Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna Explained

October 15, 2024

 The Advantages Of Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas

Saunas have long been celebrated for their numerous health benefits, including relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation. However, the rise of full spectrum infrared saunas like we have in the Sweat and Chill suite here at Swift Recovery, has brought new excitement to the world of heat therapy. But what exactly sets these modern saunas apart from traditional ones? Let's explore the key differences and highlight the advantages of full spectrum infrared saunas.

Understanding the Basics

Traditional Saunas: These typically use wood or electric heaters to warm the air, creating a high-temperature environment (could be up to 195°F). The heat can feel intense, and while it promotes sweating and relaxation, some people may find it difficult to tolerate for extended periods.

Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas: These saunas use infrared light to directly warm the body without significantly heating the surrounding air. Full spectrum means they utilize all three types of infrared light-near, mid, and far infrared-each providing unique benefits.

Key Differences

  1. Heating Method:
  • Traditional Saunas: Heat the air around you, which can feel suffocating and makes it hard to stay inside for long.
  • Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas: Directly warms your body, allowing for a more comfortable experience even at lower temperatures

  2. Penetration:

  • Traditional Saunas: The heat primarily affects the skin and upper layers of muscle.
  • Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas: Infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body, reaching muscles and joints, promoting a more profound therapeutic effect. 

  3. Sweating:

  • Traditional Saunas: Induce sweating primarily through high temperatures, which can lead to dehydration.
  • Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas: Encourage a more efficient sweating process that can detoxify the body without the extreme heat, often resulting in a more tolerable and longer sauna session.

Benefits of Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas

Enhanced Detoxification:

  • Infrared saunas promote deeper sweating, which helps to eliminate toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals more effectively than traditional methods.

Improved Circulation:

  • The deep heat increases blood flow, promoting better circulation and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues.

Pain Relief:

  • Full spectrum infrared therapy can alleviate chronic pain, muscle soreness, and joint stiffness by penetrating deep into tissues, making it an excellent option for those with arthritis or injuries.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction:

  • The gentle heat of infrared saunas can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels without the overwhelming heat often felt in traditional saunas.

Skin Health:

  • Near infrared light can stimulate collagen production, improve skin tone, and reduce signs of aging, providing additional skincare benefits that traditional saunas lack.

Weight Loss Support:

  • The increased heart rate and metabolic boost from infrared exposure can aid in calorie burning, making it a supportive tool for weight management.

While both traditional and full spectrum infrared saunas offer health benefits, the advantages of full spectrum infrared saunas-such as deeper penetration, lower temperatures, and enhanced detoxification-make them a superior choice for many individuals. Whether you're looking to improve your overall health, relieve pain, or simply relax, a full spectrum infrared sauna may be the perfect addition to your wellness routine.


Of course, at Swift Recovery, we take things a step further, offering you the ability to add cold plunge to the experience. But remember, the time you reserve in the suite is yours to use as you wish and if you are just needing the heat a particular day, utilizing you time in the infrared sauna alone is a fantastic option.

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