly warm your body without warming the air around you. This direct heating method can penetrate more deeply into body tissue and is said to release more toxins and promote greater relaxation at lower temperatures.
Here are more differences:
Infrared Sauna | Traditional Sauna |
The heat is 110°F and 140°F | The heat is 150°F and 210°F |
Superficial heating | Deeper penetrating heat |
All about the sweat | Not about the sweat |
Heat-induced sweat | Infrared light-induced sweat |
High humidity | Low humidity |
Benefits of Infrared Sauna
Detoxification — Intense sweating can help flush toxins from the body.
Relaxation — Helps to reduce stress levels by relaxing muscles and calming the mind.
Improved Circulation — Increases blood flow, which can improve heart health and aid in recovery from injuries.
Renews Skin: Opens pores and helps clear out impurities, improving skin health and appearance.
Better Sleep: Regular sessions can help induce a deeper and more relaxing sleep.
Boosted Immune System: By increasing body temperature, infrared saunas can simulate a fever-like environment that helps fight infections.
Should I Use an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared sauna sessions can provide numerous benefits to your overall well-being. Whether an infrared sauna is right for you depends on your health and personal preferences.
However, if you have any health conditions, especially heart-related or respiratory issues, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider first. We also recommend starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing your time as you gauge how your body responds to the heat.
Book Your Infrared Sauna Session at Modern Mindbody Massage
Are you ready to enjoy the warmth and let the soothing power of the infrared sauna work its magic? Contact Modern Mindbody Massage to book your spot. We offer several programs to help you achieve your personal goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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