|
Home / Others
The Latest In Saunas: Infrared
By:Scott White
Recently a new type of sauna has emerged. Unlike the traditional sauna that uses a wood-burning stove, or the former technology leader, the electric stove, this new sauna uses an infrared heater. While a traditional sauna heater heats the air inside the sauna, infrared heaters heat the people and objects, not the air.
Because the air is not heated, infrared heaters can be used anywhere, even outdoors. They are used in sauna enclosures simply for the atmosphere: people are used to going into saunas, and may be more comfortable in an enclosure than in an open space.
What is Infrared?
Infrared is simply a certain frequency band of light that is invisible to the human eye. The heat from infrared is sometimes called Infrared Radiation (IR), very different from Ultraviolet Radiation, which can cause sunburn. Most of the heat that warms the earth is IR from the sun, and IR is given off by the earth and even the human body, so this is not a new, nor dangerous phenomenon.
Health Benefits Of Infrared
The health benefits of traditional saunas include alleviation of pain and stiffness from arthritis, and cleansing of the skin by induced heavy sweating. In addition, the steam of traditional saunas can help relieve respiratory problems such as congestion and bronchitis.
Proponents of infrared saunas claim that they have even more therapeutic properties than traditional saunas.
In addition, Infrared Radiation is said to have unique healing properties that cannot be found in the radiant heat in conventional saunas. Proponents say that it can penetrate into the body's internal organs and muscle tissues to release toxins and strengthen the immune system. Though there is little medical research to support some of these claims, there is no known danger associated with infrared saunas, so you can try it for yourself and see.
Infrared Advantages
Infrared saunas have a number of advantages over steam saunas. Since they operate at a lower heat, some people may find them more comfortable than regular saunas. The lower heat also means less power consumed, so infrared saunas are cheaper to operate. Infrared saunas heat up much faster than conventional saunas, another factor in reducing operating costs.
Traditional saunas create hot, dry air, which some people find uncomfortable to breathe. Infrared saunas do not heat up the air, so the air quality will be similar inside and outside the sauna.
Infrared saunas don't use any water. This makes them more portable and easier to install, and eliminates the problem of bacterial build-up that can occur in a damp area.
Some Disadvantages
Infrared saunas generate no steam, so they are less effective in relieving breathing problems. When it comes to building up a sweat and easing the pain of arthritis, though, infrared saunas have the same benefits as traditional saunas.
Some people say that infrared saunas don't provide the feelings of relaxation and refreshment of a conventional sauna. The lack of steam in an IR sauna may be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your preference. Steam can be useful for relieving respiratory problems, but on the other hand, the normally dry air of the sauna is uncomfortable for some.
Infrared or Conventional?
Each type of sauna has beneficial effects. Saunas are relaxing and make the skin feel clean and smooth.
Whether they can be useful in treating disease remains an open question, but many people swear by their therapeutic qualities. Whether or not some of the medical claims made for Infrared saunas are exaggerated, there may nevertheless be some special benefits to IR therapy.
In any case, saunas are enjoyable and provide a great way to unwind. Infrared saunas are easier to use and cheaper to install, and may have additional health benefits over conventional saunas. So try both out -- one is likely to feel just right.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: sauna, sauna kit
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
To get a FREE report "Health Benefits Of Sauna" visit Sauna. Ron King is a writer and web developer, visit Articles for authors. Copyright 2006 Ron King.
|
|
| Top Others Articles |
- 1). Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch By : Paul Duxbury
Clay pot crafts are a cute way to make home decorations. In clay pot crafts, clay flower pots can be crafted into a variety of decorative things that appeal to gardeners. Usually, the crafter begins with new pots.
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). Biotechnology And Immortality By : frank vanderlugt
In a very primitive way we are on the road to Immortality.
Within the nucleus of nearly every one of the 100 trillion cells that make up our body is a Computer Program of enormous complexity. This Computer Program is our DNA.
We can now for the first time in Man's history read the message this Computer Program produces.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 10). Treadmill Vs Elliptical By : Kathryn ONeill
Should you buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill? Discover the unique benefits of both elliptical trainers and treadmills to help decide which one is best for you.
|
| New Others Articles |
- 1). Psychic Ability - Fraud Or Gift? By : Ciara McGrath
A psychic has some special powers that ordinary people don’t have. Some psychics are able to predict the future, others can communicate with the recently deceased. Some psychics are telepathic, others have the ability to exorcise ghosts.
The police use psychics to help solve crimes, preferably without the media getting to know! The newspapers would have a field day mocking the police investigator who had to resort to a “fortune teller”
Many people secretly believe that ...
|
- 2). Native Speakers? By : Brenda Townsend Hall
In a recent poll, I asked readers if they thought English language teachers should be native speakers. The result was interesting, as the vote from those with an opinion was close with 48% believing they should be native speakers and 41% saying no. I don’t know what you think about this but I’ve always had mixed feelings.
The first question I would raise with those who believe being a native speaker is an essential prerequisite for an English language teacher is, which nat...
|
- 3). Don't Hesitate To Cry A Tear By : Hallidae Thomason
Growing up, my siblings and I were never aloud to cry even just one tear. No matter how sad, mad or hurt we were, tears were never allowed. We were told that truly tough people didn't shed a tear no matter how bad life got. Tears, our parents said, were for wimps and people who weren't strong enough to handle life.
As I grew into my teenage years, I found it nearly impossible to make it through week after week without crying a single tear. Since I knew my parents would not...
|
- 4). I Heard About A Shark Attack By : Hallidae Thomason
Ever since my children were little, my husband and I have been taking them on beach vacations. So my kids have grown up with an honest love of the ocean. Even my youngest child loves to run by the side of the ocean and to wake up to the sound of the waves. My own childhood was filled with various beach vacations and cruises on the ocean. I have never given safety much of a thought on our family's beach vacations, but last year we heard a story about a shark attack that had ha...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
