Have you ever walked out of a sauna session feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the world? That wonderful post-sauna glow is something special. But when it comes to choosing between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna, things can get a bit confusing.
At FRESH Treatments, we offer infrared sauna sessions because we believe in their gentle yet effective approach to wellness. But we also understand you might be wondering how they compare to the traditional saunas you might have experienced elsewhere.
Let’s break down the differences between these two popular heat therapies in a way that helps you decide which one might be the perfect fit for your wellness journey.
Understanding Sauna Basics: Two Paths to Sweating It Out
Think of saunas as the original “heat therapy” – people have been using heat to relax and rejuvenate for centuries. But not all saunas work the same way.
Traditional saunas have been around for thousands of years, especially in Finnish culture. They typically use a heater to warm up rocks, which then heat the air around you to very high temperatures. It’s like being in a super hot room where the heat surrounds you from the outside.
Infrared saunas are a newer invention. Instead of heating the air, they use infrared light waves that warm your body directly. Imagine sunshine warming your skin on a cool day – that’s similar to how infrared heat works. The infrared panels emit a gentle heat that penetrates your skin and warms you from within.
This fundamental difference in heating method creates two very different experiences.
The Heat Experience: Hot Air vs Gentle Rays
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice right away is how the heat feels in each type of sauna.
Traditional Sauna Heat:
Step into a traditional sauna, and you’ll immediately feel a wave of heat hit you. Temperatures typically range from 70-90°C (158-194°F). That’s hot enough to make you start sweating almost immediately.
The heat in a traditional sauna is intense and enveloping. Some people love this intense feeling – it’s like a challenge that your body rises to meet. You’ll feel your pores open up quickly, and sweat will start beading on your skin within minutes.
Sometimes, water is poured over hot rocks to create steam, giving you a momentary surge of even more intense heat. This ritual, common in Finnish saunas, briefly raises the humidity and intensifies the experience.
Infrared Sauna Heat:
An infrared sauna offers a completely different heat experience. When you first step in, you might even wonder if it’s working because the air doesn’t feel particularly hot. The temperature usually sits between 45-60°C (113-140°F), which is much lower than a traditional sauna.
But within a few minutes, you’ll start to feel a deep, penetrating warmth as the infrared rays work their magic. Rather than heating the air around you, these special light waves warm your body directly.
Most people describe infrared heat as comfortable and soothing. It’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket rather than being blasted with hot air. You’ll still work up a good sweat, but it happens more gradually and feels less intense on your lungs and skin.
Session Comfort: How Long Can You Stay and Enjoy?
The difference in heat intensity between these two sauna types directly affects how long you can comfortably enjoy your session.
Traditional Sauna Sessions: Short and Sweet
Because of the high heat, traditional sauna sessions tend to be relatively brief. Most people stay in for about 10-20 minutes at a time. The intense heat can become overwhelming if you stay longer.
Many traditional sauna enthusiasts practise a routine of alternating between the hot sauna and a cool shower or plunge. They might do several rounds of heating up and cooling down. This hot-cold-hot-cold cycle is invigorating but takes dedication and some getting used to.
The extreme heat also means that breathing can feel a bit challenging, especially for newcomers. The air can feel heavy and very dry (or very humid if steam is added). This isn’t ideal if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Infrared Sauna Sessions: Extended Relaxation
The gentle nature of infrared heat allows for much longer, more comfortable sessions. At FRESH Treatments, our clients typically enjoy 45 minute infrared sauna sessions without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
This extended time means you can truly settle in and relax. Many people bring a book, listen to a podcast, or simply use the time to meditate. Because the air temperature is lower, breathing remains comfortable throughout your session.
The gradual warming effect of infrared heat gives you time to acclimate and really enjoy the experience. Your body warms from the inside out, and the sweating process feels natural rather than forced by extreme heat.
For those who find traditional saunas too intense or uncomfortable, infrared saunas offer a much more accessible way to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy. You’ll still get that wonderful detoxifying sweat with minimal discomfort.
Health and Wellness Benefits: Similar Goals, Different Paths
Both sauna types offer impressive wellness benefits, which is why heat therapy has remained popular for so long.
Shared Benefits
No matter which type you choose, regular sauna sessions may help with relaxation and stress reduction, improved circulation, muscle relaxation and relief from soreness, clearer skin through deep sweating, better sleep quality, and a general sense of wellbeing.
Both create a rise in your core body temperature and increase your heart rate mildly, similar to light exercise. This can help your body release endorphins – those feel-good hormones that boost your mood.
Traditional Sauna Benefits
Traditional saunas have been studied extensively, particularly in Finland where they’re part of the cultural fabric. Research suggests regular sessions may support cardiovascular health, including improved heart function, reduced risk of high blood pressure over time, muscle recovery after exercise, immune system function, and relaxation through the intense heat-then-cool cycle.
The intense heat experience creates a more dramatic effect on your body, which some people prefer. It’s like giving your cardiovascular system a mini workout.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
While infrared saunas haven’t been around as long, research on their benefits is growing. Early studies and user experiences suggest they offer many of the same benefits as traditional saunas, but with some unique advantages.
The lower temperature makes the experience accessible to those who can’t tolerate extreme heat. The direct heating of tissues may help with muscle and joint discomfort. The longer sessions allow for deeper relaxation. Many users report improved sleep after evening sessions. The gentle nature of the heat puts less stress on the body.
At FRESH Treatments, we’ve seen clients experience significant relaxation and wellness benefits from regular infrared sauna sessions. The gentle, penetrating heat seems to be particularly effective for easing tension and creating a sense of deep relaxation that lasts long after the session ends.
It’s important to note that while saunas offer wonderful wellness support, they work best as part of a healthy lifestyle rather than as a medical treatment. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Who Prefers What?
After helping hundreds of clients experience infrared sauna therapy, we’ve noticed certain patterns in who tends to prefer each type.
You Might Prefer Traditional Saunas If:
You enjoy intense heat and the challenge of withstanding it. You like the quick, powerful sweat that comes from high temperatures. You enjoy the cultural ritual of traditional sauna bathing. You find the hot-cold contrast invigorating. You prefer shorter, more intense wellness experiences. You enjoy the social aspect of larger sauna rooms.
You Might Prefer Infrared Saunas If:
You find extreme heat uncomfortable or overwhelming. You enjoy longer, more relaxing wellness sessions. You prefer a gentle, gradual warming effect. You have heat sensitivity or respiratory concerns. You value privacy during your wellness routines. You want to read, meditate, or even take a quick nap during your session. You’re new to sauna bathing and want a gentler introduction.
Many of our clients at FRESH Treatments tell us they tried traditional saunas in the past but found them too intense to truly relax. They appreciate that our infrared saunas provide the benefits of heat therapy without the discomfort of extreme temperatures.
Post-Sauna Feeling: The Aftermath of Heat
There’s nothing quite like that post-sauna feeling. But even this differs somewhat between sauna types.
After a Traditional Sauna
Following an intense traditional sauna session, you’ll likely feel a significant release of tension, a “thoroughly heated” sensation throughout your body, possibly a bit drained from the intense heat experience, deeply relaxed and perhaps even sleepy.
The intense experience of a traditional sauna can leave you feeling wiped out in a good way – like after a challenging workout. Many people sleep exceptionally well after traditional sauna sessions.
After an Infrared Sauna
After an infrared sauna session at FRESH Treatments, our clients typically report feeling refreshed and rejuvenated rather than depleted, deeply relaxed yet somehow energised, a pleasant warmth that lingers in their muscles, mental clarity and reduced stress, and ready to continue their day with renewed energy.
The gentle nature of infrared heat often leaves you feeling balanced rather than drained. You’ve had the chance to truly unwind during your longer session, giving both body and mind time to reset.
In both cases, proper hydration is essential. The significant sweating in any sauna type means you need to replenish fluids afterwards to feel your best.
Why We Offer Infrared Saunas at FRESH Treatments
After carefully considering both sauna types, we chose to offer infrared sauna sessions at FRESH Treatments for several important reasons:
Accessibility for everyone: We wanted to provide a heat therapy experience that nearly everyone can enjoy, regardless of their heat tolerance. The gentle nature of infrared saunas means more people can benefit.
Extended relaxation time: In today’s busy world, we believe in creating spaces where you can truly unwind. The longer, more comfortable sessions in our infrared saunas give you precious time to disconnect and relax deeply.
Complementary to our other services: Our infrared saunas pair beautifully with our other wellness offerings, creating synergistic effects that enhance your overall experience.
Modern wellness benefits: While we respect the tradition of conventional saunas, we’re excited by the growing research supporting infrared technology for contemporary wellness goals.
Our infrared saunas feature comfortable seating, adjustable temperature settings, and even optional light therapy to enhance your experience. We’ve created a serene environment where you can escape the outside world and focus entirely on your wellbeing.
Many of our clients tell us their infrared sauna session is the most peaceful part of their week – a sanctuary where they can reset both body and mind.
Which Sauna Experience Is Right For You?
Both traditional and infrared saunas offer valuable wellness benefits – there’s no universally “better” option. The best choice depends entirely on your personal preferences and wellness goals.
If you enjoy intense heat, quick sessions, and the cultural tradition of sauna bathing, a traditional sauna might be perfect for you.
However, if you prefer a gentler approach, longer relaxation times, and heat that feels comfortable throughout your session, we’d recommend trying an infrared sauna. The accessible nature of infrared heat makes it ideal for newcomers to heat therapy and those who find traditional saunas overwhelming.
Ready to try it for yourself? Book your infrared sauna session in Brunswick at FRESH Treatments today and discover the perfect balance of comfort and effectiveness that keeps our clients coming back week after week.
