What are Infrared Sauna's

Discover the powerful health benefits of infrared saunas, from detoxification and pain relief to improved circulation and stress reduction. Learn how infrared light therapy penetrates deep into tissues, supports immune function, and promotes overall wellness.

Heidi Petrusaitis, BSN RN

2/16/20253 min read

The Science-Backed Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas have garnered significant attention for their potential health benefits, ranging from cardiovascular improvements to enhanced detoxification. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate the skin, warming the body directly. This method offers a unique approach to wellness, supported by various scientific studies.

Cardiovascular Health

Regular use of infrared saunas has been linked to improved heart health. Studies have shown that infrared sauna sessions can help lower blood pressure and enhance blood vessel function. The heat induces a cardiovascular response similar to moderate exercise, promoting better circulation and heart rate variability. Check out this study on using Far-infrared light for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.

Detoxification

Sweating is one of the body's natural ways to eliminate toxins. Infrared saunas promote deep sweating, which may aid in the removal of heavy metals and other environmental toxins from the body. This detoxification process supports overall health and well-being.

Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

Infrared heat can penetrate deep into muscles and joints, potentially providing relief from pain and stiffness. This makes infrared saunas a popular choice among individuals seeking natural methods to alleviate chronic pain or recover from intense physical activity. The increased circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, facilitating faster healing.

Stress Reduction and Improved Sleep

The soothing warmth of an infrared sauna session can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Regular use has been associated with improved sleep quality, as the calming effects help prepare the body for restful sleep. Incorporating infrared sauna sessions into your routine may contribute to better mental health and overall relaxation.

Infrared Sauna and Cancer Prevention

Dr. Leigh-Erin Connealy, in her book The Cancer Revolution, highlights the benefits of infrared saunas for cancer prevention and treatment support. She explains that infrared heat can help detoxify the body by promoting the elimination of heavy metals, environmental toxins, and other harmful substances that may contribute to cancer development. Additionally, infrared sauna therapy has been shown to enhance immune function and improve cellular repair, creating an environment that is less conducive to disease.

Infrared Sauna and Longevity

Research suggests that regular sauna use, including infrared saunas, may contribute to a longer lifespan. A well-known Finnish study published in JAMA Internal Medicine followed over 2,300 men for more than 20 years and found that frequent sauna use (4-7 times per week) was associated with a 40% lower risk of all-cause mortality, compared to those who used a sauna only once per week. While this study focused on traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas provide similar heat stress benefits, such as cardiovascular improvements, detoxification, and reduced inflammation, all of which support longevity.

Regular infrared sauna sessions may also promote better circulation and cellular repair, creating conditions that support long-term health and longevity.

Portable Infrared Saunas

For those interested in experiencing the benefits of infrared saunas at home, Therasage offers an incredible portable infrared saunas designed for convenience and effectiveness. The Thera360 PLUS Personal Sauna, has full-spectrum infrared heating panels and incorporates advanced earthing technology to enhance the therapeutic experience. Its portable design allows for easy setup and storage, making it a practical choice if you don't want to keep it up every day you can still take it down and fit it under your bed in minutes. I try to use mine at least 2x a week and truly look forward to every session! I would probably use is daily if I wasn't in this busy season of life with newborns and toddlers.

Therasage gave me a discount code for my community for 10% off with code: holisticheidi (sometimes they do bump the discount up to 20% off so make sure to try this code first to see if it works: holisticheidi20)

The Bottom Line

Incorporating regular infrared sauna sessions into your wellness routine may offer a range of health benefits, from cardiovascular support to stress reduction. As Dr. Leigh-Erin Connealy discusses in The Cancer Revolution, infrared saunas can be a powerful tool for detoxification and overall health optimization. As with any health regimen, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it's appropriate for your individual health needs.

Note: I did partner with Therasage because I value the company and their products so much and I wanted to be able to get my community the best price on their products. If you do use my link I may earn a small commission or product credit.