Far Infrared Sauna - What is it and How is it Different Than a Traditional Sauna?

Far Infrared Saunas are getting a lot of attention these days. Even Oprah recently featured one on an anti-aging show with Dr Oz as a way to burn up to 700 calories in a single session.

According to Dr Oz, a FIR sauna can also help you detox and even lower blood pressure.

But what exactly is a Far Infrared Sauna (also called FIR sauna)? And how does it differ from traditional saunas? Here's a quick overview of what you need to know.

First of all, FIR saunas use radiant heat (infrared) which is similar to the heat given by the sun (without the harmful UV rays).

This heat penetrates the body tissues deeper (up to 2 inches) than a traditional sauna and helps to get you sweating faster. The radiant heat directly heats the user and not the air.

The advantage to this is that you still sweat - but at much lower temperatures than a conventional sauna (A FIR sauna for example will range from 120 to 150 degrees F whereas a traditional sauna will range from 185 to 195 degrees F).

Because you don't need to have it as hot as a traditional sauna to still get a sweat, you can stay in longer and get a more effective sauna session - with more calories burned and more detoxifying effects.

Unlike traditional saunas which use rocks, water and steam, the FIR unit uses none of this. You simply use the electric panel to program in your time and desired temperature, wait for it to heat up (which takes approximately 10-25 minutes) and go.

FIR saunas are usually placed inside the home whereas traditional saunas are often placed outside.

FIR saunas often come prefabricated and are much easier to put together than traditional saunas (my husband put our infrared home sauna together in just under an hour). Also, most FIR saunas (not all) can be easily plugged into a standard electrical outlet whereas many traditional saunas need a dedicated breaker.

Some manufacturers even state that FIR saunas use less electricity or are cheaper to run than traditional saunas.

Overall, these benefits have led to a surge in popularity for the far infrared saunas - they offer a more penetrating heat and deeper detox results, burn mega calories and are more convenient to put together. Also, if you move, you can easily take your sauna down and move it with you.

It should be noted however that a far infrared sauna session feels very different than a traditional sauna session. It's a lot milder. So if you like the steam, rocks and high heat experience you may want to stick with a traditional sauna. However many people do prefer the lower, milder heat of a FIR unit.

If you do decide a far infrared sauna is right for you, just remember that it's still important to read the instructions given by the sauna manufacturer and consult your doctor before taking your first sauna session.