One of the popular ways to get relaxed and gain health benefits is the use of an infrared sauna. It is done by the use of infrared light, which passes through the skin and gently heats the body, thus presenting a different and more comfortable way of using saunas. Infrared saunas, as well as other types of saunas, can be used without the risk and trouble of health issues. However, there still remain some health concerns, and it is necessary to know them before you use an infrared sauna. The article also gives safety measures that might help in reducing the risks related to using an infrared sauna.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a confined place where you get heated by the use of infrared heaters that are directly in contact with your body. Surgeons use infrared light to heal the skin and nearby muscles of patients. In a medical procedure, the patient might be wrapped in an infrared light-emitting device that penetrates the skin, heating up the muscles and tissues from inside.
Infrared light is a type of heat that is not visible to the human eye but can be felt. When inside an infrared sauna, this light is what heats the body, but the air in the cabin is not very hot. Therefore, the deep, gentle heat that increases the body’s core temperature is given, and at the same time, low temperatures do not lead to sweating.
Difference Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas
| Feature | Infrared Sauna | Traditional Sauna |
| Heating Method | Uses infrared light to heat the body directly | Heats the air around you via heated stones |
| Temperature Range | Lower (110°F – 140°F) | Higher (150°F – 195°F) |
| Heat Feel | Gentle, penetrating warmth | Intense, hot air and often steamy heat |
| Humidity | Low humidity | High humidity if water is poured on stones |
| Session Duration | Longer (20 – 45 minutes) | Shorter (10 – 20 minutes) |
| Energy Efficiency | More energy-efficient | Uses more energy to heat large space |
| Best For | Deep tissue warming, relaxation, detox | Intense sweating, respiratory benefits |
Common Health Risks Associated with Infrared Sauna Use
Despite the fact that infrared saunas offer a wide range of possible health benefits, it is crucial, however, to be aware of the common risks associated with them in order to be able to use them safely and effectively.
Dehydration
An infrared sauna will make you sweat profusely, which, if not hydrated properly, can easily lead to dehydration. In order to avoid the onset of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue, drinking water before, during, and after the s auna session is a must.
Heat Exhaustion and Overheating
Overstaying in an infrared sauna or setting the temperature too high can make a person go through heat exhaustion. Symptoms of such include rapid heartbeat, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness, and confusion. It is therefore a wise thing to limit the sessions to 15-30 minutes only and exit the sauna should one get a bad feeling to rest and cool down.
Skin Irritation and Sensitivity
People with delicate skin or those who have skin disorders such as eczema and rosacea might see the condition much worse because of infrared heat. The long-term exposure to infrared rays could also speed the process of skin aging by causing the skin to undergo oxidative stress.
Cardiovascular Strain
Infrared saunas cause the core body temperature to go up and the heart rate to increase, which will definitely put individuals with heart diseases, high blood pressure, or other circulatory problems at risk. Get in touch with a doctor before using it.
Risks for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are advised not to use infrared saunas during pregnancy due to risks associated with high body temperature. People with kidney disease or other chronic conditions should be careful because heavy sweating might cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure
In addition, it should be mentioned that infrared saunas produce relatively low levels of EMF, making it difficult for those sensitive to electromagnetic radiation to feel mild effects. Moreover, by selecting the low EMF groups, one can substantially cut this risk.
Limited Research on Near-Infrared and Full-Spectrum Saunas
Saunas that use near-infrared rays have shorter wavelengths and thus less safety data, and may present greater safety hazards, for example, skin injury and cancer risk increase. The safety of far-infrared saunas has been more adequately documented.
How to Use Infrared Saunas Safely
Firstly, the right way to enjoy an infrared sauna without it becoming a risk to your health is to use the proper safety precautions. Among them are:
Stay Hydrated
Water is a must! Before, during, and after your sauna session, keep yourself well-hydrated with lots of water. The infrared heat triggers profuse sweating and fluid loss, so the body loses the liquids it needs to keep functioning. Drink sufficient water and thus, you will be able to avoid dizziness, fatigue, and dehydration.
Start Slowly
Limit your time to about 15-20 minutes at a lower temperature for your first few sessions. This allows the heat to enter the body gradually. Consequently, your session length and temperature can be increased as you get more comfortable with the heat.
Watch Your Body
Make sure to check your body regularly and monitor how you are feeling. Should dizziness, nausea, headache, or extreme tiredness befall you, go out of the sauna at once and refresh yourself.
Set Time Limits
Most specialists agree that the time for sauna sessions should be around 20-30 minutes maximum. Do not stay too long as your body can get too hot, leading to heat exhaustion or dehydration.
Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Foods
Absolutely no alcohol or heavy meals should go together with an infrared sauna session. Drinking alcohol is going to make you more susceptible to dehydration, while a big heavy meal will just add to your discomfort during the overheating process.
Consult Your Doctor
In case you have any health issues, such as heart problems, very low or high blood pressure, and if you happen to be expecting, then it is better that you ask your doctor for advice before using an infrared sauna.
Keep Cool After Use
After your session, give yourself a cool shower and rest so that your body can re-energize and rehydrate.
Conclusion
Infrared saunas are really a new and effective means to raise an individual’s comfort level, cleanse the body, and markedly improve the individual’s overall health. If the usage is totally safe, the user can enjoy the health benefits in a very calm and pretty cool environment. A proper infrared sauna for wellness as well as the property’s worth, might be the best option.
At All Star Construction Group, our experts are experienced in planning and constructing very safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable custom-designed infrared saunas for you. Get in touch with us now and enquire about the different ways of bringing a health feature into your place.
FAQs
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat your body directly, providing a deep and soothing warmth without heating the air as much as traditional saunas.
Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes. Beginners should start with shorter sessions to allow the body to adjust.
Yes, it is safe for the majority of healthy people when it is done responsibly. However, it is necessary to keep oneself hydrated and to make sure that one does not overuse it.
Pregnant women, people who are suffering from heart diseases, those on certain medications, as well as individuals who are sensitive to heat or have infections, are better off consulting their doctors before using any saunas.
These risks may be dehydration, heat exhaustion, skin irritation or cardiovascular overstressing, which may happen if the safety guidance is not strictly followed.
