How Far Infrared Saunas Work
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Saunas are always associated with heat. And different types of saunas have evolved through the years. One interesting type of these saunas is the Far Infrared Sauna.
Far infrared Sauna is a form of sauna that uses Far Infrared radiant (FIR) heat in a specific area which is commonly called infrared heater. The area does not necessarily need to be an enclosed one because the heat is not dependent on the air around the body but instead the heat comes from an object that warms the body directly. So that you can easily understand the basic concept of the Far Infrared Sauna, have you ever entered a bathroom with a timer light and feel heat coming from above? Well, that is most often the infrared light.
What are Far Infrared Rays (FIR)?
Sunlight is contains ultraviolet and infrared rays. The one that is in the middle of the spectrum is the visible sunlight. This sunlight transforms into ultraviolet rays during higher frequency which causes sunburn. While at lower frequency, the visible light transforms into Far Infrared Rays. On this state, the sun can warm you. These Far Infrared Rays (FIRs) are usually 5-15 micron level of narrow band energy and are therapeutic to the body.
Far Infrared Rays (FIR) then penetrate our body up to 4.5 centimeters, thus stimulating our organs and deep tissues. The body’s reaction would be through perspiration. This process then eliminates the toxins and impurities from our body.
How Far Infrared Sauna Works?
Usually a far infrared sauna is done in a wooden box type of area that contains infrared heaters. These heaters are usually ceramic tubes that have tiny wires inside. A very little electricity is needed to heat the ceramic. It only needs to maintain a temperature of 110-130 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, the Far Infrared Rays (FIR) directly warms the objects without warming the air in the area or heater. This means that Infrared Heaters pass the energy or electricity through some chemical based elements and gives electromagnetic energy in the sauna area. Then, these electromagnetic energies directly radiate and reflect into our body. So our body will be heated but not the air in the sauna area.
So when you go into a Far Infrared Sauna, the heat directly surrounds your body and it then penetrates into your tissues, muscles and joints. It usually penetrates our skin up to 3 cm. An infrared ray or heat will cause your body to perspire This increases your heart rate, thus enhancing your blood circulation and improving oxygen flow in your body. Additionally, it breaks down the toxins such as hydrocarbon residue, sulphur dioxide, lead, mercury and chlorine. Thus, Far Infrared Sauna helps in detoxification in our body.
Is it safe to have a Far Infrared Sauna?
Newborn babies are often placed in infrared heaters. This is just one proof that Far Infrared Saunas are safe. And since it uses Far Infrared Rays, this type of sauna only warms the body and will not cause sunburn. Infrared is different from ultraviolet rays (which brings bad effects in our skin when overexposed on it). Infrared radiation is not only safe but beneficial too., Our body can easily absorb Far Infrared Rays (FIR) because it can easily reflect, penetrate, radiate and refract. Thus, its healthy benefits can be immediately enjoyed. However, this type of sauna (and even any other type of sauna) is not advisable to pregnant women. It is best to consult your doctor first before doing any activity to release your stress.
Far Infrared Sauna is now becoming popular because of the benefits you can get from it. It’s been said that taking 30-minute session of far infrared sauna can burn as much calories as briskly walking. And doing it regularly would help in stimulating your blood circulation, weight loss, having a beautiful skin and relieves any pain brought by rheumatism or arthritis.
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