Infrared Sauna Pros and Cons

The rise in popularity of infrared saunas within the functional medicine community has been noteworthy in recent times. Feedback from users and practitioners alike supports the effectiveness of this therapy in alleviating various physical and medical conditions, including chronic pain and Lyme disease. However, everything has two sides. Rapid development also comes with some disputes. 

What is an infrared sauna?

Infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light and heat, which is then absorbed by the human body. As a natural wavelength of energy, infrared radiation penetrates the body through the skin, which means more efficient and deeper penetration of heat. And similar to traditional sauna, infrared sauna also uses heat in controlled settings to facilitate detoxification through perspiration and promote relaxation, relieve pain, and even serve as a therapeutic intervention for persistent medical conditions. However, unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures (about 155 degrees Fahrenheit) without generating any steam, and tend to be smaller, consume less energy, and entail lower operating costs.

What are the pros and cons of infrared sauna?

Since we have a clearer understanding of infrared sauna, you’re probably wondering about the pros and cons of this type of heat therapy. Below, let me give you more details.

Infrared sauna benefits

Improve sleep: Research has shown that infrared sauna helps improve sleep, with individuals experiencing sleep disturbances reporting significant improvements in their overall sleep quality after infrared sauna use. The deep-penetrating infrared radiation of the sauna stimulates the release of greater amounts of melatonin – a natural sleep hormone, which will be naturally triggered when you prepare for a restful night's sleep.

Reduce pain: Heat therapy has been shown to be highly effective in providing pain relief, and now infrared saunas have emerged as a leading option for managing chronic and localized pain, which can specifically help alleviate joint and muscle pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease, as well as strains, stiffness, and sprains in the muscles.

Clear skin: Infrared saunas can work to increase circulation, promote sweating and detoxification. Increased circulation helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which can improve skin health and clarity. And sweating can help unclog pores and eliminate toxins that can lead to breakouts or dull-looking skin. In addition, infrared saunas can help promote lymphatic drainage to further reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

Lower heat: Infrared saunas are known for their ability to provide the same therapeutic benefits as traditional saunas at a lower temperature, which is perfect for those who struggle with high temperatures but still want to receive the health benefits of heat therapy. An infrared sauna may be an ideal choice. And compared to a traditional sauna, it’s much more comfortable.

Better results: Another benefit of infrared sauna is that they can achieve broad and long-lasting results, as the lower heat intensity allows people to stay in the sauna for longer periods of time, which means better health benefits. And deep heat penetration heats the body from the inside out to work more efficiently.

Intense sweating&detox: Infrared saunas are highly effective at inducing a powerful sweat without excessive heat.   Profuse sweating facilitates the detoxification process, and as your pores dilate, sweat beads penetrate deep within the skin and eliminate impurities and pollutants, which help detox the body and rejuvenate the complexion.

Health Benefits:The effectiveness of infrared sauna is its ability to enhance cardiovascular function and induce significant perspiration, which helps to boost blood circulation and facilitate the elimination of toxins from your body. In addition, infrared saunas are often used to relieve muscle and joint discomfort as well as speed up post-workout recovery.

Low energy consumption: An infrared sauna requires far less energy than a traditional sauna, and many infrared saunas come with energy-saving features, such as automatic shut-off timers and programmable controls, which help reduce energy use even further.

Infrared sauna disadvantages

Dry Heat Discomfort: Normally infrared saunas generate dry heat at high temperatures, which can cause some problems such as overheating and even dehydration. Therefore, it may not be a good choice for those who are sensitive to heat.

Dehydration: When experiencing an infrared sauna, please keep in mind not to become dehydrated, as it can have a serious negative impact on your health. It is recommended to keep drinking water during this process. 

Health Issues:While infrared saunas can offer a plethora of positive health impacts, some people may experience adverse health consequences as a result of exposure to dry heat and infrared radiation. So if you have an underlying health condition, such as cardiovascular problems and hypotension, exposure to dry heat may worsen the problem. Also, if you are in a state of illness or feeling hungover, you should avoid using it.

All in all, many people from all walks of life are becoming more and more interested in infrared saunas because they can detoxify the body, improve sleep quality and even boost your immune system. However, we should keep in mind that every coin has two sides. When using infrared saunas, we should keep some factors in mind. Firstly, don’t drink alcohol, since it may cause dehydration, irregular heartbeats, and even death. For newcomers, sauna time is recommended to be controlled within 10 minutes. After that, two to four glasses of water should be consumed to avoid accidents. And for those with underlying conditions, such as low blood pressure, remember to check with your doctor before using it. In conclusion, consistent utilization is necessary to fully experience the benefits of using an infrared sauna, from relaxation to improved brain power. However, remember to take the necessary precautions before using them to avoid some unnecessary conditions. Finally, I sincerely hope this article will help you.