We summarised the most frequently asked questions and invited a recognised specialist in the field of radiation interaction with the material. Professor and doctor of engineering, Mr L. A. Skvortsov provides the answers.
Infrared emission discovery
In 1800 the English astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered the infrared ray energy in the long wave range, which lies beyond the visible light range and which feels like heat. In this range the light can't be seen by the naked eye. Herschel decided to study the heating effect of the sun. To make the sunlight visible he passed it through the prism. In the spectrum received he moved the glass thermometer from one colour to another in order to take the heating characteristics of each colour. He concluded that the heating effect increases from the blue colour to the red. Accidentally he found out that straight after the red colour of the visible spectrum part the heating effect increases. This observation lead to the discovery of the field of the infrared emission in the electromagnetic spectrum.
What is infrared emission?
Ultraviolet range (electromagnetic waves 0.01-0.38 µm long) is proceeded directly by the visible light (0.38-0.78 µm) and in the end by the infrared (0.78-1000 µm). Unlike the first two ranges, the infrared has the longer waves. Infrared emission consists of the electromagnetic waves emitted by atoms. In the infrared spectrum when the rays reach the surfaces of objects, they transform the transmitted energy into heat.
Most of the infrared emission is invisible. The shorter is the wave, the bigger is the energy emitted. According to the DIN5031 system, there are three spectrums: A (0.78-1.4 µm), B (1.4-3.0 µm) and C (3.0-1000 µm). This means that spectrum A has the strongest emission of energy, whereas spectrum C is the weakest one. The length of the emission wave indicates the way of emission and the form of energy. On the contrary, the intensity of emission indicates the overall quantity of energy over the time period. Generally, each object with temperature higher than the absolute zero (0°K = -273°C) emits the electromagnetic waves. The vibration of atoms in objects is proportional to the temperature of objects.
Infrared emission in nature
Infrared emission is the nature's only way of the heat transmission. The Sun is a good example as it produces the incredibly large quantity of energy through the nuclear reaction. The Sun emits this energy in different ranges of wave length. Solar spectrum includes, among others, the ultraviolet rays, the visible light and the infrared rays. The rays reach the surface of the Earth in 8 minutes at a speed of 1 080 000 000 kilometers per hour. During the day the surface of the Earth is warmed up by the infrared heat, which depends on the angle of incidence, which itself depends on the oscillating motion of the Earth's axis (winter/summer). At nights the Earth cools down and loses its warmth in the form of infrared rays. When the infrared rays meet any surface the energy is emitted by it regardless of the air temperature. This explains why some people can sunbathe even in winter and enjoy the pleasant heat at the same time.
Heat transmission modes
According to the first rule of thermodynamics the heat is moving from high to low temperature. The heat transfer is done by thermal conduction, convection or emission. The difference of temperatures is the driving force here.
The modes of the heat transfer such as convection and emission are used in heating up the houses. Contrary to the convection, in case of the infrared heat there's no need in intermediary to transfer the heat. With the infrared heating the warmth is transmitted directly to objects, and subsequently the objects give their heat away to the space around.
Heating by emission
The heating by emission is one of the heating modes, through which the emitted energy warms up objects and people directly. Infrared rays warm up the skin, then the heat is distributed throughout the body through the blood circulation. For this reason you can feel the pleasant heat at relatively low temperatures.
Heating by convection
Convection is the main heating method in heating facilities, as well as in saunas. This means that the surrounding air is heated and circulates. In this case, the higher temperature should be maintained in order to compensate for the loss of heat.
Infrared heating advantages
Infrared heating has clear benefits when compared to the heating by convection. When reaching the skin, the infrared rays turn into heat straight away. As the skin can't take in such a rapid rise of warmth, this stimulates the blood circulation in the skin. Thanks to the optimal blood circulation the heat is absorbed by the body and then transformed into the pervasive warmth that goes through the entire body. The stable air conditions and relatively low air temperature (40-50°C) allows you to sweat without the unpleasant heat pressure. The movement of the air being negligible, the dust doesn't go around.
Sweating is essential
Sweating is a natural process of the human body. It regulates the influence of external heat. This process can be compared to an air conditioning system. Approximately 3 millions of perspiratory glands react on the external heat or a physical strain and by sweating emit water and also toxins and fats. Therefore sweating is essential for our well-being.
Sweating with the help of infrared heat
When reaching the skin, infrared rays deeply heat it and activate the water molecules inside the body. This way the cells revive, the blood circulation improves and consequently the metabolism. Moreover, the cells are better supplied with the oxygen efficiently. The sweating process achieved with this method differs from the sweating in sauna by the volume of sweat and toxins discharged from the body. The depth of the heat pervasion depends on the wave length of the infrared emission.
Infrared radiation
Studies in the field of infrared
Scientists and medics from all around the world study the influence of the infrared heating on the human body. We all know the infrared (red-light) lamp that is being used by medics for many decades. The infrared cabins were first introduced not so long ago, approximately 30 years ago. The tests of infrared cabins in Japan, the USA and Germany provided good results. Pr Dr Meffert and Dr Piazzena from the Humboldt University in Berlin are actively using the infrared emission in their research. The table below is an extract from their research and is an example of the infrared emission in today's world, and states the psychological effects that result from the selection of the heat emission spectrum quality.
Top
Unfortunately the competence of many sellers leaves much to be desired. Therefore let's leave the quality of the information about the infrared ray penetration upon the conscience of the website creators. We will cite an extract from the article «Discussion about the infrared thermal cabins: the basics of thermal emission», written by the respected specialist, professor Eberhard Konrady, who is a Chairman of the German Sauna Union.
So far the physical side of the heat effect or the emission source has been interesting for scientists only in the sense of its influence on skin like on a limited surface penetrated by thermal rays. It is worth to pay attention to the fact that our skin consists of epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and dermis (deep inner layer of the skin), beneath which there is subcutis, a layer of connective tissue. On the average this layer is from 1 to 4 mm thick. In general it is supposed that skin lets through the infrared rays. The process itself follows the rules of reflection, absorption and transmission. This depends on the optical properties of skin and partly on its thickness.
First of all it can be affirmed that when the rays reach the skin a part of energy penetrates inside, but its other part is reflected. The process is called reflection, and it depends on the wave length of rays. By measuring the emission it was found out that approximately 50% of infrared A emission is reflected, whereas the reflection of B and C areas makes up less than 5%. As we see this is the point at which the energy is consumed the most. Therefore the infrared emission in the saunas is received by our skin. After the penetration the heat energy is absorbed by the tissues in different ways. In case of infrared rays this energy when meeting the molecules of other milieu on its way makes them move faster what leads to heating as a result.
The absorption of rays depends on the coefficient of the absorption by the milieu, which is our skin in this particular case. Due to relatively high water concentration in our skin (60-70%), its absorption capacity is rather low. However the absorption increases at the reasonable wave length. Almost efficiently the water absorbs infrared rays at the wave length of 1.6, 2.7 and 6 micrometers. This means that infrared A rays slightly penetrate the epidermis and can reach the subcutis. At the same time the infrared rays of B and C spectrum become heat in the upper skin layer, and after through conduction it goes in deeper layers. Afterwards subcutis transmits the heat further, which finally becomes transported by blood.
The penetration of infrared emission in the A, B and C areas in human body tissues is the percentage of penetrated emission energy (according to Foley and Kruger).
If the absorption is incomplete, then the rays penetrate the milieu (transmission process). Infrared emission is noted for high ability to penetrate and thus it can reach the deep layers of skin up to subcutis, which would be up to 5-8 milimetres. It is reported that the absorption and penetration behave. If some manufacturers of the infrared cabins speak about milimetres this information is most probably wrong, because it means their heaters produce the heat mainly in the A area. Moreover, if the penetration ability is high in the short-wave area, then the absorption ability is low. This explains why the words "deep heating" make sense only for infrared A area. The infrared rays can penetrate deep if 95% of incoming energy is absorbed. As the B and C infrared rays are absorbed already at the upper layers in 0.1-0.5 milimeters approx. then we can consider the very strong heating.
Top
Below we recommend a sequence of activities to go through when preparing for a session in NANOHEAT infrared cabin:
There are some contraindications to the usage of infrared cabins. However this list is much shorter than the list of contradictions for the sauna. You are not recommended to use the infrared cabin in case of:
Thermal procedures aren't recommended when going through a medicamental course of treatment, as well when having alcohol, drugs, or tranquilizers in the blood.Top
NANOHEAT infrared cabins produce electrical interferences within the values set by standards, which is confirmed by the relevant certificates. Therefore they don't influence negatively on household electrical devices. As concerns the infrared cabins of other producers, the information about the interferences produced by those cabins (certificates) should be provided by the sellers.Top
As regards the heating up of jewellery and the risk of burn — there's nothing to be afraid of, as the temperature rise is negligible. However in terms of cleaness and hygiene you have to understand that when sweating much your jewellery will become fade and dirty. Therefore it is recommended to take off the hewellery when taking a thermal treatment in the infrared cabin.Top
Cosmetic masks, as all the make-up on the body, is a screen in a kind, which doesn't allow infrared rays to reach the surface of the skin. This way the effectiveness of a treatment reduces. Therefore we would recommend to remove the make-up before visiting an infrared cabin.Top
- What is better: a sauna or an infrared cabin?
- I don't remember from the course of physical science about the infrared radiation. Could you explain that?
- Many websites on the infrared cabins contain the information that the depth of infrared rays penetration in the human body reaches 4 and more centimeteres. Is this dangerous?
- What is the proper way how one should take the procedure in the infrared cabin?
- There is a lot of information about the miraculous effects of the infrared cabins. But are there any contraindications?
- Does infrared cabin affect the work of other electrical appliences?
- Can I take a session in infrared cabin without taking off my jewellery?
- Can I take treatment in infrared cabin with a cosmetic mask?
What is better: a traditional sauna or an infrared cabin?
There is one good answer on this question — the one that you like more is better. We don't say that the infrared cabin is better than sauna, Russian sauna, hammam or on the contrary that it is worse. It's just that they are different, although they have similar functions — offering a possibility to perspirate plentifully, to output toxins, and to revive and vitalize you. The main distinction between infrared cabins and the convential types of saunas is the way your body is warmed up. In traditional saunas heat is transmitted mainly by convection, i.e. first the intermediate heat carrier (air or steam) is heated, which then warms up the body. In our infrared cabins the ray method of transmitting the warmth is used; the body is directly warmed up by the infrared waves. In this case the air inside the cabin barely heats up. And this is exactly the main point of infrared cabins. Thanks to that, you can handle thermal procedure more easily than the procedure in high-temperature baths. This is also the reason why infrared cabins are also accessible for kids, elderly people, and for people weakened after illnesses. It is interesting that the warmth of the sun is transmitted to the Earth in the same manner. This is why the infrared cabins are often called «Sun Saunas».I don't remember from the course of physical science about the infrared radiation. Could you explain that?
Actually there are many books written about the theory of infrared emission, yet specially for you we prepared a selection, a kind of ABC of infrared, and as well we did some research for you to summarise the ways of infrared usage in infrared cabins.Infrared emission discovery
In 1800 the English astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered the infrared ray energy in the long wave range, which lies beyond the visible light range and which feels like heat. In this range the light can't be seen by the naked eye. Herschel decided to study the heating effect of the sun. To make the sunlight visible he passed it through the prism. In the spectrum received he moved the glass thermometer from one colour to another in order to take the heating characteristics of each colour. He concluded that the heating effect increases from the blue colour to the red. Accidentally he found out that straight after the red colour of the visible spectrum part the heating effect increases. This observation lead to the discovery of the field of the infrared emission in the electromagnetic spectrum.
What is infrared emission?
Ultraviolet range (electromagnetic waves 0.01-0.38 µm long) is proceeded directly by the visible light (0.38-0.78 µm) and in the end by the infrared (0.78-1000 µm). Unlike the first two ranges, the infrared has the longer waves. Infrared emission consists of the electromagnetic waves emitted by atoms. In the infrared spectrum when the rays reach the surfaces of objects, they transform the transmitted energy into heat.
Most of the infrared emission is invisible. The shorter is the wave, the bigger is the energy emitted. According to the DIN5031 system, there are three spectrums: A (0.78-1.4 µm), B (1.4-3.0 µm) and C (3.0-1000 µm). This means that spectrum A has the strongest emission of energy, whereas spectrum C is the weakest one. The length of the emission wave indicates the way of emission and the form of energy. On the contrary, the intensity of emission indicates the overall quantity of energy over the time period. Generally, each object with temperature higher than the absolute zero (0°K = -273°C) emits the electromagnetic waves. The vibration of atoms in objects is proportional to the temperature of objects.
Infrared emission in nature
Infrared emission is the nature's only way of the heat transmission. The Sun is a good example as it produces the incredibly large quantity of energy through the nuclear reaction. The Sun emits this energy in different ranges of wave length. Solar spectrum includes, among others, the ultraviolet rays, the visible light and the infrared rays. The rays reach the surface of the Earth in 8 minutes at a speed of 1 080 000 000 kilometers per hour. During the day the surface of the Earth is warmed up by the infrared heat, which depends on the angle of incidence, which itself depends on the oscillating motion of the Earth's axis (winter/summer). At nights the Earth cools down and loses its warmth in the form of infrared rays. When the infrared rays meet any surface the energy is emitted by it regardless of the air temperature. This explains why some people can sunbathe even in winter and enjoy the pleasant heat at the same time.
Heat transmission modes
According to the first rule of thermodynamics the heat is moving from high to low temperature. The heat transfer is done by thermal conduction, convection or emission. The difference of temperatures is the driving force here.
The modes of the heat transfer such as convection and emission are used in heating up the houses. Contrary to the convection, in case of the infrared heat there's no need in intermediary to transfer the heat. With the infrared heating the warmth is transmitted directly to objects, and subsequently the objects give their heat away to the space around.
Heating by emission
The heating by emission is one of the heating modes, through which the emitted energy warms up objects and people directly. Infrared rays warm up the skin, then the heat is distributed throughout the body through the blood circulation. For this reason you can feel the pleasant heat at relatively low temperatures.
Heating by convection
Convection is the main heating method in heating facilities, as well as in saunas. This means that the surrounding air is heated and circulates. In this case, the higher temperature should be maintained in order to compensate for the loss of heat.
Infrared heating advantages
Infrared heating has clear benefits when compared to the heating by convection. When reaching the skin, the infrared rays turn into heat straight away. As the skin can't take in such a rapid rise of warmth, this stimulates the blood circulation in the skin. Thanks to the optimal blood circulation the heat is absorbed by the body and then transformed into the pervasive warmth that goes through the entire body. The stable air conditions and relatively low air temperature (40-50°C) allows you to sweat without the unpleasant heat pressure. The movement of the air being negligible, the dust doesn't go around.
Sweating is essential
Sweating is a natural process of the human body. It regulates the influence of external heat. This process can be compared to an air conditioning system. Approximately 3 millions of perspiratory glands react on the external heat or a physical strain and by sweating emit water and also toxins and fats. Therefore sweating is essential for our well-being.
Sweating with the help of infrared heat
When reaching the skin, infrared rays deeply heat it and activate the water molecules inside the body. This way the cells revive, the blood circulation improves and consequently the metabolism. Moreover, the cells are better supplied with the oxygen efficiently. The sweating process achieved with this method differs from the sweating in sauna by the volume of sweat and toxins discharged from the body. The depth of the heat pervasion depends on the wave length of the infrared emission.
Infrared radiation
Studies in the field of infrared
Scientists and medics from all around the world study the influence of the infrared heating on the human body. We all know the infrared (red-light) lamp that is being used by medics for many decades. The infrared cabins were first introduced not so long ago, approximately 30 years ago. The tests of infrared cabins in Japan, the USA and Germany provided good results. Pr Dr Meffert and Dr Piazzena from the Humboldt University in Berlin are actively using the infrared emission in their research. The table below is an extract from their research and is an example of the infrared emission in today's world, and states the psychological effects that result from the selection of the heat emission spectrum quality.
Top
Many websites on the infrared cabins contain the information that the depth of infrared rays penetration in the human body reaches four and more centimeters. Isn't it dangerous?
Unfortunately the competence of many sellers leaves much to be desired. Therefore let's leave the quality of the information about the infrared ray penetration upon the conscience of the website creators. We will cite an extract from the article «Discussion about the infrared thermal cabins: the basics of thermal emission», written by the respected specialist, professor Eberhard Konrady, who is a Chairman of the German Sauna Union.
So far the physical side of the heat effect or the emission source has been interesting for scientists only in the sense of its influence on skin like on a limited surface penetrated by thermal rays. It is worth to pay attention to the fact that our skin consists of epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and dermis (deep inner layer of the skin), beneath which there is subcutis, a layer of connective tissue. On the average this layer is from 1 to 4 mm thick. In general it is supposed that skin lets through the infrared rays. The process itself follows the rules of reflection, absorption and transmission. This depends on the optical properties of skin and partly on its thickness.
First of all it can be affirmed that when the rays reach the skin a part of energy penetrates inside, but its other part is reflected. The process is called reflection, and it depends on the wave length of rays. By measuring the emission it was found out that approximately 50% of infrared A emission is reflected, whereas the reflection of B and C areas makes up less than 5%. As we see this is the point at which the energy is consumed the most. Therefore the infrared emission in the saunas is received by our skin. After the penetration the heat energy is absorbed by the tissues in different ways. In case of infrared rays this energy when meeting the molecules of other milieu on its way makes them move faster what leads to heating as a result.
The absorption of rays depends on the coefficient of the absorption by the milieu, which is our skin in this particular case. Due to relatively high water concentration in our skin (60-70%), its absorption capacity is rather low. However the absorption increases at the reasonable wave length. Almost efficiently the water absorbs infrared rays at the wave length of 1.6, 2.7 and 6 micrometers. This means that infrared A rays slightly penetrate the epidermis and can reach the subcutis. At the same time the infrared rays of B and C spectrum become heat in the upper skin layer, and after through conduction it goes in deeper layers. Afterwards subcutis transmits the heat further, which finally becomes transported by blood.
The penetration of infrared emission in the A, B and C areas in human body tissues is the percentage of penetrated emission energy (according to Foley and Kruger).
| Tissue layer IR-A | IR-A 1.0 µm | IR-B 1.4 µm | IR-C 3-6 µm |
| Epidermis | 29% | 56% | 80% |
| Dermis | 48% | 20% | - |
| Subcutis | 17% | 8% | - |
If the absorption is incomplete, then the rays penetrate the milieu (transmission process). Infrared emission is noted for high ability to penetrate and thus it can reach the deep layers of skin up to subcutis, which would be up to 5-8 milimetres. It is reported that the absorption and penetration behave. If some manufacturers of the infrared cabins speak about milimetres this information is most probably wrong, because it means their heaters produce the heat mainly in the A area. Moreover, if the penetration ability is high in the short-wave area, then the absorption ability is low. This explains why the words "deep heating" make sense only for infrared A area. The infrared rays can penetrate deep if 95% of incoming energy is absorbed. As the B and C infrared rays are absorbed already at the upper layers in 0.1-0.5 milimeters approx. then we can consider the very strong heating.
Top
What is the proper way one should prepare for a session in the infrared cabin ?
Below we recommend a sequence of activities to go through when preparing for a session in NANOHEAT infrared cabin:
- Drink a lot of water or other non-alcohol drink without sugar before and after the therapy treatment
- Take a shower
- Dry out
- Enter the cabin, approximately for 20-40 minutes at the temperature approximately 40-50ºС
- Underlay a towel on the seat and on the floor to prevent the wooden coverage of the cabin from sweat.
- Sit or lay and relax
- After the procedure take a warm shower
- Relax 10-15 minutes
There is a lot of information about the miraculous effects of the infrared cabins. But are there any contraindications?
There are some contraindications to the usage of infrared cabins. However this list is much shorter than the list of contradictions for the sauna. You are not recommended to use the infrared cabin in case of:
- high blood pressure of renal type ( in case of other types of hypertensia, the procedures in infrared cabins are justified )
- presence of and predispositon to potential internal hemorrhage
- hemophilia
- systematic lupus erythematosus
- pregnancy
- surgical implants
Thermal procedures aren't recommended when going through a medicamental course of treatment, as well when having alcohol, drugs, or tranquilizers in the blood.Top
Does the infrared cabin affect the work of other electrical appliences?
NANOHEAT infrared cabins produce electrical interferences within the values set by standards, which is confirmed by the relevant certificates. Therefore they don't influence negatively on household electrical devices. As concerns the infrared cabins of other producers, the information about the interferences produced by those cabins (certificates) should be provided by the sellers.Top
Can I take a session in an infrared cabin without taking off my jewellery?
As regards the heating up of jewellery and the risk of burn — there's nothing to be afraid of, as the temperature rise is negligible. However in terms of cleaness and hygiene you have to understand that when sweating much your jewellery will become fade and dirty. Therefore it is recommended to take off the hewellery when taking a thermal treatment in the infrared cabin.Top
Can I take a session in an infrared cabin with a cosmetic mask?
Cosmetic masks, as all the make-up on the body, is a screen in a kind, which doesn't allow infrared rays to reach the surface of the skin. This way the effectiveness of a treatment reduces. Therefore we would recommend to remove the make-up before visiting an infrared cabin.Top
