How Does Infrared Heat Work ?
Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat is often confused with ultraviolet (UV) radiation because both types of energy are present in the sun’s rays. However, FIR does not damage the skin the way UV does while still providing many of the benefits of natural sunlight.
Infrared waves are part of the invisible Electromagnetic Spectrum (EM). The EM Spectrum is measured in microns. Infrared is often subdivided into “near IR” (0.076 to 1.5 microns, “mid IR” (1.5 to 5.6 microns) and “far IR 5.6 to 1000 microns.
Human bodies send and receive FIR waves. The range of far-infrared waves generated by our bodies is 66 to 20 microns. The optimal micron output range is between 7 to 14 microns. This range, sometimes called the “Vital Range” appears to have special regenerative effects on our bodies.
When Far-infrared rays are absorbed by living things (e.g. people in an IR sauna) the temperature of the body rises but not the surrounding air. Thus you sweat and feel hot from the absorption of the IR rays, but the surrounding air remains at relatively low temperatures. The Far Infrared energy emitted in these saunas may induce two or three times the sweat volume of conventional saunas, yet they operate at a much cooler air temperature range: about 110 to 140 degrees F., compared with 160 to 190 degrees F. in a conventional sauna. Many individuals who cannot tolerate a conventional sauna, steam room or sweat lodge will find Infrared Saunas pleasant. The lower heat range is also safer for those with cardiovascular risk factors or fragile health because lower temperatures do not dramatically elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
 The light that is produced by an infrared sauna warms you up without warming the air between you and the heat emitters. Infrared saunas do not use UV light; instead it radiates infrared light along with a small spectrum of red, orange and yellow light found on that end of the spectrum. The results of sitting for a while in this environment can be extremely healthy for you.
An infrared sauna works on the same the principles that a normal sauna does. When your body sweats, you are flushing impurities out of your system. As the tissues of your body absorb the rays produced by the source of heat, it will start to expel the toxins from your body. With an infrared sauna, your body will be affected at a cellular level, where the toxins from your cells will be pushed into your blood stream and then released from your body. Infrared light from a sauna like this will also penetrate your body better than the heat from a traditional sauna . Far infrared light is said to penetrate your body deeper than steam heat, and also to duplicate the healthy frequencies of your body's cells.
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