How did the infrared sauna come into being? Let's take a look at the history of the sauna in general. The sauna has been around for about two thousand years. Originally the sauna was where people took real baths, the purpose was for cleansing. However as time progressed so did the ideas of what the sauna could be used for. In some cultures the sauna was a place where a woman would give birth and the sick would go to be treated.
Today's sauna can find its roots in Finland. The people of Finland were the first to build saunas that were based on the flow of hot air. The theory is that the Finnish people created these places because the weather in their country is cold most of the year. If you take a look around the globe, you will find that there have been similar structures built by the Romans, the American Indians, Russians and Turkish people.
History shows that the Finnish people built their structures beneath the earth, dug into hillsides and eventually progressed to the above ground structures. In the beginning the saunas were heated by a fireplace that was set beneath rocks that had been carefully picked and heated. The room would then slowly fill with smoke which would heat the air, it wasn't until the desired temperature was reached that the smoke was removed and the people would enter.
Technology helped with the advancement of how the saunas were heated so that their efficiency was improved. They went from using wood to metal to ceramics. We also saw the products that were needed to clean the sauna come about.
The sauna world saw significant changes in the 20th century with the advent of the electric sauna, followed in a couple of years by the infrared sauna. The infrared sauna was and is the first of its kind to use energy beams as well as direct rays to warm the people in the sauna. This sauna is a more effective then the traditional types.
Most often it is constructed as a wooden box and it houses several infrared heaters. The air is heated and you feel as though you are in a traditional sauna. The heaters are producing a radiant energy much like the heat the sun gives off minus the harmful UV rays. It was Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa that came up with the technology for these heaters in 1965.
Many people stated that the saunas heated by infrared are not only more efficient, but it also offer significant health benefits. The basis of the statement has a lot to do with wavelengths of the infrared waves and that of water molecules. It is believed that because the infrared wavelength of about 5.8 -1000 micrometers is so close to the wavelength of water molecules (9.4 micrometers) that the infrared waves are able to help you to get rid of the water soluble body toxins by exposing yourself to infrared radiation on a repeated basis, and it does this by causing you to sweat. Thereby provoking detoxifying and tissue stimulation.
What does this mean then to the consumer? Is it possible that this type of sauna can cure many common diseases? The researchers will not go that far, but they do know that the sweating is good for the body as it does in fact help rid the body of impurities and toxins. The health benefits that the infrared sauna offers could lead to a new future for the sauna. It could possibly go from being something that people enjoy casually to a treatment that is recommended and prescribed to help not only treat certain health conditions but to help prevent them as well.
Here is a run down of some of the health benefits the infrared provides that other saunas don't: it can help you lose weight, it treats cellulite, gives your immune system a boost as well as increases your vitality and strength. If you suffer from psoriasis, eczema or acne the infrared sauna is an effective treatment. The benefits continue, improving the cardio-vascular system, lower your blood pressure, relieves stress, gives you more energy, it relieves joint and muscle pain, lowers cholesterol, treats bronchitis, hives, gout, prostate hypertrophy and tissue damage.
And is seems a great way to help you relax, after a busy day working. As part of a daily routine it only has health benefits for body and mind.
