Infrared sauna – but how does it work?
Long-wave infrared rays
are a form of energy in the form of waves, measured in microns (1 micron = 1/1,000,000 metre).
All humans emit and absorb long-wave infrared rays between 6 and 20 microns. The most beneficial range of these waves for humans is between 7 and 14 microns. This range, which has come to be known as the ‘vital rays’, has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the human body. This range is very close to the resonance frequency of the water molecule, 9.4 microns, which affects our body, as we are made up of 70 per cent water. This is an important factor in helping to flush water-borne toxins from the body.
A long-wave infrared sauna
produces energy waves that correspond as closely as possible to the body’s own radiant energy. This enables us to absorb as much as 93 per cent of the infrared waves that strike the body. Prolonged exposure to infrared heat is completely harmless and can never cause any damage to your skin. Infrared heat is healthy and completely harmless to all living things. Long-wave infrared heat is currently used in healthcare to warm newborn babies. Our infrared saunas generate infrared heat via the heating units fitted, depending on which sauna model you choose.
Long-wave infrared light has the ability to
penetrate directly through the body’s tissues to a depth of 4.5 cm. The infrared energy from an infrared sauna causes you to sweat up to 2–3 times more than in a traditional sauna, even though you are exposed to much lower temperatures. This creates a host of positive effects. The deep heating of muscle tissue and internal organs leads to increased blood flow through dilated blood vessels and stimulated heart activity. This has beneficial effects on muscles, joints and cardiovascular fitness. The significant release of water from the body and the profuse sweating provide effective detoxification of the body. The positive effects of infrared rays are many, and we shall describe these in more detail.