The concept of using saunas for relaxation is not new, but another type in saunas is gaining popularity Infrared saunas.

Infrared saunas are kind of treatment that makes use of light to warm your body, says Kelly Simms, ND, the doctor of naturopathic medicine in Chicago. However, this light is infrared, and is located in the spectrum of non-visible light according to her.

Infrared sauna therapy differs in comparison to the traditional Finnish (dry sauna) sauna bathing. It warms the air to higher temperatures, which range from 150-195 degree F. In an infrared sauna Melbourne that is dry the body is heated by the hot air that circulates around it. Finnish saunas have the highest amount of studies behind them and may help enhance your heart health and improve the overall quality of life, as well as other benefits for wellness according to a study that was published in August 2018 In Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Infrared saunas belong to the same class as dry heat saunas, they are operated by non-visible light sources, which means that the air inside is a pleasant 110-120 degrees F according to Dr. Simms states.

Infrared saunas gradually builds warmth, you’ll be able to stay longer in it than traditional saunas. The health benefits that are claimed come from the fact that the infrared saunas directly heated your body, and the warmth penetrates much more deep than traditional saunas.

In the present it is clear that more research and studies is needed regarding infrared sauna therapy to fully comprehend all possible health benefits it could bring, particularly given drying heat as well as infrared may not impact the body in the same way.

There is still research that shows that saunas with infrared light improve the health and well-being of a few people.

Health benefits that could be derived from Infrared Sauna Therapy

1. Could Support Heart Health

One of the main reasons dry-heat saunas as well as infrared saunas could promote wellness is the way they affect the circulation of your body. “The treatment could lead to an increase in nitric oxide production that dilates blood vessels, and could improve circulation and blood flow” states Melinda Ring, MD, executive director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University in Chicago. A study released in December 2017 within the Journal of Human Hypertension, observed that a 30 minute dry-heat sauna bathing session decreased arterial stiffness and increased blood pressure.

Particularly for infrared saunas one meta-analysis and review of seven studies released in November of the journal Clinical Cardiology, found that taking a 15-minute bath infrared every daily, seven days a month for up to 4 weeks was associated with improvement in the cardiovascular system for people suffering from heart insufficiency. Alongside a reduction in inflammation and stress as well as improvements in the function of blood vessels, researchers discovered that infrared saunas are as physiologically beneficial as walking. This has been proven to enhance the quality of life for those who suffer from this disease.

2. Is (Slightly) Like Exercise

Like exercising, when you heat the body, it will need to cool down. This process triggers thermoregulation (where the body copes with hot conditions more effectively by sweating faster for instance). It can also increase the heart’s workload by triggering an action like a cardio exercise, according to Simms. However, to be precise that it’s not as efficient as regular exercise and one study, which was that was published in Complementary Therapy in Medical Practice in February 2022 which examined the effects of an infrared sauna with exercise confirms this. The sauna didn’t increase the rate of breathing as exercising did.

3. Can Improve Recovery from Exercise

After an exercise the best option is to visit the infrared sauna. “Athletes might notice a better recovery after injury or exercise,” says Dr. Ring.

A study of a small size released in July of 2015 in SpringerPlus which was a journal for physically active males found that spending 30 minutes of a sauna in the far-infrared following a hard endurance exercise increased neuromuscular endurance compared to the non-sauna condition. It was also described as “a pleasant and restful experience.”

4. It helps to increase your relaxation response

Consider the last time you felt at ease and warm. Infrared sauna users frequently are familiar with the relaxing sensation. In an energizing, calm space is a natural way to relax for the majority of people. “When we relax the nervous system by engaging in a relaxing activity the body reacts to reduce cortisol stress hormones and releases feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin,” Simms says. Furthermore the warmth increases circulation, which can provide you with a feeling of vitality and energy after you’re finished.

5. Lowers the Pain of Autoimmune Conditions

Some studies have shown advantages of using infrared saunas for those suffering from rheumatoidarthritis as well as ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgi and the chronic fatigue syndrome in terms lessening stiffness, pain as well as fatigue and anxiety and enhancing quality of life in accordance with a study published in April of 2018 In Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It could be because the heat can dilate blood vessels, which can improve circulation to the injured area and reduce inflammation markers Simms says. This is also evident in studies of dry-heat saunas which find that those who utilize the sauna more frequently experience decreased levels of the C-reactive protein. This is an indicator of inflammation, according to a letter addressed to the editor, published on December 17, 2017 by the European Journal of Epidemiology, however, this hasn’t been thoroughly researched in saunas with infrared light.

What’s the Bottom Line? Is taking a look at an Infrared Sauna a Good Therapy?

While further research is required for this, infrared sauna therapy could be a great method to reduce stress and speed up the recovery process from exercise. this wellness exercise could provide some benefits to the reduction of pain and the function of the heart. If you’re suffering from an existing health issue like heart disease, you may still be able to enjoy the infrared sauna, however, consult your primary care doctor about the best option for you. If you’re pregnant and are a woman, it is recommended that you avoid saunas. American Pregnancy Association recommends avoiding saunas since the body heats up to a very high temperature can cause harm for the baby and you. This is a great time to speak with your OB-GYN regarding what is best for you.