Introduction
Infrared saunas are a unique type of sauna that utilizes infrared light, instead of hot air, to raise the temperature in the sauna. Since infrared light can penetrate the skin and provide heat for treatments, it can lead to healthier and more effective results.
Infrared saunas typically reach temperatures between 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) and 130 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius). A traditional hot-air sauna usually has temperatures around 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 66 degrees Celsius). However, while most individuals agree that infrared heat provides beneficial health effects – not everyone enjoys sweating at such high temperatures. Therefore, many infrared saunas offer adjustable temperature settings.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An Infrared Sauna is a type of sauna that uses heat and light to help relax and detoxify the body. Unlike traditional saunas, which use steam to create heat, an infrared sauna uses light waves to produce warmth which penetrates deeply into the body like natural sunlight.
It has been said that infrared saunas can reach temperatures up to 150°F (65°C) faster than regular saunas. The average infrared sauna temperature ranges from 120-150°F (49-65°C) and remains comfortable for extended periods without excessive sweating.
This type of sauna heat is said to help:
- Relax sore muscles
- Reduce stress levels
- Relieve joint pain
- Flush toxins out of the body
- Improve blood circulation
- Boost the immune system.
How Hot Do Infrared Saunas Get?
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters placed around the walls of the sauna room. The far infrared radiation emitted by the heater produces a deep penetrating heat that causes the users to sweat more than in conventional saunas. The body is heated from within rather than sweating from increased ambient air temperature.
The temperature of a traditional Finnish sauna is usually 180°F or higher, while an infrared sauna typically ranges between 110°F and 150°F with an average setting of 125°F to 130°F. This lower temperature may create a more comfortable experience and make an infrared sauna accessible to people who couldn’t tolerate such intense heat in a standard steam room. In addition, the fact that you can set your comfort level makes these saunas even more appealing.
At temperatures between 110°F and 150°F, an infrared sauna will still cause glucose levels (stored energy) in fat cells to lower as your body works diligently to cool off and maintain its core temperature – just like it would if you were running outdoors at a park or on a treadmill at home. In addition, it means that although you might not sweat as much as in a traditional steam-room environment, your body will still burn calories due to the extra work it has to do from being heated up internally!
Generally speaking, most people find 120–130 degrees Fahrenheit (48–55 Celsius) for about 30 minutes two or three times per week works well for overall relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, circulation improvement, and skin enhancement – though depending on how long you stay in your infrared sauna session will determine the outcome(s).
Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular for relaxing and enjoying various health benefits. Infrared saunas use far-infrared radiation to heat the body, but they don’t get as hot as regular saunas. Therefore, it’s important to know how hot these saunas get to understand the advantages of an infrared sauna. So let’s take a closer look.
Detoxification
The increased superior thermal heat of an infrared sauna helps to accelerate the detoxification process. Thermal heat helps penetrate the body’s tissue, muscles, and joints, increasing perspiration and allowing your body to release toxic impurities and heavy metals naturally. Breaking down these toxins is essential for cleansing and purifying the entire body to improve overall health, reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
Breathing in the hot air from an infrared sauna can also act as a decongestant for individuals suffering from sinusitis or bronchitis, as it helps in thinning mucus, opening nasal pathways by humidifying the sinus cavities, which leads to better fluid drainage and respiratory health.
In addition, infrared saunas can improve immune systems in managing allergies brought on by molds caused by dampness or airborne irritants. Detoxification is a natural process. Our bodies have evolved, so taking advantage of infrared saunas can help our bodies do what they are trained to do – cleanse themselves to full natural health!
Pain Relief
Infrared saunas provide a specialized form of heat that penetrates the body up to 1.5 inches deep, creating a sensation similar to when the sun’s rays heat the skin. These heat rays have been found to create an analgesic effect, providing significant relief for those suffering from chronic muscle and joint pain. However, how much pain relief depends on how often a patient uses the sauna since regular therapy increases the recovery rate.
During a typical infrared sauna session, your body temperature will increase, and your heart rate will be elevated as your body works to cool itself off. This increase in internal activity helps to alleviate many types of pains, including:
- Headaches
- Lower back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Sprains and strains
- Arthritis
- Muscle soreness and tension
Infrared heat therapy is used by physical therapists and other healthcare professionals worldwide because of its effectiveness in reducing swelling, increasing circulation, and improving joint flexibility without pharmaceutical intervention or invasive surgery.
Stress Relief
Infrared saunas may help reduce stress and improve feelings of relaxation. The deep heat produced by infrared saunas can penetrate tissue, inducing a pleasant feeling of relaxation and well-being. In addition, as the body absorbs infrared heat, endorphins are released, which can help to alleviate depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
The warmth produced by the sauna is relaxing and calming, which can lead to improved mental clarity and decreased stress. Heat therapy increases circulation in the body and flushes out toxins faster than regular exercise alone. Additionally, research suggests that frequent infrared sauna use can help you sleep better at night due to its hyperthermic effect on your body. It means that you feel more rested throughout the day due to increased sleep quality caused by the regular use of an infrared sauna.
Weight Loss
Infrared saunas are a great way to support weight loss in several ways. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas work by heating your body directly and deeply rather than heating the air around you. The heat penetrates deep into your muscle tissue and organs, helping to burn more calories and increase metabolism.
At higher temperatures, infrared saunas can help you sweat away toxins that have built up in your body over time. Sweating helps detoxify your body by flushing out toxins in the fat cells. The higher temperature also helps to boost circulation, which helps to expedite the delivery of nutrients throughout the body while aiding the release of metabolic waste products that can slow down weight loss progress if not eliminated regularly.
Infrared sauna sessions cause a small amount of dehydration, but replenishing fluids helps to keep you hydrated while eliminating more toxins from the body. When paired with a healthy diet and moderate exercise regimen, using an infrared sauna can help support weight loss goals more quickly than relying solely on a diet and exercise alone.
Safety and Precautions
Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular over the last few years as a form of relaxation and even weight loss. But before you jump in, it is important to understand the safety precautions involved with using these saunas. Knowing how hot infrared saunas get and how to use them safely is vital to reaping the benefits of this tool.
Let’s take a look at the safety guidelines to ensure you are using your infrared sauna properly:
Avoid Overheating
When using infrared saunas, avoiding overheating is crucial to safety. While the temperature in traditional saunas may reach a maximum of 200°F (93°C) and require 45 minutes to reach that point, infrared saunas can get 140°F (60°C) in just 15 minutes. Since your body cannot regulate its temperature as efficiently as it would in a regular sauna, it is essential to understand that even though the heat may come on quickly, 30-60 minutes are recommended for the best results–not necessarily the most efficient.
Monitoring your heart rate during an infrared sauna session is essential in monitoring your safety levels during use. It is also a good idea to carry a cool drinking water bottle with you and have it readily available–infrared sauna sessions tend to be more dehydrating than traditional saunas since the cooler air outside them won’t help lower body temperatures like the cooler air inside a traditional one does.
Additionally, it is essential to regulate your time spent inside an infrared sauna–over-indulging isn’t recommended but instead interpreted as reckless behavior and could cause significant health risks even if used responsibly if done too frequently or for too long per session.
Time Limits
Limiting exposure time according to manufacturer guidelines is important when using an infrared sauna. These often recommend no more than 30 minutes per session. Monitor the temperature carefully and check with your doctor for any concerns. For maximum safety, never exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Celsius.
Drinking fluids before, during, and after your session is highly recommended. It will help hydrate your body and prevent dizziness or fatigue. While seated in the sauna, you should be mindful of not overexerting yourself or moving too quickly if you feel overheated. The risk of injury increases when you’re fatigued, so discontinue use if this is the case.
Finally, an infrared sauna should never be used on children or pets without consulting with your doctor first and exercising extreme caution at all times due to the high heat levels presented within the cabin area. In addition, it is advised that saunas are not used on those who are pregnant or sick, as well as people who take certain medications, so please consult with a medical professional for advice about potential risks related to their condition before use.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water before and after using a far infrared sauna is important to prevent dehydration. During use, you may find it beneficial to keep a water bottle in the sauna with you and take sips from time to time throughout your session. Drinking enough water will help your body flush out toxins more quickly, which may improve the effectiveness of your sauna time.
When drinking before and after use, be sure your body gets at least 64 ounces of water daily with little to no carbonated beverages or excessively sugary drinks. It will ensure sufficient detoxification for optimal health benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the temperature of infrared saunas will vary depending on the type of model you have and how it is set up. Generally, infrared saunas reach temperatures between 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature range is ideal for relaxation and muscle relief while being comfortable enough to stay in longer.
In addition, a far infrared wavelength is a safe form of heat as it does not rely on hot air or steam to generate heat waves in your body but rather penetrates deeply into your skin and muscles while still feeling great.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How hot do infrared saunas get?
Infrared saunas typically reach temperatures between 120-150°F (49-66°C). However, some models can reach higher temperatures, up to 170°F (77°C).
2. Can you adjust the temperature in an infrared sauna?
Yes, most infrared saunas come with adjustable temperature controls allowing you to regulate the heat according to your preference.
3. Is it safe to use an infrared sauna at high temperatures?
The high-temperature levels of an infrared sauna are generally safe for most individuals. However, if you have any underlying medical conditions or are on medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using an infrared sauna at high temperatures.
4. Can children use an infrared sauna?
Children under 18 shouldn’t use an infrared sauna as their bodies are not fully developed to regulate their body temperature at high levels.
5. How long should I stay in an infrared sauna?
Using an infrared sauna for 15-20 minutes per session is recommended. However, first-timers should start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time.
6. How often should I use an infrared sauna?
Depending on your schedule and preference, you can use an infrared sauna once or twice weekly.