The practice of using heat for health benefits has been around for centuries. More recently, the infrared sauna has become a popular alternative to the traditional Finnish-style sauna in the functional medicine world. Saunas are used for various purposes, including detoxification, relaxation, and improving overall health. Regular sauna use has been shown to improve pain and mood, reduce the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s, and even increase longevity.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and effects of saunas, compare infrared saunas to traditional saunas, examine how infrared saunas work, and determine if they live up to the hype.
You are viewing: Which Sauna is Right for You: Comparing Infrared and Traditional Saunas
Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas: A Snapshot
Let’s take a quick look at the differences between infrared saunas and traditional saunas:
- Traditional saunas heat the air first, while infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly.
- Infrared saunas use less heat compared to traditional saunas.
Infrared sauna benefits include increased comfort, easier home use, and lower purchase cost. However, there is limited research on infrared saunas, possible marketing influence, and potential electromagnetic field (EMF) risks associated with their use.
What to Expect From a Sauna Session
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Before we delve into the differences between infrared and traditional saunas, let’s cover some sauna basics. During a sauna session, which typically lasts 5 to 30 minutes, your body undergoes various processes. You sweat, your heart rate increases, and you might feel relaxed or experience mental clarity. Behind the scenes, the heat stress stimulates cellular repair, improves cardiovascular function, and enhances stress tolerance.
Some sauna protocols involve alternating between heat exposure and cold exposure, which is believed to create additional positive stress. Sauna treatments are offered at gyms, spas, and health centers, or you can purchase an infrared sauna for home use.
Benefits of Saunas
Sauna use has numerous benefits that can be compared to the effects of moderate exercise. The benefits include stress adaptation, improved brain health, sweating and detoxification, cardiovascular response, reduced risks of heart disease and improved longevity, hormonal regulation, mental health improvements, relief from chronic pain and fatigue, relaxation, and mood improvement.
Are Infrared Saunas Better than Traditional Saunas?
There is a lot of hype surrounding infrared saunas, but research comparing the benefits of infrared and traditional saunas is inconclusive. A systematic review of 40 studies found that no conclusions could be drawn about the superiority of one type over the other.
The studied benefits of both types of saunas, including heart disease, longevity, brain function, mental health, chronic pain, and fatigue, show similar evidence across the board. Therefore, it is difficult to determine which type offers more powerful benefits.
Differences Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas
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The primary differences between infrared and traditional saunas lie in their temperatures and heating methods. Traditional saunas heat the air first, while infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat the body. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas.
The impact of reduced heat on health benefits is not yet fully understood. Studies have shown that higher levels of heat are effective at reducing cardiovascular-related mortality and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the theory behind infrared saunas is that they can produce similar benefits at lower temperatures by directly penetrating the body with infrared light.
Which Sauna Is Best for You?
Both traditional and infrared saunas are generally safe and offer numerous health benefits. When deciding which sauna to choose, consider factors such as comfort, ease of use at home, and cost. Infrared saunas are often more comfortable, easier to use at home, and less expensive to purchase. However, keep in mind that there is limited research on infrared saunas, and caution is advised when evaluating claims influenced by the infrared sauna industry.
It’s also worth noting that not all infrared saunas are the same. The type of wavelengths they emit can differ, with far-infrared wavelengths penetrating the deepest into the body. Some saunas emit all three types of wavelengths.
Sauna therapy, including infrared sauna use, is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some mild and temporary side effects may occur, such as heat discomfort, irritated breathing, lightheadedness, temporary pain, and temporarily reduced sperm count and motility. It’s important to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and listen to your body during sauna sessions.
In conclusion, both infrared and traditional saunas have their merits. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, comfort, and practicality. To learn more about incorporating heat therapy into your personalized healing protocol, consider consulting a functional medicine expert.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHICH
