WHAT TYPE OF SAUNA

IS BEST FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Saunas have become a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts and holistic wellness devotees for their myriad of benefits. However, when you're in the market looking for the perfect sauna experience, the multitude of options might leave you scratching your head. 

Should you go for the traditional Finnish model that has stood the test of time or opt for a state-of-the-art infrared sauna that radiates with cutting-edge technology? 

Which model brings more health-boosting perks to the table? What if one type suits your wellness goals better than the other? 

In this article, we'll lift the fog around infrared and traditional saunas and provide a detailed comparison to help you decide what type of sauna is best for your health.

Introducing Traditional Saunas 

Before we unveil the big answer to "what type of sauna is best for your health," let's look at the OG of the sauna world. 

Dating back over 2,000 years in Finnish history, traditional saunas have been a beloved cornerstone of communal living, self-care, and holistic healing. Back in the day, these cozy sanctuaries were dug into the ground and covered with animal skins for warmth. It's safe to say that they held a certain primal charm. 

As time progressed, the saunas became more refined with the addition of benches, steam rooms, and other amenities. Traditional saunas use premium lumber like white fir, hemlock, and cedar. Such woods are chosen for their insulating properties and resistance to warping under high temperatures.

A heater, either an electric or wood-burning model, is at the heart of any traditional sauna. While electric heaters are convenient and easy to control, wood-burning heaters offer a rustic authenticity that's hard to resist.

In these traditional saunas, you can generally expect temperatures to range between 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As for humidity, it typically resides at a more subtle level of just 10-20%. 

Want to turn your sauna into a steam room? Simply pour some water onto the heated rocks. This will raise the moisture level, enhancing the overall ambiance and making your experience more immersive.

These days, traditional saunas are preferred for their diversity and adaptability. You'll find a range of sizes on the market — from compact designs perfect for snug urban apartments to larger models intended for those with a generous garden space. Whether you're looking for a sauna suitable for one person or a family of five, there's something to suit everyone. 

Benefits of a Traditional Sauna

The following are some of the benefits of using a traditional sauna:

Boosts Circulation 

One of the significant benefits of traditional saunas is that it helps with circulation. When you spend time in the steamy warmth of a traditional sauna, your body heat begins to rise. This escalation encourages your blood vessels to expand, a process known as vasodilation. 

The result? Your blood flows more freely around your body, ensuring that each cell, organ, and tissue receive maximum nutrients and oxygen. Research shows that these sauna sessions can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke over time.

Strengthens Immune System

There's nothing worse than battling the sniffles when all you want to do is feel your best. The good news is a steamy sauna session can help. As you sweat it out in the sauna, your body's core temperature rises — mimicking a fever. 

Studies show that this "artificial fever" state can stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies, leading to a stronger immune system. This helps you fight off colds, flu, and other infections more effectively. 

Relieves Stress and Anxiety 

In a world where stress and anxiety chase us daily, traditional saunas provide an outlet to let go of the tension that can weigh us down. The gentle warmth of a sauna loosens up stiff joints and prompts the release of endorphins — your body's natural feel-good chemicals.

MedicalNewsToday highlights that these neurotransmitters can help alleviate pain, increase pleasure, and contribute to overall relaxation within the body.

Aids in Weight Loss

Sweating it out in a sauna could be more than just a relaxing experience. It might also help you on your weight loss journey. The intense sauna heat increases your heart rate, much like a moderate physical workout. 

As a result, your metabolism accelerates, and your body starts burning calories. You can enhance these sauna benefits by incorporating light exercises such as yoga or stretching into your sauna routine. Not only will it help shed extra pounds but also improve muscle flexibility. 

Improves Sleep Patterns

Are you tired of counting sheep? Maybe you just can't seem to get enough quality shut-eye. Consider hopping into a sauna before bedtime.

WebMD notes that a slight drop in body temperature can assist us in falling into a deep sleep. After a sauna session, this gradual cooling effect can nudge our internal clocks, providing a peaceful night's sleep.

The dark and serene sauna ambiance also mimics the ideal conditions for nighttime repose. This signals the brain to trigger the release of melatonin, a hormone vital for maintaining healthy sleep patterns.

Enhances Respiratory Health

A stuffy nose, persistent cough, and seasonal allergies can get the best of you. Fortunately, sauna bathing is here to save you when sick. The warm, moist heat generated in traditional saunas helps reduce nasal inflammation and thin out mucus, making breathing easier. 

Research shows that regular sauna use can improve lung function, which can be especially beneficial for people with asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. 

Introducing Infrared Saunas 

Infrared saunas are modern gems of relaxation and wellness. Unlike their traditional counterparts, these saunas use infrared light to produce heat. This light isn't visible to the human eye but penetrates deep into your skin, warming you from within rather than just heating the air around you. 

The air temperature typically ranges from 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in these saunas. Additionally, the comfortable heating environment makes you sweat and increases your heart rate without the harsh, burning sensation you may experience from traditional saunas. 

Since these saunas do not involve steam or direct contact with extremely high heat, they do not carry the same risk of dehydration or skin irritation. These saunas are also relatively low maintenance, so you won't have to worry about cleaning out the pipes or refilling the water tank. 

Wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth, and you're good to go. These saunas boast plug-and-play functionality, making them easy to install anywhere in your home. 

Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas

The following are some of the benefits of using an Infrared sauna:

Pain Relief

Whether you're suffering from DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) after an intense workout, dealing with neck strain from being hunched over your phone, or have a chronic pain condition like arthritis, an infrared sauna can be a fantastic ally in your pain-relief journey.

The infrared rays reach deep into the skin layers, targeting muscles and joints more effectively than in a traditional sauna. Research shows that this simple process stimulates the flow of oxygen-rich blood to damaged cells and tissues, helping reduce inflammation and promote healing. 

Improved Skin Health

You can say goodbye to tired, dull skin thanks to infrared saunas. When infrared heat penetrates your skin, it encourages collagen production. Studies show that this process helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and fights off acne by clearing out clogged pores. 

The infrared rays also kickstart cell regeneration, eventually leading to clearer, more even-toned skin. 

Better Heart Health

Taking care of your heart is essential, and interestingly, spending time in an infrared sauna can contribute to your cardiovascular well-being. As the heat starts warming up your body, your heart rate increases, and your blood vessels dilate. 

Studies have shown that these effects help lower blood pressure, reduce arterial stiffness, and improve overall cardiovascular function — all without popping pills or stepping on a treadmill!

Mood Enhancement

Feeling blue? An infrared sauna might be the wellness sidekick you never knew you needed. Studies show that when the infrared heat hits your skin, it triggers a chemical reaction in your brain, causing the release of endorphins (the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals) and serotonin (the "happiness hormone"). 

As these mood-enhancing neurotransmitters flood your system, you're left feeling happier, more relaxed, and ready to face the world with a smile.

Stress and Fatigue Reduction

The hustle and bustle of daily life can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Enter the infrared sauna — your cozy respite from the outside world. As you settle into the soothing warmth, your muscles relax, your mind calms, and the stress melts. 

A PUBMED study identifies far infrared saunas as a promising tool for improving life quality for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. 

You can also practice mindful meditation or deep breathing exercises to focus on the moment and let go of the worries. You can also take advantage of sauna light therapy to destress and recharge your batteries!

Best Traditional Sauna

If you're thinking about getting a traditional sauna, check out the following models:

Best Infrared Sauna

The following model is one of the best-infrared saunas available on the market:

FAQs: What Type of Sauna is Best For Your Health?

Which sauna is better: infrared or traditional?

Both infrared and traditional saunas offer their unique benefits, and the choice between them often boils down to personal preference and specific wellness needs. 

If you're looking for a sauna that can help boost skin health, improve circulation, and relieve pain, infrared might be your best option. Traditional might be better suited to your needs if you're looking for a sauna that can help with stress reduction, sleep quality, and weight loss.

Are infrared saunas healthier?

While both infrared and traditional saunas provide numerous health benefits, infrared saunas may be a healthier option. Infrared saunas raise core body temperature more effectively, leading to deeper detox and muscle relaxation.

Which sauna is better for skin?

Regarding skin health, infrared saunas may hold a small advantage. The longer wavelength of infrared light activates collagen production, resulting in a youthful appearance, improved skin elasticity, and reduced inflammation.

Is infrared hotter than a normal sauna?

Interestingly, it's the opposite! Traditional saunas often operate at a fiery 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, filling the room with steam and getting your heart pumping. An infrared sauna operates at a milder temperature of 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more comfortable than the traditional version. 

Are there any negatives to infrared saunas?

While infrared saunas are generally considered safe, prolonged exposure to the heat can cause dehydration, dizziness, and nausea. 

What Type of Sauna is Best For Your Health?: The Takeaway

Regarding infrared vs. traditional saunas, it all comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Infrared saunas are praised for their deep-reaching therapeutic heat — perfect for soothing achy muscles and even boosting your immune system. 

Traditional saunas, on the other hand, offer an unmatched opportunity for mindfulness, detoxification, and stress relief.

Regardless of the model you choose, make sure to get a green light from your doctor before using a sauna, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.

At MySaunaWorld, we support your self-care journey and offer a wide range of traditional and infrared saunas to fit your needs. For more information about our saunas, contact us today!