Saunas offer a range of health benefits, including improved heart health and enhanced immune function However, the choice between infrared and traditional saunas can be confusing. Each type offers unique experiences and advantages, catering to different preferences and wellness goals. Infrared and traditional saunas mainly differ in how they generate heat, which impacts your experience.
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, which then warms your body. They usually use wood, stones, or electricity to create the heat. The environment in a traditional sauna can vary from dry to humid, depending on the setup. These saunas operate at higher temperatures, offering a more intense experience.
However, if you are looking for alternate options, like an infrared sauna, you need to first understand what does an infrared sauna do? It uses infrared light to warm your body directly, instead of heating the air around you. This means these saunas tend to be cooler but still offer a deep, soothing heat.
The Difference Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas
When it comes to infrared vs. traditional sauna, each has its own unique features and benefits. It really comes down to what works best for you. Here’s a breakdown of what sets them apart:
What Is a Traditional Sauna?
A traditional sauna, also known as a Finnish or steam sauna, is a wooden room heated by stones. These stones are warmed by a wood stove, gas heater, or electric heater, and water is poured over them to create steam. The heat and humidity inside the sauna can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Users can pour water over these stones to produce steam, increasing humidity and enhancing the heat experience. The traditional sauna is perfect for those seeking relaxation and the therapeutic benefits of both heat and steam. It has been used for thousands of years and is valued for its ability to promote relaxation and cardiovascular health through increased heart rate and improved circulation.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat your body directly, rather than warming the air around you. This type of sauna operates at lower temperatures, making it a more comfortable option for many. The heat penetrates deeper into the skin, promoting muscle relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation. These also help boost metabolism and may aid in pain relief, making them a great choice for those with joint or muscle discomfort.
Infrared or Traditional: Which Is Better?
The choice between an infrared and a traditional sauna depends on your personal preferences. Choosing between them involves understanding their distinct characteristics, benefits, and experiences.
Heating Mechanisms
Infrared Saunas: Use infrared heaters that emit light to penetrate the skin directly, heating your body from within. This allows for lower air temperatures, making them more comfortable for longer sessions.
Traditional Saunas: Heat the air using electric or wood-burning stoves, creating a hot and often steamy environment. This type relies on high ambient temperatures to warm your body.
Experience and Comfort
Infrared Sauna: The heat from infrared saunas is less intense, allowing users to stay longer—often up to 30 minutes—without discomfort. The lack of steam means a drier atmosphere, which some users find more enjoyable.
Traditional Sauna: The high heat and steam create an immersive environment that many sauna enthusiasts cherish. Sessions typically last 10 to 20 minutes due to the intense heat, which can be overwhelming for some users.
Health Benefits
Both types of saunas offer various health benefits:
Infrared Saunas:
Deeper Heat Penetration: Infrared rays penetrate deeper into muscles and joints, potentially enhancing detoxification, pain relief, and skin health.
Improved Comfort: Users often report increased comfort due to lower temperatures, making it easier to enjoy longer sessions.
Traditional Saunas:
Detoxification through Sweating: The high heat induces profuse sweating, which helps flush out toxins from the body.
Cardiovascular Benefits: The intense heat can elevate heart rates similar to moderate exercise, promoting better circulation and cardiovascular health.
Considerations for Use
Session Duration: Infrared sauna sessions can last longer due to lower temperatures, while traditional sauna sessions are shorter due to higher heat levels.
Health Risks: Both sauna types are generally safe; however, individuals with specific health concerns (e.g., heart conditions) should consult healthcare providers before use. Infrared saunas may have potential electromagnetic field (EMF) risks that some users consider when making their choice.
If you’re looking for a relaxing infrared sauna experience in Melbourne, we’d love to help you unwind at Empowering Beauty. Our soothing sessions are designed to promote detoxification and provide relief from stress and muscle tension. We use advanced technology and provide personalised solutions to support a wide range of health benefits. Our approach ensures a comfortable environment, making sessions longer, more effective, and truly enjoyable. For a soothing treatment, contact us at our Ringwood clinic on 0450 289 132 or at our Alphington location on 0452 559 132. You can also email us at hello@empoweringbeautyau.com.
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