What Are the Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas?

Overview

Traditional saunas, which have been used for thousands of years, involve water poured over heated rocks to create steam that then permeates the air. Infrared saunas work by converting light to what's called "infrared radiant heat," a type of energy that the bather absorbs directly into his skin, rather than sitting in a high humidity room.
Construction and Operation

Infrared and traditional saunas require similar small rooms in order to work well. The difference lies more in the heating sources than in the space required. Because an infrared sauna uses a self-contained heat source, it has the added benefit of being portable. Infrared saunas are also less expensive because you need very little specialized construction to start using one in your home. A traditional sauna requires a special fire pit to heat the rocks and a specific room set aside to be used for only the sauna and nothing else. Infrared saunas heat up in 10 to 20 minutes as opposed to more than an hour for traditional saunas. An added benefit is that infrared saunas require far less maintenance; there's no need for the moisture shields or drainage systems required for a traditional sauna, you don't have to worry about waterborne bacteria, and you don't need to install special wiring.

The Health Benefits

According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have proven that traditional saunas can benefit sufferers of chronic pain or chronic fatigue syndrome. Infrared saunas have the added plus of being a dry heat, which can help with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lung problems that the moist heat of a traditional sauna may exacerbate. The far-infrared radiant heat outputted in an infrared sauna is comparable to sunlight, but without the harmful ultraviolet rays. Because of this, sitting in an infrared sauna has the potential to help people with vitamin deficiencies or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Though the potential health benefits are legion, the Mayo Clinic is careful to state that no scientific studies have proved any of the claims infrared sauna producers are making, such as detoxifying your body or causing weight loss. Dr. Lawrence Gibson, writing for the clinic, says, "While it seems plausible that infrared saunas might have some of the same benefits as traditional saunas, it's impossible to be sure until research is available."

Overview