For thousands of years, saunas have been used for their health benefits. In particular, Finland is renowned for its sauna bathing culture, which is deeply ingrained in its people’s daily lives. It’s even estimated that there are enough traditional saunas in Finland to house every person in the country. 

While traditional saunas have their benefits, the infrared sauna offers a modern approach. This dry sauna heats the body through the power of light. So, what are the health benefits of infrared sauna sessions? Is this something you should consider for enhancing your exercise recovery and overall health? Keep reading to find out more about infrared sauna treatments and their benefits.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light. This light is absorbed by the skin, giving way to various benefits of an infrared sauna. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas warm the body directly. Usually, temperatures in an infrared sauna are between 43 and 57℃, or 110 and 135℉. This is about 20-30 ℃ cooler than a traditional sauna.

This means many people find infrared saunas much more comfortable—especially for those who may struggle with heat. So, what are the health benefits of infrared saunas?

6 Infrared Sauna Benefits

At Cryomend, we are proud to offer infrared sauna sessions in Toronto as part of our contrast therapy services. We recommend alternating between the infrared sauna and cold plunge for optimal health benefits, which include:

1. Relieves Sore Muscles

The core of most far infrared sauna benefits is that they enhance circulation in the body. Post-exercise, increased blood flow can help the body clear byproducts and bring nutrients and other entities to areas that need them. In turn, this can boost recovery and prevent sore muscles.

Infrared sauna studies further show that sauna sessions are more effective at reducing muscle soreness than pre-exercise or passive recovery methods.

2. Reduces Pain

Infrared light may also provide pain relief, including for those experiencing chronic pain conditions and musculoskeletal injuries. It’s been significantly studied in relation to chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. For instance, one study demonstrated how, after two years of regular infrared light usage, 77% of study participants with chronic pain were able to return to work.

While infrared sauna use shouldn’t replace any of your doctor’s orders, it might compliment what you’re already doing to achieve pain relief.

3. Improves Mood & Promotes Relaxation

Research demonstrates that heating up the body can reduce symptoms of depression. It’s suggested that infrared sauna sessions take the body from a fight-or-flight state into a rest-and-digest state, calming the body and nervous system. 

This means you’re likely going to feel more relaxed and in a better mood after an infrared sauna treatment.

4. Supports Sleep

Regular sauna use is associated with better sleep, which can spill over into many aspects of health. For example, improved sleep quality is associated with a higher likelihood of weight loss success. It’s further linked to better cognitive performance.

Similar to how infrared heat helps you relax, it can also help ease you into sleep. By lowering stress and anxiety, you’re more likely to get that deep slumber you crave.

5. Enhances Immunity

Infrared sauna therapy may also provide your immune system with a much-needed boost. Research shows that regular sauna use is associated with fewer bouts of the common cold. 

Infrared sauna treatments are thought to help support immune function by supporting detoxification pathways, such as sweating, and reducing oxidative stress. This can alleviate the burden on the immune system, allowing it to function as it should and keeping you in tip-top shape.

6. Improves Heart Health

Using infrared saunas might also benefit your heart. As your body heats up and your blood vessels dilate, your heart starts pumping, mimicking similar effects to exercise. 

Additionally, evidence indicates that infrared sauna use may reduce blood pressure. However, more studies would help clarify these claims.

Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

Using an infrared sauna is safe for most people. However, one major risk factor is dehydration. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded during your infrared sauna session, it’s important to remove yourself from the heat and hydrate as soon as possible.

Additionally, individuals who are pregnant, are currently sick, or have pre-existing medical conditions should avoid infrared saunas unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Curious about infrared sauna therapy? Cryomend is proud to offer infrared sauna sessions in Toronto, helping you obtain better health and crush your fitness goals. Book your treatment today.