In a traditional sauna, the heat comes from one central point. This is different from an infrared sauna, where the heat is more indirect and natural. It's like the seat heater in a car that gently warms your muscles, joints and tendons, providing a comfortable experience without straining the skin.
What is “infrared”?
Infrared light is invisible radiation, but it feels like sunlight. Although our eyes cannot perceive it, it feels like heat. Infrared heat treatment uses a specific range of the infrared spectrum, typically between 5 and 15 Microns, with the most effective treatment around 9.4 Microns.
How is infrared radiation generated?
Infrared radiation is created when current passes through a resistive material, such as in an incandescent bulb. As electrons move through this material, energy is produced in the form of infrared radiation. This is harmless radiation, similar to sunlight; not ultraviolet rays.
Types of infrared sources
There are three main types of infrared sources: ceramic tubes, glass tubes and carbon plates.
Ceramic and Glass Tubes: These sources consist of metal wires inside tubes that emit infrared radiation. However, this radiation spreads in many directions and requires reflectors to focus it in the cabin, which can cause uneven heating.
Carbon plates: Carbon plates emit infrared radiation from the entire surface in one direction into the cabin, ensuring uniform heating and not requiring reflectors. They are also more energy efficient.
See the difference between pipes and plates in the illustration below:
Source: Is an infrared sauna dangerous? — Niels Bohr Institute – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
EMF and safety
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are generated by electrical current and can have particular health effects. People with pacemakers should avoid infrared saunas as even weak EMFs can affect the pacemaker's electronics.
Source: Pacemaker treatment – Patient handbook on sundhed.dk
EMF and safety in our cabins
We prioritize your safety and work to minimize EMF emissions in our cabins. They comply with the necessary standards and are designed with low EMF exposure. Please note that both the strength of the EMF and the duration of exposure play a key role in these potential risks.
Our Royal Sauna is designed with carbon plates with extra low EMF. See the table below:
| Average EMF strength of infrared saunas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum: | 81 mG | Average: | 55 mG |
| Average EMF strength in ROYAL SAUNA Extra Low EMF plates: more than 42 x lower! | |||
| Maximum: | 2.4 mG | Average: | 1.3 mG |
How do infrared rays work?
The human body emits infrared waves due to the vibrations of our water molecules. They vibrate at a frequency corresponding to a wavelength of 9.4 Microns. The infrared radiation therefore strengthens the already natural movements in our cells, causing them to function more optimally.
Treatment of pain
Infrared heat therapy has been shown to have a soothing effect on joint and muscle pain, as well as improving blood circulation and reducing stress. It may also have positive effects on inflammation and wound healing.
It may also have positive effects on sleep quality and conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.
Source: Heat Therapy for Pain and Stiffness in Muscles and Joints (apoteket.dk)
Source: Infrared Therapy: Health Benefits and Risks (news-medical.net)
Source: Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review – PMC (nih.gov)
Health benefits
Infrared heat therapy makes you sweat at low temperatures, which can help increase metabolism and burn calories. Plus, it doesn't put as much strain on the body as a long run.
Source: Infrared Sauna Weight Loss: “Can An Infrared Sauna Help You Lose Weight?” – Women's Health (womenshealthmag.com)
Source: Infrared Sauna Weight Loss & Clinical Studies – Clearlight Saunas
Solo carbon®
“Solocarbon ® is a recognized trademark, used in therapeutic infrared cabins from 'Sunlight'. The claim about the special properties of Solocarbon ® is not scientifically documented. Solocarbon ® plates share the same surface temperature as other carbon plates and are distinguished primarily through their patented status and brand identity. This does not affect the quality of the product. Therefore, we equally recommend choosing an infrared sauna with carbon plates from our range, where you can be sure of getting a quality experience.
Conclusion
Infrared heat therapy can have many health benefits, but should be used responsibly and under supervision. It can improve your well-being and health, but always consult a doctor when you have health concerns and avoid treatment if you have a pacemaker.