A properly functioning circulatory system allows every inch of your body to get the oxygen and nutrients needed to function at its best. While many people rely on a healthy lifestyle to keep their circulation in check, some look to other natural methods to boost their circulatory health. One of the most popular methods is sauna bathing, however, there are various types of saunas. Two that have been gaining heightened attention for their circulatory benefits are steam and far-infrared saunas. But which one is better?
Explore how each of these sauna types affects your circulation and how they compare against each other, with our team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS in this article!
How Far Infrared Saunas Work
Unlike traditional saunas that rely on heated air, far-infrared saunas use infrared wavelengths to directly warm the body from within. This unique form of heat activates the body’s thermoregulatory response, which stimulates better circulation in a manner distinct from steam saunas.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Help Circulation?
- Enhanced Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Regulation: Far infrared saunas, in general, mimic the effects of moderate cardiovascular exercise by elevating your heart rate. Anecdotal evidence suggests they can increase heart rates to 100 – 150 beats per minute, which is equivalent to that achieved by a moderately paced walk. This safely promotes better circulation without physical exertion.
At the same time, studies have found that infrared sauna bathing can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This decreases cardiovascular risk factors and provides an ideal treatment for those suffering from hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
- Enhanced Microcirculation: The heat from infrared wavelengths stimulates the dilation of even microvessels, allowing better blood flow and optimal distribution of oxygen and nutrients to all corners of the body. This is one of the far infrared sauna features that provides excellent benefits for wound healing and skin enhancements.
- Improved Endothelial Function: Infrared heat has been linked to the improved function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. When this lining is healthy, it allows the blood vessels to contract and expand effectively, reducing the chances of blood vessel stiffness and blockages.
How Do Steam Saunas Work?
Steam saunas use heated water vapour to create a humid, warm environment that raises your body temperature. The high humidity levels and temperatures, which often reach 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, warm the surface of the skin, promoting intense sweating and a temporary increase in circulation. However, given that steam saunas heat the body from the outside, their circulatory effects are less targeted than those of infrared saunas.
Circulatory Benefits of Steam Saunas
- Increased Surface Blood Flow: In a steam sauna, you’ll often notice your skin appears flushed. This is because the heat from the steam dilates the capillaries and increases blood flow to your skin. This increase in surface-level circulation can help relax muscles near the skin and relieve tension.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Response: As the body cools itself in steam saunas, the heart works harder to pump blood to the skin’s surface, where the heat can escape. This elevation in heart rate improves blood circulation throughout the whole body.
A Comparison of the Circulatory Benefits of Steam and Infrared Saunas
The primary distinction between the circulatory effects these two sauna types provide ultimately lies in how each type of heat they produce penetrates the body.
The heat in far-infrared saunas reaches deeper layers of skin, allowing it to heat and stimulate better blood flow in tissues, muscles, and microvessels. On the other hand, the primary circulatory benefit of steam saunas is at a surface level. While they do temporarily increase heart rate and overall blood flow as well, the effects don’t reach the same vascular depth.
Additionally, due to the deeper heat infrared saunas produce, the body experiences longer-lasting vasodilation and oxygen delivery. With regular use, these benefits accumulate into more consistent circulatory benefits.
For healthy individuals looking to supplement their usual routines with a natural treatment that can also boost their circulatory health, steam saunas provide a great option. Aside from improved circulation, it can also provide respiratory and skin benefits as well as muscle and joint relief.
If you’re looking for a more gentle treatment or if you have conditions such as hypertension and vascular inflammation, infrared saunas would be the ideal option. Their lower temperatures and low humidity are easier to tolerate, and they offer a more targeted approach towards improving your circulation.
Key Takeaways
Ultimately, choosing between steam saunas and far infrared saunas for circulatory benefits depends on your personal preferences and health needs. To find the best option, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider – they’ll be able to help you determine which sauna type is the most suitable to your current health condition and goals.
If you choose infrared saunas, we at Sun Stream can help. We offer high-quality at-home infrared saunas that offer the same powerful circulatory benefits as those in clinics and wellness centres. Explore our product range today or contact us for more questions or inquiries.