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Infrared saunas use electromagnetic radiation to heat the body directly, with claimed benefits including detoxification, stress reduction, and pain relief. While some studies have shown positive results, more research is needed, and those with certain medical conditions should avoid using them.
An infrared sauna heats itself using infrared radiant heat or electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than visible light. It differs from a traditional steam sauna in that it heats the user directly, whereas a steam sauna heats indirectly by first heating the air. An infrared sauna penetrates the body’s tissues and causes deep heating, which is reportedly responsible for the associated health benefits.
Although it has only been sold in the United States since 1981, infrared sauna technology has been in use since the early 1900s. German doctors first used it as a whole-body therapy. In Japan, the first infrared heaters were patented in the late 1960s and used exclusively by doctors. Subsequently, they were released to the public for personal use. Today, infrared heating is gaining popularity around the world for its purported therapeutic benefits.
The health benefits claims of infrared sauna use are vast, but most have not been substantiated by medical or scientific evidence. However, many alternative health practitioners advocate the use of infrared saunas for these purposes. Some of the suggested benefits include detoxification, immune system boosting, stress reduction, weight loss or control, cellulite reduction, pain relief or control, and even skin cleansing.
There have been some scientific studies done on infrared sauna treatments, and the results have been positive. A study appearing in the Journal of Cardiac Failure reported that the treatment may be an effective adjunctive treatment in patients with congestive heart failure. Another study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, improves the risk of heart disease in some patients who regularly undergo sauna treatments.
Other studies, such as one published in Psychosomatic Medicine, found that mildly depressed patients with loss of appetite showed marked improvement in mood and appetite levels after four weeks of treatment. Another study, appearing in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, reported that patients suffering from chronic pain showed declines in pain score, pain behavior, anger and depression after infrared sauna treatments. However, more research is needed to examine the long-term effects of these treatments.
While an infrared sauna may be beneficial for some people, it is not recommended that you try to treat any disease or ailment yourself without first speaking to a qualified physician. People suffering from adrenal suppression, multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism or hemophilia should not enter an infrared sauna. Also, pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of five, people with artificial joints or silicone implants, women in their menstrual cycle, and anyone taking prescription medications should never have infrared therapy.
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