Traditional Steam and Infrared Saunas - Which Is Best For You?

Are you aware of the number of toxins in your environment? As the number continues to grow, many people are turning to detoxification methods to cleanse their systems. A proven way to reduce the toxins and metals in our bodies is to perspire them out. Perspiration is a natural system to purify your body.

Using a sauna is a very popular way to detox. Many people now have saunas in their home. Infrared saunas are becoming more popular, but you will need to choose which type of sauna is best for you.

People all over the world have used saunas to cleanse their bodies. The Scandinavian countries as well as the Native Americans have used sweating and some form of sauna for centuries. Fortunately, this method of cleansing the toxins from our bodies is now available for private use in your home.

Three basic types of saunas are available.

Traditional Sauna

The traditional sauna uses very high heat and very low humidity in conjunction with hot rocks. You ladle water on the hot rocks which produces humidity through water vapor. The body's reaction is to sweat in order to cool itself. With humidity in the traditional sauna running about 30-32%, the dry air absorbs the sweat. Raise the humidity and you raise the body temperature, as the air then absorbs less sweat.

Average air temperature in a traditional sauna is between 180-220 degrees F.

Steam Sauna

Steam saunas create 100% humidity. Because of this high humidity, steam saunas can have a lower temperature. The body cannot cool itself in 100% humidity, as there is no evaporation. Steam saunas must be constructed with waterproof materials such as granite, marble, fiberglass, acrylic, or ceramic tile. This type of construction causes the steam sauna to often be heavier than other models.

Average air temperature in a steam sauna is about 129 degrees F.

Far Infrared Sauna

This type of sauna uses radiant energy and is extremely comfortable to use. Rather than using humidity to produce sweating, home far infrared saunas produce sweat by infrared wave absorption. This is a penetrating heat-up whereby water molecules absorb the infrared wave length and, through resident frequency, the water molecules increase. Because there is no humidity, these saunas are dry.

Average air temperature in a far infrared sauna is between 125-150 degrees F.

How To Choose

Deciding whether to choose a traditional, steam, or far infrared sauna for your home is a very personal matter. If you have had experience in saunas before, you may have a favorite. If you have not, you will need to decide which sounds the best for you.

One thing to remember is that the home infrared sauna is extremely easy to use. It does not use any water to create humidity which may be a big consideration. Also, if you intend to move your sauna, it will be the easiest one to take with you or even move to a different position in your home.

Next, discover several sizes and models of home infrared saunas by going here: Infrared Saunas

Infrared Sauna Models made for one - five people.