Do Infrared Saunas Actually Work?

If you answered yes to the latter, you aren’t alone. While many people frequent saunas, the same amount can’t tolerate the stuffiness of the enclosed area. However, if you are still trying to reap the benefits of a traditional sauna, you can try an infrared sauna.

In fact, there are some recent studies that tout the effectiveness of the infrared sauna over the traditional one. Before we go on, it's important to understand what an infrared sauna is and how it works.

From a structural point of view, an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna are identical. They are both small, enclosed spaces that can fit a handful of people comfortably inside. However, the major difference lies in how they each heat this space. 

While a traditional sauna is set to a temperature in the range of 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C) and typically has steam circulating inside, an infrared sauna uses light to heat your body. More precisely, infrared heaters are used to emit light — which is then absorbed by the skin. Our bodies turn this absorbed infrared light into heat, which in turn raises our internal body temperature.

There are many sauna benefits such as relaxation, a cleansing of the system, and relief from tense muscles. These same benefits can be achieved with an infrared sauna as well, including better sleep, weight loss, clearer skin, and relief from chronic fatigue syndrome.

In addition, infrared light penetrates the surface of the skin and stimulates your tissues and muscles. As a result, you may also benefit from joint pain relief and improved blood circulation.

Lastly, since an infrared sauna uses light to heat your body, the temperature of the room will stay lower than a traditional sauna. This allows for a more comfortable experience for those who cannot tolerate high sauna temperature and humidity, but still want to experience the benefits.

If you haven’t tried an infrared sauna before, the main thing you need to do before your first session is to drink plenty of water. The more hydrated you are, the more comfortable you will feel and the better the effects will be. If your body doesn’t have enough water going into the infrared sauna, then the sweating effect you are hoping for will be diminished.

In addition, you should shower before your infrared sauna session. Although this may seem counterintuitive, since you know that you will be sweating a lot during the session, a shower will cleanse your skin of any impurities and residue from soap or lotions.

It’s also recommended to wear light and comfortable clothing. If you are going alone, keep in mind that most infrared saunas will lock to afford you privacy. Although the goal is to sweat and cleanse your body, it will be a more comfortable experience if your skin is exposed rather than trapped under tight workout gear.

Have you been convinced of the benefits of infrared saunas? If you have always been meaning to try a regular sauna, but never felt comfortable in the high temperatures, then an infrared sauna may be the perfect solution.

At Dahl Family Chiropractic, located in Madison, WI, our trained professionals are ready to meet with you and set up your first infrared sauna appointment. Give us a call at 608-829-0074 or fill out our contact form to get started today!