Sweating in a sauna is believed to remove the body of potentially harmful toxins.
Heated rock and infrared saunas are used to provide therapeutic treatment for a variety of ailments. The main difference between the two types of sauna lies in how they function and the type of heat they produce as a result. Which is better for you depends on your preferences, existing medical conditions and needs.
Infrared Sauna Function
Infrared saunas function using an infrared light to heat your body directly. The air in the room is heated only as a side effect of these lights and often doesn't feel as warm as when you're under the infrared light. It takes about 20 minutes for the emitters to heat up, and then you sit in front of these emitters to heat your body. After about 30 minutes, you typically begin sweating enough for the sauna to be beneficial. In most infrared saunas, you can adjust your position so that the part of the body needing heat therapy is directed at the emitters.
Heated Rock Sauna Function
In a rock sauna, a heated environment is produced using a heater that warms rocks, over which water is poured to create steam. According to PDC Spa and Pool World, this type of sauna takes about 45 minutes to warm to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. After entering, you stay for about 20 minutes for your body to sweat and then leave for about 10 minutes. Typically a full treatment requires repeating this process two or three times. You also can benefit from only one 20-minute session. The temperature of the air is adjusted by adding water to the rocks. This creates a moist heat that feels hotter to your body. You can also use scented oils in the water with some rock saunas to experience an aromatherapy treatment.
Temperature
Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature than rock saunas. A standard rock sauna operates at temperatures between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Saunas del Sur, whereas an infrared sauna operates at between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher heat of a rock sauna may be dangerous for people with respiratory or heart issues, limiting the amount of time they can use a rock sauna or preventing usage entirely. In an infrared sauna, the lower temperatures mean the air is not as heavy, making it easier to breathe, so that more time can be spent in the sauna. However, the temperature in a rock sauna is easily controlled by adding water to the rocks or moving to a higher or lower bench. This cannot be done in an infrared sauna. Hot Rocks Saunas Distributors, Inc. lists relative humidity levels in a hot rock sauna between 10 and 30 percent. Infrared saunas are typically dry saunas, meaning the relative humidity is considerably lower.
Health Benefits
Rock saunas and infrared saunas offer similar health benefits when used properly. The main difference is in how the heat is delivered, and depending on your physical condition, this may make one a better choice than the other. Both types produce a deep-enough sweat to cleanse your body of toxins and help relieve sore muscles. Rock and infrared saunas are both recommended for arthritis sufferers. Sinus pain sufferers may prefer a rock sauna, because the moist air prevents drying of sinus membranes, which can occur in an infrared sauna. However, asthma sufferers may find the moist air difficult to breathe and prefer the lighter environment of an infrared sauna.
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