Infrared Sauna

What is a Far Infrared Sauna?

A Far Infrared Sauna emits a band of light we perceive as heat. We cannot see this band of light with the naked eye, but we can feel this type of light in the form of heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Infrared rays heat your body without having to heat the air in-between, through a process called conversion.

The infrared (IR) is divided into 3 segments by wavelength, measured in microns; near infrared: 0.75-1.5 microns; middle infrared: 1.5-4.0 microns; and far infrared: 4.0-1,000 microns. Among these segments, only far infrared penetrates organic substances such as the human body to 4-5cm so that the warming effect is very uniform.

Watch this short video explaining what Far Infrared is.

Are Far Infrared Saunas Safe?

Far Infrared rays should not be confused with Ultraviolet (UV) Light which can cause sunburn and damage to the skin.

Even though exposure to the sun can be beneficial to the health, sunbathing must only be enjoyed in moderation because of this harmful UV ray. This is especially the case in New Zealand where damage to the ozone layer has intensified the dangerous UV rays.

On the other hand, Far Infrared rays are the part of the rays that make you feel warm when you sit in the sun and it is safe and healthy for all living things.

We can be exposed to Far Infrared heat for hours and it will never cause our skin to burn; it is not only safe but also highly beneficial to our bodies on a cellular level. Health professionals have used infrared heat lamps for decades to treat muscle and joint problems. In hospital baby care units, incubators are often equipped with infrared heating systems to keep newborn babies warm.

The Human Body Radiates Far Infrared

The sun is not the only source of Far Infrared. Even our body radiates FIR. Night vision goggles used by the military detect the Infrared Rays generated by the body. Approximately 50% of the energy generated by your own body is in the form of Far Infrared rays.

Our bodies radiate Far Infrared energy through the skin at 2 to 50 microns, with most of this output being at the 4-14 micron level.

The human body best absorbs infrared at approximately 4-14 microns. It then naturally follows that when FIR of this frequency range is used in therapeutic treatment, it will have the greatest beneficial effect on the patient. This is because it is the frequency best able to produce the warmth necessary to expand capillaries and stimulate blood circulation. Our Sun Stream infrared saunas emit waves at this optimum wavelength.

Far Infrared Sauna - How does it work?

Our bodies radiate Far Infrared energy through the skin at 2 to 50 microns, with most of this output being at the 4-14 micron level.

A Far Infrared Sauna differs from traditional saunas as it uses infrared radiant energy to directly penetrate into the body’s tissue to produce sweating. Traditional saunas use steam to heat the air inside the sauna, which then heats your body until you begin to sweat. In order for this to be effective, temperatures reach upwards of 90 degrees. Infrared saunas only need a temperature of up to 48 degrees to obtain the same effect. This lower temperature makes the atmosphere more tolerable, while also allowing you to breathe easier.

Activated by heat, an Infrared Sauna emits FIR energy that is absorbed by human cells, causing a physical phenomenon called “resonance.” Thus the cellular activities are instantly invigorated, resulting in a better blood circulation and an overall improved metabolism.

This colour isothermograph shows the effects of far infrared therapy.

Infrared rays are highly efficient as heat is penetrated more deeply into the skin when compared to the traditional saunas. In fact, one needs fewer treatments or sessions when he uses an infrared sauna to get the same results as when he has more sessions in the traditional hot stone saunas.

Far Infrared Sauna Benefits.

Because infrared rays penetrate the body over 4-5cm throughout conversion, there is a deep heating effect in the muscle tissues and internal organs without giving too much burden to our heart.

By heating these tissues, we experience a vasodilatation (expansion) of peripheral blood vessels which can be beneficial in reducing muscle spasms, joint stiffness as well as general aches and pains due to conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Our body reacts to the increased heating through the natural cooling process of perspiring. Through the perspiration process, acid and waste residue like toxins, sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and the potentially carcinogenic heavy metals are removed from the cells (especially zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium, etc). The skin is often known as the third kidney because it is believed to be responsible for eliminating up to 30% of body waste.

As well as the pores of our skin opening and discharging waste products, the skin sheds any old skin cells, leaving it glowing and immaculately clean, with improved tone, elasticity, texture and colour.

Raising body temperature powerfully assists the body to kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Many people cannot get rid of chronic infections because they have a low body temperature. Common sites of infections are the sinuses, ears, eyes, bladder, throat and intestines. By creating an “artificial fever”, FIR heat has a positive effect on the immune system. Often misunderstood, fever is a natural healing response of the body.

The function of the immune system is increased naturally during a fever, while virus and bacterial growth is slowed, weakening its hold. This helps the body ward off invading organisms. A FIR heat treatment in the early stages of a cold or flu has been known to stop the disease before the symptoms occur.

Do you suffer with poor health? To read more about the amazing health benefits of a Far Infrared Sauna! Click here.