Sweat Fair: Infrared saunas are suddenly everywhere, but what are they good for?

From Turkish baths to Mexican sweat lodges, sweating for recreation and health is certainly nothing new. But lately, saunas have spread from Finnish forests and millionaire mansions to the shopping streets of Australia.

Dozens of companies, including multi-branch brands like City Cave, which “aims to hit 100 spas this year,” and Recovery Lab, with seven branches in eastern states, is offering Australians the chance to sweat in infrared saunas, billed as a high- tech from the ancient practice of wellness.

< p class="dcr-18sg7f2">Beyond the pleasures of relaxation and relaxation, saunas in general are sought after for purported health benefits. health such as muscle recovery, pain relief, heart health, anti-aging and "detox".

While a traditional sauna works in heating the air, infrared saunas raise the body temperature from within by penetrating the skin. you can sweat without the surrounding air being as hot, which many people find more comfortable. Compared to traditional saunas, the infrared variety is also much cheaper: to buy (about a third of the cost), to install (as they often don't require professional assembly) and to operate (about a third to a half cost).

There is a lot of data supporting some of the benefits of sweating in a standard sauna. They are certainly effective for relaxation, which has a host of positive health results in itself. Other standard sauna claims have varying levels of research support. The heart health benefits of traditional sauna baths, for example, are widely attributed to improved blood circulation.

There isn't as much research on the s...