Far infrared saunas have become a popular therapy for relaxation and pain relief. While people may love a sauna for its more obvious benefits, there are many less known sauna benefits and disadvantages, worth exploring.
What is Far Infrared Sauna?

Traditional Saunas in one form or another, have been around for hundreds of years, however the far infrared sauna is different from the traditional sauna. Instead of steam or other direct heat source, this type of sauna uses invisible infrared light to heat the body.
Infrared light generates dry gentle and humid heat which penetrates 1 ½ to 2 inches into the skin while keeping the surrounding temperature around 32 to 48 degrees Celsius.
On average, you burn about 600 to 900 calories in just 30 to 40 minutes. This means you will break more sweat than an athlete does during his/her everyday workout.
Detox Sauna Benefits
Far infrared sauna has countless benefits, which we will discuss later, but the most popular usage is as a detox therapy.
According to United States Center for Disease Control, 80 percent of all diseases are caused by over exposure to toxins that enter our body through our environment and food. It is a proven fact that elimination of these toxins from our body marginally lowers the chances of infections as well as chronic diseases such as cancer. In other words, it indirectly strengthens our immune system and body’s natural defence against diseases.
Far infrared sauna is perhaps one of the few alternate treatments that are largely hailed by doctors and physicians. This is largely because of the positive results of tests and analysis carried out by medical professionals. Analysis revealed that the sweat produced by infrared heat is composed 80 to 85 percent of water and 15 to 20 percent of toxins. These toxins include heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, sulphuric acid, uric acid, ammonia, fat soluble toxins, sodium and traces of other minerals as well.
In contrast to these figures, the same amount of sweat produced due to other reasons is only able to excrete 3 percent of toxins from our body.
Another important fact about detoxification with far infrared sauna therapy is that it occurs at a cellular level. The appropriate amount of heat gently expands the capillaries, which helps in increasing oxygenation and regeneration of the blood. As a result, body organs receive a detoxified supply of blood. This results in improved overall detoxification.

Additional Benefits of a Far Infrared Sauna
Although detoxification may start a chain reaction of improvement in your health and body, sauna therapy is also used as a treatment for several specific health issues and conditions. Some of the other benefits users have found while regularly using their saunas include:
- Relaxation of muscle and tissues
- Improvement of sleep
- Helping to control blood pressure
- Improvement in cardiovascular function
- Improvements in blood circulation
- Increased burning of calories and reduction of fat stores.
- Relief in muscle aches and pains
- Improved wound healing
- Better skin tone.
Since far infrared brings all the healthy benefits of sunlight while eliminating the harmful effects, it is regarded as a completely safe treatment for everyone. However, it is not limited to people with weight or health issues. Anyone who wishes to adopt a healthier lifestyle may include far infrared sauna in their daily, weekly, or monthly health regime
Disadvantages of the Far Infrared Sauna

There are not many disadvantages with the infrared sauna unless you are likely to miss the feel of the traditional wet sauna.The traditional wet sauna with steam can add atmosphere to the sauna experience.
The dry heat of the infrared sauna is a vastly different experience and can feel a bit strange initially if you have been used to steam saunas. Pouring water over heated rocks can certainly add to the atmosphere of the steam sauna.
It is interesting to note the heat in traditional steam sauna can fluctuate and seem harsh as the steam can raise the temperature significantly. That is why many people find the dry infrared sauna is more comfortable and a more controlled environment especially for those of you who are allergic or sensitive to too much heat.
The ease of use of the far infrared saunas also makes it is very user friendly and it can be easier to find a space inside your house, with you being able to just plug it in and turn it on.
Far Infrared Sauna Conclusions
When you look at infrared sauna benefits and disadvantages, the benefits far out way the disadvantages
All saunas have the capability to unlock your door to a healthier life. Just remember to drink a reasonable amount of water to eliminate more toxins and avoid dehydration during the session, and get out of the sauna when you feel you have had enough.

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