If you’re wondering how an infrared sauna works, we can help! Below, we break down the key things to know about the innovative technology of infrared saunas and how they can benefit your body and overall wellness routine.

Infrared saunas use heaters that emit light from the electromagnetic spectrum. This intense infrared light therapy, or Waon therapy, generates heat that is absorbed by the skin. This is different from traditional steam or dry saunas that heat the air surrounding you, as it directly heats your body for a more comprehensive and beneficial heat therapy.

It’s A Dry Heat

Steam saunas and dry ‘rock’ saunas heat the room to around 190-220 by heating the air and introducing steam, so what does an infrared sauna do? An infrared sauna generates heat using light, which produces a lower temperature but is directly absorbed into the skin, thoroughly heating your body. Infrared sauna temperature ranges are much more comfortable than higher, humid temperatures of steam or a wet sauna because the infrared heating source directly heats your body rather than the surrounding air.

Infrared Wavelengths

The electromagnetic spectrum includes the entire range of frequencies and light wavelengths emitted. There are multiple infrared sauna wavelengths that Health Mate infrared sauna heaters can emit–near-, mid-, and far-infrared. Infrared light is not visible to the naked eye but can be seen with special cameras and equipment.

Near-infrared light creates a range of 0.76 to 1.5 microns and is of the shorter wavelength on the scale. This type of light penetrates just below the surface of the skin. Near-infrared has many benefits including mitochondria stimulation and activation of anti-inflammatory processes. It’s what you experience during chromotherapy, or light therapy, as it’s commonly known.

Next, mid-infrared light emits a range of 1.5 to 5.6 microns and reaches deeper parts of the body including muscles and joints. A benefit of this type of infrared wavelength is it helps improve and increase blood flow and circulation.

Finally, far-infrared light is the most deeply penetrating, with a range of 5.6 to 1000 microns to reach the core of the body. This type of light stimulates metabolism, can improve internal organ efficiency, and aids cardiovascular health. Another example of far-infrared light is the sun, which emits 50% infrared rays. 

Full Spectrum Infrared

Now, you should better understand how an infrared sauna works. Health Mate saunas are unique within the infrared heating sector as they provide three different types of infrared light using patented Tecoloy heaters to maximize health and recovery. For near-infrared, we include LED light panels that also provide ‘light therapy’ or chromotherapy. We call this full spectrum, and it provides the maximum benefits attainable in an infrared sauna. Only Health Mate infrared saunas offer this patented, full-spectrum heating technology for a more comprehensive and beneficial infrared sauna session.

Learn more about the difference between steam and infrared saunas..