Far infrared saunas have become popular in gyms, spas, and
other wellness centers around the world. Many people find that infrared saunas
are more comfortable than traditional saunas because the surrounding air
remains cool and dry. Far infrared saunas can provide some health benefits, but
these claims are not always supported by strong scientific evidence.
However, you may find that an infrared sauna can be
enjoyable and relaxing, and at the very least, you are likely to benefit from
short-term stress relief and get a healthy dose of self-care in the meantime.
What Is Far
Infrared
Far infrared saunas heat the body directly, not the air
around it. These rooms are often referred to as infrared thermotherapy rooms
because the heating elements reflect heat in the form of light that is radiated
directly onto the body.
In a far infrared sauna, about 20% of the heat is spent on
heating the air, and the remaining 80% heats up your body. This radiant heat
penetrates the skin deeper than in traditional saunas.
Since the air around your body does not heat up, infrared
saunas are often more bearable than traditional dry or wet saunas. The far
infrared temperature in a sauna is usually much lower.
Types of Infrared Saunas
An infrared sauna is the most common type of infrared sauna,
but full-spectrum saunas are also available. They range from near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths. Each type of energy warms your body without heating the
air around it and is said to provide different benefits.
However, many of the health benefits attributed to different
types of infrared saunas are claimed by manufacturers and are not always
supported by research, especially weight-loss claims.
Near-infrared. light combines light and heat therapy,
also known as phototherapy, that is absorbed directly below the skin's surface
to promote healing and renewal. It is believed to be better for wound healing
and improving immune function.
The mid-infrared. uses a slightly longer wavelength
than the near-infrared to penetrate deeper into body tissue, increasing
circulation, releasing oxygen, and reaching damaged areas. This range is
believed to promote muscle relaxation.
Far infrared light. is the longest wavelength and
emits light in the far-infrared range. Some studies show that this type of wave
can detoxify, stimulate metabolism, and benefit the cardiovascular system.
Potential
Benefits
There are countless health benefits associated with far
infrared saunas and saunas in general. However, scientific research on the use
of the sauna is often on a small scale. Some of the widely cited studies are
decades old, while recent studies are often conducted by the same group of
researchers.
A comprehensive review of sauna research published in 2018
in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine details
the potential health benefits of dry saunas. “Regular dry sauna use has potential
health benefits,” the authors write. “More and better data is needed on the
incidence and severity of adverse side effects. More research is also needed to
determine the optimal frequency and duration of use of different sauna types
for specific health outcomes and specific clinical populations. Which are more
likely to benefit.
While not all of the health claims of a sauna are backed up
by high-quality scientific evidence, that doesn't mean you don't feel the
benefits. Here's some research.
Better Skin
Claims of skin benefits, cellulite reduction, and other
beauty benefits are usually associated with far infrared sauna use. While much
anecdotal evidence supports these benefits, there is a lack of scientific
research to support them.
Detoxification
It is widely believed that sweating helps flush toxins from
the body, although many health experts point out that toxins are excreted from
the body through the liver, intestines, and kidneys. found that certain
chemicals - arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury - are actually present in
perspiration6. These results suggest that the sweat detoxification theory has
some merit.
Another study published in the same journal found that
induced sweating is a potential method to remove BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a
chemical pollutant with adverse effects on human health.
Heart Health
Research into lowering blood pressure, losing weight, and
relieving stress associated with far infrared sauna use has prompted some
researchers to look into potential heart health benefits as well.
A study on the health benefits of sauna use by researchers
in Finland found that more frequent sauna use was associated with a lower risk
of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The men in the study averaged
14 minutes each time in a 175-degree sauna. Men who went to the sauna four to
seven times a week had the lowest mortality rate8.
Another study examined the relationship between regular far
infrared sauna use by men with coronary artery risk factors. The researchers
concluded that the treatment improved the situation and suggested a therapeutic a role for sauna use in patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis, an inflammatory
arterial disease.
