Infrared cabins or infrared heat cabins are becoming increasingly popular and can be quickly and space-efficiently integrated into a bathroom. In infrared cabins, the air is not heated as it is in saunas or steam baths; instead, the body is warmed directly by infrared heaters.
Heat treatments as a health measure are not a modern invention; they have existed since time immemorial. Hippocrates already knew:
“What cannot be cured by medicine must be treated with surgery. What cannot be treated with surgery must be cured with heat. Those who cannot be cured with heat cannot be helped”.
Find out how infrared cabins work and how to use them correctly in the following article.
What are infrared cabins?
Unlike a sauna or a steam bath, infrared cabins are usually designed for just one or two people. The cabins are typically made of wood and house the infrared heaters inside.
Infrared heaters work by gently warming the skin. For this, it is best to direct heat at an area of the skin, such as the back. The body's core temperature rises slowly and steadily, preventing overheating. The heat spreads from the inside out through the body's outer layers and reaches the muscles, connective and fatty tissues, bones, and joints. This is known as deep heat.
The increase in temperature stimulates blood circulation as well as the metabolism in the tissues. Additional sweating promotes so-called detoxification, similar to cleansing the body of toxins.
This treatment is recommended for people who suffer from metabolic disorders or problems with oxygen uptake. Infrared heat radiation may also help with chronic pain, for example in the back, joints, or muscles. Infrared heat can also help improve the overall appearance of the skin and may be beneficial for conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. Athletes use infrared heat to warm up before exercise, recover afterward, and help with sports injuries.
What are infrared rays?
“Infrared” refers to invisible heat rays. These lie below visible light and above UV rays. The term “infra” comes from Latin and means “below.” Infrared radiation transports heat only and is considered very soothing.
This soothing effect occurs in the infrared A, infrared B, and infrared C ranges.
Infrared A
Short-wave infrared A radiation, approved for use in infrared cabins, with a wavelength of 780-1400 nm
Infrared B
Medium-wave infrared B radiation with a wavelength of 1400-3000 nm
Infrared C
Long-wave infrared C radiation with a wavelength above 3000 nm
With a penetration depth of only about 0.1 mm, infrared C radiation is absorbed directly by the outer layer of the skin, providing only surface warmth and no deep-heat effect. Infrared B radiation penetrates about 0.5 mm, reaching the dermis, but this still cannot be considered deep heat. Only infrared A radiation penetrates about 4-5 mm into the subcutaneous tissue, where it produces a deep-heating effect.
How should you use an infrared cabin correctly?
People respond to heat in different ways. Your own comfort should always come first and be taken into account. The following guidelines can help you determine the right way to use an infrared cabin for you.
When preparing for heat treatment in an infrared cabin, make sure to:
-
Remove metal items: If you wear jewelry, watches, or piercings, take them off before entering the infrared cabin, as metal heats up much faster than the body and could cause burns in the worst case.
-
Drink water: Drink at least one glass of water before using the infrared cabin. This stimulates your circulation and prevents dehydration. However, do not drink during the treatment, as this would counteract the detoxifying effect.
- Undress: Since the heat is absorbed through your skin, not the air, you should be naked in the infrared cabin. Swimwear is also unnecessary and can hinder the deep-heating effect.
-
Do not use creams: Your skin should be free of creams and other products during the heat treatment. The treatment should begin with clean, dry skin.
During treatment in the infrared cabin, pay attention to:
- Your comfort temperature: This is individual and should be determined by trying different settings. For most people, a comfortable temperature is between 28 and 37 °C. Start at the lowest temperature and increase it until you feel comfortable. Infrared heaters usually reach full power just a few seconds after being switched on, so there is no need for a long warm-up period.
-
Hygiene: Once inside the cabin, settle into your chosen position. Lay down a towel, as sweat should not get onto the wood. Whether you lie down or sit is up to your personal preference.
-
Duration: The treatment should last no longer than 40 minutes and at least 20 minutes. This also depends on your comfort level.
-
Heat: The heat should feel soothing and should never burn or tingle. After a few sessions, you will notice that your body has become accustomed to certain temperatures. You can then gradually increase the temperature if it feels comfortable.
-
Rest period: Allow a few minutes to rest after the heat treatment. Unlike after a sauna session, your body should not be exposed to cold. Then take a lukewarm shower.
- Drinking afterward: Drink a glass of water after the heat treatment to replace lost fluids.
For additional soothing effects, different types of colored lighting in the infrared cabin can be used. Essential oils in a special fragrance dispenser can also create a unique scent experience for body and mind. You can dilute the oil with water and pour it into a suitable fragrance bowl, such as a sauna aroma pot, and hang it in the cabin. Alternatively, you can use an aroma diffuser, which spreads the scent evenly throughout the cabin.
Conclusion
Heat treatment in an infrared cabin can be a wonderful, gentle way to support the body's functions as a whole and improve well-being. Deep heat detoxifies the body, can stimulate metabolism and circulation, relax muscles, help with joint pain, and even promote healthier skin and better respiratory function.
However, if you suffer from chronic conditions, consult your doctor before using or purchasing an infrared cabin.
Targeted treatment of specific ailments should be carried out regularly. Daily sessions are recommended for detoxification and muscle and joint relaxation. To improve the appearance of the skin, breathing, and metabolism, use the infrared cabin every two days.
And for those who enjoy sweating in their own sauna but do not want to miss out on heat treatment from infrared heaters:
Infrared heaters can be installed in a sauna, either as ceiling-mounted heaters for a relaxed reclining position or as an infrared seat, and controlled via the sauna control panel. For evenly distributed, pleasant warmth in the sauna, a base temperature can also be set on the sauna heater.