Simply put, it is a form of energy that heats objects without having to heat the air in between. This invisible band of light that can be felt in the form of heat principally comes from the sun. Human bodies naturally send and receive far infrared waves from each other. This is the same principle behind the centuries-old therapeutic properties of palm healing.
The infrared heat in Komeda's Infrared Thermal System is the same as the beneficial heat emitted by the sun and that which is naturally produced by our bodies to keep us warm. As opposed to near infrared energy (6.0 to 8.0 microns short wavelength) that heats substances from the surface to the interior, far infrared energy (8.0 to 15.0 microns long wave) penetrates uniformly and up to 1.5 inches into the body. This accounts for the therapeutic advantages of infrared thermal systems over conventional saunas that employ hot air.
Not All Thermal Systems Are Created Equal
| CONVENTIONNELS SAUNAS | FAR INFRARED THERMAL SYSTEM |
| Induces sweat; surface perspiration | Induces up to 2 to 3 times more sweat; deep perspiration |
| Steam therapy | Deep heat therapy |
| Expels excess water | Burns calories |
| Relieves surface pain | Deep pain relief |
| Detoxification | Deep detoxification |
| Muscle relaxation | Deep muscle relaxation |
| Weight loss | Quicker weight loss |
| Reduces tension & stress | Reduces tension & stress |
| Not applicable | Reduces cellulite |
| Not applicable | Increases resistance to sickness |
| Electric stove or traditional lava rock heater as heat source | Patented far infrared ray heater as heat source |
| Roches de lave traditionnelles comme source de chaleur | Breveté comme source de chaleur |
| Transmits hot air | Transmits far infrared rays |
| Operates on a hot air temperature | Operates on a cool air temperature |
| Of 180 degrees to 235 degrees F | Of 110 degrees to 130 degrees F |
| Extreme dry heat; difficulty in breathing | Comfortable heat; ease of breathing |
| Allows short period of exposure | Allows extensive exposure |
| Warm-up period of 30 to 90 minutes | Warm up period of 5 minutes at room temperature |
| High power consumption | Low power consumption |
| Permanent fixture | Portable; fits in any room |
| Employs tradesman to install | Easy 20-minute installation |
| Requires plumbing | No plumbing required |
| Safety cage on lava rocks | Heaters come with safety coating |