Infrared
Sauna - Advantages and Disadvantages
In more
traditional saunas, the heater heats the air of the sauna but in FAR
infrared saunas, infrared heaters only heat the people and objects.
Are
you looking for the
information on the following?
In
the last few years, a relatively new type of sauna has
emerged.
Unlike more traditional saunas that make use of wood or electric stoves
to heat them, this new kind of sauna uses infrared heaters.
In older, more traditional saunas, the heater heats the air of the
sauna but in a FAR infrared sauna, infrared heaters only heat the people
and objects – not the air.
Because the air is not heated, infrared heaters can be used anywhere -
even outdoors - and still have a heating effect on human
bodies. They are used in traditionally designed sauna
enclosures simply for the atmosphere. After all, people are
used to going into saunas and may be more comfortable in a
traditionally designed enclosure than in an open space.
Infrared is actually a frequency band of light that is invisible to the
human eye. The heat from infrared is sometimes called
Infrared Radiation (IR) – very different from Ultraviolet
Radiation that can cause sunburn or Atomic radiation from nuclear
weapons. Most of the heat that warms the earth is IR from the
sun, and the earth and even the human body gives off IR.
You will often see the term "FAR" in descritpions of these types of
saunas. All that means is that a specific portion of the
infrared spectrum is uses...a portion which provides heat.
Proponents of infrared saunas say that they have even more therapeutic
properties than traditional saunas.
Health
Benefits of the Infrafed Sauna
Among the health benefits of traditional saunas are many which include
alleviating pain and stiffness from arthritis and cleansing the skin by
inducing heavy sweating. In addition, the steam of
traditional saunas can be helpful in relieving respiratory problems
such as congestion and bronchitis.
On the other hand, an infrared sauna generates no steam so they are less
effective in relieving breathing problems.
However, when it comes to building up a sweat and easing the pain of
arthritis, infrared saunas are about the same as traditional
saunas. In addition, Infrared Radiation is supposed by some
to have unique healing properties that cannot be found in the radiant
heat used in conventional saunas.
Proponents of IR say that it penetrates into the body's internal organs
and muscular tissues to release toxins and strengthen the immune system.
Some of these claims may very well be exaggerated. After all,
there is little medical research that backs them up...or refutes
them There is no doubt, however, that saunas can be
beneficial for some medical conditions. Infrared saunas may
have unique properties that have additional benefits over traditional
saunas. In the final analysis, you will have to try it and
see for yourself.
One good thing is that there is no particular danger associated with
infrared saunas – simply take the same precautions that you
would when using conventional saunas.
Advantages
of the Infrared Sauna
When analyzed, there are a number of advantages of infrared saunas over
steam saunas.
Since they operate at a lower heat, some people may find them more comfortable
than regular saunas. The lower heat also means less
electricity consumption, so IR saunas are cheaper
to operate. Infrared saunas heat up
much faster
than conventional saunas. This is another factor which
influences reduced operating costs, by the way.
Traditional saunas can create hot, dry air which some people find
uncomfortable to breathe. IR saunas do not heat up the air -
the ambient air quality will be similar both inside and outside the
sauna.
Infrared saunas do not use any water. This makes them more portable,
and easier to install, and eliminates the
problems of bacterial build-up
that can plague a damper, traditional sauna.
Disadvantages
of the Infrared Sauna
Some people feel that IR saunas do not provide the feelings of
relaxation and refreshment of the conventional sauna. I guess
the lack of steam in an IR sauna may be an advantage or disadvantage
depending on your preference. There are other factors which
can go both ways as well. For example, while steam can be
useful for relieving respiratory problems, the normally dry air of the
sauna is uncomfortable for some people to breathe.
I believe that a sauna purist would probably say that IR saunas are not
'real' saunas. For those who love the ritual and
preparation that are
associated with the conventional saunas, an IR sauna probably just
doesn't 'feel' right.
Infrared or
Conventional...A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose
In the final analysis, any type of sauna has beneficial health
effects. Saunas are relaxing and make the skin feel clean and
smooth. Whether or not they are actually useful in the
treatment of disease remains an open question, but many people swear by
their therapeutic qualities, and sometimes feeling better just depends
on...well...feeling better!
Be aware that some of the medical claims made for infrared saunas
border on quackery, but, who knows, there may indeed be some special
benefits in IR therapy!
In any case, saunas are enjoyable and provide a great way to
unwind. Infrared saunas can be easier to use and cheaper to
install, and may have additional health benefits over conventional
saunas.
All good reasons to try them out, right?
Home
Sitemap
|
You
will find what you are looking for about infrared saunas here
Information You Can Use
|
