Far Infrared Sauna Benefits

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Wondering about far infrared sauna benefits? If you are interested in natural detox and healing, chances are you have heard about the many far infrared sauna benefits. It is a powerful healing tool to incorporate in your life. 

Infrared therapy is known to assist with detoxification, relaxation, burning calories, pain relief, anti-aging, skin purification, cell health, and improved circulation. But, do you know how infrared sauna works?

How Far Infrared Sauna Works

Infrared sauna is different from a traditional sauna (hot rock sauna) in the way that it creates heat, and it's an important difference. Traditional saunas heat up the air in the sauna to induce sweating while an infrared sauna uses light to create heat through far-infrared rays. Far infrared light heats the body internally, penetrating a few inches deep. This internal warming results vigorous sweating and increased heart rate. Heart rate increases have been compared to a moderately intense cardio workout.

Types of Infrared Light

There are three different types of infrared light, Near Infrared Light (NIR), Mid Infrared Light (MIR), and Far Infrared Light (FIR). These three types of light are not visible to the human eye.

  • Near infrared light, with wavelengths between 700 – 1400 nm, generates the most heat but does not penetrate deep into human tissues.
  • Mid infrared light, with wavelengths between 1400 – 3000 nm. It penetrates deeper than near infrared light and generates more heat than far infrared light.
  • Far infrared light, with wavelengths between 3000 nm – 0.1 mm. Far infrared penetrates deepest into the tissues. Its health benefits come from both generating heat and other properties.

How is Infrared Different from Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy and near infrared light therapy fall into different light spectrums. Visible red light falls into the part of the light spectrum between 630-700 nm on the electromagnetic scale.

Visible red light is used to treat the surface of the skin. It is used for tissue repair of the skin and reducing inflammation. Longer light wavelength, like NIR or FIR have deeper penetration to deliver energy to the cells. Different types of cells and tissue absorb different wavelengths of light.  For example, light vibrating at the blue wavelength (450-495 nm) is healing for the surface of the skin while red light penetrates the more deeply into the body offering different benefits.

Far Infrared Sauna Benefits

Far Infrared is the most beneficial type for detoxification. Far-Infrared rays penetrate the skin to gently elevate the body’s surface temperature. FIR has been proven to penetrate deeper into the body tissue than any known form of heat therapy. Research done in the 1960's in Japan and Germany introduced the Far-Infrared thermal technology. The research showed FIR is an effective, safe, and natural approach to heat therapy for wellness. The benefits of using an infrared sauna are cumulative, so consistent use over time will provide more long-lasting results. 

Best Far Infrared Sauna?

The best sauna is the one that works for your needs. There are several options when purchasing an infrared sauna and they range in cost from $400 – $10,000 depending on what type and size of sauna you purchase. The sauna options mentioned here are all far infrared saunas because it offers the most health benefits.

Standing Wood Sauna

There are many different brands of saunas and some of the best ones include:

If you are interested in reading real unbiased reviews of saunas I recommend this blog.

Sauna Blanket

Anyone who is new to infrared sauna and is not looking to spend $4-10k, a great beginner option is an infrared sauna blanket.

Infrared sauna blankets are convenient because you can use them anywhere and they easily fold up to put away in a closet when you are not using them. Another great feature is that you can fully lay down in a sauna blanket.

I have been using the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket (which I purchased myself). It has helped me get through a painful issue with my shoulder and helps me to detox through sweating. I can always feel a difference in my energy levels when I use it. Read this post, How to use an Infrared Sauna Blanket, for more info on how I use and care for mine.

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