Infrared cabin
History: Where does the infrared cabin come from?
The American doctor and polymath John Harvey Kellogg is considered the inventor of the infrared cabin. He experimented with various approaches to light therapy. He patented the first heat cabin in 1891 as the Electric Light Bath. He summarized his findings on the effects of heat and light on the human body in his book "Light Therapy", which was published in 1910.
Characteristics: What makes an infrared cabin so special?
A typical infrared sauna is made of wood. It can be designed for one or more people. Some models have reclining surfaces. The desired temperature is reached quickly and usually even without preheating, and you can enjoy the pleasant warmth of the infrared rays, which penetrate deep into the skin. It relieves muscle tension and promotes blood circulation. The temperature in an infrared cabin is 30 to 60 degrees Celsius. In contrast to a sauna, this heat is dry. The humidity is comparable to that in normal living rooms.
Differences: What distinguishes the infrared sauna from comparable saunas?
The infrared cabin differs from traditional saunas in that the heat is softer and penetrates directly into the body. It puts less strain on the circulation, specifically promotes blood flow and relaxes muscles. While Finnish saunas use very hot air, the infrared cabin uses deep heat at lower temperatures of around 40-60 °C. The following table shows the main differences compared to other saunas.
The infrared cabin compared to other saunas
How it works: How does a heat cabin with infrared rays work?
Inside an infrared cabin, infrared radiators are attached to the walls. They constantly emit heat that penetrates deep into the skin. Infrared chambers are usually made of wood or special glass.
The small room heats up quickly, making pre-heating unnecessary. When visiting an infrared sauna for the first time, the lowest temperature should be selected.
You enter the infrared heat chamber showered and with a towel to sit on. The first session should end after 15 minutes. The body is then rinsed off with lukewarm water.
If you tolerate the first infrared sauna session well, you can extend the treatment for up to 30 minutes.
Etiquette: How do you behave in an infrared chamber?
As a rule, you enter the infrared chamber naked and freshly showered. You should have a towel with you to sit on . If you share the cabin with more than one person, you should be quiet.
Indications: How does the infrared cabin work?
The pleasant deep heat of an infrared cabin relaxes muscles and joints. The heat treatment is therefore particularly suitable after sport or as a relaxation session in between. A study led by Frederikus G. J. Oosterveld from 2009 (published in the journal "Clinical Rheumatology") was also able to prove that infrared light can contribute to significant relief of symptoms and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Regular visits to an infrared sauna can also have a positive effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease, as shown in a study led by Richard Beever, which was published in the journal "Canadian Family Physician" in 2009.
In addition, the infrared heat stimulates the metabolism and can help burn calories - up to 600 kcal can be burned in a 30-minute session.
Deep sweating also helps detoxify the body by eliminating harmful substances through the skin.
Positive effects on the skin, such as acne or atopic eczema, as well as a gentle stimulation of the respiratory tract are further proven benefits, as shown in a study by Schauer et al. (2009) in the Medical Journal of Dermatology, which documented the soothing effect of infrared rays on chronic skin diseases in particular.
Contraindications: What side effects does the infrared cabin have?
On your first visit, you should start with the lowest temperature. Then the stay in an infrared sauna is usually free of side effects. If you feel dizzy or unwell, you should leave the cabin immediately.
Conclusion
The most important facts about infrared cabins at a glance
- 1. An infrared cabin is comparable to a sauna at a pleasant temperature.
- 2. Infrared heat is recommended for muscle and joint pain, offers many benefits such as relaxation and, according to studies, can alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic diseases.
- 3. Infrared cabins are also available for use at home.
- 4. The infrared cabin was invented by the American doctor John Harvey Kellogg.
FAQ - Further questions about the infrared cabin
For the first time, you should not exceed 15 minutes. A maximum of 40 minutes is recommended.
For best results, you enter the cabin naked. Comfortable, airy clothing is also possible.
Ideally, you should relax in an infrared sauna two to three times a week.
Yes, a shower afterwards is recommended to remove sweat and pollutants that may have leaked out of the skin through the pores. Showering at a comfortable temperature also helps to gently cool the body down.
An infrared cabin can have a soothing effect on muscle tension, rheumatism, joint complaints and chronic back pain. It can also support the immune system in the early stages of a cold. It also promotes blood circulation and can stimulate the metabolism.
People with acute inflammation, fever, recent injuries or serious cardiovascular disease should avoid the infrared cabin. Caution is also advised in the case of pregnancy or skin diseases - medical consultation is recommended. People with pacemakers should also consult a doctor beforehand.
Two to four treatments per week are recommended, depending on tolerance. With good adaptation and lower temperatures, it can also be used daily. It is important to pay attention to your own physical reaction.
The term "infrared cabin" is the correct and common name for this heat treatment - "infrared sauna" is more of a colloquial term. Both usually mean the same thing: a cabin with infrared heaters for deep heat. The difference is therefore only in the name, not in the function.
Whether you use the infrared cabin in the morning or in the evening depends on the desired effect:
- In the morning: a morning treatment can activate the circulation, loosen the muscles and make it easier to start the day.
- Evening: In the evening, the infrared cabin is particularly good for reducing stress, regenerating muscles and preparing for a restful sleep.