Since we offer Infrared Sauna sessions at Restore, we often get asked: What's the difference between a traditional sauna and an Infrared Sauna?
Here’s how both types of saunas work and the science-backed reasons to bring the heat to your weekly wellness routine.
How Do Traditional Saunas Work?
A traditional sauna is usually a smaller room that’s heated anywhere from 110° to 195° Fahrenheit. Some saunas use a “dry heat,” which means there’s a relative humidity of between 10-20%, and others provide humidity and moisture at higher levels. During a traditional sauna session, your skin temperature may rise to around 104° Fahrenheit, which causes your heart rate and circulation to increase in a way that’s similar to exercise. As a result, sweating will occur as your body tries to cool itself down.1
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
While traditional saunas use heated air to warm the body externally, Infrared Saunas use red and infrared light to penetrate the skin and heat the body from within. These gentle, radiant heat waves are between 110° to 140° Fahrenheit and cause your core body temperature to increase at a lower, more comfortable temperature than traditional saunas.
The Benefits of Infrared Saunas
While there are a variety of benefits to both traditional and infrared sauna use, the infrared light is able to penetrate the skin more deeply and effectively than the heat generated by traditional saunas. This allows Infrared Saunas to provide a greater range of advantages without the discomfort of overheating.
Studies have shown that the clinical benefits include:
- Decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms
- Enhanced immunity
- Improved sleep quality
- Detoxification
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Increased calorie burn and weight loss
- Lower stress levels
- Reduced symptoms of rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia and arthritis
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced symptoms for people with chronic fatigue and pain syndromes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and allergic rhinitis
- Improved exercise performance
- Relief of sore muscles and pain
- Reduced risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Preservation of muscle mass
- Longer lifespan and improved quality of life2
What to Expect from an Infrared Sauna Session
If you’ve never experienced an Infrared Sauna session, you might be wondering what to expect. At Restore, we recommend that you arrive wearing loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics that are light and breathable, since you’ll likely continue sweating for some time after your appointment. Notably, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything that might restrict your circulation, such as jewelry. Once in the sauna, many clients prefer to wear a towel instead of their clothing during their session.
It’s also important to properly hydrate before and after your session to maximize the Infrared Sauna’s benefits. Along with drinking water, we recommend replenishing your body with a selection of vital nutrients through IV Drip Therapy after your session.
Once you arrive, you’ll be led to a private room with our state-of-the-art Infrared Sauna. One of our trained experts will select the time and temperature before answering any questions and leaving you to enjoy your session privately with a Bluetooth speaker for your favorite music, podcast or guided meditation.
After an Infrared Sauna session, many clients report feeling relaxed and in a great mood—and for good reason! Studies have found that regular sauna use actually releases endorphins that can provide “physical and mental relaxation, clarity of mind and happiness and/or positive emotions.”3
Feel the Difference at Restore
Ready to try an Infrared Sauna session and feel the difference for yourself? Prepare to relax as you sweat, burn calories and potentially even extend your lifespan for 45 minutes or less.
Book your Infrared Sauna session today!
Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Services, therapies, ingredients and prices may vary per location. The content on our site, blog posts, educational materials, app, promotional newsletters, and any other written content are not intended to replace an evaluation with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.
