Infrared sauna
The health effects of an infrared cabin are comparable to those of exercising. In fact, many people use an infrared cabin for refreshment and muscle recovery.
Finns may find it hard to believe that, on a global scale, infrared cabins sell more than traditional saunas. However, infrared heat treatment appears to have become a growing global trend that is gaining popularity in Finland as well.
Infrared cabins are used at locations such as spas, hotels and beauty parlours, and increasingly more at private homes. An infrared cabin can be easily installed without a separate building permit in any dry space, such as the bedroom of an apartment.
Even though the conventional sauna and the infrared cabin have many factors in common, such as the fact that both are used for sweating and relaxing, there are also many differences between the two. For example, according to some estimates, infrared cabins cause three times the amount of sweating compared to conventional saunas. This is because the long-wave deep heat from an infrared radiator goes approximately four centimetres deep, causing perspiration from deep within the tissues. In a conventional sauna, the heat is transferred to the human body by air. In an infrared cabin, however, the infrared directly warms the tissues of the body.
A Japanese invention
The roots of the infrared cabin are in early 20th century America, but the concept of the modern infrared cabin was created in Japan in 1965. In recent decades, Japanese and Chinese researchers have studied infrared treatments extensively.
In Finland, relatively little research has been conducted on infrared cabins, but information regarding its health effects has made its way here. Today, very few people have the misconception that infrared has anything to do with harmful ultraviolet radiation. Instead, infrared is associated with muscle relaxation, increased metabolism and blood circulation and the elimination of toxins and cellulite.
Many people are surprised to learn that unlike the conventional sauna, which serves as a natural sleeping aid for many, infrared has an energising effect. It is also said that using an infrared cabin for 30 minutes can burn up to 300–600 calories.
Infrared heat can also help with the symptoms of many diseases. Especially people suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia have found relief in infrared heat. A recent American study* indicates that people suffering from both rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis had less pain and stiffness due to infrared heat. Skin conditions are also often treated in an infrared cabin.
It appears that infrared heat can also help the body battle flu viruses, among other things. The deep heat of an infrared cabin has been said to raise the user’s body temperature, creating an artificial fever of sorts. Fever is known to be the body’s natural reaction to an infection.
* Clin Rheumatol DOI 10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y: Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, 2008
Popular among top athletes
Because infrared heat energises and accelerates vital functions, it serves as an excellent form of warming up before exercise. After exercise, the infrared heat aids muscle recovery and relaxation. One athlete who uses an infrared cabin for recovery after a hard workout is former sprinter and current active exerciser Johanna Manninen.
“The infrared heat goes deep into the muscles and relaxes them after the strain of exercising. I’ve noticed that it reduces muscle soreness and alleviates aches. I feel like the infrared heat also increases my metabolism and cleanses my body,” Johanna says.
Johanna’s home is equipped with an infrared cabin as well as a sauna with a heat-storing heater. She also has a traditional wood-heated lakeshore sauna. The infrared cabin has not replaced the traditional sauna for her.
“The infrared cabin is a wonderful addition to the Finnish sauna culture. It also has the advantage of being a dry space, so it’s easy just to pop in for a while even in your sportswear to warm up your muscles before going on a run. The post-run stretching is also pleasant to do in the infrared cabin.”
“I sit in the heat of the infrared cabin for about half an hour. I watch TV, read women’s magazines and stretch my muscles. The heat works up a sweat. It’s important to remember to drink water before and after using the cabin in order to stay hydrated.”
Infrared heat has effects that promote health and well-being. The effects vary from person to person. The positive impacts include:
- remove toxins
- burn calories
- reduce cellulite
- improve your digestion
- reduce muscle soreness
- alleviate joint inflammations
- improve your peripheral blood circulation
- lower your blood pressure
- have a positive effect on your skin health and elasticity
- reduce stress
- refresh your mind
- alleviate headaches
- reduce fatigue
- give you a feeling of well-being