Traditional Sauna v Far Infrared Sauna
The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for centuries, beginning with sweat lodges, traditional Finnish saunas, and other methods of heating the body and producing perspiration that cleanses the cells and pores. Typically, a heat source such as a wood, electric or gas sauna stove is used to produce the heat in a sauna. But in recent years, a technology using far infrared has been used to replace the traditional steam sauna with infrared saunas, and some people feel that the result is superior whilst also being more comfortable.
Traditional Saunas
Commonly known as Finnish or rock saunas. Various types of heater can be used to heat stones or rocks which in turn heat the air inside the sauna cabin (convected heat). Common air temperatures are 85o~95°. Most modern units rely on electric heaters within the cabin to provide the required heat to which water is then applied to regulate humidity. Upon exposure to these very high temperatures the body is heated through the skin from the outside in. The resulting rise in body temperature encourages sweating. Typically each exposure is limited to only a few minutes before needing to go outside to cool down. This heating/cooling cycle is typically repeated several times.
Infrared Saunas
Unlike traditional saunas, Infrared heater elements heat the body directly rather than the surrounding air (radiant heat). The infrared waves penetrate the body to provide a deep heat sweat that produces a greater detoxifying sweat and relief to damaged tissues. All of this takes place at a more comfortable 40°~50° with the user able to enjoy longer sessions of 30~60 minutes.