Far infrared saunas are quite popular and thought to provide many health benefits. Here, we will review these types of saunas and their potential advantages and disadvantages.
FAR infrared saunas (FIR) offer several potential benefits for the body and mind such as detoxification, Cardiovascular Health, relaxation, skin health, and many others:
- Cardiovascular Health: consists of improved Circulation. FIR saunas heat the body at a cellular level, which can increase circulation and help to bring down inflammation. They help you by burning calories, increasing your heart rate, and boosting circulation.
- Detoxification: Sweating in an FIR can help to flush out toxins from the body, including heavy metals and environmental pollutants. They do so by increasing perspiration, which can aid in cleansing the skin and improving its overall appearance
- Pain Relief: FIR has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in people with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. The heat generated by FIR saunas helps to reduce muscle tension, soreness, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis or other chronic conditions
- Relaxation/stress relief: Spending time in an FIR sauna can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being. Sweating in a far-infrared sauna increases endorphin levels which leads to relaxation and improved moods while reducing stress hormones like
cortisol that are associated with depression or anxiety disorders. - Skin Health: The heat from FAR infrared saunas can improve skin tone and texture, and may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Boosted Immune Function: FIR saunas have been shown to increase white blood cell counts and boost overall immune function.
- Weight Loss: Spending time in a FIR infrared sauna can increase metabolic rate and help to burn calories, which may aid in weight loss efforts.
It’s important to note that while FAR infrared saunas offer potential benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from a healthcare professional.
How do infrared saunas work?
Infrared saunas work by using infrared heaters to emit infrared light waves that penetrate the skin and heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around you like a traditional sauna. The heat generated by infrared saunas is similar to the heat generated by the sun but without harmful UV rays.
There are three types of infrared waves: near, mid, and far. Infrared saunas typically use far infrared waves (FIR), which are the longest and safest waves that penetrate deeply into the body. The heat generated by FIR waves causes the body to sweat, which can help to flush out toxins and impurities from the body.
The heat generated by FAR infrared saunas can also increase circulation and oxygenation of tissues, which may help to promote healing and reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Infrared saunas can operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, typically between 120-150°F (50-65°C), which may be more comfortable for some people. They also produce less humidity, which can make the experience more tolerable for those who find traditional saunas too hot and stuffy.
Overall, infrared saunas provide a unique and effective way to experience the benefits of heat therapy, with potentially fewer side effects than traditional saunas.
Can infrared saunas be harmful to the body?
Potential Disadvantages:
Infrared saunas are generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, but there are some potential risks and precautions to be aware of.
Dehydration: Spending time in an FIR sauna can cause significant sweating, which can lead to dehydration if adequate fluids are not consumed. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a sauna session to avoid dehydration.
Overheating: While infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, it’s still possible to overheat if you stay in the sauna for too long or don’t allow your body to cool down between sessions. Symptoms of overheating may include dizziness, nausea, and fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to exit the sauna immediately and cool down.
Medication Interactions: Some medications may interact with infrared sauna use, particularly those that affect blood pressure, and circulation, or cause drowsiness. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna if you are taking any medications.
Skin Sensitivity: In rare cases, FIR saunas use may cause skin irritation or sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to monitor your skin during and after sauna sessions and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid using infrared saunas, as the high temperatures may pose a risk to the developing fetus.
Overall, if used appropriately and with proper precautions, FIR saunas are generally safe and may provide a range of health benefits. However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
What is the science behind infrared saunas?
The science behind infrared saunas involves the therapeutic effects of infrared radiation on the body. Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, but shorter than radio waves. There are three types of infrared waves: near, mid, and far.
Infrared saunas typically use far infrared waves, which have longer wavelengths than near or mid-infrared waves. These longer wavelengths penetrate more deeply into the body, allowing the heat generated by FIR waves to stimulate various physiological processes.
One of the primary effects of infrared saunas is that they cause the body to sweat, which can help to flush out toxins and impurities from the body. The heat generated by FIR waves can also increase circulation and oxygenation of tissues, which may help to promote healing and reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
FIR saunas have also been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which may have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.
Studies have also suggested that FIR saunas may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, immune function, and weight management. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of infrared saunas and how they work on a molecular level.
Overall, the science behind FAR infrared saunas is still being explored, but there is evidence to suggest that they can provide a range of health benefits through their effects on the body’s physiological processes.
Here is a group discussion on this topic.
