Get Your Sweat On: The Lowdown on Near, Mid, and Far Infrared Saunas!

Are you looking for a way to relax and improve your health at the same time? Look no further than infrared saunas! Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared waves to penetrate deep into your body and heat you from the inside out. There are three main types of infrared waves: near, mid, and far, each with its own benefits. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Near Infrared Saunas Near infrared (NIR) waves have a wavelength of 0.75 to 1.4 microns and are the shortest wavelength of the three types of infrared waves. NIR saunas are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, such as improving skin tone and reducing wrinkles. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, NIR waves can improve skin laxity and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase collagen production in the skin (1).

Mid Infrared Saunas Mid infrared (MIR) waves have a wavelength of 1.4 to 3 microns and penetrate deeper into the body than NIR waves. MIR saunas are primarily used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, MIR waves can reduce inflammation in the joints and improve pain levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (2).

Far Infrared Saunas Far infrared (FIR) waves have a wavelength of 3 to 100 microns and are the longest wavelength of the three types of infrared waves. FIR saunas penetrate the deepest into the body and can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes such as detoxification, pain relief, and improving circulation. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, FIR waves can improve vascular endothelial function and reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension (3).

So, what are some of the other benefits of using an infrared sauna? Here are just a few:

1. Detoxification: Sweating is one of the body's natural ways of eliminating toxins, and using an infrared sauna can help you sweat out even more toxins than you would in a traditional sauna. A study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that using an infrared sauna can help eliminate heavy metals such as mercury and lead from the body (4).

2. Improved circulation: When your body is heated by an infrared sauna, your blood vessels dilate and your circulation improves. This can be beneficial for people with conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, using an infrared sauna can improve vascular function in people with type 2 diabetes (5).

3. Pain relief: Infrared saunas can be helpful for people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that using an infrared sauna can reduce pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis (6).

So, there you have it – the benefits of near, mid, and far infrared saunas. Whether you're looking to improve your skin, reduce inflammation, or just relax, there's an infrared sauna out there for you. Just remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body – if you start to feel uncomfortable or lightheaded, it's time to take a break.

References:

1. McDaniel DH, Weiss RA, Geronemus RG, Mazur C, White W. A preliminary study of photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2004;6(4):180-8.