Sauna Vs. Infrared Sauna

Saunas, sometimes called steam rooms or steam baths, have a variety of positive effects on people who use them. Saunas become even more beneficial when the users exercise, eat nutritiously, or both. Many saunas now use infrared technology, which may provide a more comfortable experience for users, but which may lack some of the benefits of a traditional sauna.

Sauna

• A traditional sauna is a small room, usually with benches, where the air is heated. This is usually done through creating steam, which causes the occupants to sweat, and to breathe the hotter, warmer air. Saunas may be used anytime, but saunas are most popularly used right after a person has finished a workout.

Infrared Sauna

• An infrared sauna serves the same purpose as a traditional sauna, but its heating mechanism is completely different. Infrared saunas create heat through heating the floor, walls and benches in the sauna. This means that as long as a person is in contact with the sauna, the heat will still be transferred to them. The air in the sauna will not be warmed as significantly, and may even remain cool, though.

Traditional Benefits

• There are a great deal of health benefits gained by using a sauna. The heat generated in a traditional sauna induces sweating, which opens the pores and cleanses the skin of impurities. The heat generated by the sauna also helps ease muscle and joint pain, as well as promoting increased blood flow. The steam generated by a traditional sauna is also beneficial, in that it can help relieve respiratory problems such as chest congestion.

Infrared Benefits

• An infrared sauna boasts many of the same benefits that a traditional sauna does. Among the similarities are increased blood flow, pain relief, and cleansing brought on by sweating. Infrared saunas do not generate any steam, so they do not offer the benefits of respiratory relief.

Price

• The only real difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna besides a few health benefits and the heating mechanisms they use, is the price. Traditional saunas are more expensive to run and own though, which is why they are usually found in health clubs and gyms. Infrared saunas are not as expensive, and can be installed easily in a person's home and operated for a more marginal cost.