Saunas have been recognized as having significant value in the practice of traditional medicine for a great many centuries. People have always believed that there is an advantage to sweating, and there is something about sitting in a sauna and simply sweating it all out that can be characterized as incredibly calming.
People have always believed that there is an advantage to sweating. On the other hand, were you aware that the world of saunas has recently welcomed a new participant?
In addition to the traditional saunas that have been around for a considerable amount of time, infrared saunas are beginning to make a name for themselves in the world of saunas. These most recent iterations of saunas run on a methodology that is distinct from that of their forebears, which enables them to confer an extensive range of additional advantages.
Keep reading this article to obtain knowledge of the elements that set an infrared sauna apart from a traditional sauna.
What Is A Sauna?
Sweating it out in a tiny room or house intended specifically for that purpose, often to relax or improve one’s health, is what a sauna is. People typically spend a period in saunas, during which the room is heated to a high temperature, sitting or lying down to maximize their perspiration.
The heat in a sauna can be generated by a stove that burns wood, an electric stove, or a gas burner, and the temperature of the room is normally maintained between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius (176-212 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heat and the high humidity in a sauna can have several positive effects on one’s health, including stimulating blood flow, easing muscle tension, and lowering overall levels of stress. In many regions of the world, going to the sauna is another well-liked form of socializing, and you can frequently find saunas in fitness centres, spas, and leisure centres.
What Is A Traditional Sauna?
Traditionally, a sauna is a tiny room or home created specifically for sweating. These structures are often made of wood and are heated by a stove that burns wood. In a traditional sauna, the heat is typically produced by heating rocks on the stove, and then the hot, humid air that has been produced is circulated throughout the room.
In a traditional sauna, the participants would often sit or lie down on benches and will use towels or wooden sauna whisks (vene) to lightly strike themselves or each other to stimulate circulation and increase the amount of sweat that is produced.
Typical saunas are frequently connected with the culture of Finland, where they have a long history and are an essential component of the way people live in the country. However, you can also find traditional saunas in other parts of the world, such as in North America and Europe.
What Is An Infrared Sauna?
Instead of heating the air directly, as in a typical sauna, the heat for an infrared sauna is produced using infrared heaters, making this kind of sauna known as an infrared sauna. Infrared saunas are different from traditional saunas in that they are not designed to heat the air around the user but rather the user’s body directly.
The heat that is produced by infrared saunas is typically lower than the heat that is produced in regular saunas, as is the humidity level in infrared saunas. It is claimed that infrared saunas have several health benefits, including the ability to increase circulation, lower stress levels, and provide relief from muscle discomfort.
Because they heat the body directly as opposed to heating the air, they are also thought to be more energy efficient than regular saunas. Infrared saunas are often constructed out of wood or composite materials, and you may frequently find them in fitness centres, spas, and other recreational facilities.
Differences Between Traditional And Infrared Sauna
There are several key differences between traditional and infrared saunas:
1. Heat Source:
In traditional saunas, the air is heated by a stove that burns wood or uses electricity; in infrared saunas, however, the heat is produced by infrared heaters, which are designed to provide heat that is absorbed directly by the body. In a conventional sauna, the heat is produced by heating rocks on the stove, and the hot air and steam that is produced are then circulated throughout the space.
On the other hand, infrared saunas make use of infrared heaters to produce heat that is absorbed directly by the body, as opposed to heating the air surrounding the body in a traditional sauna. Infrared waves are emitted by the heaters in an infrared sauna, and these waves are absorbed by the skin, which causes the body to get warmer.
It is believed that exposure to this form of heat, which is analogous to the heat generated by the sun, has several positive effects on one’s health.
2. Temperature:
Traditional saunas are frequently heated to a temperature that is greater than that of infrared saunas, commonly between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius (176-212 degrees Fahrenheit).
Infrared saunas are typically heated at a temperature between 104 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (40 and 60 degrees Celsius). Because of its lower temperature, an infrared sauna is likely to be more agreeable to use for certain individuals.
This is especially true for persons who are heat sensitive or who suffer from a variety of health concerns. On the other hand, the higher temperature in a conventional sauna can also give an experience that is both more effective at making one sweat and more intensely relaxing for some individuals. The optimal temperature for a sauna will be determined by each person’s tastes and level of comfort with heat.
3. Humidity:
Because the heat in a traditional sauna causes the air to contain more moisture, traditional saunas typically have a higher relative humidity than infrared saunas do. The heat and humidity of a conventional sauna are produced by heating rocks on a stove, and the resulting hot and steamy air is then circulated throughout the space.
Because the heaters do not heat the air directly and the heat is absorbed directly by the body in an infrared sauna, the humidity is often lower than it would be in a traditional sauna. Persons who are sensitive to excessive humidity or who have specific medical conditions may find that the infrared sauna’s reduced humidity level provides a more comfortable environment.
This is especially true for those people who have respiratory issues. On the other hand, the higher humidity that one encounters in a conventional sauna can also cause some people to have a more intense bout of sweating.
4. Health Benefits:
It is claimed that traditional saunas and infrared saunas both have several health benefits, including the ability to increase circulation, lower stress levels, and provide relief from muscle discomfort. For a sauna to be effective, the user’s entire body must be heated, which in turn induces the blood vessels to expand and stimulates circulation.
In addition to helping to relax muscles and alleviate tension, the heat and humidity of a sauna can be quite therapeutic. Additionally, the heat in a sauna can cause one to perspire, which can assist in the elimination of toxins from the body as well as improve the function of the skin.
Some individuals also believe that regular use of a sauna might assist in the alleviation of tension and the enhancement of relaxation.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that the specific health benefits that come from using a sauna can differ from person to person and rely on the individual’s present health status. Before utilizing a sauna, you should always talk things over with a doctor or other trained medical practitioner.
5. Energy Efficiency:
Because they heat the body directly rather than the air, infrared saunas are generally considered to have a lower impact on the environment and a higher energy efficiency rating than regular saunas. The heat and humidity of a conventional sauna are produced by heating rocks on a stove, and the resulting hot and steamy air is then circulated throughout the space.
Because the heat needs to be continually replaced in this process to keep the temperature at the right level, it consumes a significant amount of energy. Instead of heating the air, the heaters in an infrared sauna emit infrared waves, which are then absorbed directly by the body of the person using the sauna.
Infrared saunas are more energy efficient as a result of this, as they take less energy to maintain the ideal temperature than traditional saunas do. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the real energy efficiency of a sauna will be determined by several different aspects.
These considerations include the size of the sauna, the type of heat source that is utilized, and the number of times that the sauna is utilized.
6. Construction Materials:
Wood is the material of choice for constructing traditional saunas, whereas composite materials or even wood may be used in the construction of infrared saunas. Because it is an excellent heat conductor and may also provide a sauna with an appearance that is more traditional and rustic, wood is a material that is frequently used in sauna construction.
Wood saunas, on the other hand, might be more expensive to install and maintain than other types of saunas since the wood needs to be maintained on a more consistent basis to ensure that it stays in good shape. Wood or composite materials, such as plastic or fibreglass, are the two most common materials used in the construction of infrared saunas.
These materials are typically more durable than wood, as well as more inexpensive and easier to maintain. In certain cases, they even have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, many find the classic appearance and atmosphere of a wood sauna more appealing, and these individuals would be prepared to shell out more money to purchase this kind of sauna.
Which Sauna Is Better Traditional Or Infrared
It is difficult to determine which kind of sauna is “best” all things considered because the ideal sauna will vary from person to person based on their requirements and tastes.
Both traditional and infrared saunas have their distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the type of sauna that will be most beneficial for you will be determined by the particular objectives and necessities that you wish to accomplish.
When picking between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna, the following are some important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Heat Tolerance:
Traditional saunas are normally heated to a greater temperature than infrared saunas, so if you have a low heat tolerance or certain medical issues, you may find that an infrared sauna is more beneficial to you than a traditional sauna.
2. Humidity:
Because of the higher levels of humidity that are typically found in traditional saunas as compared to infrared saunas, individuals who are hypersensitive to high levels of humidity or who suffer from certain medical conditions may find that an infrared sauna is more beneficial.
3. Health Goals:
A regular sauna and an infrared sauna are both thought to have several positive effects on one’s health; however, the precise nature of those effects may vary from person to person and depend on the individual’s current physical condition.
If you have certain health objectives, you might want to discuss your options with a trained medical practitioner to find out which kind of sauna might be most beneficial to you.
4. Budget:
Traditional saunas can be more costly to build and maintain than infrared saunas due to the constant maintenance that is required to keep the wood in good condition. Infrared saunas do not require this type of care. Consider getting an infrared sauna if you are trying to save money on your workout routine.
5. Personal Preferences:
In the end, the type of sauna that will work best for you will be determined by the preferences that you have of your own. It’s possible that some people choose the classic appearance and atmosphere of a wood sauna, while others lean more toward the practicality and cost-effectiveness of an infrared sauna.
Conclusion
The traditional sauna and the infrared sauna are quite distinct from one another in several important ways. With traditional saunas, the air around the user is heated, while in infrared saunas, the user’s body is the source of the heat.
When compared to infrared saunas, traditional saunas often provide higher levels of both temperature and humidity. It is believed that infrared saunas are more energy efficient than traditional saunas. Additionally, infrared saunas may offer additional health benefits, such as the ability to increase circulation and provide relief from muscle soreness.
It is ultimately up to the user to decide which kind of sauna is best for them depending on their individual preferences as well as any particular medical requirements they may have.
Check out more information here at infrared vs traditional sauna.