Infrared saunas work using infrared heaters to convert light directly to heat. This heat has the effect of warming nearby objects without raising the air temperature; in others words, a bather in an infrared sauna absorbs heat but the surrounding air does not.

Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat is often confused with ultraviolet (UV) radiation because both types of energy are present in the sun’s rays. However, FIR does not damage the skin the way UV does while still providing many of the benefits of natural sunlight.

In infrared saunas, heat penetrates deep into body tissues in a way that a traditional sauna cannot. This deep tissue warmth is great for sore muscles, stiffness, and joint pain, especially the kind of chronic pain that comes from arthritis.

Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat is a form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by direct light conversion (DLC). DLC warms only the object and does not raise the temperature of the surrounding free air. All life requires FIR heat from the sun. FIR heat is not ultraviolet radiation but a narrow band of energy within the 5.6 to 15 micron level. This type of energy travels 2-3" deep into the body to increase circulation and nourish damaged tissue. The sun is the primary source of radiant energy, but not all of this energy is beneficial. Although life needs energy from the sun, too much sunlight damages the skin. FIR heat provides all the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation. For years, the healthcare industry recommended infrared heat lamps as a source of FIR heat but the lamps were cumbersome, extremely hot and difficult to maintain at a constant temperature. The recent development of ceramic infrared heaters in the U.S. created a new and convenient source of FIR heat therapy. Today, many healthcare professionals use ceramic infrared heaters to treat a variety of diseases throughout the world. Most FIR sauna heater elements are steel-coated. Steel coating is an older technology that directs the heat source but requires more time to warm up, operates at higher temperatures, and uses more energy to reach the level necessary for deep tissue penetration. Now, ceramic-coated heater elements result in lower temperatures and more efficient energy use. Ceramic-coated FIR heaters produce the same useful energy as the sun at a very safe (.50) Gauss reading but without the harmful ultraviolet rays or electromagnetic field radiation of natural sunlight. Hospitals even use similar FIR heaters to warm newborn infants and treat hypothermia patients. FIR heating is similar to the natural sun, which benefits some people with vitamin deficiencies or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Deep penetration of FIR energy is thought to be more effective for sore and injured muscles. Other possible benefits of FIR sauna are:

	Strengthens the cardiovascular system with deep Far Infrared penetration (up to 1.5").
	Far Infrared sauna detoxifies heavy metals, hydrocarbon residues, alcohol, nicotine, sodium and cholesterol.
	Helps purify fat cells, burns calories and controls weight. Improves and clears cellulite. Most effective way in burning calories. Burns up to 500 calories in one full session.
	Effective for treating sprains, muscle spasms and joint stiffness; relieves aches and pains.
	Improves your immune system by sweating at a lower more comfortable temperature than a conventional hot sauna.
	Increases overall health and resistance to disease.
	Sharpens senses and relieves stress, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
	Improves skin within a few minutes. Helps scars and burns. Acne, psoriasis and eczema conditions will also improve.
	This sauna stimulates endorphins of the brain and kills organisms like bacteria and parasites.
	The Far Infrared sauna's energy penetrates deeply into the body producing a warming, relaxing and detoxifying effect.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FAR INFRARED SAUNA:

How does far-infrared heat therapy improve the immune system?

Most illnesses are accompanied by a fever. During a fever, the body heats up to eliminate viruses and attack foreign agents. Often misunderstood, this rise in temperature is a natural stage of the immune system’s healing process and is one of the best ways to rid the body of chemicals and unwelcome visitors. The immune system weakens the hold of viruses and bacterial growth. FIR heat therapy induces an “artificial fever” by heating up the body but without the pains of an illness. Subsequently, the body wards off invading organisms much more easily because the immune system is activated consistently by the “artificial fever”. Recent studies also show that colds and flu-like illnesses are reduced dramatically if treated in the early stages with FIR heat therapy.

How does infrared heat therapy eliminate toxins?

Toxins such as sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel) and mercury accumulate in the body during modern daily life. The body eliminates most toxins naturally by sweating but the process is sometimes too slow. Infrared heat therapy stimulates the sweat glands that cleanse and detoxify the skin. The FIR heat technology simply speeds up the body’s natural process!

How does far-infrared heat therapy benefit my skin?

Far-infrared heat improves circulation, expels dirt & chemicals and removes dead cells on the surface of the skin. All of these benefits lead to a more soft and firm complexion.

Why is infrared heat better than traditional steam heat?

Far-infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight. FIR heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sunlight that heats the body normally.

Traditional steam saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level within the chamber to warm the body. Some people have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air. FIR saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, FIR saunas heat the body directly. The result is a lower power bill and deeper tissue penetration. In the FIR sauna, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot air of a traditional steam sauna. FIR saunas are safe for all ages.