3 Types of Saunas: Powerful Sauna Benefits

Saunas have long been revered for their relaxation and health perks. As sauna technology evolves, so also do the options available to enthusiasts and new sauna users alike. From traditional rooms to the modern infrared saunas, consistent sauna use offers a wealth of fitness, cardiovascular, and mental benefits, with each type offering distinct advantages. And what if you could enjoy the best of both worlds? Enter the hybrid sauna, also known as an InfraSauna®. Let’s explore the unique characteristics of each type and the benefits of using a sauna.

Traditional Saunas

The traditional sauna is a timeless classic, offering the quintessential sauna experience. Featuring a wood-lined room with heated rocks, water is poured over the rocks to create a blast of steam that increases the humidity of the room, leading to high temperatures ranging from 170 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense heat induces sweating, making it a favorite for many sauna enthusiasts.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas have gained popularity over the past decade for their ability to provide gentle yet penetrating heat therapy. These saunas use infrared panels to directly raise your core body temperature, resulting in a less intense ambient temperature of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re looking for the health and wellness perks of regular sauna use without the more extreme temperatures of a traditional sauna, this is the perfect alternative for you. Infrared saunas offer benefits such as deep tissue penetration, improved blood circulation, and targeted pain relief.

Hybrid Saunas (InfraSauna®)

The Finnleo InfraSauna® offers a perfect blend of traditional and infrared saunas. It caters to those who prefer the intensity of traditional saunas as well as those seeking quick, soothing infrared heat therapy. The InfraSauna provides a versatile sauna that can adapt to varying preferences. 

For example, if you and your partner have different sauna preferences, the InfraSauna allows both of you to enjoy your desired sauna experience. Likewise, you can indulge in a traditional sauna with others on weekends, enjoying higher temperatures with increased humidity, while opting for gentler infrared sauna therapy during the work week. The InfraSauna brings flexibility beyond what traditional or infrared saunas can achieve individually.

Powerful Sauna Benefits

Decades of peer-reviewed medical research have shown saunas to offer a wide array of powerful wellness benefits, no matter the sauna experience you choose. From better heart health and stress relief to quicker recovery after exercise, here are just a few:

Improved Circulation

Whether you prefer the high heat and humidity of traditional saunas or the gentle warmth of infrared saunas, both options promote improved blood circulation. As your core body temperature heats up, the blood vessels near your skin will dilate and your heart rate will also rise. After your sauna session, while cooling off, research has demonstrated that your heart rate levels can sink to below normal, improving your overall cardiovascular health over time.

Stress Reduction 

Indulge in the calming atmosphere of traditional saunas or the soothing heat of infrared saunas, as both aid in the production of serotonin to reduce stress and the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. Combined with the rise and subsequent fall of your body temperature after your sauna session, you might also enjoy a deeper sleep.

Pain Relief 

Whether you opt for a traditional or infrared room, even a few short sauna sessions each week can effectively ease muscle soreness, joint pain, and discomfort. A sauna can be a vital recovery tool in your wellness journey, and is perfect for long-distance runners, athletes, and “weekend warriors” alike. Many high-performing and professional athletes prefer the InfraSauna, as they can use the hybrid room to maximum effect in both their warmup and recovery.

Skin Rejuvenation

Another remarkable benefit of saunas is their ability to enhance skin health and rejuvenation.The increased blood circulation resulting from sauna sessions helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Deep sweating also cleanses your skin and replaces dead skin cells. In other words, a sauna feels good, but it’s also great for your skin and body.

With the diverse options of traditional, infrared, and hybrid saunas, sauna enthusiasts have the luxury to personalize their sauna experiences. So, whether you seek the intensity of traditional saunas, the more targeted infrared sauna therapy, or the harmonious blend of both, we can help you find the ultimate sauna bliss for you. Stop in and talk to us and embark on your wellness journey today.