Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: Which is Better? Compare heat levels and benefits to choose the best option for your wellness needs.
Contents
Introduction to Saunas
If you’re considering investing in a sauna but can’t decide between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna, today I’ll help clarify the differences between a classic Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna. I’ve personally built and used a classic Finnish sauna for three years, and there are several unique aspects of infrared saunas that you might want to know about.
Heat Source Differences
First, the heat source in an infrared sauna comes from infrared light. These are different wavelengths of light and energy that penetrate deep into your body. For some people, especially those with mold issues, poor recovery from exercise, muscle and joint pain, or autoimmune problems, an infrared sauna may offer more benefits than a classic Finnish sauna. While I love the heat generated by a classic Finnish sauna, the infrared sauna’s heat source—infrared wavelengths—can penetrate more deeply into your body. This form of heat is different from the traditional Finnish sauna, which is heated by a wood-fired stove.
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Comparing Sauna Experiences
In my opinion, the overall experience of a classic Finnish sauna is superior. You can accommodate multiple people, pour water and essential oils on the stones to create steam, and achieve very high temperatures and intense stress responses, which are beneficial for heart detox pathways and lymphatic health. It’s an incredible experience but requires more space, costs more, and involves building a fire. Most people, however, just want to flip a switch, set a temperature, and enjoy 15-20 minutes in the sauna. If this suits your personality and schedule, I suggest investing in an infrared sauna, as its wavelengths penetrate deeper into your body. This doesn’t mean it’s less effective. A classic Finnish sauna can reach up to 220°F (about 104°C), while an infrared sauna reaches about 160°F (about 71°C), but you will still sweat profusely. If you have obesity issues or are occupationally exposed to persistent organic pollutants and want the heat to penetrate your fat cells, an infrared sauna might be functional. We know that visceral fat, in particular, consists of necrotic or dead fat cells, and deep-penetrating heat might increase oxygen supply to these tissues.
Infrared Sauna Benefits and Brands
Importantly, owning an infrared sauna doesn’t mean you’re not getting benefits. Both have advantages. At High Intensity Health, we’re big fans of High-Tech Health’s low-EMF infrared saunas. Before building our backyard sauna, we used one of their products for years, logging hundreds of hours, and the buyer is still using it eight years later. They use untreated cedar wood, low EMF, and have mood lights. A two-person sauna can fit three if needed, and the more people inside, the faster it heats up.
Ventilation and Alternatives
Remember, when buying an infrared sauna for home use, ensure the room has sufficient airflow. After using the sauna, open a door to release steam, which can otherwise cause mold issues. Good ventilation is crucial. High-Tech Health is an excellent company, and I’ll include links below. There are also alternatives like sauna blankets, which are smaller and use infrared heat to penetrate deeply into the body. For those with detox issues, mold problems, or autoimmune conditions, sauna blankets are a great choice. Our friends at Higher Dose offer a sauna blanket worth checking out, and I’ll include links for that as well.
Starting with Sauna Therapy
The important thing is to start and commit to heat therapy in 2023, whether it’s a sauna blanket, infrared sauna, gym sauna, or backyard sauna. Research shows numerous benefits of heat therapy, so don’t delay just because you don’t have a traditional Finnish sauna. Invest now and upgrade later if needed. Additionally, High-Tech Health is an excellent company, and I’ll link to an article that helps explain how infrared saunas work. The article, “Traditional or Infrared Saunas and Photobiomodulation: What Do They Have in Common?” discusses how infrared saunas might improve mitochondrial function, similar to photobiomodulation. This article is very interesting and was published just this November.
Personal Preferences and Final Thoughts
What do you think? Which type of sauna do you prefer? Some people can’t tolerate high heat; I have resilient friends who sometimes need to be carried out of my sauna because it’s too stressful for them. Your stress tolerance and ability to handle hormetic stress vary individually. Let me know in the comments how you use sauna therapy and which type you primarily use.
Choosing the Right Sauna
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Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: Which is Better? The debate of Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: Which is Better? continues to be relevant as more people seek the best options for their health and wellness routines. Each type of sauna offers distinct benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences. Whether you choose a traditional Finnish sauna for its immersive, communal experience and high heat or an infrared sauna for its deep-penetrating, therapeutic warmth, both options can significantly enhance your health. Remember to consider factors like space, cost, and your ability to handle heat stress when making your decision.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: Which is Better? is not about one being superior to the other but rather which one aligns better with your lifestyle and health goals. Investing in either will bring you numerous benefits, and you can always start with one and explore the other in the future.
