Saunas have been used for thousands of years for relaxation, health benefits, and socialization. Traditional saunas, which use heated rocks to produce steam, have been the most popular type of sauna for a long time. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are relatively new and have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this blog post, we will compare the two types of saunas and discuss which one is better.
What is a Traditional Sauna?
A traditional sauna uses heated rocks to produce steam, which creates a hot and humid environment. The temperature in a traditional sauna can reach up to 190°F (88°C), and the humidity level can range from 10% to 20%. The steam produced in a traditional sauna can help to open up pores, increase blood flow, and promote relaxation.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light, which heats the body directly rather than heating the air around it. Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, typically between 120°F (49°C) and 140°F (60°C), but can still produce significant sweating. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas don’t produce steam, and the humidity level is typically around 10%.
Infrared Sauna Dangers and Risks
While infrared saunas are generally considered safe, there are some potential risks and dangers associated with their use. Some of these include:
- Dehydration – Infrared saunas can cause you to sweat a lot, which can lead to dehydration. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after using an infrared sauna to prevent dehydration.
- Overheating – Infrared saunas can raise your core body temperature, which can lead to overheating. People with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure should avoid using infrared saunas.
- Burns – Infrared heaters can get hot enough to cause burns if you touch them. It’s important to avoid touching the heaters and to use caution when getting in and out of the sauna.
- Eye damage – Infrared light can be harmful to the eyes. It’s important to avoid looking directly at the heaters while using an infrared sauna.
- Pregnancy – Pregnant women should avoid using infrared saunas as the high temperatures can be harmful to the developing fetus.
Infrared Sauna Safety
While there are some potential risks associated with infrared saunas, they are generally considered safe when used properly.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water before, during, and after using an infrared sauna to prevent dehydration.
- Don’t overdo it – Start with shorter sessions and lower temperatures and gradually work your way up to longer sessions and higher temperatures.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs – Don’t use an infrared sauna if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as this can increase the risk of dehydration and overheating.
- Don’t use alone – It’s a good idea to have someone with you while you’re using an infrared sauna in case you experience any problems.
- Consult with a doctor – If you have any health concerns or medical conditions, consult with a doctor before using an infrared sauna.
Traditional Sauna Dangers and Risks
- Dehydration
One of the potential dangers of using a traditional sauna is dehydration. The high temperatures and humidity levels in a traditional sauna can cause you to sweat a lot, which can lead to dehydration. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after using a traditional sauna to prevent dehydration.
- Overheating
Another potential danger of using a traditional sauna is overheating. The high temperatures in a traditional sauna can raise your core body temperature, which can lead to overheating. People with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure should avoid using traditional saunas.
- Burns
In a traditional sauna, the rocks that are used to produce steam can get very hot, and touching them can cause burns. It’s important to avoid touching the rocks and to use caution when getting in and out of the sauna.
- Slips and falls
The steam in a traditional sauna can make the floor slippery, and this can increase the risk of slips and falls. It’s important to use caution when getting in and out of the sauna and to make sure that the floor is dry and free of any hazards.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
If a traditional sauna is not properly ventilated, it can lead to the buildup of carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous. It’s important to make sure that the sauna is properly ventilated and to avoid using any chemicals or cleaners that can produce harmful fumes.
Traditional Sauna Safety
While there are some potential risks associated with using a traditional sauna, there are also many benefits. Here are some tips for using a traditional sauna safely:
- Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after using a traditional sauna to prevent dehydration. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol and drugs before using a traditional sauna, as these can increase the risk of dehydration and overheating.
- Don’t overdo it
Start with shorter sessions and lower temperatures and gradually work your way up to longer sessions and higher temperatures. It’s important to listen to your body and to stop using the sauna if you start to feel uncomfortable or dizzy.
- Use caution when getting in and out of the sauna
The high temperatures and steam in a traditional sauna can make the floor slippery, which can increase the risk of slips and falls. It’s important to use caution when getting in and out of the sauna and to make sure that the floor is dry and free of any hazards.
- Avoid touching the rocks
The rocks in a traditional sauna can get very hot, and touching them can cause burns. It’s important to avoid touching the rocks and to use caution when getting in and out of the sauna.
- Proper ventilation
Make sure that the sauna is properly ventilated to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide. It’s also important to avoid using any chemicals or cleaners that can produce harmful fumes.
Conclusion
After considering the differences, benefits, and potential risks of infrared and traditional saunas, it’s clear that both types offer unique advantages for improving health and well-being. Infrared saunas offer the benefits of lower temperatures, easier breathing, and potential detoxification, while traditional saunas provide a more intense sweat, increased blood flow, and potential relaxation. Regardless of which sauna you choose, it’s important to use it safely and appropriately to reap the many health benefits it has to off
