The Health benefits of Infrared Sauna & How to use it
Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use specific wavelengths of light to warm the body directly — triggering a wide range of physiological benefits.
Infrared energy gently penetrates the skin and tissues, stimulating cellular repair, improving circulation and supporting the body’s natural recovery systems. This makes infrared sauna particularly effective for stress, pain, fatigue, inflammation and overall wellbeing.
HOW DOES INFRARED SAUNA WORK?
Infrared wavelengths interact with the body at a cellular level, stimulating the mitochondria — the energy centres of your cells. When mitochondrial function improves, every system in the body works more efficiently, from the nervous system to muscles, skin, hormones and brain.
Unlike conventional heat, infrared light penetrates up to 4–5 cm into tissues, gently warming muscles, joints, blood vessels and connective tissue. This deep internal heat triggers:
• Increased circulation
• Enhanced oxygen delivery
• Improved cellular energy production
• Activation of the parasympathetic (calming) nervous system
This is why infrared sauna feels restorative rather than exhausting.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INFRARED SAUNA?
Infrared sauna works from the inside-out. Regular sessions are associated with improvements across multiple systems:
1. Nervous System & Stress
Infrared heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol and helping the body exit “fight or flight”. Many clients experience:
• Reduced anxiety and mental tension
• Deeper, more restorative sleep
• Improved mood and emotional balance
2. Pain Relief & Recovery
Clinical studies show infrared therapy reduces markers of inflammation and improves pain in conditions such as arthritis, chronic muscle tension and joint stiffness. Benefits include:
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Faster recovery after exercise
• Relief from chronic pain and tension
3. Circulation & Cardiovascular Health
Infrared sauna increases heart rate and blood flow similar to moderate exercise. Research links regular use with:
• Improved blood vessel function
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced cardiovascular risk
4. Hormonal & Metabolic Support
By reducing systemic stress and improving circulation, infrared sauna supports hormonal regulation and metabolic function. Many women report improvements in:
• Temperature sensitivity
• Fatigue and brain fog
• PMS and menopausal symptoms
5. Skin, Detox & Lymphatic Support
Infrared heat stimulates lymphatic flow and promotes elimination through the skin. Over time this can lead to:
• Clearer, brighter skin
• Reduced puffiness and water retention
• Improved collagen production and skin tone
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
Clinical studies associate infrared sauna use with improvements in:
• Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cardiovascular disease risk
• Metabolic function
• Stress-related disorders
Long-term studies from Finland also link regular sauna use with reduced all-cause mortality and lower rates of heart disease.
HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM INFRARED SAUNA
Session Guidelines
• 30 minutes per session
• 2–4 times per week for ongoing support
• Stay hydrated before and after
• Allow 10–15 minutes of rest post-session
Who Benefits Most
Infrared sauna is particularly helpful for those experiencing:
• High stress or burnout
• Sleep disruption
• Chronic pain or stiffness
• Hormonal transitions (peri-/menopause)
• Athletic training and recovery