Heat therapy has been used in many cultures for hundreds of years. From the Russian banya to Japanese onsen to the Finnish saunas and Turkish hammams, heat has been a part of healing rituals that are still very much alive and well today.
Just one of the more modern types of heat therapy is the Far Infrared Sauna (FIR) which generate heat through light. The term "far" indicates the region of the light spectrum where infrared radiation reside. In a traditional sauna, heat from the steam warms the air, which raises body temperature. Both are safe and effective types of heat therapy.
What does Far Infrared Sauna do for your body?
There have been multiple studies that indicate that regular FIR treatments can support the following:
- Sore muscles and joint pain from arthritis
- Improved circulation
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Relaxation and improved sleep
- Weight loss and detoxification
- Clearing skin
Is it better than a traditional steam sauna?
In short, they offer different support. The heat from FIR sauna penetrates the body deeper which is why it offers support to the conditions previously mentioned whereas steam saunas are a therapeutic option for respiratory conditions and sinus problems. Each type of heat therapy has their place in healing.
However, many people are being drawn to FIR sauna as they are more of an all-rounder type therapy and those that can often feel somewhat claustrophobic find that the dry heat from a FIR sauna allows them to enjoy the treatment benefits without feeling overwhelmed by steam.
A far infrared sauna session is an ideal add on to any body work treatment such as a massage. Having a sauna session prior to your massage preps the body well by getting the superficial muscles warm and supple to allow for a greater outcome for attending to deeper muscles in the body during a massage.
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