Infrared saunas work by utilizing infrared radiation to generate heat. While light and heat are not the same thing, they are both forms of electromagnetic radiation. Infrared radiation falls within the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically in the range between visible light and microwaves. It has longer wavelengths and lower energy than visible light.
Infrared saunas emit infrared radiation, which penetrates the body's tissues and is absorbed by the skin. When the infrared radiation is absorbed, it causes the molecules within the body to vibrate, generating heat. This heat then raises the body's temperature, leading to various physiological effects.
The difference between traditional saunas and infrared saunas lies in the way heat is generated and absorbed. Traditional saunas use hot air or steam to raise the ambient temperature, while infrared saunas directly heat the body without significantly warming the surrounding air. This allows for a more focused and controlled heating experience.
It's important to note that the primary purpose of an infrared sauna is to induce heat therapy and provide relaxation, rather than to solely provide light therapy. However, some proponents of infrared saunas claim that they may also offer additional benefits associated with specific wavelengths of infrared light, such as improved circulation, pain relief, and detoxification. Nonetheless, further scientific research is needed to fully understand and validate these claims.