The Sauna Conundrum: Tradition vs. Infrared — Which Delivers the Real Sauna Experience?

Is an infrared cabin really a sauna or something else entirely? While infrared heat treatments have surged in popularity, sauna purists argue they don’t measure up to the centuries-old traditions of true sauna bathing. In this dynamic debate, our panel brings together leaders from both camps, including the CEO of a leading infrared brand and experts in traditional Finnish sauna and hydrothermal bathing, to challenge the hype, compare the science, and weigh the wellness benefits. Read this blog post by GWI’s Hydrothermal Initiative Chair, Don Genders, to explore some of the differences.

If you’re a spa operator deciding what to install, a wellness seeker wondering which experience delivers more, or simply curious about the debate, this session will give you straight talk on what makes each option unique — and why traditional sauna continues to be revered as the gold standard across bathing cultures worldwide.

Date: Oct 22, 2025 at 11AM ET

Panelists:
Dr. Raleigh Duncan, Clearlight
Lasse Eriksen, Farris Bad, Norges Badstulaug & Aufguss WM
Ashley Mason, PhD, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences
Don Genders, Design for Leisure