What Is Far Infrared Sauna Therapy?

You may have already heard about Far Infrared Therapy and its amazing benefits. However, what you may not be aware of is the long history of this type of treatment and how it is perfect for use in saunas.

This type of therapy uses Far Infrared Rays (FIR) which is one of the essential types of energy that all humans need to live. So, what exactly is this and how can it be used to make home saunas even more impressive?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Far Infrared Therapy

The simplest way of explaining what far infrared rays are is to say that this is the warm energy that comes from sunlight and is found in all humans, animals, and even plants. The level of intensity of this energy in our bodies varies. When it is at its strongest we are healthy and feel stronger.

On the other hand, when our levels of FIR fall we tend to get sick more easily. This type of therapy has been used in many different cultures over the centuries. It is safe and healthy for humans and for any other type of living creature to receive.

For example, the way that the palms of our hands emit FIR energy is the founding principle for Chinese palm healing. This is the same type of energy that is used in Reiki, by yogis in India, and in many other parts of the world too.

The body receives invisible waves of energy that enters the skin and raise your temperature safely and steadily to levels that reach 107.6^oF/42^oC or above. All of this acts to stimulate the body’s systems and promote a healthier way of living.

These waves help to dissolve the harmful substances that have built up in your body over time and will also act to revitalize your metabolism too.

Advances in Modern Technology

While the power of this kind of energy has been known about throughout history, it is in recent times that some big advances have allowed us to enjoy Far Infrared Ray thermal technology safely and easily at home.

Japan and Germany were among the global leaders in this technology back in the 1960s. This has led to interesting modern use for FIR such as treating sports injuries and helping in detoxification treatments.

In addition, it is now possible to get a home sauna that brings the benefits of this kind of heat to you in the most convenient way possible.

How Far Infrared Therapy Is Used in Saunas

A sauna that offers this exciting type of therapy will be fitted with a special heater that produces this type of energy. It is worth remembering that this is a completely safe type of heat, as it is the same kind of energy produced by the sun and by our bodies.

Interestingly, only around a fifth of the heat that is generated is needed to heat the air in an infrared sauna. This means that the vast majority of the energy is used efficiently to warm up your body. Indeed, the best saunas of this type see over 90% of their energy reaching the body of the user.

Because of this, a lot of people also find it easier to breathe in here than in a traditional type of sauna.

As this heat penetrates under your skin you will feel a pleasant and gentle warming sensation. Of course, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs on each occasion that you use it.

The average temperature that people go for is typically between 100°F and 130 °F.  Generally speaking, 20 to 45-minute sessions will give you the maximum amount of benefit, with lower temperatures allowing you to stay in for longer and enjoy the experience more.

It is possible to use an infrared therapy sauna more than once a day if you want to as well. Because you don’t need to warm it up beforehand and because it is so efficient you will find that it is also more economical to run that other types of sauna too.

If you are short of time for sauna sessions then the fact that you can get straight into one of these models and get the benefits right away is another big benefit. There will be no more worries about wasting time waiting for it to heat up sufficiently.

The Infrared Spectrum

It is also worth looking at the full infrared spectrum to see the different benefits that come from the varying wavelengths.

For instance, Near Infrared is the shortest wavelength. These waves get absorbed just under your skin and are, therefore, most suitable for benefits such as healing and helping you to feel revitalized.

The next wavelength is Mid-Infrared, which is able to penetrate deeper into your body. This makes it good for boosting circulation and for helping injuries to heal by getting more oxygen to them.

Finally, Far Infrared is the longest of the wavelengths and this is ideal for stimulating the body’s metabolism and helping you to lose weight, as well as providing the benefits mentioned in the other points.

How Will You Feel Afterwards?

Some people complain about feeling jaded or lacking in energy after spending time in a traditional sauna. Well, this isn’t going to be a problem in a sauna that uses Far Infrared Therapy.

Quite the opposite in fact, as this type of sauna, will leave you feeling invigorated and full of energy. The fact that your sweat glands have been activated in the sauna and toxins have been eliminated means that you will feel healthy and full of energy once again.

This makes it perfect for getting you ready for a tough day ahead or for working out, as well as for relaxing and just feeling good.

If you have enjoyed using a conventional sauna in the past, you will love a sauna with infrared technology. On the other hand, if you struggled in the past due to difficulty breathing in the sauna or the time it takes to heat up, a switch to this type of technology will let you enjoy all the benefits of a sauna safely and easily.