Infrared Sauna Benefits
When you’re first learning about infrared saunas, the science behind the therapy can be confusing. But understanding the different technologies used to produce near, mid and far infrared wavelengths is the key to getting the therapy (and value) you deserve.
In this post, we’ll explain how mid infrared (MIR) wavelengths are produced and the specific therapeutic benefits they offer. For details about far infrared (FIR), you can read the first post in our wavelength series. And we’ll be back to discuss near infrared (NIR), so stay tuned!
What is Mid Infrared Energy?
Infrared energy is a specific band of energy within the electromagnetic spectrum. Its energy may or may not produce heat, but it does permeate the body, providing a safe means for natural healing. Of course, today we’ve harnessed this healthy energy from the sun for use in infrared saunas.
Most infrared saunas on the market only deliver far infrared wavelengths because it takes multiple heating elements to emit multiple peak wavelengths. After years of R&D, Sunlighten, the maker of the infrared saunas used at ºdegree Wellness, developed a unique technology that can actually provide all three wavelengths in one place. This is possible by combining three heating elements in a patented 3-in-1 heater system.
How is Mid Infrared Used in Saunas?
Sauna heaters must be able to maintain a surface temperature of 250 C in order to produce MIR. We see a lot of sauna companies that claim to deliver mid infrared, but they all use polypropylene material in their heaters. Because polypropylene melts at 250 C, it’s not actually possible for their saunas to provide MIR in the therapeutic range.
To overcome the limits of polypropylene, our manufacturer worked with engineers and scientists to develop a sauna heater made from a DuPont product called Kapton® polyimide, a lightweight film used in space applications. This high-tech material is made to tolerate the high heat required to produce MIR. And because our full-spectrum infrared heaters include three distinct heating elements, the polyimide MIR layer can be heated independently to a higher temperature than the FIR layer.
What are the Health Benefits of Mid Infrared Exposure?
Compared to near infrared wavelengths (which effectively penetrate and heal the skin) and far infrared wavelengths (which reach deep into the body, where toxins are stored), mid infrared wavelengths penetrate the body’s soft tissue where inflammation occurs. MIR helps expand blood vessels and increases circulation so more oxygen can reach injured areas of the body. This reduces pain and speeds the healing process.
Plus, when used in combination with far infrared waves, MIR effectively stimulates the cardiovascular system and raises body temperature. As the body works to cool itself, heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase as they do during exercise. This in turn supports weight loss. The mPulse 3-in-1 sauna system has preset programs that will set the optimal blend of MIR and FIR for these results.
There are a lot of compelling claims being made in the sauna marketplace these days. But the only way to provide the full infrared spectrum at peak wavelengths is through individual heating elements for each. Sunlighten’s patented 3-in-1 infrared saunas have three separate elements with heat sensors to keep all wavelengths at a consistent output based on third-party clinical research. They have a proven 99-percent emissivity rating and low EMF—meaning they’re both effective and safe. We have many advocates who like to share their experiences with the saunas used at ºdegree Wellness.
We hope this provides some valuable insights on the benefits of MIR. Stay tuned next month for our blog on near infrared (NIR).