Infrared sauna: benefit and harm, truth and fiction
Anyone who wants to improve their health is sure to be helped by an infrared sauna. The benefits and harms of the cabin have been described for a long time. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features and benefits of infrared radiation, as well as with the indications for visiting a sauna of this type.
The content of the article
- 1 Infrared sauna: what it is and how it works
- 2 Diagram of an IR sauna device
- 3 Types of IR emitters
- 4 Infrared sauna: benefits and harms for the body
- 5 Advantages and disadvantages of an infrared sauna
- 6 Why is an infrared sauna useful?
- 7 The negative effects of an infrared sauna
- 8 Indications and contraindications for visiting the infrared sauna
- 9 Where to buy an infrared sauna and how much does it cost
- 10 Video: the advantages and disadvantages of an infrared sauna
Infrared sauna: what it is and how it works
In an effort to lead a healthy lifestyle, many people learn about the infrared sauna and its benefits. First you need to figure out what an infrared sauna is. This is a special compact device, the interior of which is separated by environmentally friendly wood, and ceramic radiators are mounted inside the walls and benches.
The operating principle of such a cabin is based on the use of infrared radiation. In active mode, the emitter emits safe waves that can penetrate deeply into the body, ensuring its uniform, slow heating. In conditions of maximum warming up, increased sweating occurs, blood flow improves and the body detoxifies.
The main difference between the cabin and the traditional bath is the temperature regime. In the first case, the mark of 55 degrees is not exceeded, in the second - it can reach 110 degrees. Only 20% of the generated energy is directed to heating the air, and in ordinary steam rooms - up to 85%.
Diagram of an IR sauna device
The infrared sauna includes a box, interior decoration, benches, several heating elements, and a glass door. Powered by an electrical network. The dimensions of the infrared sauna are dictated by the parameters of a person in a sitting position.When calculating the internal space, a little space is added to ensure a comfortable stay in a closed box. The optimal internal size is 80 × 80 cm with the external one - 95 × 95 cm.
Heaters are placed in different parts of the cab to ensure maximum body coverage. Two IR heater, having a height equal to the internal height of the cabin, are fixed in the front corners. One is attached under the bench. Two are at chest level behind the seated person's back.
Thanks to the special design, it is possible to create a special microclimate inside the cabin with practically no temperature fluctuations in length and height. For this, the walls, floor and ceiling are finished with untreated natural wood.The heating elements used are powerful. They allow you to heat the surface up to + 230 ÷ 280 ° C, which is not always possible in other types of baths. As a result, thermal energy penetrates deeper into the body, providing warming up of the deeper layers of the skin.
Due to the use of infrared radiation, the surrounding objects are warmed up, and not the air, the degree of its warming up is not fundamental. Those inside the cabin can be heated up to + 35 ÷ 50 ° С. The air humidity changes during the session. Initially it is 40%, and then it rises to 60%.Most of the cabins are single. However, manufacturers offer models designed for 2-5 visitors. In this case, more heaters are installed, the number of which is selected taking into account the optimal performance.
Types of IR emitters
Depending on the characteristics of the emitted waves, infrared emitters are usually divided into devices with a wavelength:
- short (less than 2.6 microns). The heater temperature is above +800 degrees;
- medium (2.6 ÷ 51 microns). The heater temperature can be changed within the range of + 320 ÷ 620 degrees;
- long (51 ÷ 200 microns). The heater temperature is less than +320 degrees.
Attention! The safest and most comfortable for humans are long waves. They penetrate deeply into the body and warm up the entire body.
Shortwave radiators are installed in small infrared cabins. They can be floor, wall and ceiling.
The main elements of IR emitters are made of modern heat-resistant and durable materials:
- ceramics;
- become. A stainless alloy is selected or the surface is chrome plated or zinc plated;
- Incola - an alloy consisting of nickel, iron and chromium;
- quartz glass.
Photos of infrared saunas will allow you to form your own opinion about the appearance of such structures:
Infrared sauna: benefits and harms for the body
The special characteristics of infrared radiation contribute to the fact that the benefits of the sauna are much greater than the harm. The benefits are due to:
- removal of excess fluid and metabolic products with the normalization of the level of water balance;
- antibacterial action that helps to cope with colds;
- improved blood supply;
- increased immunity;
- an increase in the amount of oxygen and useful microelements in cells;
- normalization of metabolism;
- reduction of pain syndrome in diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- improving kidney function.
Despite the obvious benefits, infrared radiation can harm the body. It is worthwhile to get acquainted in advance with the indications and contraindications for visiting the infrared sauna.
If you are interested in an infrared sauna, reviews from real consumers will help you assess the feasibility of visiting it:
Myts, Belarus: Infrared sauna - My result after 10 visits was a pleasant surprise! A step-by-step story about how it was.
Advantages: Cleansing the body, improving skin condition, improving well-being, low cost and availability of the procedure, effectiveness in the fight against cellulite
Disadvantages: Not detected
More details on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_887122.html
Neo, Russia: Infrared sauna - It is much easier to carry over than traditional ...
Advantages: easier to tolerate than traditional, useful for excess weight, cellulite, not an expensive procedure.
Disadvantages: has contraindications
More details on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_43794.html
Infrared cabin: indications and contraindications
Infrared radiation is shown in many cases. Helps relieve physical and emotional fatigue. It is shown if:
- there are disorders of the nervous system. There is a deterioration in memory and attention. Mood changes often. Insomnia torments;
- poor circulation;
- rheumatism or muscle pain;
- frequent colds;
- skin diseases;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- overweight;
- menopause syndrome;
- surgery, trauma and a number of illnesses were transferred.
Any infrared cabin has indications and contraindications. The latter most often include:
- acute stage of the disease, accompanied by an increased level of temperature;
- oncological diseases;
- tuberculosis;
- bleeding;
- diabetes;
- arthritis;
- alcoholism;
- menstruation;
- lactation;
- benign formations in the uterus. Heat exposure can provoke an increase in fibroids or polyps;
- gynecological diseases;
- serious problems with the cardiovascular system;
- the course of purulent-inflammatory processes;
- depletion of the body.
Advantages and disadvantages of an infrared sauna
Inside the infrared sauna, you can quickly warm up to the set temperature. The advantage of such thermal procedures is:
- good portability. Due to the low temperature conditions, most people do not experience physical discomfort;
- short duration of procedures;
- the possibility of a session at any time;
- usability and mobility. Some people install an infrared sauna with their own hands at home. Installation in an apartment is possible, as it requires little space.
The disadvantages of an infrared sauna can appear if you violate the rules for performing procedures.
Why is an infrared sauna useful?
The number of fans of the IR sauna is constantly increasing. Radiation has a positive effect on the body. The benefits of attending sessions are sometimes noticeable almost immediately. We offer you a more specific understanding of the benefits of an infrared sauna.
The healing effects of the infrared sauna
Infrared radiation can have a healing effect on the body. The benefits of a sauna are:
- elimination of pain in the muscles and back that occur during the menstrual cycle;
- healing a number of chronic diseases of the ENT organs and ear;
- improving the characteristics of the walls of blood vessels, which become more elastic and durable;
- getting rid of headaches;
- beneficial effects on the nervous system. The use of the IR sauna is to relieve stress, insomnia, irritability;
- rapid resorption of hematomas. Infrared radiation promotes healing of injuries, fractures, bruises;
- positive effect on kidney function;
- improving the state of the immune system;
- lowering cholesterol levels. The benefits will be noticeable with constant visit. Additionally, arterial pressure is normalized;
- prevention of a large list of diseases. With a regular visit, the risk of problems with the cardiovascular system will decrease.
Cosmetic effects of the infrared sauna
A constant visit to the infrared cabin has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the skin. Excessive sweating promotes the removal of harmful substances and toxins from the body. The effect of skin renewal is created, after which it looks more beautiful, elastic and rested.
If there are acne, dermatitis, dandruff, acne on the surface of the skin, or if a person suffers from psoriasis, a visit to the IR sauna will bring tangible benefits. After several sessions, you will have a tangible result.
Slimming Effects
With the help of infrared radiation, you can get rid of excess weight. This effect is often used by professional athletes, for whom it is important that their body weight does not go beyond the established limits. By visiting the infrared sauna, you can gradually remove excess pounds without harm to your health. For one session, about 800 kcal is spent.
The negative effects of an infrared sauna
The opinion about the negative impact of infrared radiation on the human body can be called erroneous. The heating elements used emit waves, the characteristics of which are pleasing to humans. You can harm your health only if you go to the steam room, having certain contraindications, or not following the visiting rules. The most common mistake is the increase in the duration of the procedure.
Indications and contraindications for visiting the infrared sauna
After thermal treatments, you can achieve the desired physical and emotional relaxation. Deep heating of the body can have a therapeutic effect on the human body, and therefore there are a number of medical indications for visiting the infrared cabins. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that you should know before using the sauna.
Basic safety rules when visiting the infrared sauna
To prevent possible negative consequences, when visiting an infrared sauna, you should adhere to the following rules:
- be in a sitting position to ensure uniform heating of the whole body;
- heating elements should be located at a distance of 10 ÷ 15 cm;
- promptly remove sweat secretions, which reduce the effect of infrared radiation on the skin;
- do not exceed the recommended duration of the procedure (30 minutes) while continuously being inside the cabin;
- use skin care products, cleaning the skin from the resulting impurities and cosmetics. Oils and creams can be used after the end of the procedure;
- take procedures mainly in the evening up to 8 sessions a month, if a therapeutic effect is required, and in the morning, if you want to get a boost of vivacity;
- drink a sufficient amount of liquid, drinking a glass of water or juice 10 ÷ 15 minutes before the start of the session.
Nuances of visiting children
Infrared saunas should only be used by children when accompanied by an adult. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the immune system and heal the body.
Attention! Before visiting the booth, you should visit a doctor and make sure there are no contraindications.
The basic rules for visiting IR cabins by children should include:
- the duration of the session is a quarter of an hour;
- heat flow power maximum 60%;
- a headgear is required to prevent overheating of the child.
Nuances of visiting pregnant women
Pregnancy is perceived by some doctors as an important contraindication for visiting an infrared sauna. At the same time, thermal procedures for a woman carrying a child have been considered normal for a long time. To avoid negative consequences, it is worth considering the general condition of the woman, and how she relates to thermal procedures.
Advice! Do not get carried away with the infrared sauna in the first trimester of pregnancy: there is a possibility of bleeding.
Where to buy an infrared sauna and how much does it cost
Having learned about the benefits of infrared saunas, many decide to purchase a cabin for their family. We offer you to get acquainted with the average prices for infrared saunas, before giving preference to a particular model:
Thus, if you want to improve your health, you should buy an infrared sauna. Such a booth does not take up much space, and the benefits of visiting it will certainly justify the purchase and installation costs.