Relaxation comes in many forms, some in the form of steam, and others as electromagnetic radiation. Saunas and their multiple types have become a staple in many people's self-care routines thanks to their way of providing rejuvenation at the ease of your home. However, when it comes to choosing the right sauna for your own liking, the decision between traditional and infrared saunas can be contrasting especially if you're new. But don't worry! we're here to help you decide which is for which.
Though firstly, when considering whether to invest in a traditional or infrared sauna, it's essential to align your choice with your personal preferences, health needs, and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
Heat Sensitivity
If you're sensitive to high temperatures, an infrared sauna may be a more comfortable option for you.
Space & Installation
Evaluate your available space and installation preferences to determine whether a traditional sauna's classic charm or an infrared sauna's modern convenience better suits your home and lifestyle.
Space and Installation
Traditional saunas often require more space and elaborate installation due to the need for a dedicated ventilation system, while infrared saunas are more compact and easier to install.
Health Goals
Consider your specific wellness goals, whether it's stress relief, detoxification, muscle recovery, or pain management, and choose a sauna that best supports those objectives.
Steam and Traditional Saunas
Originating in the Nordic region centuries ago, traditional saunas – often referred to as Finnish saunas – have been an integral part of cultural traditions and communal wellness practices. The core principle of traditional saunas lies in creating an environment of intense, dry heat, typically achieved by heating a stack of rocks with a wood stove, electric heater, or gas heater. As the rocks radiate heat, the sauna's temperature can soar to approximately 185°F (85°C), enveloping participants in a comforting, purifying warmth.
Why Traditional Saunas:
Good for the Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health
One of the most compelling scientific reasons to embrace traditional sauna therapy lies in its profound impact on cardiovascular health and circulation. Through the exposure to elevated temperatures, the body's heart rate increases, mimicking the effects of mild to moderate physical exercise. This gentle cardiovascular stress prompts the dilation of blood vessels, leading to improved circulation, enhanced endothelial function, and potential benefits for individuals with hypertension and certain cardiovascular conditions.
The Detoxification and Metabolic Effects
The act of sweating profusely within a traditional sauna environment serves as a natural mechanism for detoxification, allowing the body to expel a diverse array of toxins, heavy metals, and metabolic waste products through the skin. Scientific studies have demonstrated that sauna-induced sweating can lead to the excretion of various environmental toxins, providing a complementary avenue for detoxification alongside the body's natural detox processes.
Stress Reduction and Mental Well-Being
The heat-induced relaxation response within the sauna environment has been shown to promote the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, contributing to a sense of calm, serenity, and overall mental well-being.
Skin Health and Immune Support
The benefits of traditional saunas extend to skin health and immune support, as the heat and sweating process help to open pores, cleanse the skin, and promote a healthy complexion. Additionally, sauna-induced hyperthermia has been associated with potential immune-boosting effects, including the activation of heat shock proteins that play a crucial role in cellular defense mechanisms and immune regulation.
Those are what you can expect from a Traditional Sauna, but during these modern times we learn to adapt and circle through our traditional tools.
WATCH IN FULL HD: Baldwin 2 Person Indoor Traditional Steam Sauna / HL200SN
Today's Infrared Saunas
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light experienced as radiant heat, which is absorbed by the surface of the skin. There are three types of infrared saunas - near, mid, and far - named after the different sections of the infrared spectrum they use. In contrast to traditional saunas, which heat the air within the sauna chamber to warm the body, infrared saunas directly heat the body at lower temperatures. The heat generated by the infrared light penetrates deep into the skin, creating a warming effect from the inside out. These saunas typically use infrared heaters that emit far-infrared radiant heat, which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This type of heat is not visible to the human eye but is felt as a gentle, soothing warmth. Infrared saunas are designed to create an environment where individuals can experience the benefits of infrared heat in a comfortable and relaxing setting. This results in a milder environment, with temperatures typically ranging from 120°F to 150°F (49°C to 66°C), making them more tolerable for individuals sensitive to high heat.
Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Pain Relief
Many users of infrared saunas report relief from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. The heat from the sauna helps to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. A 2018 study in Clinical Rheumatology found that infrared sauna treatment can have short-term beneficial effects in pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients.
Improved Circulation
Infrared saunas cause your body temperature to rise, leading to increased blood flow. This mimics the effects of low to moderate exercise. Regular use of an infrared sauna may help stimulate blood flow, improve circulation, and help with cardiovascular health. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension suggested that infrared sauna therapy might help reduce high blood pressure risks.
Lower Temperature
The lower temperature of infrared saunas makes them more accessible to individuals who may find the intense heat of traditional saunas overwhelming.
Convenience
Infrared saunas heat up faster and require less power, making them a more energy-efficient option for home use.
WATCH IN FULL HD: Grandby 3 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna / HL300D
And there we go! Both traditional and infrared saunas offer unique benefits and can significantly enhance your wellness routine. Whether you're drawn to the intense heat and social experience of traditional saunas or the gentle, penetrating heat of infrared saunas, the key is to choose and see it out for yourself! at Calmspas, we offer you both types and they welcome you with open arms— whether you prefer soothing direct heat that a (Grandby) can accommodate, or a steamy and classic relaxation that (Baldwin) is sure to give.