Recently, much light has been shed on the topics of red light therapy and infrared waves or light. They are used in a plethora of ways to help people improve their health and well-being. If you have considered these two therapies and are weighing the choice of “red light therapy vs. infrared sauna,” this article will help you decide which is best for you.
You will learn that you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. You can experience both in Jacuzzi® products — such as Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas, which also have red light. As you read on, you can explore your options when it comes to red light therapy and infrared saunas. Ultimately, by the time you finish reading this quick article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to decide which therapy will best suit your needs and enhance your experience.
Article highlights:
-Definition of infrared sauna and red light therapy, and how they are used
-Red light therapy vs. infrared sauna—why choose when you can have both?
-Highlights of a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna
-Tips on enjoying your Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna
-Why visiting a sauna dealer can help you make the best decision for your needs
What is infrared, and what does it do?
According to NASA, “Infrared waves, or infrared light, are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. People encounter Infrared waves every day; the human eye cannot see it, but humans can detect it as heat.
A remote control uses light waves just beyond the visible spectrum of light—infrared light waves—to change channels on your TV. This region of the spectrum is divided into near-, mid-, and far-infrared.”
Furthermore, an article on News-Medical.net reports that infrared light is used to manage acute or chronic pain through specific wavelengths of light delivered to injured areas of the body. The article states: “Unlike ultraviolet light - which has damaging effects upon the tissues and cells of the body - infrared light helps cells regenerate or repair themselves. Infrared light also improves the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body, promoting faster healing of deep tissues and relieving pain.”
Further explaining infrared, the article states that infrared light is the heat people feel through sun exposure, and our skin radiates infrared every day.
The article states: “Infrared light has shown immense health benefits, from pain relief to reducing inflammation.” Because infrared light can penetrate deep below the skin’s surface, it can provide great depth and ultimately provide pain relief, according to the article.
Another way to think about infrared is that it is a technology that allows people to harness the benefits of the sun without exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. Infrared can be found in several devices and products, as well as in beauty and wellness treatments, including saunas.
What is an infrared sauna?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to make heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna. ‘Far’ describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A regular sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you.”
Why is infrared used in a sauna?
The same Mayo Clinic article states that there is some proof that infrared saunas may help in the treatment of certain long-lasting health problems. It states, “Conditions studied include high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. But larger and more exact studies are needed to prove these results.”
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is similar to infrared in that it implements wavelengths of light, which are the same as those emitted by the sun, to stimulate cell function; however, it doesn’t use heat. According to an article on Verywellhealth.com, “Red light therapy uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to treat medical and cosmetic conditions. Some people use it to reduce wrinkles, scars, and acne. A red light therapy device sends low-intensity red and near-infrared light deep into the body’s cells to promote healing.”
You might prefer infrared therapy with heat, or you might opt for red light therapy without heat. However, some therapies combine the two. Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas are the perfect example of a wellness product that features both. Select Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs also combine Infrared and Red Light Therapy in a wet application during hydrotherapy.
What is a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna?
Jacuzzi® one-, two-, and three-person infrared Saunas provide the ultimate warming environment in which to relax while enjoying infrared heat and red light therapy. Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas are built to be comforting, relaxing, and restorative while providing you with the benefits of infrared and red light.
When you enjoy a session in a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, you can sit back in a warm environment while experiencing relaxation. An ideal time to enjoy infrared and red light in your Jacuzzi® Sauna is after physical activity. A sauna session with infrared and red light can help release muscle tension. Any time the mood strikes, you can count on your Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna to help enhance your mood and well-being.
Here’s what you can expect when you purchase a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna:
Red Light Therapy: Jacuzzi® Saunas include high-intensity red light therapy, allowing you to absorb the benefits of light therapy in every session.
Therapeutic Far Infrared Heaters: A combination of mica/carbon low EMF heaters surround you in soothing infrared heat.
Full Spectrum Heaters: Powerful full-spectrum heaters deliver near-, mid-, and far-infrared heat to enhance the benefits of your sauna session.
Built-in Ergonomic Backrest: Designed for comfort, you can relax close to the soothing infrared against the built-in ergonomic backrest.
Vibrational Resonance Therapy (VRT): A standard feature of Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas, VRT can complement your Infrared and Red Light therapy session with sound and vibration.
Enhanced Audio: Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas feature Bluetooth and AUX (an audio cable that allows you to connect your smartphone and other devices) inputs that help you easily connect and listen to or charge your devices, and a subwoofer that provides a fully immersive experience.
Ultimately, red light therapy and infrared sauna both have excellent benefits. It comes down to preference, how you intend to use these treatments, and what you hope to achieve with either. Or, you can choose to enjoy both with a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, which also features Red Light therapy. With this choice, you can soak up the benefits of both in one enjoyable sauna session.
Tips for enjoying your sauna session
If you are enjoying a sauna session with a significant other or friends, bring your smart device so you can put on some music to enhance the experience.
Suppose you are enjoying a solo sauna session. This is a great time to listen to your favorite podcast or catch up on an audiobook.
Drink plenty of water and bring some into the sauna with you to enjoy as you relax. Staying hydrating before and after your session is also key to helping you feel your best.
Bring some towels to sit on for extra comfort, and towel yourself off during and after your session.
Shower or bathe before your session to help increase perspiration, as bathing opens your pores.
Don’t apply lotions or oils to your body before your sauna session. These can decrease perspiration by blocking pores. Apply them after your session.
Massage any sore or tight places on your body before beginning your session. This may lead to further pain relief, faster healing, and greater effectiveness.
If you’d like, open the roof vent, the door, or both to allow fresh air into your sauna.
After your session, enjoy a sensible meal with fruits and leafy greens to help replenish any minerals that may have been lost to perspiration. Plus, drink plenty more water.
If you’re new to sauna use, start with short sessions and then gradually increase the time of your sessions. As you become more conditioned to the heat, your body may acclimate to lengthier sessions. However, never exceed the maximum session time in your sauna manual, and consult with a doctor before starting any new health program.
Enjoy your sauna time and again for unparalleled enjoyment and relaxation.
Once you’ve concluded that rather than choosing “red light therapy vs. infrared sauna,” you can experience the best of both in a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, visiting your authorized sauna dealer is your next step. When you explore a spa store that sells Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas, you can learn more about the specific models and the features each offers. You can also learn more about how your Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna will be delivered and installed. And soon, you will be enjoying the perks of red light and infrared in the comfort of your own home.
Affiliations: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.