What is an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas are increasingly popular in the health and wellness community for a number of reasons including the numerous health benefits and they just make you feel good!

What exactly is an infrared sauna?

The sun produces a combination of visible and invisible light, and one of those invisible spectrums is infrared rays. Invisible infrared wavelengths are what makes the sun feel warm (and ultraviolet wavelengths are what makes it bright). Scientists have established that infrared waves are beneficial to the human body because they are easily absorbed, stimulating the lymphatic, immune and cardiovascular systems and also help remove toxins. Infrared does all of this without any of the harmful rays of sunlight.

There are three main categories of the infrared spectrum: near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared.

Near Infrared – Near infrared has the shortest wavelength and is absorbed just below the surface of the skin. This spectrum will help raise your core body temperature and helps with skin purification and rejuvenation providing anti-aging benefits.
Mid Infrared – This is a longer infrared wavelength that penetrates deeper into the body’s soft tissue. Mid infrared waves help increase circulation and release oxygen to injured areas.
Far Infrared – Far infrared is the longest infrared wavelength and penetrates deep into your body. Far infrared wavelengths result in the greatest levels of detoxification, increase your metabolism aiding in cardiovascular health, improve circulation through vasodilation, relax muscles, reduce joint pain and much more.

At AQUA Float Spa we have Far Infrared Sauna!

Rather than use steam or the traditional “box of hot rocks” heating elements, the infrared sauna heaters use the infrared spectrum listed above to promote relaxation and other health benefits.  In an infrared sauna, the air temperature is less important than the quality of the infrared heat.  As your body absorbs the infrared heat, this will increase your core body temperature inducing a deep and relaxing sweat.  Using your infrared sauna at lower temperatures means you can stay in longer and get more benefits.

Infrared Saunas Versus Traditional and Steam Saunas

The main difference between infrared saunas and traditional saunas is how they use heat. Traditional saunas use a single heater that is heating the air and this hot air heats the user.  In contrast, infrared saunas use advanced therapy to heat the user directly with only a small percentage of the heat heating the air. This results in a deeper sweat and at a lower ambient air temperature. In fact, our infrared sauna usually operate between 120° – 140°F, while traditional saunas can get up to 195°F.

You will get all of the relaxation benefits of a traditional infrared sauna along with the increased health benefits that infrared offers all at a much more comfortable temperature.  Infrared saunas are also dry saunas and many users find this makes for a more comfortable sauna session.