Far Infrared Sauna - What Is It?

Is It Safe?

Infrared heat is safe. In fact our own bodies actually emit infrared heat and many hospitals use infrared incubators for premature babies.

Unlike traditional wet or dry saunas, the radiant heat directly heats the user and not the air.

This heat penetrates the body tissues deeper (up to 2 inches) than a traditional sauna and helps to get you sweating faster.

In fact some estimates say we get 7 times more sweat with an infrared home sauna than a traditional sauna because of the direct heating of the body.

What's The Advantage?

The advantage to this is that you still sweat - but at much lower temperatures than a conventional sauna (A FIR sauna for example will range from 120 to 150 degrees F whereas a traditional sauna will range from 185 to 195 degrees F).

Because you don't have to have it as hot as a traditional sauna to still get a sweat, you can stay in longer and get a more effective sauna session - with more calories burned and more detoxifying effects.

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What Is A Far Infrared Sauna?

Far Infrared (FIR) Saunas are getting a lot of attention. Even Oprah recently featured one on her anti-aging shows with Dr Oz as a way to burn up to 700 calories in a single session.

But what exactly is it - and how does it differ from traditional saunas? Here's a quick explanation:

FIR saunas are small portable rooms with several infrared heaters. Infrared heat is similar to the heat given by the sun (without the harmful UV rays).

How Does It Work?

Unlike traditional saunas which use rocks, water and steam, the FIR unit uses none of this. You simply use the electric panel to program in your time and desired temperature, wait for it to heat up and go.

If you like the steam, rocks and high heat experience you may want to stick with a traditional sauna. However many people prefer the lower, milder heat of a FIR unit.

Also most FIR saunas (not all) can be easily plugged into a standard electrical outlet whereas many traditional saunas need a dedicated breaker.

Is It Right For You?

People choose to buy a far infrared sauna for a number of reasons. These saunas have been used to help detoxify, lose stubborn weight, reduce stress, pain and inflammation - and even diminish cellulte.

They are used by many people with serious illnesses like cancer, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches, arthritis and more. (However there are some people who shouldn't use a sauna so check with your doctor first.)

I personally purchased my sauna to help remove heavy metals and detoxify after years of abusing my body with the SAD diet. The weight loss was a side benefit.

Plus since it was an easy way to burn calories, I found I was hungry more often and could eat more without gaining weight. Another benefit was that it helped with the winter blues. I'm not sure why - but I found the winters were much easier to get through with regular use of my sauna.

So a FIR sauna can do a lot of things for you. But it's not as simple as going out and buying one.

There are certain saunas that are better than others, heat up faster and give more penetrating, constant heat.

If you do decide to buy an infrared sauna, make sure you do your homework first and know what to look for when buying. It could save you a lot of hassle and even money.

For more info visit the Far Infrared Saunas Buying Guide