What is Far Infrared

Far Infrared radiant (FIR) heat is a completely safe form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by a process called direct light, infrared heat or infrared energy. This energy directly transmits, or penetrates into our bodies because of it’s specific wavelength. The warmth of the sun and the warmth you feel when you rub your hands together are forms of Far Infrared heat.

Far Infrared heat waves are gentle and comfortable using temperatures of only 110-140º F. The waves are absorbed through your skin and penetrate 2-3” deep into the body. Because it heats you and not the air, the heat in the Cabin Sauna is not harsh on your lungs or skin like traditional steam and rock saunas. With this deep warming of the blood vessels they automatically dilate, or open up which increases the oxygen and circulation to the entire body, while also nourishing damaged tissues.

FIR heat is not ultraviolet radiation, but a narrow band of energy within the 5-15 micron level. The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum is divided into 3 segments of wavelength measured in microns (a microns=1 / 1,000,000 of a meter). The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum occurs just below (infra) to red light. This band of light is not visible to human eyes but can be seen by special cameras. We can, however, feel this type of light we perceive as heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Our atmosphere has a  window in it that allows infrared rays in the 7 – 14 micron range to safely reach the earth’s surface. When warmed, the earth radiates infrared rays in the 7 – 14 micron band with its peak output at 10 microns.

The sun is the primary source of radiant energy. Far Infrared heat provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation. This is also the same heat that is used in hospital incubators to keep premature babies warm.

WHAT MAKES THE HEAT?

Anything and everything produces infrared. The task of an infrared heater is to produce infrared in a range that is beneficial to the human body. The first thing to know is that there are a number of different types of infrared heaters (ceramic, carbon, incoloy, mica and aluminum). All infrared heaters are going to have some part of them that is made of metal. This is absolutely necessary in order to transfer the electricity from the power wires, and then to whatever material is being used to produce the infrared heat.

What is infrared energy?

• The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into three segments by wavelength, which is measured in microns (1/1,000,000 of a meter).
• 0.76 to 1.5 microns = near infrared
• 1.5 to 5.6 microns = middle infrared
• 5.6 to 1000 microns = far infrared
• This wavelength of light warms objects without warming the air between the source and the object (known as conversion).
• This radiant heat can also be called Infrared Energy (IR).
• Do not confuse this with UV radiation (sunburn) or atomic radiation (nuclear) – see the diagram above for where these types of light fall on the spectrum.
• Infrared waves are not visible to human eyes but can be seen by special instruments that translate infrared into colors that are visible to our eyes.
• The best example is the sun (80% of the sun’s rays are infrared).
• Our atmosphere allows infrared rays in the 7 to 14 micron range to safely reach the earth’s surface.
• When warmed, the earth radiates infrared rays with its peak output at 10 microns.
• The human body radiates infrared energy out through the skin at 3 to50 microns, with most around 9.4 microns.

How does an infrared sauna work?

• Far infrared sauna therapy is said to duplicate the healthy frequencies of our own cells. The tissues are purported to selectively absorb these rays as the water in the cell reacts in a process called “resonant absorption”.
• This resonant absorption is said to occur when the frequency of the far infrared matches the frequency of the water in the cell. This causes toxins from the cells to be put out into the blood stream and excreted in sweat, feces, and urine.
• Proponents of this therapy state that our tissues which are undergoing the healing process may need a boost of infrared to ensure the fullest healing response.
• Far infrared is claimed to penetrate the body’s tissues to a depth of 1.5 to 3 inches.
• Due to the supposed deep penetration of infrared rays, a heating effect is observed deep in the muscular tissues and even into the internal organs.
• This “deep heating,” along with sweating, is thought to be responsible for the healing effects and the other health benefits associated with these infrared rays.

Far Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas

A far infrared sauna is a powerful means of detoxification. Not only do they increase metabolism and blood circulation but they also relax achy  muscles, and rejuvenates the body.

Far Infrared Versus Steam Saunas
Infrared saunas warm the body instead of heating the surrounding air. Traditional steam saunas heat the air and require temperatures ranging from 150 – 200 degrees Fahrenheit to initiate perspiration. Whereas the heat range of 110 – 140 degrees in a far infrared sauna produces the same results. The cooler air temperature is more tolerable and allows for sessions of up to forty-five minutes, nearly twice as long as in a typical steam sauna session. The softer heat of an infrared sauna also penetrates deeper into the skin – as much as 1 1/2 to 2 inches – and draws out more toxins than a traditional steam sauna. The deep penetration of far infrared heat activates and releases toxins from fat cells, organs and tissues via one’s pores through perspiration.

The Major Advantages of Far Infrared Saunas Over Conventional Saunas are:

• Far infrared saunas operate at temperatures of 100 degrees F to 140 degrees F. Conventional steam saunas operate at temperatures of 180 degrees F to 220 degrees F.
• Higher temps. in traditional steam saunas are not as easily tolerated as compared to the gentle heat of an infrared sauna.
• Far infrared penetrates the skin 1-2″ where as traditional steam saunas penetrate the surface.
• Far infrared saunas are safer as there are no hot surfaces or high temperatures.
• Far infrared saunas can be portable and easy to assemble and dis-assemble.
• Less irritation on the breathing passages in a Far Infrared Sauna as the heat does not dry out the nasal passages.
• Far Infrared Saunas use approximately 10 cents of electricity in a 30 min. session, much less than a traditional steam sauna
• Less than 20% of the infrared energy heats the air, leaving 80% available to be directly converted to heat within the body.
• Far Infrared causes a higher sweat volume than traditional steam saunas, which in turn increases the health benefits.
• The air in a Far Infrared sauna is more pleasant and easier to breathe, and will not cause burning of the eyes.
• Warm up only takes 8-10 minutes compared to 30-90 minutes for conventional saunas.
• Low maintenance, Far Infrared Saunas use no water, therefore there is no plumbing, no bacterial growth, or continuous cleanup.