Far infrared heaters require no ventilation, nor do they depend on a closed space to maintain the heat. Consequently, they can be used everywhere, even outdoors. Actually, the only reason why infrared heaters are used in saunas is the mood enhancing effect: people are used to saunas as enclosed area. Therefore, the traditional surrounding possibly renders the whole experience more satisfying.
The infrared technology used in far infrared saunas refers to a frequency band of lightwave, invisible to the human eye. The type of heat generated by these units is usually known as Infrared Radiation (IR) or Far Infrared Radiation (FIR). Unlike Ultraviolet Radiation, infrared radiation does not cause sunburn or atomic radiation. Most of our planet’s heat is the result of sun’s infrared radiation. Actually, both the Earth and the humans emit infrared radiation.
Far infrared sauna enthusiasts believe that this type of saunas offer more therapeutic benefits than the more traditional saunas.
On top of skin cleansing, the known benefits of the traditional saunas include relief from pain, muscle stiffness and arthritis. The steam of the traditional saunas is also purported to relieve ailments like congestion and bronchitis.
Since infrared saunas do not generate steam, they are not as effective as their traditional counterparts when it comes to relieving problems connected with breathing. However, they fare as well as regular saunas as far as working up a good sweat and alleviating the pain of arthritis is concerned.
Moreover, it is believed that infrared radiation possesses some unique healing properties that the radiant heat of conventional saunas can not provide. Supporters of far infrared radiation claim that FIR infrared saunas penetrates the body, ridding the internal organs and the muscle tissue of toxic substances, thus improving immunity.
Due to the lack of scientific studies, it is not possible to verify all the claims regarding the health benefits of far infrared saunas. However, personal testimonials can not be ignored – and there are many of them. In any case, it is widely accepted that saunas are useful for alleviating symptoms caused by certain health problems. It is also believed that far infrared saunas may have unique properties which result in additional benefits and advantages, over and above the benefits that traditional saunas offer.
Infrared saunas have several advantages over the traditional steam saunas. Infrared saunas heat up to lower temperatures and attract people who may find the high temperatures found in traditional saunas difficult to support. They heat up much more quickly than conventional saunas. Since infrared saunas generate lower temperatures and consequently use less electricity, they are also cost-efficient. In fact, infrared saunas operate at a lower cost than traditional ones.
The quality of air in infrared saunas does not change even in an enclosed space, because infrared waves do not heat the air. This is an important consideration for people who find the hot, dry air prevalent in traditional saunas uncomfortable to breathe.
Infrared saunas do not involve the use of water. They are therefore easier to transport and to install. They are also not plagued by the complications that may arise as a consequence of bacterial build-up that occurs in damp areas.
True, some people feel that infrared saunas are not as calming and refreshing as conventional saunas. Based on your personal preferences, the absence of steam in an infrared sauna may or may not be an advantage. There are people who complain that they can not breathe properly in a traditional sauna; however, steam has been found to be useful in relieving many respiratory problems.
Those who consider themselves as sauna purists and enjoy the ritual of preparing a traditional sauna will probably not take to infrared saunas. Infrared or traditional – the choice is to a great degree a matter of personal tastes and habits,
Be that as it may, the use of any type of sauna, infrared or conventional, is undoubtedly beneficial. Saunas are both invigorating and relaxing. A visit to a sauna will relax your whole body. It will make your skin feel clean, fresh and smooth. Their therapeutic effects have not been proven, but many will swear by them. Even if we leave medicinal claims aside, saunas offer so many benefits that they deserve to be used regularly. Far infrared saunas are easier to operate and easier to install – and those are good reasons to give them a try. As an extra bonus, you may also get more health benefits out of them than out of conventional saunas.