No, Your Infrared Sauna Is Not Microwaving You from the Inside!
We love Infrared saunas, but initially we were a little sceptical on how they worked and if there may be negative implications from the way they induce sweating.
We also often get jokes from customers about literally being microwaved. Although these are generally jokes, it is good to understand the different wavelengths, where infrared light sits and how that compares to a traditional household microwave.
Let's explore why infrared saunas are safe and beneficial, and how they are fundamentally different from microwave ovens.
Understanding Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit light that is absorbed by the skin. This light operates within a specific part of the electromagnetic spectrum, distinct from microwave radiation, and provides a range of health benefits.
Wavelength Differences
Infrared Radiation:
Infrared light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths ranging from 700 nm (near-infrared) to 1 mm (far-infrared).
Near-infrared (NIR): 700 nm to 1,400 nm
Mid-infrared (MIR): 1,400 nm to 3,000 nm
Far-infrared (FIR): 3,000 nm to 1 mm
Microwave Radiation:
Microwaves have much longer wavelengths, ranging from 1 mm to 1 meter.
Common microwave ovens use wavelengths around 12 cm (2.45 GHz frequency).
Primarily absorbed by water molecules, causing them to vibrate and generate heat.
Direct exposure to microwaves can cause tissue damage, burns, and potentially harmful biological effects due to high energy absorption.
Key Differences in Health Outcomes
Infrared Saunas: Promote health benefits such as improved circulation, detoxification, muscle recovery, skin health, and relaxation through gentle heating and deeper tissue penetration without causing harm.
Microwaves: Mainly used for cooking, can be dangerous for direct human exposure due to their ability to cause rapid heating of water molecules, leading to burns and potential tissue damage.
In summary, infrared saunas and microwaves operate on vastly different wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to distinct mechanisms of heating and health outcomes. Infrared saunas provide therapeutic benefits through controlled, gentle heating, while microwaves are primarily used for heating food and can be harmful if used improperly for direct human exposure. Understanding these differences is crucial for feeling comfortable and secure in your sauna and letting yourself enjoy your sweat!
So, rest assured, your infrared sauna is not "microwaving you from the inside." Instead, it offers a safe and effective way to improve your health and well-being.