Saunas are special rooms where people can relax in a hot environment. These rooms are designed to raise the temperature inside, creating a relaxing and stimulating environment for users.
However, saunas not only serve as spaces to relax people, but also offer a wide variety of therapeutic effects. Although they are not capable of curing diseases, saunas can greatly improve people's well-being.
There are different types of sauna, being the dry or Finnish sauna one of the most common. However, a more modern type of sauna has now been developed and has gained considerable popularity. This innovative alternative is known as the infrared sauna, and it uses a different system to provide great health benefits. In turn, there is a more practical version that acts as a portable sauna.
In this article, we will explain how an infrared sauna works and what benefits it offers for your health.
How does an infrared sauna work?
These devices fulfill the same function as a conventional sauna. They are responsible for raising body temperature to generate both a relaxing and therapeutic effect. Simultaneously, high temperatures can cause an increase in heart rate.
However, the way infrared saunas work is different. These saunas are equipped with panels or lamps that emit infrared light in the far spectrum.
Infrared light is a wave belonging to the invisible spectrum of light that generates heat. It is located to the left of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum, and the heat it generates is similar to that produced by the sun. This is because part of the temperature increase that the sun generates is caused by the same type of infrared light. However, unlike ultraviolet rays, which are also emitted by the sun, infrared light is not harmful to the body and does not cause a tanning effect.
This light has the particularity that it can raise body temperature without increasing the heat of the environment as much. In short, the light penetrates deep into the body and directly heats it. In this way, the person can obtain the same benefits of a conventional sauna, being in a less hot environment and for longer periods.
Normally, the temperature in a conventional sauna ranges between 80°C - 100°C. On the contrary, the temperature in an infrared sauna can vary between 40°C - 80°C, depending on the manufacturer. This difference can provide much more pleasant results for some people, since the temperatures are easier to bear.
Benefits of an infrared sauna
Using these devices offers a host of health benefits. This is due to the effect that high temperatures have for moderate periods of time on the functioning of the body, and at the same time take advantage of the benefits of sweat.
In fact, all these benefits are backed by numerous scientific studies. These benefits include:
● Chronic pain relief:
The heat generated by this type of sauna can act as thermotherapy to relieve chronic pain. This condition is usually caused by inflammation or nerve problems.
The high temperatures of the sauna induce vasodilation, improving oxygenation and triggering a series of physiological changes that help alleviate pain.
● Improved cardiovascular condition:
Cardiovascular problems are among the most common conditions in the world. Various studies have shown that infrared saunas help improve the symptoms of patients suffering from ventricular arrhythmia. During these studies, it was observed that patients had fewer premature ventricular contractions.
In turn, studies suggest that the infrared sauna can help prevent diseases associated with lifestyle, such as hypertension and even reduce it.
● Relief from depression:
The infrared sauna helps to quickly improve the symptoms of depression. In fact, it has been observed that people with depression can achieve a reduction in symptoms and a significant improvement in mood in as little as a week.
● Better sleep quality:
The quality of sleep is closely related to a series of external factors. In general, stress and fatigue can compromise the way a person sleeps. Therefore, by achieving a state of relaxation through this sauna, people are able to improve their sleep quality.
● Decrease in the incidence of colds:
Some studies have suggested that infrared saunas may decrease the incidence of colds. In a six-month study, people reported a lower incidence of colds. In turn, it was observed that colds last less and their symptoms are milder in people who use saunas frequently.
● Increase in life expectancy:
The myriad of health benefits and physiological changes generated by infrared saunas can increase life expectancy. The recovery of the cardiovascular system and small changes such as improved sleep quality are capable of reducing morbidity and mortality. In fact, its benefits may even prevent sudden death caused by heart problems.
However, the use of the sauna must be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle.
● Best sports performance:
People are able to increase resistance to heat by using the infrared sauna frequently. Therefore, using the sauna intermittently after exercising helps athletes to improve their performance. This is because the sauna induces thermoregulatory adaptations. This allows the body to get used to supporting training and physical activity under high temperatures. However, the person must use the sauna numerous times before achieving the desired result.
Infrared sauna blanket
Due to the success and benefits of this technology, a portable version has been developed. This is known as a sauna blanket and which acts as an infrared sauna, and is an innovative way to relax and improve health from home.
As the name implies, this is a special blanket that acts similar to a conventional infrared sauna. The blanket has infrared panels inside that raise the body temperature of the user.
These portable saunas offer the same benefits as a conventional infrared sauna. However, they are much more versatile and cheaper, since they are small and can be used at home (if you want to read how an infrared sauna blanket works, read this article, here you can read how to use an infrared sauna blanket).
Currently, there are different companies developing infrared sauna blankets. However, our model is designed with materials that filter the electromagnetic fields of infrared light. This unique feature provides extra protection for users.
How to use an infrared sauna blanket?
Now that you know how an infrared sauna works, you may be wondering how to use it. It's easy, just turn it on and get comfortable inside it.
It is recommended to use ours for 15 minutes the first sessions. However, the usage time can be extended up to 50 minutes once the user has become accustomed to the heat.
Additionally, it is recommended to wear clothes inside the sauna to protect the skin, you can also use our absorbent towel if you want to simplify cleaning and do your sessions without clothes.
Whether it's a conventional infrared sauna or our VitaliWave sauna blanket, these products are a perfect solution to improve health in a relaxing and pleasurable way.
If you want to know more about how an infrared sauna or sauna blanket works, you can read this whole article.
