A Tale of Two Sanctuaries - Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: Which is Best for You?

We always turn to heat for comfort, healing, and renewal from the beginning of time. Right from the ancient sweat lodges to the modern serenity spas, our pursuit of the perfect sweat has been woven into our history. When we speak of saunas, we think of wooden rooms of warmth designed to soothe, cleanse, and rejuvenate. But not all saunas are created equal. Today, we explore two different paths to experiencing this relaxing heat for harmony in body and mind. The two paths have distinct experiences: the traditional sauna which has been a time-honored ritual, and the infrared sauna which is a modern marvel of technology.

The Dance of Fire & Steam: Traditional Sauna

Imagine the scent of cedar wood combined the hiss of steam when water is poured over hot rocks. This is the core essence of a traditional sauna, an experience of löyly, where intense heat with steam reigns supreme. Traditional saunas usually heat to high temperatures between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C). This creates a fiery heat that envelops the body - dilating blood vessels, increasing circulation, and carrying vital nutrients to tissues. This deep-seated experience allows the sweat glands to spring into action and cools the body, leaving you feeling cleansed and invigorated by the end of your sauna time.

Additionally, traditional saunas have always been foundational for cultures around the world by serving as places of relaxation and social connection. Sauna steam rooms have allowed people to build relationships while relaxing with shared experiences. With intense heat, traditional saunas have also been known to promote cardiovascular health, similar to moderate exercise with potential improvements in blood pressure. However, it is important to note that the intensity of heat also means shorter sessions are recommended, typically for 15-20 minutes.

The Tech-Infused Gentle Embrace of Sunlight: Infrared Sauna

Now, imagine a different scene: a quiet, serene space where a comforting warmth is felt with the ambiance of soft lighting. This is the beauty of an infrared sauna, a modern technological version that leverages the healing power of light. Infrared heater panels emit electromagnetic radiation that warms the body directly instead of the surrounding air. This allows the heat, though gentle, to penetrate deeper into the body compared to the heat from a traditional sauna.  Infrared saunas usually heat to moderate temperatures between 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C), which is enough to induce a good sweat. At Salt & Cedar Saunas, our infrared saunas have been intuitively designed to offer the ability to heat up to 180°F (80°C), for those who prefer a more intense heat with the benefits of infrared light. Depending on how high you prefer the temperature to be, it feels like a soft and subtle experience, warming you from the inside out like a tranquil massage from the sun itself.

Infrared saunas are known to be a personal retreat - a place for quiet reflections and self-care. They allow us to connect with our bodies and minds in a gentle, nurturing way for longer sessions, often 30-45 minutes as the lower temperatures are less taxing on the cardiovascular system. While the sweating may not be as profuse as in a traditional sauna, the deeper penetration of the infrared heat offers its own range of benefits. The pleasant warmth from the infrared saunas has been shown to promote relaxation, detoxification, and reduce stress with improvements in muscle recovery, pain relief, and even skin health.

Choosing Your Sanctuary: Your Personal Wellness Journey

If you are trying to understand which path resonates with you, the answer is deeply personal to each individual.

Choose the traditional sauna if: You crave intensity, a powerful sweating cleanse, or a connection to ancient traditions and rituals. You are drawn to the challenge and the transformative power of intense heat combined with moderate intensity cardiovascular benefits.

Choose the infrared sauna if: You are sensitive to high heat, prefer a gentler, more personal experience with longer sessions. You seek relaxation, pain relief, and a detoxification through a wellness experience that offers secondary cardiovascular benefits from lowered stress and post-workout muscle recovery.

Ultimately, the best sauna experience is one that you will do regularly and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and calm after every session. At Salt & Cedar Saunas, we work meticulously with every detail or question you have in mind to build a high-quality, uniquely personalized, and accessible sauna that you can easily incorporate into your routine. Whether you want the fiery embrace of a traditional sauna or the calming heat of infrared light, the most important thing is to listen to your body and allow the experience to elevate your wellness journey. And as with any health or wellness practice, we recommend that you always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new sauna regimen.