Debunking 5 Common Infrared Misconceptions

You’ve heard the buzz about infrared saunas. Maybe you’re curious. Maybe you’re skeptical. Maybe you’re looking to buy one and are frustrated with all the conflicting reports and claims. Either way, there’s a lot of confusing information floating around out there.

Time to set the record straight. Who are we? We’re the Sauna Myth Busters! Not really, but we ARE one of the longest running sauna companies in the country, and we have the most expertise with the medical and health degrees and certifications to back that up.

Once you separate the myths from the facts, the health benefits become undeniable. For those ready to experience this firsthand, you can shop infrared saunas engineered for maximum detoxification and safety.

Myth #1: “Full Spectrum Saunas Are Better Because They Have More Types of Infrared”

This one sounds logical, right? Some folks even make specific claims for benefits based on mixtures of different wavelengths during a session. More wavelengths must mean more benefits, right?

Well, not really.

Here’s the truth: near infrared in a sauna can actually harm you. Studies show high intensity, and long-term exposure, like that in a sauna, is harmful. It damages your eyes, speeds up skin aging. Some research even links it to increased cancer risk because it alters your body’s genetic protection mechanisms.

But what about the near infrared treatments that everyone is raving about? Yes, near infrared therapies do exist- they require specialized devices and with a specific wavelength and power density. They are used in a manner very different from a sauna, and need to be administered with trained practitioners for very small doses.
Meanwhile, far infrared? That’s where all the proven health benefits come from. Every single peer-reviewed study on sauna therapy uses far infrared. Not near. Not mid. Just far infrared.

Companies selling “full spectrum” saunas? They’re banking on the idea that more sounds better. But when the amount of near infrared you get in a sauna is risky, and you already get the full range of benefits from far infrared, why would you want both?

Think of it this way. You wouldn’t eat a sandwich that’s half nutritious food and half poison just because it has “more variety.” Sure, that sounds extreme. But why take the chance? Marketing teams at companies are taking advantage of a less researched side of the technology. They may not know it could be dangerous, or not understand how to distinguish the studies, but they’re betting that you don’t know either.

Myth #2: “Infrared Saunas Don’t Really Burn Calories”

People love to argue about this one. Some claim you can burn 300-600 calories in a session. Others say that’s nonsense.

Here’s what we actually know.

A 2017 study measured young men in saunas. They burned 73-131 calories per 10-minute session. That’s real data, not marketing hype. Bigger people burned more calories. Makes sense.

But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about the calories you burn sitting there. Regular sauna use changes how your body handles calories all day long. It improves your metabolism. Helps you build muscle even without exercise. The fitness benefits go way beyond what happens during those 30 minutes.

Athlete resting in a High Tech Health infrared sauna

Your body has to work to cool itself down. Your heart rate goes up. Blood pumps faster. All that takes energy.

Is it the same as running a marathon? No. But it’s definitely not nothing.

Myth #3: “EMF Levels in Saunas Don’t Matter”

This myth drives me crazy.

Most companies only talk about magnetic fields when they mention EMF. They completely ignore electric fields. Why? Because their saunas have sky-high electric field levels and they hope you won’t notice.

EMFs aren’t some conspiracy theory. Studies link them to inflammation. Heart damage. Cellular problems. You’re sitting in a small wooden box surrounded by heaters – if those heaters aren’t designed right, you’re basically marinating in electromagnetic radiation.

High Tech Health’s saunas use patented technology that reduces both magnetic AND electric fields. There’s even a third-party EMF report to prove it.

You wouldn’t use a microwave with the door open. Why sit in a sauna blasting you with EMFs?

Myth #4: “You Need Super High Heat to Get Results”

Traditional saunas crank up to 200°F. People think if it’s not scorching, it’s not working.

Kind of backwards, actually.

Infrared saunas work at 120-150°F. They heat your body directly instead of just heating the air. You sweat more at lower temperatures. More sweat means better detoxification. Plus, you can actually stay in longer without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

Higher temperatures don’t equal better results. That’s like saying louder music sounds better. Sometimes, but usually it just gives you a headache. Some people still insist on the macho idea that they can’t feel anything unless their sauna is close to 200°F. More power to them, but we prefer comfort over inferno.

The lower temperature makes infrared saunas safer too. Less risk of dehydration. Less stress on your heart. Old people can use them. People with health conditions can use them. A 200 degree sauna could simply be dangerous for some people.

Studies on cardiovascular benefits used these lower temperatures. They still saw huge improvements in heart health. Blood vessel function improved by 50% after just two weeks.

Myth #5: “Saunas Are Just Fancy Relaxation Tools”

Sure, saunas help you relax. But calling them just relaxation tools? That’s like calling your car just a radio holder.

The research is mind-blowing. Regular sauna use cuts dementia risk by 66%. It reverses heart disease. Balances hormones. Speeds muscle recovery. Improves insulin sensitivity for diabetics.

One study found sauna therapy worked as well as moderate exercise for cardiovascular conditioning. Another showed it actually helps build muscle. Without lifting a single weight.

This isn’t woo-woo wellness stuff. This is hard science. Peer-reviewed studies. Real medical benefits. Check out our other articles and blogs.

Your body produces heat shock proteins in the sauna. These little guys repair damaged cells. They protect against future damage. They’re like a tune-up for your entire system.

Toxins stored in your fat cells for years? They come out in your sweat. We’re talking heavy metals, plastics, chemicals you didn’t even know were in there.

The Bottom Line

Infrared saunas aren’t magic boxes. They’re not going to solve all your problems overnight.

But they’re also not just expensive sweat lodges.

The science is clear. Far infrared therapy works. It’s safe when done right. The benefits are real and measurable.

Just make sure you’re getting accurate information. Question the myths. Look for actual research. And whatever you do, avoid those near infrared wavelengths.

Your health is too important for marketing gimmicks.