What is IR?

Infrared Radiation (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. It is invisible to the human eye, but we can feel it as heat. Roughly 50% of the Sun’s energy that reaches Earth arrives in the form of infrared radiation, making it a natural and abundant energy source. Infrared radiation is used in a wide variety of applications — from night-vision technology and remote controls to medical treatments and infrared sauna therapy. In the context of wellness, IR is utilized as a targeted heating source to deliver therapeutic benefits deep within the body’s tissues.

Instead of heating the air around you like traditional saunas, infrared saunas use a specific frequency of infrared radiation to warm the body directly, allowing for a gentler yet more effective experience. This form of direct body heating is known as Radiant Heat.

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How Radiant Heat Works

Radiant heat warms specific objects or tissues without significantly raising the ambient air temperature. In an infrared sauna, this means you experience profound internal warming at lower and more comfortable surface temperatures (typically 115–140°F) compared to traditional saunas (which can exceed 180°F).

The efficiency of infrared saunas comes from matching the wavelength of the IR heater to the natural absorption characteristics of the human body. This resonance between emitted IR energy and the human body’s absorption range allows for deeper tissue penetration and optimized therapeutic impact.

What is FIR? (Far Infrared Radiation)

Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) is a specific segment of the infrared light spectrum, typically measuring between 4 microns and 1000 microns in wavelength. It’s within this range that the human body both emits and absorbs infrared energy most efficiently.

Over the past decade, FIR has gained widespread recognition in the United States as a safe, natural, and non-invasive heat therapy. It has been increasingly adopted in home and clinical wellness settings for its proven effects on circulation, detoxification, stress reduction, and chronic pain relief.

At Rocky Mountain Saunas, our exclusive Nano-Carbon™ infrared heater panels are engineered to emit FIR in the 7–15 micron range, placing them squarely in the "vital range" of far infrared light that resonates most closely with the human body.

Why the 8–12 Micron Range Matters

The human body naturally emits and most efficiently absorbs infrared light in the 8–12 micron bandwidth. This specific range of wavelengths is associated with deep tissue penetration, enhanced detoxification, cellular repair, and immune system support.

This phenomenon — where the body absorbs FIR energy that matches its own emission profile — is referred to as "Resonant Absorption." It allows FIR heat to stimulate cells, release toxins, improve circulation, and trigger a range of health benefits from the inside out.

Key Benefits of FIR Sauna Use Include:

Improved cardiovascular function
Enhanced metabolism and calorie burn
Deep detoxification of heavy metals and chemicals
Relief from joint and muscle pain
Reduction in stress and fatigue
Boosted skin health and collagen production

These sauna health benefits are achieved without the extreme temperatures or humidity of traditional saunas, making FIR therapy suitable for daily use and accessible to a wider range of individuals, including those with health sensitivities.

Terms You May See Used Interchangeably

On this website, you may notice several terms used when referring to our sauna technology:

Far Infrared Saunas (FIR Saunas)
Infrared Saunas (IR Saunas)
Nano-Carbon™ Saunas

These terms are synonymous across all our sauna models. Regardless of the terminology, each Rocky Mountain Sauna is built using the same state-of-the-art Nano-Carbon™ infrared heater panels, engineered to deliver the optimal 7–15 micron wavelength range for maximum therapeutic value.

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Built on Research, Backed by Experience

At Rocky Mountain Saunas, our understanding of infrared therapy comes from extensive research, ongoing education, and direct client feedback. We strive to ensure every component in our saunas — from heater design to construction materials — is chosen for its safety, performance, and alignment with natural health practices.

We welcome any questions about the technology behind our infrared saunas or the specific health benefits you can expect with consistent use. Whether you're exploring FIR for chronic pain relief, detox support, improved skin, or general wellness, we’re here to help guide your journey.

A Note About Health Claims

While the benefits of far infrared sauna use are well documented in medical literature, it’s important to remember that every body is different. Results can vary, and no infrared sauna therapy should be considered a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to any ongoing medical condition.

Explore the Benefits of FIR in Your Own Home

Bringing a Rocky Mountain Sauna into your home is more than just a luxury — it’s a long-term investment in whole-body wellness. Whether you’re creating a daily routine for relaxation, detox, or pain relief, our Nano-Carbon™ infrared saunas offer the comfort, consistency, and performance you need to feel your best.

To speak with a member of our team or learn more about which model fits your needs, give us a call at (888) 358-1270, Monday through Friday, 9am–4pm MST.

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