Infrared sauna options vary considerably in safety and effectiveness. The reasons near infrared saunas are superior to far-infrared or “full spectrum” saunas is important to understand before buying.
My mention in a recent newsletter about our family’s near-infrared sauna from SaunaSpace generated dozens of excited emails into my inbox.
Apparently, many people are considering an infrared sauna for themselves to reap the myriad of health benefits bestowed by this traditional therapy.
Most of the questions I received in response indicated some confusion over the differences between near infrared (NIR) and far infrared (FIR) or “full spectrum” sauna models. Don’t be fooled by the marketing literature – these two types of infrared saunas are very, VERY different!
Let’s go over these important differences below which led to our decision to obtain a near infrared sauna and avoid the far infrared models. Most people are unaware that the passé far infrared saunas are not only less effective, but actually pose some very real health dangers. This is probably why they are now calling them “full spectrum” saunas instead!
Read on to get the full scoop. Warning: trying to explain aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum gets extremely complicated. I’m a bit of a physics nerd, so I love this stuff. I’ve tried to keep it as simple as possible. I hope I succeeded!
Infrared Sauna Spectrum
Solar radiation refers to the electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth from the Sun. Many people are surprised to learn that ultraviolet (UV) radiation makes up a very small part of the total energy content, roughly 8%- 9%. The visible light from the sun represents about 46%-47%. The remaining 45% of the total energy received from the sun is in the near infrared range (1).
The total infrared spectrum consists of near, mid, and far infrared waves. This represents a small fraction of the vast electromagnetic spectrum which includes visible light, UV light, microwaves, radio waves and gamma waves. Humans, animals, and plants absorb and utilize infrared light in various beneficial ways.
In humans, tiny receptors called chromophores absorb red light that is between 600 nanometers (nm) and 950 nm. As you can see from the chart below, this only includes the near infrared portion of the infrared spectrum. In other words, the far infrared portion of the infrared spectrum only produces thermal heating to the human body. Thermal heating and deeply penetrating, rejuventating light therapy is only provided by near infrared wavelengths.
Benefits of Near Infrared (NIR) Penetrating Wavelengths
NASA studies have shown that near infrared light penetrates up to 9 inches (23 cm) of body tissue. This results in rapid activation of all chromophores and metabolic pathways that come into contact (2).
For this reason, near infrared light is used in low level light research studies because the biological systems of our bodies that are affected by light do not absorb far infrared light. Not only are there no far infrared biologic receptors in our bodies, but far infrared waves don’t penetrate enough to reach deeper tissues anyway. Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pathways, including Cytochrome-C-oxidase, and other critical cell processes involving ATP (energy) production and cell signaling only absorb NIR light.
The beneficial stimulating effects of NIR on body tissues cannot be overstated. Everything works better when oxidative phosphorylation (ATP production) improves. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of most living cells in the body, ramp up ATP production when positively stimulated with NIR light. Living animal cells generally contain an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 mitochondria!
This is why the benefits of near infrared sauna therapy literally enhance the entire body with some folks experiencing totally unexpected improvements. One example is the shocking disappearance of my lifelong eye floaters which I wrote about in my recent newsletter.
As it turns out, research suggests that red light is beneficial to eye health as well, especially in people over 40.
“Full Spectrum” Infrared Saunas?
In order to compensate for the fact that the far infrared spectrum does not provide any stimulative, penetrating light therapy, some manufacturers have added red LED lightbulbs in the ceiling of their sauna models. These are typically marketed as “full spectrum” infrared saunas.
This term may initially sound beneficial. Unfortunately, it is not. Here are the reasons why full spectrum (far) infrared saunas are not only inferior, but should be actively avoided (3).
- Rather than using natural incandescent infrared bulbs which combine light and heat into a single thermal light source (TLS), full spectrum saunas separate light from heat. This is accomplished by using far infrared emitters combined with artificial LED lights installed in the sauna ceiling.
- LEDs produce an inferior “digital” monochromatic light that selectively emits a fraction of the mitochondrial stimulating light band. Only the incandescent tungsten heat lamp provides all 600-950nm wavelengths as part of its “analog” full-spectrum emission.
- WARNING: Far infrared emitters in full spectrum saunas are typically very high EMF. The EMFs which are hundreds of times higher than we would encounter in everyday life, stresses body tissues and the sympathetic nervous system.
- LED bulbs are very unreliable in terms of the actual spectrum emitted and reported lifespan.
Why to Use Near Infrared Saunas or NOTHING ELSE
In summary, far infrared saunas provide exposure to less beneficial infrared wavelengths than near infrared saunas. Moreover, far infrared “full spectrum” saunas add the body burden of exposure to high EMFs with inferior, incomplete LED-based light therapy stimulation that fails to reach all the cells of the body.
In comparison, the incandescent (tungsten-only filament) lamps in a near infrared sauna are a thermal light source just like the sun itself. Light and heat are combined for optimal benefits with no health risks.
Our bodies are designed to experience the alliance of light and heat together, not separately as in a full spectrum sauna. Stimulating cell mitochondria within the near infrared spectrum of 600-950nm wavelengths of light induces cell regeneration, anti-aging, collagen production, human growth hormone, inflammation reduction, neuron repair, rapid wound and injury healing, and the list goes on. In addition, the incandescent heat lamp bulbs used in a near infrared sauna emit plenty of 1000-2000 nm infrared wavelengths (mid infrared) that are absorbed by water molecules in the body, which is how infrared light heats biological tissue.
Experience the Near Infrared Sauna Difference Risk Free
Because I personally use and recommend the SaunaSpace Pocket Sauna, I include this product on my healthy shopping list page with a 5% off coupon HEALTHYHOME
This sale is store-wide, which includes the Near Infrared Pocket Sauna (this is what I have), the Near Infrared Shower Converter Kit, both light panels (to upgrade your far infrared cabinet to a Near Infrared Lamp Sauna or for use in your custom built-in enclosures), as well as everything else on the site.
If you travel a lot, you may wish to consider the convenience of the portable sauna, which comes with a convenient carrying case.
And, as always, SaunaSpace gives you a free 100-day trial to experience the near infrared difference.
My bet is you’ll love it and experience enormous improvements in your health. But if not, you can return it for a refund with FREE RETURN SHIPPING within the USA.
If an infrared sauna is something you’ve been considering for a while, be sure to take advantage of the HEALTHYHOME coupon (entered at checkout).
Please feel free to add any comments or questions you may have regarding infrared sauna therapy in the comments section below. I will do my best to answer them and provide additional resources that can help you sort through the information and choices.
Are you familiar with Clearlight infrared saunas? I did a lot of research before investing in one and landed on this one. Their website states: All Clearlight Saunas offer the lowest and safest EMF and ELF levels of any infrared sauna on the market, bar-none. The EMF levels in your Clearlight Saunas will be mostly below 1mg when tested directly on the heater itself. I would love to hear your input, as I do value your opinion! Thanks.
It looks like the Clearlight suana uses far infrared emitters. They say it is low EMF, which is good, but you’re still not getting the optimal light therapy and tissue penetration of near infrared waves. What some folks are doing is replacing the far infrared emitters/LED lights with the near infrared light panel from SaunaSpace and continuing to use the same enclosure they already have. This is a cost effective way to upgrade.
WOW! two days ago someone asked what an infra sauna was (saw one at a spa). I said I was suspicious of infra technology’s radiation but that I’d have to look into it further. Next thing I know this article shows up in my inbox! Amazing! Thanks you so much. Your hard work is such a blessing to me and everyone.
In the article, it states: “LEDs produce an inferior “digital” monochromatic light that selectively emits a fraction of the mitochondrial stimulating light band. Only the incandescent tungsten heat lamp provides all 600-950nm wavelengths as part of its “analog” full-spectrum emission.” LED lights are used extensively for the purpose of anti-aging and in other photo-therapeutical applications. Should LED lights be avoided altogether? Or just when using them along with thermal heat applications such as in a sauna? Thank you.
Home LED bulbs are extremely unhealthy as they typically favor the blue light end of the spectrum. We already get far too much blue light exposure with TV, phones, computers etc. I do not use any LED lights in my home. It is artificial light much like fluorescent. I’m sure LED lights are fine and useful for some medical applications, but for everyday use in a home (blue favoring LEDs) or for in a sauna (red LEDs), they aren’t the best choice.
I take that back … I do use LED bulbs on the outside of my home because they don’t attract as many insects as incandescent bulbs (because they favor blue light with less infrared). But, I do not use them at all inside our home. Too much blue light is extremely disruptive to sleep and circadian rhythms.
Hi Sarah,
Great article. OK, you sold me. I have a question though, does one have to have the enclosure? I don’t mean theirs, in particular, but do you have to be inside an enclosure? Ohhhh, is that why they call it a sauna, you must be in a small enclosure to keep the heat up to sweat? Is that it? I’m just trying to save money.
Thank you for your help!
You really do need to be enclosed in a fairly small space so the temperature can rise enough to initiate the sweating process.
There is a group on facebook that explores DIY near infrared saunas (search holistic healing DIY sauna). I have one inside a walk in shower stall in my house and it works great.
Yes, that’s a great way to go to save money. The company I recommend (and use their sauna in our home) has DIY near infrared shower kit! https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/go/sauna-shower-converter/
I have had eye floaters for almost three years now and they have pushed me to my limits. Translucent worms, dots, webs, etc. How bad were your floaters? How long did they take to go away? How often were you using the sauna and for how long? I would do anything to rid myself of these life suckers.
I had eye floaters my entire life even as a young child, so I guess they really didn’t bother me much because I never knew life without them … until they were suddenly GONE. It was quite an amazing experience. Only 3 days of using the sauna (20 minutes each session) eliminated them. The floaters did improve years ago when I got off processed sugar and fully transitioned to traditional diet with lots of healthy fats. But, they never completely went away until using the near infrared sauna. Will it work for you too? I have no idea. The interesting thing is that when I’m in the sauna, my eyes are closed most of the time because I use the time to fully relax. While the near infrared light isn’t damaging to the eyes, they are very bright, so it’s best not to look directly at them (which I never do). Even still, tremendous eye improvements. I should also add that both sides of my family have cataract issues … for quite a few years, I’ve periodically had the halo around lights especially at night which is an early symptom of cataracts. That is also completely gone (this took longer .. maybe a month or more of regular use). Clearly, the near infrared light has drastically improved my eye health, which is not even the reason I got one in the first place. Very unexpected results.
Do these infrared lights produce UVB light for Vitamin D?
UVB light is ultraviolet light. A near infrared sauna emits infrared light which is a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Hi Sarah!
Great that you did an article on this, I was wondering if you would ever get a sauna! I bought mine almost one year ago, a SaunaSpace too. I love it! I have Lyme disease and I think all people who have Lyme should get a sauna, it is so helpful to support the detox process, avoid or alleviate Herx reactions, and speed up the overall healing. My husband enjoys it and I have my kids use it too. It is well built and will last for a long time. I intend to use it regularly all my life, even when my disease will have greatly improved. In such a toxic world, it has become so important to detox on a regular basis. And it’s one of the most enjoyable way to detox, safely and comfortably at home.
Near infrared really is such a gentle detox. Even folks with cancer and very elderly people can tolerate it very easily as it doesn’t get too hot (only about 100 F). Glad you are enjoying a SaunaSpace too! I didn’t get a sauna for the longest time because the ones on cruises and at spas etc that I had tried were far too hot for me (like 160 F or so .. insanely hot) and I mistakenly thought they were all like that.
I used to live in Connecticut and end up with tick disease. I follow Dr. Gerson’s protocol on how to heal one’s body. It really seems to work, but I have to change my eating lifestyle. It not only makes my tick disease into remission it also helps with my other diseases. I also suffered from thyroid, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, and I am happy to say that all those symptoms are gone.
Heard about this Sauna at the Truth About Cancer talks. THERASAGE TENT SAUNA 360 FULL SPECTRUM. Their claim is,” THE THERASAGE INFRARED SAUNA OFFERS FULL SPECTRUM DEEP PENETRATING INFRARED, NEGATIVE IONS, EARTHING, AND NO EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL EMF’S, AND NOW HAS HEATERS IN THE FRONT OF THE SAUNA.” It’s at GR8Solutions.com
Says full spectrum but no harmful EMFs. Is this possible? Thanks.
Is it near infrared or far infrared?
I had read that near infared light can be damaging to the eyes and one should wear protective glasses while using an infared sauna. Have you come across anything to confirm or deny this? Thanks.
Yes, I researched this thoroughly before allowing my children to use the sauna. Also, there is cataracts on BOTH sides of my family, so the supposed claim that infrared saunas increase cataract risk was of extreme interest to me to thoroughly investigate. I’m happy to say there really isn’t any concern at all. I don’t wear any protective eyewear in the sauna and neither do my children. Here’s a very good article which explains it well. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/go/sauna-eyes/
Nice article! Can you tell me what you think of the BioMat? It emits far infrared light. They claim emfs are reduced by their design. Would far infrared light be beneficial in this application?
Even if the design of the mat reduces the EMF risks from the far infrared emitters (I would be very cautious!), any far infrared device would not be as beneficial as incandescent near infrared bulbs. If you are going to spend the money to benefit from infrared exposure, best to get near infrared lamps and bypass far infrared devices which IMO are gimmicky. Remember that far infrared has no penetrative benefits and no light therapy like near infrared waves do. Far infrared only produces thermal heat, which produces sweating, which is of course good, but it is not the three pronged benefits (thermal heat, light therapy, penetrating waves) of near infrared light. Hope that helps.