Infrared saunas utilize infrared light to provide the same heating (and sweating) benefits associated with steam saunas. Many proponents claim that infrared light can also help to lower blood pressure and ease chronic pain. All infrared saunas are not created equal, however. The intensity of the light emitted in these structures determines whether it is a infrared or far infrared sauna.
Function
Infrared saunas are powered by electrical energy. The heat lamps in an infrared sauna emit the same infrared radiation that is emitted from the sun, says Creighton University Medical School's alternative medicine website, AltMed. The intensity of this radiation vary along a sliding scale, with less powerful lights producing near or middle infrared energy. The most powerful lamps produce far infrared energy; therefore, saunas equipped with these lamps are referred to as far infrared saunas, or FIRSs.
Effects
The use of infrared heat lamps allows sauna users to receive infrared radiation without the harmful UV rays which are emitted from the sun. Infrared radiation is able to heat the body without heating the air, explains AltMed. Far infrared radiation is reported to penetrate the body's tissues deeper than near or middle infrared energy, allowing it to have faster and more powerful healing effects for users.
Benefits
According to Canadian Family Physician, the health benefits linked to the use of far infrared saunas includes the relief of serious conditions, such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome and congestive heart failure. However, the infrared sauna has been promoted for more general health purposes. Dr. Mehmet Oz has explained the many health benefits of infrared saunas on The Oprah Winfrey Show, such as lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, burning calories and eliminating toxins from the body.
Warning
Many of the reported health benefits of infrared and far infrared saunas have not been confirmed by sufficient clinical studies. The study in Canadian Family Physician shows that FIRSs are connected to the relief of several serious conditions by only moderate, fair or weak evidence. Furthermore, the study refuted the claim that FIRSs could help lower cholesterol.
Because the use of infrared and far infrared saunas may put a person at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a physician should be consulted before use, says AltMed. Because far infrared saunas use more intense radiation, these risks may be increased when using FIRSs. Additionally, some individuals are advised to avoid sauna use completely, such as pregnant women and those with hemophilia.
History
German physicians were the first to discover the healing effects of infrared heat during the early twentieth century. According to AltMed, this therapy became popular in Japan, where it was used exclusively by physicians until released for public use in 1979. By the early 1980s, retailers and physicians in the U.S. were promoting infrared saunas for their health benefits.
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