Saunas have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and support overall wellness. However, not all saunas are created equal. Infrared saunas and traditional saunas offer distinct experiences and benefits, each catering to different needs and preferences.
If you’re considering incorporating sauna therapy into your wellness routine, understanding these differences will help you choose the right option for you.
What is a Traditional Sauna?
Traditional saunas, often referred to as Finnish saunas, are the classic version most people think of. These saunas heat the air inside the room using a stove or heater, often with heated stones. Water can be poured over the stones to create steam, increasing humidity and intensifying the heat.
Key Features of Traditional Saunas:
- High Temperatures: Typically between 70–100°C.
- Dry or Humid Heat: Can be adjusted by adding water to the hot stones.
- Full-Body Sweating: The hot air causes you to sweat quickly, promoting detoxification.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. This type of sauna operates at lower temperatures but still provides deep, penetrating heat that reaches muscles and tissues beneath the skin.
Key Features of Infrared Saunas:
- Lower Temperatures: Generally between 50–60°C.
- Direct Heat: Infrared light penetrates deep into the skin and muscles for targeted benefits.
- Comfortable Experience: The gentler heat allows for longer, more comfortable sessions.
The Main Differences Between Infrared Saunas and Traditional Saunas
While both saunas offer health benefits, they do so in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide which is best for you.
1. Temperature and Heat Experience
- Traditional Sauna: Provides intense heat that warms the air, creating a hot, often steamy environment. You’ll start sweating almost immediately.
- Infrared Sauna: Operates at lower temperatures, offering a gentler heat that penetrates deeper into the body. Sweating starts more gradually but reaches deeper layers of the skin.
2. How They Heat the Body
- Traditional Sauna: Heats the air, which in turn heats your body. This indirect heat can feel more intense on the skin.
- Infrared Sauna: Uses infrared light to heat your body directly, warming you from the inside out.
3. Duration of Sessions
- Traditional Sauna: Due to the higher temperatures, sessions typically last 10–20 minutes.
- Infrared Sauna: The lower heat allows for longer sessions, often 20–40 minutes, making it ideal for those who prefer a more extended relaxation period.
Health Benefits: Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas
Both saunas offer health benefits, but they cater to different wellness goals.
1. Detoxification and Sweating
- Traditional Sauna: Promotes heavy sweating quickly, helping flush out toxins from the body’s surface.
- Infrared Sauna: Encourages a deeper sweat that reaches toxins stored in the fat cells and deeper tissues.
2. Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief
- Traditional Sauna: Great for overall relaxation and relieving general muscle tension.
- Infrared Sauna: The deep, penetrating heat is particularly effective for targeting sore muscles and joints, reducing inflammation, and aiding in recovery.
3. Cardiovascular Health
- Traditional Sauna: The high heat elevates your heart rate and mimics moderate exercise, which can improve cardiovascular health over time.
- Infrared Sauna: Provides similar cardiovascular benefits but at a lower, more comfortable temperature.
4. Mental Health and Relaxation
- Traditional Sauna: The intense heat can promote a feeling of release and relaxation, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
- Infrared Sauna: The gentle warmth supports mental clarity, reduces stress hormones, and can be more comfortable for prolonged relaxation.
Which Sauna is Better for You?
Choosing between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna depends on your personal health goals, comfort level, and wellness preferences.
Choose a Traditional Sauna If:
- You enjoy the intense heat and quick sweat of a classic sauna experience.
- You’re looking to boost cardiovascular health and detoxification.
- You prefer the option to add steam for a more humid environment.
Choose an Infrared Sauna If:
- You want a more comfortable, gentle heat that penetrates deep into your muscles.
- You’re focused on pain relief, muscle recovery, or reducing inflammation.
- You’re sensitive to high heat but still want to enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy.
Practical Tips for Maximising Your Sauna Experience
Regardless of which sauna you choose, there are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your session.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and after your session to prevent dehydration.
- Shower Beforehand: A warm shower can help open your pores and prepare your skin for sweating.
- Start Slow: If you’re new to saunas, start with shorter sessions and gradually build up as your body adjusts.
- Focus on Breathing: Deep, slow breaths help you relax and maximise the benefits of the heat.
- Cool Down Gradually: After your session, allow your body to cool down slowly to avoid shocking your system.
Why Choose Vikasati for Your Sauna Experience?
At Vikasati, we offer a serene and welcoming environment designed to support your wellness journey. Our saunas are tailored to provide both traditional and infrared experiences, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your health and relaxation goals. Whether you’re looking to unwind, detoxify, or recover from physical activity, our team is here to help you get the most out of your session.
Ready to experience the benefits of sauna therapy for yourself? Book your traditional sauna session at Vikasati’s Brisbane and Gold Coast locations. Discover how both traditional and infrared saunas can support your health, relaxation, and recovery. Take the first step towards a healthier, more relaxed you!
