You may have heard the term “infrared sauna” mentioned at a gym or health club, and the context was likely a positive one. That’s because more and more people are having great experiences with this particular sort of sauna, and they’re making regular use a part of their lives. But what is it that sets one of these saunas apart from the traditional variety, and what are some of the sauna benefits about which people are talking?

The Infrared Sauna Difference

Dry-heat and steam saunas use a wood stove or a radiant heater that keeps the air temperature very hot. It is not unusual for such saunas to reach temperatures of 180 or 190 degrees. Some people don’t mind this range of heat, but for others, it can be overpowering, particularly if they have a delicate constitution.

Infrared saunas use metallic or ceramic heat elements, and they emit energy in the infrared range, as the name suggests. An infrared sauna might reach temperatures of 145 degrees, which many people find to be much more tolerable. The eyes can not perceive infrared waves, but when you sit in one of these saunas, it will work its magic on you, and you’ll feel a pleasant, relaxing sense of warmth.

What are the Benefits?

The benefits of infrared sauna use are numerous, but we’ll list just a few. People who have high blood pressure see it lower without the use of medication if they use an infrared sauna regularly. You will also be at a lower risk of congestive heart failure if you use one. There are fewer instances of heart disease among those who use one as well.

You also have less chance of suffering from environmentally-caused illnesses, such as chemical sensitivity if you live in an area with more than the average amount of pollutants. This is because the heat causes heavy metals and other byproducts to exit your body through your pores. A regular sauna cannot claim to do this. It is because of the infrared waves penetrating your body. You don’t have to worry, though. The process is entirely safe.

You also stand less chance of contracting certain autoimmune diseases, like ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It helps with allergies, like allergic rhinitis, and it allows you to breathe easier if you are an asthmatic.

As you can see, the range of health benefits is so great that people from all over are taking advantage of the infrared sauna craze. Their affordability and the ease with which they can be installed in the home make them ideal for personal ownership, so shop some of the latest models today.