Infrared saunas are a type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body, rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas. Infrared saunas have been growing in popularity in recent years due to their numerous potential health benefits. These benefits include improved cardiovascular health, improved immune function, weight loss, improved skin health, and stress reduction, to name just a few. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of infrared saunas, exploring the science behind their many benefits and how you can get the most out of your infrared sauna experience.
The History of Infrared Saunas
The use of saunas for therapeutic purposes dates back thousands of years, with the first recorded sauna dating back to the ancient Greeks. Saunas have been a staple of Finnish culture for centuries, with the first electric sauna stove being invented in Finland in the 1930s.
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are a relatively new development. The first infrared sauna was invented in the 1960s by a group of Finnish scientists, who were studying the therapeutic effects of infrared light on the human body. Since then, infrared saunas have gained in popularity and are now widely available in health clubs, spas, and even for home use.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat the body. Infrared light is a type of light that is not visible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat. When infrared light is absorbed by the skin, it causes the temperature of the skin to rise, which in turn causes the body's core temperature to also rise. This increase in body temperature can have a number of therapeutic effects, which we will discuss in more detail later in this article.
Infrared saunas are typically equipped with a number of infrared heaters, which are typically located on the walls or ceiling of the sauna. These heaters emit infrared light, which is absorbed by the skin and causes the body's temperature to rise.
The Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including:
Improved cardiovascular health
One of the primary benefits of infrared saunas is their ability to improve cardiovascular health. When the body is exposed to the heat of an infrared sauna, the heart rate increases and blood vessels dilate, which can lead to a number of cardiovascular benefits.
One study found that regular use of an infrared sauna was associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure and an improvement in blood flow in people with hypertension. Another study found that regular use of an infrared sauna was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death in men.
Improved immune function
Infrared saunas have also been shown to have a number of immune-boosting effects. When the body is exposed to the heat of an infrared sauna, it activates the immune system and increases the production of white blood cells, which help to fight off infections and disease.
One study found that regular use of an infrared sauna was associated with a significant increase in the production of white blood cells in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Another study found that regular use of an infrared sauna was associated with a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of upper respiratory tract infections in people with asthma.
Weight loss
Infrared saunas have also been shown to have potential weight loss benefits. When the body is exposed to the heat of an infrared sauna, it increases the metabolism