Traditional Hot Rock Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas Which Sauna Is Right For You? The health benefits of saunas have been recognized for centuries, beginning with sweat lodges and other primitive systems that then evolved into the well known traditional Finnish hot rock saunas and culminating in the far infrared saunas one sees today. All are based on the idea that heating the body and producing perspiration cleanses the cells and pores removing unwanted substances in the process. Typically, a heat source using wood, electric or gas is used to produce the heat in a sauna. In recent years, a technology known as far infrared has been used to replace the traditional hot rock saunas with far infrared saunas, and some people feel that the result is superior. How Does A Far Infrared Sauna Work? Briefly, infrared saunas use far infrared light, which is part of the light spectrum emanating from the sun, to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body. In an infrared sauna, a heater produces this radiant energy, which is of the same part of the light spectrum as the warming heat from the sun. Most of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical. Far infrared rays, unlike UV radiation, x-rays or atomic radiation, are safe and beneficial. When far infrared rays hit your skin, they transfer heat energy, which penetrates more than an inch and a half into the body to heal and stimulate tissues, making it an effective therapy for arthritis and tissue injuries. In addition, this heating causes you to sweat, thus achieving health benefits similar to those from a traditional rock sauna. In fact, some say that the more penetrating and intense heat of a far infrared sauna makes you sweat 2-3 times more resulting in a more comprehensive cleansing. Reasons to Choose a Far Infrared Sauna Studies indicate that the use of a far infrared sauna using the right frequency of infrared rays triggers a process called resonant absorption wherein toxins are removed from the cells in our bodies at a higher rate than that achieved by high temperatures alone. When comparing far infrared saunas to traditional rock saunas far infrared has several other advantages as well. Perhaps one of the most important differences between traditional rock saunas and far infrared saunas is that the infrared function at a lower temperature. Standard traditional rock saunas typically operate at temperatures ranging from 80º C (180º F) to 87º C (190º F). This high heat can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for some people, especially those with cardiovascular or respiratory problems and can limit the time one can spend in the sauna. This, in turn, limits the amount of sweat that can be produced reducing the degree of therapy obtainable. The heavy, thick air can be difficult to breathe, and evaporation can dry out membranes in the nose and eyes. Sometimes the exceptionally high temperatures make any metal surfaces extremely hot as well, creating potential for burns. A far infrared sauna functions between 38º C(100º F) and 55º C (130º F). It is estimated that less than 20% of the infrared energy from the heater goes into the air so not only does the body receive 80% of the heat benefits many people find that the air is more breathable and apart from the heaters there are no hot surfaces to worry about. Another benefit of far infrared saunas is that an infrared sauna heater uses considerably less electricity than traditional rock saunas that use electricity to heat. Plus, the infrared sauna is usually ready to use within 15 to 30 minutes, whereas a traditional rock sauna can take over an hour to reach optimal temperatures depending on its size. Also, many infrared saunas come in kit form and are easier to assemble so they can be moved to a new location with relative ease. The Other Side of the Sauna Story On the flip side of the comparison many people feel that a traditional rock sauna provides benefits that can't be matched by a far infrared sauna. One of their main points is that the steam produced by throwing water on the rocks in a traditional rock sauna is essential to the healing process, especially in regard to respiratory health and this cannot be done in an infrared sauna. In response to those who say a traditional rock sauna will dry out membranes, supporters of Finnish and other traditional high temperature saunas state that the steam is beneficial to those with sinus conditions and add that because they operate without steam it is in fact the infrared saunas that are drying and can irritate the nasal and lung passages. Supporters of traditional rock saunas feel that information about the health benefits of saunas that operate with far infrared technology have been exaggerated or claimed without proof. They refer to different studies that show that a traditional rock sauna produces more sweat and removes more toxins. Some even insist that any radiation, even infrared, should be avoided and would include any exposure to the sun in their list as well. Others feel that a rock sauna simply feels more healthy and refreshing and because you can control the heat and humidity by adding more water or moving to a higher or lower bench in the sauna you can tailor the experience to match your needs and preferences. Some people prefer a traditional rock sauna that is heated with wood allowing use of a traditional heat source as well as the option to add smoke to the sauna for additional purifying features. Others add aromatherapy oils to their sauna steam to create a dual cleansing and healing effect. This is typically not possible with an infrared sauna. And there is the tradition and ritual that comes along with certain aspects of a sweat lodge or traditional rock sauna that have been a part of different cultures for hundreds of years. For many people, a sauna is not only key to a healthy physical life, it is also important to overall spiritual health, and making the steam, or löyly (lou-lu) as the Finnish say, is an important part of that ritual. Gain First-Hand Knowledge Before Choosing When it comes to choosing between a far infrared sauna and a traditional rock sauna it is strongly recommended to try each type personally and see for your self. Take time to fully research your options - talk to your doctor about any health concerns you might have with either type of sauna and talk with people who own one. (Please also see our page on "Health and Beauty") In the end it is really a personal question and your choice may take into account such factors as limitations of space available, preferences in heating sources, electrical consumption or even mobility if you tend to move house often. Don't Get Lost In The Debate! Either way any sauna is better than none! Although there is disagreement about the new technology of far infrared when compared to the accepted traditional rock sauna there is no doubt on either side as to the benefits of sauna therapy. No matter which you choose, you will be joining the ranks of millions of people who use and enjoy saunas to improve their health, provide relief and relaxation from life's stresses, socialize with friends and family and even find spiritual peace. The list of benefits found through using a sauna are many and most sauna users are convinced through their personal experience that saunas provide an irreplaceable tonic to both body and mind and can improve ones feeling of well-being when used on a regular basis.

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