Exploring the Different Types of Saunas: Traditional, Infrared, and Steam
For millennia, people from various cultures have harnessed the therapeutic power of saunas for their physical and mental health. In addition to their relaxing effects, saunas are a powerful tool for your wellness routine!
Whether you’re looking for a restorative escape from the demands of daily life or a targeted wellness solution, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to select the perfect sauna experience tailored to your needs.
Traditional Saunas
A timeless choice for sauna enthusiasts, there is a reason why these saunas have remained popular to this day. Traditional saunas have deep historical roots, dating back thousands of years, with origins in Northern Europe. These saunas are typically heated with wood, electric stoves, or gas heaters, which warm the air inside to high temperatures. The sauna room itself is often constructed with wood, providing a cosy, rustic ambiance, and the humidity can be adjusted by adding water to heated stones, thus producing steam.
This intense heat helps promote muscle recovery while also reducing pain and stiffness, making them a popular choice for athletes or those with chronic pain. Another unique feature of traditional saunas is how it aids in the elimination of toxins from the body through sweating, which also cleanses the skin.
Dry and Steam Experiences in Traditional Saunas
Many traditional saunas, such as these, support both dry and steam experiences by pouring water on heated rocks. This feature allows users to enjoy the benefits of a steam sauna within a traditional setup. This increased humidity can open up airways and provide relief for individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies. The combination of dry heat and steam provides a versatile and comprehensive sauna experience, making traditional saunas an excellent choice for a variety of wellness needs.
Infrared Sauna
In contrast to the timeless traditional saunas, infrared saunas are a more recent innovation, dating back to the mid-20th century. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use heaters that emit infrared rays, directly warming your body rather than the surrounding air. This means that infrared saunas operate at a lower room temperature, typically ranging from 120°F to 150°F (49°C to 66°C). These saunas are constructed from materials like wood, carbon, and ceramic, which effectively emit infrared heat.
While traditional saunas offer a more intense, enveloping heat, which many find relaxing and detoxifying. Infrared saunas provide a gentler heat, making them suitable for those who might struggle with higher temperatures. The only drawback of this method is that when it comes to achieving your desired results, an infrared sauna may require longer sessions when compared to traditional or steam saunas due to their lower temperatures.
The choice between infrared and traditional saunas ultimately depends on your personal preferences and health goals. If you prioritise a milder heat therapy session, an infrared sauna may be the better fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an authentic, centuries-old sauna experience with higher temperatures and the option of steam, a traditional sauna might be your ideal choice.
Steam Sauna
Often referred to as steam rooms, steam saunas have a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and ancient Greek bathing traditions. Characterised by high humidity, steam saunas can invigorate and benefit the skin. They produce steam through a generator that releases moisture into the room, creating a humid environment.
The main benefit of a steam saunas lies in their potential to soothe respiratory conditions and clear congestion. If you're intrigued by steam saunas, you'll be delighted to know that traditional saunas with heated stones can provide a similar experience. Adding water to the heated stones produces steam, offering the benefits of a traditional sauna along with the respiratory advantages of a steam sauna. This method also avoids the maintenance challenges of steam saunas, such as preventing mould
At Muskoka Sauna Co., we specialise in traditional saunas that can give you the best of both worlds. By simply adding water to the heated stones, you can enjoy the benefits of a steam sauna without the extra maintenance.
What is the Best Type of Sauna For You?
With many options available, choosing the right sauna can be overwhelming. When it comes down to it, traditional saunas offer a classic, time-tested experience that many find deeply relaxing and beneficial. Users of traditional saunas often report reduced stress and increased mental clarity, with the heat helping folks unwind and de-stress after a long day or intense workout.
It's also worth noting that the biggest health benefit of any sauna—whether traditional, infrared, or steam—is its consistent use. The right sauna for you is the one you will use regularly. So, whether you prefer the intense heat of a traditional sauna, the gentle warmth of an infrared sauna, or the high humidity of a steam sauna, finding a sauna that fits your lifestyle and wellness goals is the most important factor.
Experience the Best with Muskoka Sauna Co.
At Muskoka Sauna Co., we offer a wide range of premium cedar saunas tailored to meet your unique needs. Our traditional cedar saunas, including cedar barrel saunas and outdoor cedar saunas, provide a classic experience with modern conveniences. With options like the 6 person Barrel Sauna and the Hudson Pure Cube Sauna, you can find the perfect sauna for your home or outdoor space.
Ready to elevate your wellness routine? Contact us today to learn more about our saunas and how you can incorporate them into your daily life for a healthier, more vibrant you.