It is often said that an infrared sauna is healthier than a wood-burning one, which uses heat from a stove. This claim is a myth and is not supported by any evidence. The comfort of staying in a particular sauna is based only on personal preference. Various types of saunas are popular in many countries.
Infrared sauna
An infrared sauna is another fairly popular type. For those who love sauna procedures, but find it difficult to tolerate high temperatures and humidity, this is the real deal. It was invented in the 70s of the last century specially for such people. The air in the infrared sauna is heated to 65 ° C by infrared rays. IR sauna humidity below 30%. The lower temperature of the infrared sauna is more comfortable, which makes it possible to sweat for a longer time.
Infra-heaters are tuned so that the waves are directed at the person, and do not spread heat throughout the room. Moreover, the heat penetration is much deeper than in any other sauna (heat penetrates 4 cm into the body), which mainly distinguishes IR from others. The body does not heat up, and the person does not feel the heat. But sweating is stronger, which leads to the maximum detoxification of the body. All processes are much faster.
Infrared sauna is recommended for:
- blood vessels strengthening;
- improving the nervous system;
- increasing immunity;
- treatment of soft-tissue damage;
- recovery after sports activities;
- increasing the epidermis elasticity.
An infrared sauna is contraindicated for people with:
When visiting an infrared steam room for the first time, be sure to consult with your doctor.
The infrared sauna heats up in 10-15 minutes. Since infrared saunas heat the body directly, you can enter the sauna as soon as it reaches full temperature.
Wood sauna
The wood-fired sauna is part of many national cultures. It does not require any additional communications, electricity. Firewood is still a fairly cheap fuel in many places. Moreover, firewood is an environmentally friendly natural material, so such fuel will only have a positive effect on the body. For example, pine helps to heal a sore throat, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and also helps to cleanse the respiratory tract.
You can make a wet wood-fired sauna, steam also has healing properties.
In the steam wood sauna, the broom is of great importance. The best brooms are considered to be birch and oak. An oak broom helps to deal with some skin problems. It is suitable for people with oily skin. In addition, its essential oils have a positive effect on blood pressure.
Another advantage of a wood-fired sauna is that it is not so difficult to build it near a summer cottage or in a village. And wood-burning stoves are easy to install and operate.
A traditional stationary wood-fired sauna with stones heats up in 30-40 minutes. During this time, the stones are heated to the ideal temperature for soft heat and steam.
What to choose
The choice between an infrared sauna and a wood sauna should be based on individual preferences and health.
Both infrared and wood saunas are equally beneficial to health.
Try both types and listen to your body. Perhaps you will enjoy the soft warmth and calm atmosphere of the infrared sauna. Also you may prefer a hot wood sauna with its crackling firewood, special atmosphere. In any case, after any sauna you will feel much better. Any sauna is better than no sauna at all.