Infrared Saunas: Heat That’s More than Skin Deep

To learn what makes an infrared sauna different than other ways of getting toasty, read on. The soothing power of the sauna originated centuries ago in Finland. Early saunas were often built underground and filled with steam created by dousing hot stones with cold water. Later, aboveground saunas were built from wood and warmed with smoke from stone fireplaces. In 1965, this traditional technology took another step forward when the infrared sauna was invented in Japan. Today, these rooms combine the ancient concept of healing heat with modern technology to rejuvenate people across the globe. Complex science hides behind the infrared sauna’s simple name. The room is typically fashioned from cedar or spruce and is heated up to well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in order to increase the body's internal temperature, like any other sauna. But the infrared wavelengths used to do so actually reach beneath the skin's surface rather than simply warming the air. This process can activate the lymphatic system to encourage a variety of healthful benefits, from the loss of water weight to the release of toxins. And, like a traditional sauna, its gentle warmth can also lessen pain and relax the body and mind.