As the temperatures begin to drop, and the days get shorter we are reminded that fall is once again upon us.  As the outside temperatures start cooling off, we start shifting our focus on indoor activities and in many cases that begins with getting back into those exercise, health and wellness routines that we may have neglected over those warm summer months.and their benefits. Saunas are available in various styles, types and sizes and include models that are designed for both indoor or outdoor use, making the task of choosing the right type of sauna a daunting one.

In this beginner guide to choosing a sauna, we will introduce you to the 3 main types of saunas and the unique sauna benefits that each one provides.

Home saunas in general can provide many health benefits including weight reduction, skin rejuvenation, immune system strengthening, muscle and joint relief and cardiovascular health improvements.  However, different types of saunas have distinct benefits, so how do you choose the sauna that can best me your individual needs? It starts with understanding the different types of saunas and how they differ.

There are 3 primary types of saunas:

1.)   Traditional Saunas

2.)   Infrared Saunas

3.)   Steam Saunas

1.)   Traditional saunas often called “Finnish Saunas” due to their origin, typically use heated “lava” stones that create a high-temperature environment. The stones are usually placed on an electric heater with coils that heat up and radiate heat through the stones. Traditional saunas produce intense heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, promoting deep sweating. 

Traditional saunas are known for their ability to provide a full-body detox and improve cardiovascular health, making them a popular choice for many health and wellness enthusiasts. Adding water to the heated lava stones creates steam that can also open your airways and help clear congestion, making it easier for you to breathe. This can help improve your immune system and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. A traditional sauna may be right for you if you use already use a high-heat sauna in the gym and are accustomed to the intense heat. Additionally, those with chronic congestion and nasal issues will benefit more from a traditional sauna due to its ability to create steam. More rapid weight loss can also be achieved with traditional saunas as they promote the highest levels of cardiovascular response due to the higher heat exposure.  

2.)   Infrared saunas, on the other hand, utilize infrared heaters to emit radiant heat that penetrates the skin more deeply than traditional saunas. This deeper skin penetration allows for a more comfortable sauna experience at lower temperatures, making infrared saunas a better choice for those individuals who may find it challenging to tolerate higher heat levels. The deep penetrating heat waves of IR saunas are particularly effective for muscle recovery and pain relief, as the heat can target specific areas of discomfort. 

Home infrared saunas can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and still produce ample amounts of sweat which promotes detoxification by opening up your pores and eliminating toxins from your body. Those individuals who seek to improve their skin health and reduce inflammation resulting in muscle and joint pain will be best suited with an infrared sauna.

3.)   Steam saunas, which are often confused with traditional saunas, operate by creating steam using a steam generator that fills the area with moist and humid air. Steam saunas are often part of a steam shower enclosure that is designed to act like an everyday shower but also includes a steam generator. Steam generators can also be added to a classic shower enclosure like a tiled shower that is enclosed with shower glass and a shower door that is sealed. 

Steam saunas combine humidity and heat by producing temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot moist air in the steam sauna can be very beneficial for respiratory health, as it helps to open airways and relieve congestion. The humidity and heat from the steam can also enhance skin hydration and help rejuvenate dry and aged skin. Steam saunas also provide other de-stressing benefits like Chroma therapy and aromatherapy. Steam saunas do help induce sweating, albeit not as profusely as traditional saunas, thereby making steam saunas best suited for those with respiratory issues or looking to improve skin health and de-stress. 

In summary, all saunas provide some level of health and wellness benefit, however the type of home sauna you choose can offer distinct advantages, allowing individuals to choose the one that aligns best with their individual health needs and preferences. If you would like to learn more about the differences in sauna health benefits visit https://sunraysaunas.com/health-benefits or give us a call at 800.976.5530.