Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. There are numerous health and wellness benefits that they offer including heart-health, pain relief, and even better sleep. Research continues to show that a consistent sauna routine can improve and even lengthen your quality of life. 

What is an infrared sauna? 

An infrared sauna can look like a traditional sauna, but instead of a wood-burning or electric heater, an infrared uses extra-wide carbon fiber heating panels to produce radiant heat. A traditional sauna warms the entire room and heats the body from the outside in at a temperature of around 195°F. An infrared sauna operates between 115° – 135°F raising the core body temperature and producing a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level. 

Heart health

Just like traditional saunas, infrared heat is good for the heart. In the sauna, your heart-rate increases, blood pressure lowers, and inflammation is reduced. Infrared heat promotes cardiovascular conditioning in a manner similar to that of moderate to intense aerobic exercise, such as walking or jogging. Your blood vessels expand as they are heated and cooled allowing for an increase in oxygen for your muscles. This stimulates the heart to become more efficient at pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. A study completed in April 2015 found that “increased frequency of sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of SCD [sudden cardiac death], CHD [fatal coronary heart disease], CVD [fatal cardiovascular disease] and all-cause mortality.” Consistency is key!

Pain relief

If you have ever been in an infrared sauna you have felt the relief and relaxation that it provides. Muscles relax, the stress in your shoulders melts away, ultimately leaving you with less pain. The infrared sauna heat works to relieve this pain by penetrating joints, muscles and tissues, increasing the blood circulation and oxygen flow in the body. Studies are also being done on the effects of infrared heat on chronic pain. 

We aren’t just talking about physical pain either. Emotional pain can be soothed by infrared heat. Studies have shown that depression and anger can be lowered in those who have a consistent sauna routine. 

Sleep

Better sleep has also been linked to infrared sauna use. The sauna calms your mind and body, which is the perfect scenario for better, deeper sleep. 

Immunity building

Infrared saunas can help build immunity against illnesses such as the common cold. Saunas increase the body's core temperature, similar to a fever. When this happens, an increased amount of white blood cells are released helping to “fight” any harmful bacteria in the body. A consistent infrared sauna routine will help to build up your immune system. 

 

Relaxation and stress relief

Using an infrared sauna promotes balance in the body and in the mind. Taking time to be alone or with friends in a sauna can ease the stress and tensions of the day. Whether you let the infrared heat do all the work to relax and destress your body or you find yourself in a meaningful conversation with a family member or friend away from phones and emails, you are going to leave the sauna feeling lighter and better rested than when you entered.  

Soothes sore muscle 

If you have ever injured yourself, do physical labor, or just love to work out at the gym, then you know how long it can take for muscles to recover. Try using an infrared sauna as a post-workout/post-work therapy. Infrared heat helps to relax those tense and tired muscles, allowing healing to take place. Stiffness decreases with blood flow and circulation, allowing you to better relax and heal any damaged tissue. Heat also releases endorphins, which in effect, makes you feel better and in less pain.