Infrared Sauna Vs Steam Sauna

Saunas have for a long time now been recommended for both relaxation and health reasons, but it looks like the infrared sauna is slowly edging out the more traditional steam sauna. Are they any different? Does the infrared sauna have benefits that you will not find in the steam sauna? To understand the difference between them, let us first look at how they are built.

From the outside, they are more or less alike. The steam sauna, however, which has its origins in Finland, is heated through a small stove called a kiuas. It was traditionally heated using wood but today, gas and electricity are also used. On top of the kiuas are stones. The heat from the kiuas heats the stones and to get steam, users have to throw water on the hot stones every few minutes.

The infrared sauna, on the other hand, is heated electronically using infrared light. The heating can be adjusted to the liking of the user. In effect, there is no steam but the heat that is radiated is much like the heat you would find in a traditional sauna.

So how do they differ?

Because the heat in the infrared sauna is dry, it is easier for a user to breathe. Many people complain that when they are in a traditional sauna, the steam feels like suffocating. In fact, if you suffer a chest condition, you may find that steam saunas are completely unusable.

Traditional saunas are also hotter, heating to up to 195 degrees F. Infrared saunas are much cooler, heating to between 120 degrees F and 150 degrees F. They also take a shorter time to heat, going to maximum in between 10 and 20 minutes. Kiuas, on the other hand, can take up to 35 minutes to get you enough steam to make you sweat.

Infrared saunas also have another distinction. The heat they produce will hit the skin before hitting the air around. Traditional saunas are the opposite; for you to start sweating, you have to take in heat from the air around you, another reason why many people start to feel suffocated.

There is yet another difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional one; while it takes minutes to assemble the infrared sauna because it comes with a DIY kit, the traditional sauna takes a lot longer; it could be days even when you are using professional help to get it together. That said, there are some companies that are now producing prefabricated traditional saunas that take about 2 hours to assemble.

The other thing that has been pointed out is the difference in power consumption. The infrared will typically use between 5 and 10 cents per use while the least you can get on the traditional one is about 40 cents.

While the two types of saunas differ on so many aspects, it is worth noting that when it comes to maintenance, they both require similar input. You will need to wipe down and disinfect the walls once in a while depending on how often you use the sauna.

Are there specific medical benefits of using infrared saunas?

Yes there are; as we have already seen, people who have chest conditions can use them without feeling suffocated. They are also good for people who suffer heat stroke easily because they don't go to such high temperatures and they can be adjusted.

The other benefits are the same as those you would get with a steam sauna:

• They are a great way to get rid of toxins. The basic aim of a sauna is to make you sweat. Sweat carries toxins out of the body which means that frequent use of the sauna will lead to lower toxin levels.
• A sauna will also help you sleep better because it aids in relaxation.
• It has been shown that regular use of a sauna will help you shed a few pounds especially if you combine it with exercise. Because saunas help your blood circulation, you get rid of toxins and pollutants which are sometimes responsible for weight gain as they interfere with proper breakdown of the food that you eat.

Finally, whether you choose an infrared sauna or the traditional steam one, it is important that you take precaution; if you start to feel too hot or feel that you can't breathe, get out immediately.

Read more info about infrared saunas at http://www.westsaunas.com or you can buy infrared sauna at http://perfectsauna.org

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