Saunas

How do Infrared and Finnish saunas work?

Regular and thoughtful use of the sauna can benefit our bodies. It is no wonder that humanity has been using saunas for centuries. It is often a dry sauna, which, depending on the mode of operation, is divided into varieties. The most popular of them are the Finnish sauna and infrared sauna. How do they differ, and how are infrared and Finnish saunas similar?

How does an infrared sauna work, and what makes Finnish saunas different?

What connects the Finnish sauna and infrared is the structure. Both types of saunas are lockable cabins equipped with benches or other furniture for relaxation and a source of heat. Both infrared saunas and Finnish saunas are made of wood.

The first difference in the operation of these saunas is already in the heat source. The infrared sauna works thanks to electric heat sources – radiators – that produce infrared waves that increase our body’s temperature. The Finnish sauna is heated thanks to an electric stove, wood-burning or lined with stones.

The advantage of the infrared sauna is the short waiting time. After entering the cabin, we can enjoy the high temperature. The heat distribution is different than in Finnish – it radiates from individual points in the room. A Finnish sauna needs about 20 minutes for a heated oven to effectively heat the air that rises to the sauna’s top.

Infrared sauna and Finnish sauna – how to use them?

Some sauna novice fans wonder how to use the infrared sauna and a Finnish sauna. Here are a handful of tips to maximise your sauna experience.

The general rule is to use a dry sauna nude. While in the case of a sauna in a public place, this can be a problem, while investing in a home sauna, we have mental and physical comfort in using the sauna. Using the sauna naked is mainly for safety as any fabric can burn the user at high temperatures, also, it makes it challenging to give and receive heat.

The infrared cabin will make you sweat faster and at a lower temperature. The temperature in the infrared sauna is lower than in the Finnish sauna, making it an interesting alternative for people with cardiovascular disease and those who do not bear extremely high temperatures. The optimal length of an infrared sauna session is 20 to 30 minutes. A stay in an infrared sauna does not require intensive cooling of the body afterwards.

The Finnish sauna has higher humidity and temperature than infrared. When using it, remember about a shorter session – the optimal length of stay in a Finnish sauna is several minutes. The cabin temperature can reach 90 degrees Celsius, so remember to prepare your body. Listen to it and do not prolong the session by force – overheating can lead to fainting.

A dry sauna is currently a combination of tradition – a Finnish sauna – and modern technology – an infrared sauna. Both types have many benefits, and the user can choose which to use to improve their well-being and, most importantly – health.

 

Infrared sauna – something good for everyone

Because infrared radiators are used in the infrared sauna, emitting waves penetrating up to 4 cm deep into our body, we will warm up faster without the need for high air temperature in such a sauna. Due to the low temperature in the infrared cabin, we can stay in it even twice as long as in a Finnish sauna. Infrared cabins often also offer colour therapy and the opportunity to listen to your favourite music or radio. It must be admitted that s ease in an infrared sauna is a delightful relaxation – especially from early autumn to late spring.

 

Finnish sauna – a moment for the senses

In the Finnish sauna, we can lower the temperature while increasing the heat sensation by increasing the humidity by 20%. All thanks to the stove with dedicated lava stones laid on top of it, poured with water to produce steam. A Finnish sauna is also an aromatherapy option: all you need to do is add the right essential oil or a mix of herbs to the water to pour the stones. Oils or herbal extracts are absorbed through the skin and the respiratory tract. These baths positively affect overall well-being and significantly increase the level of relaxation.

Since we already know what the infrared sauna and the Finnish sauna are and how they work, and we know the basic differences between them, we can confidently get acquainted with the next issue. What are the advantages of using the sauna, and can everyone enjoy these thermal baths?

 

 

What are the advantages of using a dry sauna?

A dry sauna is a favourite way of relaxation for Finns and residents of other northern and Baltic countries. In addition to relaxing, the sauna also positively affects our health. Before you start using it, however, you should consider: which sauna you should choose. What does a dry sauna give us? What are the advantages of a steam sauna? It turns out that an important issue is how to use the sauna and which one to choose.

Dry or a steam sauna? Kind matters!

If you want to go to a sauna or install one at home, we are faced with a choice among the two most popular types. Dry sauna and steam sauna are the most popular and longest-used sauna variants.

A dry sauna, also called a Finnish sauna, is characterised by hot and dry air. We will not experience high humidity in it – it oscillates around 20%. An important difference between a dry and Roman sauna is the temperature. The Finnish sauna has temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius. A dry sauna is made of wood.

 

The steam sauna is also called the Roman sauna – because its origin is Roman baths. This sauna type is characterised by a lower temperature inside the room – up to 50 degrees Celsius. Steam saunas are also made of a material other than Finnish – as a rule, lined with stone, ceramics or reinforced acrylic.

Infrared sauna

One of the varieties of dry saunas is an infrared sauna. It is a low-temperature sauna (temperature reaches 60 ° C) with low humidity. How does it work? The heat source in such a sauna is infrared radiators (ceramic, quartz, carbon or other), which directly heat our body, not air. IR (infrared) rays are safe: they are emitted by every commonly known object – including ourselves. The most significant advantage of infrared cabins is that their operation is similar to sunlight so most people can use them.

Dry sauna – what does it give?

 

It is time to present the most important advantages of a dry sauna. What does using this type of space give you? A dry sauna session is relaxing and refreshing. Its action will be felt especially by people under severe stress. Several minutes of staying in the cabin noticeably relieve tension and allows you to relax. Since the thermal bath effect is the opening of pores in the skin and intense sweating, staying in a dry sauna promotes the removal of toxins from the body. Under the influence of the right temperature, the sebaceous glands are unblocked, and therefore the skin itself is also cleansed. It becomes smooth and delicate. Due to significant water loss from the body, the dry sauna also has metabolism-enhancing properties. However, remember to make up for lost fluids immediately after the end of the thermal bath. This is especially important when using the Finnish sauna, where the temperature is much higher than in an Infrared sauna.

 

What else does a regular sauna visit give you? The infrared sauna improves circulation, thanks to which the tissues are better supplied with blood and oxygen. Thus our well-being is significantly improved – fatigue passes, and we feel relaxed. Even a several-minute session in the IR cabin can regenerate our body after a great physical effort.

What sauna has contraindications? Who should be careful?

Appreciating the benefits of dry and steam saunas is associated with proper preparation – among other things, substantive. It is worth asking yourself how to use the sauna to prevent potential accidents and health losses.

Using a dry sauna, we can relax our body, relax, and open pores and remove toxins from the body. It is worth remembering, however, the basic principles of using the sauna:

  • Before entering the sauna, take a quick shower and cleanse the body, then wipe yourself with a towel – especially hair,

  • Use the sauna naked – the material may stick to your skin and burn you,

  • When entering a public sauna, remember about the flip-flops,

  • When using a steam sauna, do not stay inside for more than 15 minutes at a time,

  • After leaving the cabin, moisturise the skin and refill liquids – drink a minimum of a litre of water.

 

Our steam and dry saunas for everyone? Some contraindications prevent or hinder the use of saunas. With all their benefits, saunas can also be a threat. Before using the sauna, persons struggling with chronic illnesses or taking medications should consult their physician. Contraindications for using a dry sauna are heart disease, pressure, asthma, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

 

The sauna should also not be used by pregnant persons suffering from haemophilia, mycosis, or implants. You should not enter the sauna immediately after intense physical activity or when hungry. We should eat a meal about an hour before using the sauna.

How to use the sauna?

Using a dry sauna is very easy, but it is better to become familiar with the basic principles before the first visit.

It is best to use the sauna in the evening or at the time of the day to take a nap after your stay. A few dozen minutes after leaving the sauna, we may become drowsy. However, after a short nap, we will undoubtedly wake up fresh and full of energy to act.

 

Some people decide to use the sauna immediately after physical training, but this is not a good solution. After the intensive effort, please wait for some time before entering the sauna to feel its benefits.

How do you get into the sauna?

Before entering the Finnish and steam sauna, you should take a quick shower and wipe with a towel to cleanse your body. The same goes for hair. Wet hair in the sauna may be damaged.

 

You can enter the sauna in a towel or swimsuit, but it’s best to use it naked.

How long can you stay in the sauna?

The best results are obtained by staying in the sauna for 8-15 minutes per session. This use of the sauna is the most efficient and safest for the body.

 

You can take three such sessions. Take a cold shower and dry thoroughly between each exit and entrance.

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