The Benefits of Infrared Sauna Technology

Traditional saunas are small rooms brought to high temperatures with heated rocks. Wet saunas incorporate water poured on the rocks to produce steam, while infrared saunas create heat with infrared heaters. These heaters emit infrared radiant heat that does not heat up the room, rather heats the people in the room---a similar effect to that created by sitting in sunshine on a cool day. While some studies indicate that traditional saunas provide health benefits, infrared saunas may provide these benefits as well, the Mayo Clinic website asserts.

Pain Relief

According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows benefits of traditional saunas for chronic pain relief. Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients, for instance, showed reduced pain and stiffness over four weeks of treatment in a study published in the January 2009 issue of "Clinical Rheumatology." The patients experienced more significant results during the actual time spent in a sauna.

Fatigue Reduction

Fatigue also decreased for patients in the "Clinical Rheumatology" study. The Mayo Clinic notes that some studies have deemed traditional saunas helpful for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects

Infrared sauna technology helps increase circulation and decrease blood pressure, according to Mehmet Oz, a medical doctor appearing on Oprah Winfrey's television show in March 2009. Oz stated that infrared saunas also help burn calories and raise metabolism.

Detoxification

Infrared sauna manufacturers claim a greater variety of health benefits, including that these saunas can eliminate heavy metals, unwanted acids, ammonia and other toxins from the body. On Winfrey's show, Oz also cited the benefit of sweating out toxins through infrared sauna technology.

Other Possible Benefits

Alternative-health websites such as NaturalNews.com make further claims to the advantages of infrared sauna technology. Benefits listed include decreasing internal congestion, eliminating bacteria and viruses, balancing body pH levels, activating water molecules in the body, stimulating production of proteins that heal cells, and eliminating cells damaged by fungi, parasites and radiation.