What Are The Benefits Of Infrared Sauna - Does It Actually Work According To Scientific Evidence?
Does Infrared sauna actually do anything and is it worth your time for wellness and recovery?
Not just a trend - Infrared Sauna therapy is typically used as a tool for recovery as it raises the body’s temperature through heat waves and in turn can reduce inflammation, maintain healthy cortisol levels and promote better oxygenation throughout the body.
Heat therapy has been used both culturally and therapeutically for millennia. The ancient romans were on to something when they employed the use of thermae (Greek: ‘Hot springs’ ‘Hot baths’) to bathe and socialise. Whilst we’ve come a significant way in the 21st century, we’ve taken a secret from the Roman’s playbook and added the benefits of technology and science to develop the infrared sauna. It makes a great case for a modern product delivering excellent physical and mental results on the human body.
Top 4 Benefits of Infrared Saunas
1. That detox feel your body needs
Whilst the kidneys and liver do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to detoxification in the body, Infrared Sauna’s help quicken the detoxification process by also eliminating toxins through its biggest organ - the skin.
Rather than being heated by external, ambient air, the heating begins from within and promotes a deep level of penetration that allows the body to remove radiation, fat soluble chemicals and environmental pollutant's.
What’s even more interesting is that it can detoxify heavy metals. So whether it is the mercury build-up from the multiple cans of Fish you’re consuming, or radiation from the red-eye flights you’re taking for work, the infrared sauna can be remarkable in it’s ability to detoxify pollutants from the body.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick is one of our favourite references for wellness advice and super informative science based stats.
2. The Immune booster
If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was to look after our immune system. When you take an infrared sauna and the body is in a high state of heat, it increases white blood cells which have been known to help fight off and prevent the common cold & flu. Research shows the effect of a study monitoring athletes cortisol and white blood cell levels after a Finnish sauna session which resulted in a stimulation of the immune system.
There is also plenty of evidence of the psychological benefits of infrared sauna’s, as they promote mood boosting endorphins similar to how you feel post-workout.
The most impressing benefit of Infrared sauna’s by far is the fact that it can mimic the effect of an artificial fever on the body. By raising the body’s core temperature, the immune system’s reaction see this as an invader and thus stimulate more white blood cells to assist the body in fighting infections. Such exposure to increasingly high heat, increases the body’s overall health resistance to disease.
And really, who doesn’t want that?
3. The Face lift (Collagen producing)
A study from the Yonsei Medical Journal have shown that continual exposure to infrared radiation waves improves skin elasticity and texture. These beneficial effects can increase collagen production from stimulating fibroblasts. This has been said to assist in reducing wrinkles and fine lines along with other skin issues such as acne scarring & psoriasis.
This type of treatment is a unique way to address skin concerns and act as a preventative against ageing and dull skin. Infrared Saunas assist promoting collagen, which works as a protein to maintain healthy skin integrity. Another great addition to infrared sauna therapy is to dose up on Vitamin C, as this is needed for the formulation of collagen itself. Why not try this high quality Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C the next time you jump into an infrared sauna. This will replenish your body, allowing you to not only feel fresh, but help omit that natural glow from the inside-out.
Don’t forget to Hydrate - The body needs replenishing after losing minerals and electrolytes through excess sweat.
4. The Pain Reliever
We all know that muscular pain you get after a hard work out. You feel stiff, tight and sore deep within your joints. The good news is, by heating the body through an Infrared Sauna, you are penetrating your muscles at a deeper level whereby you’ll increase flexibility and be able to stretch into those tight places.
The heat pads aid the body in warming up tight, over-worked muscles which helps increase circulation and quicken up oxygenation. You only have to try it once after an intense workout to notice the relaxation it promotes, not only the body but also by releasing endorphins to counteract pain and release tension in the mind. The emerging evidence states that Infrared saunas mimic physiological responses on the body similar to those of moderately intense workouts.
It has also been said that Infrared saunas assist with managing inflammatory diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease and heart disease. A study was conducted on patients with rheumatoid arthritis where after a 4 week period with 8 sessions, patients reported that their pain, stiffness and fatigue had all decreased. These positive results have warranted an increase in studies towards understanding the relationship between pain relief and infrared saunas.
Looking for sauna on a budget? You can still reap these amazing benefits with a HigherDose Infrared Sauna blanket.
What is the difference between an Infrared Sauna and a Traditional sauna?
The main difference stems from how the saunas use heat and how this effects the body. Traditional sauna’s have long been used as a way to naturally detoxify the body through humidification and steam, relieve pain and promote relaxation; somewhat similar to Infrared saunas. However, it is important to consider that Traditional saunas result in superficial heating where the body begins to sweat at higher temperatures causing a rigorous and intense physiological response.
Check out this 4-minute video of Ben Greenfield explaining the sauna type differences with Joe Rogan
Whereas Infrared saunas heat the body from the inside out, by penetrating deep inside the body (up to 2 inches) omitting infrared energy; a wavelength of heat that feels similar to the way the body reacts to the sun - that warming, relaxing, natural feeling of soaking up sun rays.
While traditional saunas run at a higher temperature, often 80 degrees + more, Infrared Saunas can run between 50-60 degrees, the difference is marked by how the body reacts to such heat. Because Infrared heat isn’t as harsh on the body, you can reap the benefits of enjoying the heat for longer periods allowing the wavelengths to work their magic.
So which infrared sauna should you choose?
Sauna’s are an excellent way to aid your body in recovery. Both are a popular choice that come down to personal preference. Whilst the infrared sauna and traditional sauna are similar in that they use heat, what makes them different is the way in which they use it and the effect it has on the body.
It really just comes down to personal needs and preference - and it can be fun to mix it up. We’re of the mindset that with all of the overwhelming research surrounding an Infrared sauna’s capacity to reduce inflammation, boost mood, promote relaxation and aid in skin cell renewal - we’ll take the infrared any day.
And honestly, It’s no surprise there is a growing intrigue with infrared sauna’s as the type of detoxification is more profound and creates a greater metabolic response from the body. Many users are so impressed with infrared sauna benefits, they have even purchased one for their home.
Why not try an infrared sauna for yourself?
Smarter recovery for humans…
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