Infrared saunas are one of the most popular holistic healing modalities. Even John Harvey Kellog knew the benefits of these saunas and incorporated them into his practice. How did he do this? He turned to the first electric light bulb and created his “Incandescent Light Baths”. Patients would use these cabinet-like structures to reap the benefits of sweating and of being exposed to the infrared light that the bulbs primarily emit.

After some modifications, modern-day infrared saunas are built to produce infrared rays that penetrate 1.5 inches into the body with dry heat. This process makes the user sweat by raising the body temperature from the inside out without affecting the ambient air temperature. These saunas are still being used today for their therapeutic benefits, but many people don’t entirely know what those benefits are.

What are the benefits of an Infrared Sauna?

Weight loss and boosted metabolism: Using a sauna provides a boost to the cardiovascular system similar to running. While you are enjoying the relaxation of the sauna, your body is hard at work to produce sweat and burn calories. After using the sauna, these benefits stay with you, causing your internal temperature to stay warmer for longer, thus burning more calories throughout your day. (1)

Detoxification: One of the most sought-after benefits of the infrared sauna is its incredible detoxifying capabilities. When using the sauna, your sweat glands become stimulated, and blood circulation is improved, allowing toxins to escape the body. Using the sauna daily can help your body rid itself of heavy metals such as nickel, mercury, cadmium, and lead. Daily use of the sauna can also remove things such as alcohol and sulfuric acid from the system. (2)

Skin Improvement: After using the infrared sauna and sweating out some toxins, you may notice an improvement in your skin. Flushing these toxins and impurities from your system helps your skin’s natural nutrients replenish themselves. Far infrared exposure has also increased collagen and elastin production, two essential ingredients for healthy skin. (3,4)

Immunity: The heat used in infrared saunas has been linked to the body’s production of white blood cells and can induce an artificial fever. The higher production of white blood cells and the artificial fever create the best first line of defense for your body. A fever is the body’s natural response to encourage and fortify the immune system. The body does this to take appropriate steps to counteract foreign bodies such as viruses and bacteria. In studies, heat has been shown to destroy harmful germs and bacteria, while a 1% increase in body temperature results in a 40% increase in immunity, according to Nobuhiro Yoshimizu, MD, Ph.D.

Another immunity-type effect of infrared saunas includes an increase in heat shock proteins. This leads to improved immunity and a 30% decrease in the risk of getting a cold or flu with regular sauna use. (5,6,7)

Longevity: Using the infrared sauna regularly appears to lengthen the life span. One study that involved 2,315 Finnish men who used a sauna 4-7 times a week showed a 40% reduction in mortality from all causes. A different study that supports the observation of increased life span from the first study relates to the activity of the FOX03 gene. This gene is a master regulator gene that has been linked to increased longevity, and once activated has been linked to improved immune function, DNA repair, and Stem Cell activation. (8,9,10)

Pain and inflammation: Those who participate in sauna therapy may decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain. In one study involving chronic pain, patients experienced an almost 70% decrease in pain after just one session of infrared sauna therapy.(11,12)

We hope this information has helped you gain a better understanding of Infrared sauna therapy and its benefits. Whether you want to get an infrared sauna for its benefits alone or if you want an infrared sauna capable of working in tandem with ozone therapy, you’ve made a quality choice for your health.