NEAR VS FAR INFRARED SAUNA:

A DETAILED COMPARISON GUIDE

Whether you're dealing with dreaded winter blues, feeling excessively sore after an intense workout, or just want to spend some me-time in a calming ambiance, a sauna-like Almost Heaven Spectrum can be your one-stop solution. 

When you're in the market to buy an infrared sauna, words like "near-infrared," "far-infrared," and "full spectrum" can put you in a head-scratching situation. 

What exactly does a near vs far infrared sauna offer? Are they similar or poles apart in their therapeutic effects? Which one should you get to reap maximum benefits? 

Read on to clarify all your doubts about near vs far infrared saunas.

What Is Infrared Therapy?

Infrared therapy is a natural and holistic wellness solution that's been gaining a lot of attention lately, and for a good reason! From treating chronic pain to reducing inflammation, infrared sauna therapy boosts your health in ways you might not have imagined — and the brilliance of this therapy lies in how it operates.

Infrared light is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies just beyond the range of visible light. These electromagnetic waves have been known to penetrate deep into the body and generate heat energy. This heat triggers a series of physiological responses, setting the stage for various health-promoting effects. 

One major effect of this increased thermal energy is improved circulation, thanks to the dilation of blood vessels. Oxygen-rich blood can flow more easily and reach areas that need it the most. This boost in circulation can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and support detoxification.

Another noteworthy effect is the activation of cellular functions. Research shows that infrared light can stimulate the mitochondria within cells, regulating metabolic activity and increasing energy production. This can lead to better brain function, increased mental clarity, and overall well-being. 

The infrared spectrum is divided into three main segments: near (NIR), mid (MIR), and far (FIR) infrared wavelengths — with near and far infrared being the most common. 

Comparing Near Vs Far Infrared Sauna

Here is everything you need to know about near vs far infrared saunas:

Far Infrared Sauna

A Far Infrared Sauna (FIRS) is a special type of sauna that boasts wavelengths ranging from roughly 3,000 nm to 0.1 mm. Although these saunas have the longest wavelength, they are also the weakest in terms of their heating power. That doesn't mean they don't get hot, though! 

It really means that this type of sauna reaches greater depth within the body — up to four centimeters — but delivers a more soothing experience that is quite comfortable for many people. 

Health Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna

The following are some of the health benefits of far infrared saunas:

Detoxification

Traditional saunas are usually associated with detoxification, but far infrared saunas provide a deep, cellular-level cleanse. Research shows that infrared sauna heat induces sweat while stimulating lymphatic drainage. 

This combination helps flush out heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, and environmental chemicals from your body. This deep cleanse allows your body to operate more efficiently and helps prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Weight Loss

Far infrared saunas mimic the effect of light aerobic exercise by increasing your heart rate, making it an accessible method to burn calories and potentially lose weight. 

Besides warming up your muscles before a sauna workout, studies show that the infrared rays from these saunas also reach deep into the tissues and improve muscle oxygenation, potentially speeding up recovery after strength and endurance training sessions.

Boosts Immunity

Far infrared saunas are also known to strengthen your immune system. The heat from the sauna raises your core body temperature, essentially creating a 'false fever.' 

Studies show that this 'fever' stimulates the production of white blood cells and heat shock proteins, making your body well-equipped to fight viral infections, such as colds and flu, and even certain types of cancers. 

Stress Relief

Between juggling work, social obligations, and that ever-growing to-do list, we all get a little stressed. The American Psychological Association notes that chronic stress can affect physical and psychological well-being by causing various issues like anxiety, depression, heart disease, and even memory loss. 

Luckily, far infrared saunas can help you release some of that pent-up stress. When your core body temperature increases during a far infrared sauna session, studies show that it stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. As a result, your body starts to de-stress, slow down, and focus on 'rest and digest' activities. This leads to a state of relaxation and restoration. 

A 2005 study published in PubMed focused on the impacts of far infrared ray dry sauna treatment on mildly depressed inpatients. After 20 sessions over four weeks, patients reported significant improvement in appetite loss, general fatigue, and various somatic complaints such as pain, discomfort, and insomnia.

Near Infrared Sauna

Near-infrared wavelengths range from approximately 700 nm to 1400 nm. When you're sitting in a NIR sauna, the infrared rays penetrate deep into your body, about three centimeters deep, to be precise. These rays then reach your cells, tissues, and organs, providing you with a multitude of health benefits. 

Health Benefits of Near Infrared Sauna

The following are some of the health benefits of infrared saunas:

Pain Relief

If you have chronic back pain and stiff joints or are suffering from relentless conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, then near infrared saunas may provide you some relief. Research shows that near infrared waves can directly impact peripheral nerves, ultimately reducing joint inflammation and soreness.

A pilot study published in Clinical Rheumatology explores the fascinating domain of total-body hyperthermia through infrared therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). After eight IR sauna treatments over four weeks, patients reported noticeable pain, stiffness, and fatigue improvements.

Skin Rejuvenation

Want to flaunt radiant, youthful-looking skin? Try a near-infrared sauna. Near-infrared heat has the potential to penetrate the skin layers, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin healing. 

Some studies have also found that using an infrared sauna regularly may improve skin elasticity, texture, and tone, reducing wrinkles and the pesky signs of aging.

Better Eye Health

If your near-infrared sauna boasts chromotherapy features, you can take advantage of its red light to improve your eye health. Studies show that near-infrared light can penetrate diseased retinas and stimulate mitochondrial energy at the maximal level without damaging the lens or cornea. 

This offers protection against retinal disorders while promoting better contrast sensitivity in case of macular degeneration. The University of London further explains that this deep red light can significantly improve the declining eyesight of the elderly.

Best Near Vs Far Infrared Sauna

The following are some of the best near vs. far infrared saunas:

Near vs Far Infrared Sauna: FAQs

What is far infrared heat vs near infrared heat?

Far infrared heat boasts longer wavelengths for deep tissue penetration, providing detox and relaxation benefits. 

On the other hand, near infrared saunas emit shorter wavelengths that target the skin and tissue beneath, promoting cellular repair and pain relief.

What type of infrared sauna is best?

It depends on your specific goals and needs. Generally, full-spectrum saunas emitting far and near-infrared rays are considered the most effective type. 

They combine the deep penetration of far infrared with the surface heating of near-infrared to induce sweating faster.

Is 20 minutes in an infrared sauna enough?

While you'll still reap some infrared sauna benefits in shorter sessions, many experts encourage spending at least 20 to 30 minutes per session to make the most of your experience. 

Unlike traditional saunas, you can progressively increase the duration up to 45 minutes based on your comfort level.

Are near-infrared saunas safe?

As long as you use them responsibly and follow safety guidelines, near infrared saunas are quite safe. Like any heat therapy, some people might experience side effects such as dehydration, nausea, or lightheadedness. 

To avoid this, pay close attention to how your body responds and drink plenty of water throughout your session.

Final Thoughts: Near vs Far Infrared Sauna

As we wrap up this in-depth discussion of the near-infrared sauna vs far-infrared sauna, the key takeaway is each sauna offers something unique for every user. 

Near-infrared targets cellular regeneration with more focused energy, whereas far infrared provides systemic detoxification through its deep penetration capabilities. The decision between the two ultimately rests on your personal health goals. 

If you want to try out this heat therapy from the comfort of your home, check out MySaunaWorld's collection of infrared saunas. For more information, feel free to contact us or visit our site.