What is a Sauna?
A sauna is a small, enclosed room that heats up to high temperatures. People typically use saunas for the therapeutic benefits, such as relaxation, reduced stress, and better muscle recovery.
But they didn’t just come out of nowhere! The sauna tradition has existed for over 2000 years, originating in northern Europe. Over time they have become a large part of modern cultures such as Finland, Germany, and Sweden.
Modern innovations and the internet have spotlighted sauna use, leading to their widespread adoption across the globe. Today, athletes and health enthusiasts are major adopters, using saunas to push their bodies to new limits.
Traditional vs Infrared Sauna
Traditional and infrared saunas are by far the most popular sauna methods of today. However, they have distinct differences that make each viable in their own ways.
The most clear-cut difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna is the heating source. Traditional saunas rely on heating sauna stones, whereas infrared saunas use electricity to heat infrared panels.
Sauna stones are designed to generate steam, to heat the room to temperatures between 70-100°(158-212°F). On the other hand, infrared panels emit infrared light, heating the sauna between 40-65°C (104-149°F).
As a result, you can expect slightly different therapeutic benefits from each. Traditional saunas are hotter and more humid, so they stimulate sweat, enhance circulation, and support detoxification.
Infrared saunas have a more direct heat penetration, providing more effective muscle relaxation and pain relief. They also tend to be better at stress reduction as they are easier to handle and are easier to set up.
Another clear distinction is their size. Traditional saunas are larger, requiring more heat energy and are best suited for outdoor use. In contrast, infrared saunas are compact, use less heat energy, and are ideal for indoor settings.
Ultimately, the sauna that you decide to choose depends on your personal lifestyle. If you’re more dedicated to the tradition and have the time and space, then a traditional sauna might work for you.
Otherwise, opting for an infrared sauna is easier to manage, and is better at taking stress off your plate. Either way, both options are highly effective, so you can’t go wrong with either!
What Are the Different Types of Saunas?
Traditional and infrared saunas are the most common, but they aren’t necessarily the be-all and end-all. There is a wide range of sauna designs that target specific use cases.
Here’s a breakdown of the eight different types of saunas that you can buy today:
1. Traditional Sauna
A traditional sauna typically uses a wood-burning heat source to warm sauna stones, which generate steam when water is poured over them. The temperature in a traditional sauna usually ranges between 70-100°C (158-212°F).