What Is an Infrared Sauna?

How to Get the Most Out of Your Sauna Session

You may get a lot of advantages from using an infrared sauna if you give it a fair shot. But, before entering the infrared sauna, you should become well-versed in the session's time constraints, usage directions, and other advice.

Many applications exist for saunas. In contrast to traditional saunas, which stimulate you to sweat by increasing the temperature in the chamber, often by applying water to hot rocks, far infrared operates by reaching water molecules in your body tissue, which triggers your sweat glands. Because your body and the components in the room absorb more than four-fifths of the wavelength, the sauna is still effective even if the air temperature only reaches 100°F to 130°F (compared to 180°F to 220°F in traditional steam saunas). Steam saunas typically run between 180 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the Finnleo Far Infrared Sauna is not only safer, but also more energy efficient, quicker to heat up, easier to assemble, more comfortable, and better at releasing toxins through perspiration.

Toggle the sauna's heat to your prefered setting.

The typical range for a far infrared sauna's temperature is between 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and most users prefer the lower end of that range. Those just beginning out, or those who aren't in the best of health, should aim for a temperature of 100 degrees or less. If you do this, you'll give yourself a chance to adjust to the hot weather.

duration of time being discussed. If this is your first time using it, try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes. If you need more time than the suggested twenty to thirty minutes, feel free to add on a few minutes to each session. In order to get the most out of your sauna experience, be sure to use the included timer. Being in there for too long could cause you to lose too much fluid and become dangerously dehydrated.

For an infrared sauna, you can enter the sauna as soon as 10 to 15 minutes after turning it on, even if the temperature is still below the target range you've specified. There may be occasions when you have to wait a certain length of time, but usually that time is more than enough. Infrared sauna heaters heat up quickly, and as soon as they do, you may start reaping the health benefits of the infrared heat. Your infrared heaters will run nonstop until the room temperature reaches the preset maximum.

(Remember that the standard range for a sauna's heat is 160–200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not your average sauna; tread carefully.

If you have never worked up a sweat before, it is recommended that you bathe your feet in warm water for at least ten minutes before beginning your exercise routine. Increasing your sweat rate is facilitated by taking a shower.

You should talk to your primary care doctor before using a sauna if you have a health condition that could be exacerbated by the heat, and you should never self-medicate.

Get some H2O

Be sure to hydrate before venturing into the sauna or steam room. Please remember to bring a bottle of water with you inside the sauna. You can expect to use it. Do not neglect this step, since it is the most crucial in learning "how to take a sauna." Sports electrolyte replacement drinks and coconut water, nature's electrolyte replacement drink, are also good to have in the sauna. Maintaining a healthy water intake is crucial because you will be sweating heavily.

Towels are recommended for use in the sauna.

A towel for sitting on and a smaller towel for wiping sweat off your face and body will be necessary as you start to sweat. The perspiration your body produces contains toxins and other contaminants that you do not want absorbed by the sauna bench or floor.

Don't bring clothes into the sauna if you can help it.

You should wear as little articles of clothing as possible if you must dress if going naked isn't an option; for example, you should wear nothing but a swimmers.

Why do you need to know this? Many people, however, think they will sweat more if they go to a sauna while still clothed. Doing so is not only stupid, but could also be hazardous. If you're trying to cool off, evaporating sweat from your skin is something you want to avoid, but that can't happen when you're wearing clothes that cover your skin. You'll get hot and bothered very soon, and you won't get the advantage of wiping away your perspiration to get rid of the poisons it contains. Sweat includes toxins that can be absorbed via the skin; by wiping away the sweat, you remove the poisons before they can be reabsorbed. This is one of the most important things to remember when utilising an infrared sauna.

Many Sauna Activities

Relax by engaging in a favourite activity, such as reading, meditating, listening to music, or spending time with friends. Do not go to bed.

As soon as class is over

You should relax and let your body recover from the stress of the session after it's over. Once you've attained your ideal temperature, you can get in the tub or the shower. Ensure that you are drinking enough of water.

Weekly Meetings Time Commitment

Most places that offer treatments with infrared saunas recommend using the sauna at least three to four times per week. If you are healthy enough, you can use the sauna every day for four days in a row.

Any tips for first-timers of the infrared sauna?

There are a few things you should know before you participate in your first session.

• Keep yourself well hydrated! You should drink a lot of water before, during, and especially after your sauna session—enough to fill multiple water bottles.
• Never go into a sauna if you've been drinking heavily in the hours leading up to your session. Alcohol dehydration makes it dangerous to use a sauna.
• If you're sick or running a fever, you probably shouldn't use the sauna until you've fully healed.
• It's best to wait at least an hour and a half after eating before entering a far infrared sauna. If your body's blood isn't being diverted for digestion, it can perform at its peak.
• Sauna use requires towels; NE Wellness offers towel rentals for $5 for a set of three or you can bring your own.
• You'll quickly realise how handy it is to use a single towel for both sitting and sleeping. Use this single towel to wipe off and absorb sweat as it accumulates on your body. You should expect to perspire more as a result of reading this. You should place a towel beneath each foot in the sauna to prevent perspiration from dripping onto the floor.
• It is possible that your first two visits to the sauna won't cause you to sweat significantly. It takes a few times to "retrain" the body and lymphatic system to perform what comes naturally, but this is normal for many people who haven't been sweating much recently. Many people, however, experience this regularly.
• Regular use of the sauna will cause your body to sweat more quickly and at a lower temperature as your pores adapt to the stress of the sauna.
• Tune into your physical signals for information. Avoid being too hot as you begin your exercise routine. If you experience any adverse effects throughout the session, such as lightheadedness, nausea, or a headache, please exit the session immediately. It's possible that as acclimatisation proceeds, sweat production will increase dramatically, and the body's ability to regulate temperature will strengthen.
• Sauna Wear. The Birthday Suit is fantastic because you get to spend fifty or sixty minutes in a private sauna with no interruptions. Because sweat can be easily wiped away from exposed skin, it is undeniably preferable to expose more of one's body.
• Wear comfortable, loose attire, or bring a change of clothes to change into after your session. Wearing tight clothing while your body is hot (and potentially sweating) is a miserable experience. Despite the fact that your activity is ended, your body will keep burning calories in an attempt to cool you down, so you will feel hot for some time.
• Consider your schedule while deciding how often to utilise the sauna. On those days when you just can't seem to get the energy to get out of bed and start your day, a sauna session is just what the doctor ordered. The benefits of a sauna session are at their highest first thing in the morning when the autonomic nervous system is under the least amount of stress. To maximise the muscle-rehabilitating effects of your sauna visit, schedule it after a workout when your muscles will be warmed and more receptive to the sauna's infrared rays. If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, using an infrared sauna in the late afternoon or early evening may help you get a more pleasant and refreshing night's sleep.

If you are presently being treated for a medical issue, or if you have any preexisting medical disorders like high blood pressure or heart difficulties, you should get clearance from your primary care physician before commencing your first session. You shouldn't take any chances with your health, even if infrared saunas have been found to be rather safe.

What are the Things to Know Before You Purchase an Infrared Sauna?

It is well acknowledged that far infrared sauna therapy is one of the most powerful result-driven instruments for optimal health maintenance, illness prevention, and increased immune function; in fact, this form of therapy helps in the treatment of over 100 different health disorders. Research is abundant on the effects that far-infrared heat has on common ailments, such as weight reduction and pain alleviation. In addition, studies on more difficult health concerns, such as the successful treatment of cancer, are also being conducted. The temperature of an infrared sauna is typically lower than that of a traditional sauna, but because infrared heats the body from the inside out, users tend to sweat more heavily and effectively as a result. Because of this, you will not experience the high air temperatures of a typical sauna, which averages 185 degrees Fahrenheit. You sweat more heavily and for a longer period of time when you use a Far Infrared Sauna because these saunas offer the ideal balance of comfort and mild heat, allowing users to remain in the sauna for longer periods of time. So let's get started.

When it comes down to it, the heater technology is the most important

There are several distinct varieties of far infrared heaters, including carbon, ceramic, combination carbon/ceramic, and even saunas that have carbon and ceramic heaters installed in the same room. The health benefits that come from using a sauna are directly attributable to the heaters that you have installed in it. If you choose the wrong heaters for your infrared sauna, you will spend more money on electricity, your sauna will take longer to heat up, it will be less efficient, and the experience will be less comfortable, safe, and enjoyable overall.

Carbon heaters:  My own observations and research have led me to the conclusion that carbon heaters do not provide an adequate amount of heat to elevate one's core temperature (carbon heaters only reach a surface temperature of about 140 degrees). They just do not retain a sufficient amount of infrared heat to raise the temperature of your core. As a result of this reason, economical sauna manufacturers run their carbon heaters nearly the entire height of the interior walls in order to make the sauna seem warm. The difficulty is that heating the air to overcompensate for low surface temperatures negates the objective of using far infrared radiant heat, which is to warm your body from the inside out.

Ceramic heaters:If I were forced to select between carbon and ceramic infrared heaters, I'd go with ceramic for one simple reason: ceramic heaters actually produce heat. Carbon heaters don't. In comparison to carbon heaters, they will emit a far higher amount of true radiant far infrared heat. What's the issue? They become uncomfortably heated! The surface of the ceramic heaters may reach temperatures of up to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a significant source of discomfort for the body to be only three to four inches away from something that is really hot. In addition, the wavelength of infrared light is significantly shorter than that of visible light, which implies that it cannot penetrate as deeply for optimum absorption.

Combination carbon/ceramic heaters: Heaters that combine carbon and ceramic elements are, without a doubt, the most effective and of the best possible quality now available on the market. They begin with carbon fiber of the greatest possible quality and then add a fine ceramic mix to give it a hot infrared punch. When both types of infrared are used, the temp of 200 degrees Fahrenheit is achieved, which is a temperature that is both more comfortable and more effective. This indicates that it has a longer wavelength and a temperature that is high enough to elevate the temperature of your core.

Heater Placement is very important

My research has led me to discover that the layout, construction, and engineering of a sauna are both important factors that can directly influence how effective an infrared sauna is. For instance, it is recommended to study and then steer clear of a design that has an excessive amount of glass panels on the front and sides but does not place heaters on the panels themselves. You can use glass, but remember that a far infrared sauna's purpose is to warm your body, not the air around you. For this reason, you should ensure that there are heaters on both sides of you so that you may achieve optimum efficiency.

In addition to this, be aware of the total number of heaters that are contained within the unit. The greatest saunas provide heat for the entire body, including on the floor. If you are going to invest in a pure carbon sauna, you need to ensure that the heaters are positioned such that they are directed toward your body. When a company manufactures a cheap sauna, it will run the heaters all the way up the wall. This is a safety precaution. This indicates that a significant portion of the infrared light is being directed toward the space immediately above your head. This results in a loss of both efficiency and power.

The type of wood you choose is important

Simply said, cedar is the ideal material to use when building an infrared sauna. This is a result of its naturally occurring antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It does an excellent job at keeping your sauna atmosphere fully germ-free, which is very important over the period of years that you will be owning and using your sauna (believe me!). In addition, it is easy to clean and maintain. In addition, cedar is the softest wood that can be used for infrared saunas, which enables it to resist the climate of the sauna, which is constantly heating up and cooling down. As well as being an excellent choice for an alternative white wood, Nordic spruce is also an excellent alternative to cedar because it is non-allergic. You will need to clean the Nordic spruce a little bit more than the cedar, which can be done with a wet cloth and a mixture that consists of 9 parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide. This is true for any and all other types of wood that may be used in an infrared sauna; however, you have a great deal more leeway with cedar.

Find out the ease of assembly

Find an infrared sauna that doesn't require much effort to put together. Believe me, you can find them; I should know because we sell some of them. There is no justification for the construction of your sauna to take many hours. It is strongly suggested that you look for a sauna that can be assembled in sixty minutes or less. The location of your sauna must be planned in advance, and the power cord can only be a particular length (8 ft. for our saunas). When it arrives, you will need to unpack the instructions and take it out piece by piece before beginning the assembly process from the bottom up. The saunas that are the simplest to use and operate the most effective are those that have high-pressure bindings and buckles and don't need any tools. When the panels are aligned, they will easily be able to click together.

Educate yourself about EMF (Electromagnetic fields)

Why should people be on guard against electromagnetic fields (EMF)? That stuff is toxic! Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are waves of energy with a frequency of less than 300 hertz (300 cycles per second). Power lines, radar, microwave towers, TVs, computers, mobile phones, motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, electric blankets, and the wiring in our homes are only some of the many sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which we are exposed. The strength of electromagnetic fields (EMF) has steadily increased over the past fifty to one hundred years (not hard to imagine). In 2002, a group of experts from the California Electric and Magnetic Fields Program at the Public Utilities Commission of California (CPUC) concluded that "to one degree or another, all three of the DHS experts are inclined to believe that EMFs can cause some degree of elevated risk of paediatric leukaemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, and miscarriage." They determined that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) at levels below three milligauss is safe. Any currently available infrared sauna on the market should be able to provide credible third-party testing demonstrating low EMF levels that are lower than this level. In that scenario, the risk is all on you. For what reasons should you?

Know about the power requirements of your future sauna

The electrical components of an infrared sauna come up in conversation with me rather frequently. To address your question in a nutshell, the majority of smaller saunas currently available on the market do not call for any specialized or extra electrical wiring. However, larger saunas do need a 20-amp circuit breaker, which is often an improvement that costs between $50 and $100 to have an electrician install. Another word of caution: many low-cost infrared saunas have substandard components, including shoddy wiring, thin-gauge wires, incorrectly insulated cabling, and EMF shielding that is made of fragile materials. This level of wiring can be hazardous and raises significant concerns regarding one's personal safety. In addition, the power consumption will be between 1,100 and 2,990 watts, depending on the dimensions of the sauna. Although it might seem like a significant sum, the real financial value is only about 10 cents for each hour worked. That comes up to $10–$15 per month. It's possible that you'll need a 240-volt outlet in the room that you plan to install your sauna as well, depending on how much power it draws.

Look for safety certifications and clinical studies

Make sure that the newly purchased infrared sauna has been subjected to exhaustive testing to ensure that it satisfies all of the safety and performance criteria for both the United States and Canada. Keep an eye out for these kinds of Certifications:

• Low EMF
• ETL Certification
• FSC Wood Certification
• Emissivity Certification
• No VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Additionally, make it a point to look into the numerous scientific research that has been conducted on the benefits of using an infrared sauna. There are far too many to name here; nevertheless, the manufacturer of the sauna you select should be able to offer you lists of information addressing medical research; unbiased third-party testing is preferable.

While the full impact of infrared on the skin is largely unknown, the limited study that has been done suggests that infrared saunas may offer a broad variety of benefits. These benefits include enhanced heart health, pain alleviation, and post-exercise recuperation.

"We have some very exciting short-term and small trials that seem to imply some prospective advantage," adds Bauer. "However, in order for us to understand the dangers and benefits, we need far larger clinical trials that are done over many extended periods of time." He adds that there is not yet enough data from a health standpoint to suggest that anyone should use infrared saunas, but at the same time, he notes that the few studies that have been peer-reviewed to date haven't revealed any significant side effects either. In other words, he believes that the use of infrared saunas is safe.

So after all of that, where do we stand? In the end, we need to confirm outcomes by conducting larger clinical trials that take place over a longer time frame. Therefore, for the time being, it is entirely up to you to decide whether or not you will follow the trend.

Conclusion

Infrared saunas use infrared lamps to directly heat the body, allowing for more intense sweating even when the air temperature is lower. Infrared saunas should aim for a temperature of 100-140 degrees Fahrenheit and set a timer for 10-15 minutes, add on a few minutes to each session, and use the included timer to get the most out of the experience. Hydrate before venturing into the sauna or steam room, wear as little clothing as possible, and use towels to wipe sweat off your face and body. First-timers of infrared saunas should drink a lot of water before, during, and after their session, never drink heavily, and wait at least an hour and a half after eating before entering. Regular use of the sauna will cause your body to sweat more quickly and at a lower temperature, so it is important to listen to your physical signals and wear comfortable, loose attire.

Far infrared sauna therapy is one of the most powerful result-driven instruments for optimal health maintenance, illness prevention, and increased immune function, and can help in the treatment of over 100 different health disorders. Carbon heaters do not provide enough heat to elevate one's core temperature, while ceramic heaters do. Combination carbon/ceramic heaters are the most effective and of the best quality. Heat placement is important. The layout, construction, and engineering of a sauna are important factors that affect its effectiveness.

Cedar is the ideal material for building an infrared sauna due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, easy to clean and maintain, and easy to assemble. EMFs are toxic and should be avoided. Know the power requirements of your future sauna and be aware of substandard components. Look for safety certifications and clinical studies to ensure the use of infrared saunas is safe.

Content Summary

1. Infrared lamps, which generate heat by the emission of electromagnetic radiation, are utilized instead to directly heat the body.
2. These saunas heat up your body before heating up the air,"A standard sauna often operates at a temperature that is between 150 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas an infrared sauna can function at a temperature that is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. The manufacturers of infrared saunas assert that only around 20 percent of the heat generated by the device is used to warm the air, while the remaining 80 percent is used to warm your body directly.
4. If this is your first time using it, try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes.
5. For an infrared sauna, you can enter the sauna as soon as 10 to 15 minutes after turning it on, even if the temperature is still below the target range you've specified.
6. Increasing your sweat rate is facilitated by taking a shower.
7. Get some H2O
8. Be sure to hydrate before venturing into the sauna or steam room.
9. Please remember to bring a bottle of water with you inside the sauna.
10. Towels are recommended for use in the sauna.
11. Most places that offer treatments with infrared saunas recommend using the sauna at least three to four times per week.
12. If you are healthy enough, you can use the sauna every day for four days in a row.
13. Any tips for first-timers of the infrared sauna?There are a few things you should know before you participate in your first session.
14. Keep yourself well hydrated!
15. Use this single towel to wipe off and absorb sweat as it accumulates on your body.
16. Regular use of the sauna will cause your body to sweat more quickly and at a lower temperature as your pores adapt to the stress of the sauna.
17. Tune into your physical signals for information.
18. Sauna Wear.
19. Wear comfortable, loose attire, or bring a change of clothes to change into after your session.
20. Consider your schedule while deciding how often to utilise the sauna.
21. To maximise the muscle-rehabilitating effects of your sauna visit, schedule it after a workout when your muscles will be warmed and more receptive to the sauna's infrared rays.
22. If you are presently being treated for a medical issue, or if you have any preexisting medical disorders like high blood pressure or heart difficulties, you should get clearance from your primary care physician before commencing your first session.
23. You shouldn't take any chances with your health, even if infrared saunas have been found to be rather safe.
24. They just do not retain a sufficient amount of infrared heat to raise the temperature of your core.
25. Ceramic heaters:If I were forced to select between carbon and ceramic infrared heaters, I'd go with ceramic for one simple reason: ceramic heaters actually produce heat.
26. In comparison to carbon heaters, they will emit a far higher amount of true radiant far infrared heat.
27. Combination carbon/ceramic heaters: Heaters that combine carbon and ceramic elements are, without a doubt, the most effective and of the best possible quality now available on the market.
28. My research has led me to discover that the layout, construction, and engineering of a sauna are both important factors that can directly influence how effective an infrared sauna is.
29. You can use glass, but remember that a far infrared sauna's purpose is to warm your body, not the air around you.
30. In addition to this, be aware of the total number of heaters that are contained within the unit.
31. The type of wood you choose is important
32. Simply said, cedar is the ideal material to use when building an infrared sauna.
33. Find out the ease of assemblyFind an infrared sauna that doesn't require much effort to put together.
34. Why should people be on guard against electromagnetic fields (EMF)?
35. They determined that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) at levels below three milligauss is safe.
36. For what reasons should you?Know about the power requirements of your future saunaThe electrical components of an infrared sauna come up in conversation with me rather frequently.
37. Look for safety certifications and clinical studiesMake sure that the newly purchased infrared sauna has been subjected to exhaustive testing to ensure that it satisfies all of the safety and performance criteria for both the United States and Canada.
38. Keep an eye out for these kinds of Certifications:Low EMF ETL Certification FSC Wood Certification Emissivity Certification No VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)Additionally, make it a point to look into the numerous scientific research that has been conducted on the benefits of using an infrared sauna.
39. While the full impact of infrared on the skin is largely unknown, the limited study that has been done suggests that infrared saunas may offer a broad variety of benefits.
40. In other words, he believes that the use of infrared saunas is safe.
41. In the end, we need to confirm outcomes by conducting larger clinical trials that take place over a longer time frame.
42. Therefore, for the time being, it is entirely up to you to decide whether or not you will follow the trend.