For centuries, saunas have been cherished for their relaxation and health benefits. From aiding in detoxification to soothing sore muscles, the allure of a good sweat session is absolutely undeniable. But when it comes to choosing between an infrared sauna, and a traditional steam sauna, you might find yourself wondering which one is the right fit for you. While both offer fantastic benefits, they achieve their results in distinctly different ways. So, let’s dive in!
Traditional Steam Saunas: The Classic Heat Experience
When you picture a sauna, you’re likely to imagine a traditional steam sauna at a spa or the gym. These saunas essentially work by heating up the air around you, typically with an electric heater or wood-burning stove which warms rocks, often with water poured over them to create a plume of hot steam.
The heat in a traditional steam sauna can reach temperatures between 70-100°C (150-210°F), which creates a humid environment that causes the body to sweat profusely.
- Intense Heat & Humidity: Many people love the intense, enveloping heat and humidity of a traditional sauna, finding it incredibly relaxing and cleansing.
- Respiratory Benefits: The steam can be beneficial for opening up airways and easing congestion.
- Social Experience: Often larger, traditional saunas can be a more communal experience for friends, family and fellow gym goers to bond.
- Deep Relaxation: The overall heat and warmth of the steam can lead to deep relaxation and stress relief.
However, for some, the high temperatures and humidity might feel overwhelming at first, or difficult to tolerate for extended periods of time which limits the usage to smaller more manageable sessions.
Infrared Saunas: Deeper, More Gentle Heat
Infrared saunas are a fairly more modern innovation in comparison, as they operate on a fundamentally different principle. Instead of heating the air around you, infrared sauna heaters emit infrared light waves, which are absorbed directly by your body. This means that you experience a deep, penetrating heat without significantly raising the ambient air temperature.
The air temperature in an infrared sauna is generally much lower, typically ranging from 45-65°C (110-150°F), making it a more comfortable experience for many. The infrared waves penetrate the body more deeply, raising the core body temperature and inducing a more profound sweat at a lower air temperature.
- Deeper Penetration, Lower Temperature: This is the big one! Because infrared waves directly heat your body, they can penetrate several inches into your tissues. This means you can achieve a significant sweat and detoxification at a much lower, more comfortable air temperature, making it accessible to those who find traditional saunas too intense or suffocating.
- Enhanced Detoxification: The deeper penetration of infrared heat is believed by many to stimulate a more profound release of toxins from fat cells, leading to a more efficient detoxification process.
- Improved Circulation: The deep heat can significantly boost blood flow and circulation, which can aid in muscle recovery and overall cardiovascular health.
- Pain Relief: Many users report significant relief from muscle and joint pain, as the infrared heat can penetrate deeply to soothe affected areas.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Increased circulation and detoxification can contribute to healthier, clearer skin.
- Weight Management: While not a magic bullet, the increase in core body temperature and sweat can contribute to calorie burning.
- Reduced Stress: The gentle, consistent heat can be incredibly calming and stress-reducing.
- Easier Breathing: As the air isn’t as hot and humid, infrared saunas can be easier on the respiratory system for some individuals.
Which One Is Best For Me?
The “best” sauna ultimately depends on your own personal preferences and health goals.
- Choose a traditional steam sauna if: You love intense heat and humidity, enjoy the social aspect of spending time in a larger sauna, or find the steamy environment beneficial for respiratory issues.
- Choose an infrared sauna if: You prefer a gentler heat but want a deeper detoxification, have sensitivities to high temperatures, are looking for significant pain relief, or want to maximise the potential for improved circulation and skin health.
Many people find they can tolerate longer sessions in an infrared sauna due to the lower ambient air temperature, allowing for a more extended period of therapeutic heat. I personally find my home infrared sauna bag so quick and convenient to use, and store, which provides me with the most beautiful post-workout recovery and eases stomach cramps and back ache around my menstrual cycle.
No matter which type of sauna you ultimately choose, remember to stay well-hydrated before, during, and after your session. Both infrared and traditional saunas offer such wonderful paths to relaxation and wellness – it’s all about finding the one that works best for you!
