Sauna Bath

Without trying to get too high tech on you, you might first want to know what far infrared means. It's the region of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths greater than infrared, but shorter than microwaves. Translation: Radiation between about 4 microns and 0.1 millimeters. Although we cannot see this light, we feel it as heat.

This is what far infrared saunas are predicated on. Is it safe? Research shows it is, as far infrared radiant heat occurs naturally using a process called direct light conversion. Don't be confused by the term radiant - radiant heat is also called infrared or infrared energy. Far infrared saunas utilize direct light conversion. And what that means is only the object the light is pointed at gets warmed up, not the surrounding air. Far infrared saunas heat about two to three inches deep into your body, and this is thought to increase your circulation and help heal damaged tissues.

Don't we get infrared energy from the Sun? Yes we do, most of its energy is in the infrared segment of the spectrum, and some of this reaches the earth and warms it. However as we all know, too much sun damages our skin. Far infrared saunas produce far infrared heat that provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight, but without the effects of solar radiation, and with give you a lower power bill.

Far infrared saunas seem to offer some advantages over traditional steam heat saunas. However, there's quite the controversy about that. Steam sauna lovers swear far infrared saunas do not give the same experience as the steam does. It actually boils down to being a matter of personal preference. Far infrared saunas and those that use them loyally, like the experience these saunas give them - a chance to have their bodies warmed naturally and normally like the Sun. The inference here of course is that steam saunas don't achieve the same thing in a natural, normal manner. The sticking point is the high humidity and the difficulty breathing some people have in a steam sauna.

Further, advocates of far infrared saunas insist they are safe for all ages. In addition, they also point to a cleaner, healthier environment - meaning since there is no humidity, then bacteria is less likely to cultivate in far infrared saunas.

No doubt you want to know what the health benefits are of using this kind of sauna. Seems these saunas are often used to treat drug addictions. And yes, for general therapy and well being. There is existing research that shows infrared saunas do provide those who use them with many health benefits. You will however, find scams on the Internet that make exaggerated claims about these saunas giving you instant weight loss and go way overboard in making statements about increased health. Just beware, and read everything with a critical eye. When in doubt, cross check your references, or ask a sauna expert.

Sauna Bath |