Of course they do. Unfortunately, infrared dealers love to tell everyone that they don’t. They tell you that an infrared room raises your core temperature 3 degrees, and that you derive many health benefits from that. Then they say, “Can’t do that in a hot, uncomfortable traditional sauna!” Gimme a break.
Before you watch the video, let me say that I rarely think about the health benefits when I’m in the sauna. I just do it because it feels great. Now, if you are into the health benefits, traditional saunas are just as good, if not better, than infrared rooms. Mainly because you get both the heat benefits and the surge of negative ions. But…that’s another post. Enjoy!
Stephen Colmant says
June 29, 2011 at 5:33 pmNice post Clint! I am glad you are dispelling the myths out there that are based on marketing, not science. I have never come accross any research that compared the health benefits of infrared versus wood/electric/gas heat.
BTW, I think the best way to get core body temperature is to take it rectally, but if you do, please don’t do it on camera.
Glenn says
June 30, 2011 at 3:16 pmInfrared is not a sauna. Infrared is fueled by light bulbs and sold by guys that used to sell mops and knives at state fairs. They have taken real benefits of a Finnish sauna and packaged them up to try to sell their high margin light bulb closets. http://www.saunatimes.com/building-a-sauna/infrared/
Tauno says
March 20, 2015 at 9:12 pmUh let’s think what we are claiming here. So you are saying that a traditional sauna raises your core temperature? Really, your core? Knowing that your organs need a very specific temperature to operate in, and knowing that even 39C fever will make you feel ill. So then what would be the difference between having a 39C fever and being in a sauna “until your core raises to 39C”?
Glenn says
March 31, 2015 at 2:33 pmTauno: I think one of the differences is that between sauna rounds you can have a beer and chill out with a smile on your face. When you have the flu and a fever, you can barely handle sips of hot water with lemon and honey.
Toro says
December 1, 2017 at 5:54 pmTauno, the rest of your body’s immune system response also makes you feel ill. The immune response is missing from the sauna
Judy Berneske says
July 1, 2018 at 8:36 pmI’m using the traditional sauna at the gym. They usually keep the temperature around 170 degrees Fahrenheit. I like the idea of raising my core body temperature for health reasons. How long can I safely stay in there? I’d love to find a chart of how it affects your temperature… if one even exists! 🙂
Glenn says
July 4, 2018 at 1:24 pmHi Judy: How long can one safely stay in a sauna? It is entirely up to the individual. And this is a great thing. Instead of focusing on a sauna timer or a Fit Bit or a watch, we focus on ourselves. In that moment. When is the best time to leave the hot room? Here is the best answer i’ve ever heard. Enjoy, Judy!