If you love a good sauna experience, you may have heard about the far-infrared saunas available. But what is it, and how is it different from the traditional Finnish sauna?

Theta Wellness Center has both and can explain what makes an infrared sauna different.

Far-Infrared Sauna

Traditional saunas use a heating element to heat the air inside the sauna to a certain temperature, which in turn makes the sauna user sweat. Typically these saunas have heated rocks that you can pour water over to create steam. Rocks are used because they absorb and retain the heat from the heating element. The sauna can get up to 185 degrees inside.

In an infrared sauna, however, the sauna is heated using special lights instead of the heating element. Far infrared simply describes where the light falls on the spectrum. 

Unlike a traditional sauna, the infrared lights don’t necessarily heat the room but heat the individual instead. This can be a more comfortable experience for those who don’t necessarily like the high heat of the traditional sauna room, as the far-infrared sauna temperatures stay between 120-150 degrees.

Many far-infrared saunas also utilize chromotherapy, and you can choose the color displayed. 

Benefits of Saunas

There are many benefits to using both types of saunas, including:

  • Eased muscle pain and soreness

  • Increased circulation

  • Reduced stress

  • Increased heart rate

  • Improved skin issues like psoriasis

  • Relieved symptoms of asthma

  • Lowered blood pressure

  • Reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

A 2009 study also showed evidence that far-infrared saunas may reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular issues with regular use.

Another study in 2017 showed that regular sauna use correlates to a reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers.

Far-Infrared Sauna in Springfield, MO

Theta Wellness Center offers both infrared and Finnish saunas for the 417 region and beyond. Let us help you become the best, most relaxed version of yourself. We also have flotation therapy, massages, and a cold plunge. Book online or call us at 417.812.5135.