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Sweat It Out: Infrared Sauna Therapy

Updated: Feb 28




Sauna Therapy has been around for centuries, but thanks to modern technology, we’ve upgraded from the smoke-filled wooden huts of yesteryear to sleek infrared saunas that promise serious health benefits.

But which kind should you choose? Near-infrared? Far-infrared? Does it even matter? Let’s dive in.


What Is Infrared Sauna Therapy?

Hyperthermia therapy is a medical treatment that involves raising the body’s temperature to promote healing.


Infrared sauna therapy is a form of hyperthermic therapy that uses infrared light to heat the body directly instead of warming the air around you. This results in a deep, penetrating warmth that helps with detoxification, relaxation, and even cellular healing. Unlike traditional saunas that feel like you’re sweating inside a bread oven, infrared saunas provide a gentler but deeper heat experience.


Near vs. Far Infrared: What’s the Difference?

Not all infrared waves are created equal! Here’s how near-infrared (NIR) and far-infrared (FIR) stack up:

  • Near-Infrared (NIR): Penetrates the skin at a shallow level (about 5mm) and is known for improving skin health, wound healing, and cellular regeneration. NIR is often used in red light therapy devices for its ability to stimulate mitochondrial activity (a.k.a. the powerhouse of the cell).

  • Far-Infrared (FIR): The deep tissue massage of heat. FIR waves go deeper into the body (up to 1.5 inches), helping with detoxification, pain relief, and cardiovascular health. FIR saunas are popular for their ability to make you sweat like you just ran a marathon (without moving a muscle).


So, Which One Is Best?

Honestly, it depends on your goals:

  • For detox, pain relief, and deep relaxation → Go with FAR-INFRARED.

  • For skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and cellular repair → NEAR-INFRARED is your friend.

  • Can’t decide? Get a sauna that offers a FULL-SPECTRUM experience (both NIR & FIR) for maximum benefits.


The Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

  1. Detoxification – Sweating helps your body get rid of heavy metals, BPA, pollutants, and other environmental toxins.


  2. Pain Relief & Muscle Recovery – FIR penetrates deep into tissues, helping with muscle soreness, joint pain, and even chronic inflammation.


  3. Cardiovascular Boost – Regular sauna use has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved circulation.


  4. Weight Loss Support – A good sauna session can burn up to 600 calories. Just sit there and melt away the pounds!


  5. Stress Reduction & Better Sleep – Sauna therapy stimulates endorphins and reduces cortisol, making you feel like a Zen master.


  6. Improved Skin Health – Near-infrared therapy can stimulate collagen production and help with acne, wrinkles, and wound healing.


  7. Immune System Boost – Heating up your body mimics a fever response, which can help fight off viruses and infections (your body’s way of saying, "We got this").


Sauna Therapy for Cancer

Sauna therapy, especially far-infrared, has been studied for its potential to support cancer treatment.


Hyperthermia (raising body temperature) can:

  • weaken/kill cancer cells

  • make cancer cells more responsive to treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. 


Saunas work because:

  • Cancer cells hate heat – Tumors don’t like high temperatures, and studies suggest heat therapy can make them more vulnerable.

  • Improved circulation = better oxygenation – Cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen environments, so better blood flow can be beneficial.

  • Heat Detoxifies the body & bolsters immune function – Your body needs all the help it can get to clear out toxins and strengthen immune defenses.


For hyperthermia therapy to be effective, the body or targeted area must be heated to specific temperatures for a certain period:

  • Infrared sauna therapy: Sessions at 50-60°C (122-140°F) for 20-45 minutes can promote detox and immune support.


Who Should Consider Infrared Sauna Therapy?

  • Athletes – Recover faster from workouts and reduce inflammation.

  • People with chronic pain or inflammation – Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and muscle pain sufferers, rejoice!

  • Biohackers & Wellness Enthusiasts – If you love optimizing your health, you NEED this in your routine.

  • Those looking to detox – Sweating out environmental toxins is crucial in today’s world.

  • Anyone wanting better skin, relaxation, and overall well-being.

  • You’re undergoing cancer treatment and looking for complementary therapies.

  • You’re into alternative therapies and optimizing your body’s natural healing mechanisms


Who Should Avoid Infrared Sauna Therapy?

  • Pregnant women – It’s best to avoid high heat exposure during pregnancy.

  • People with cardiovascular conditions – If you have a serious heart condition, check with your doctor.

  • Anyone with heat sensitivity – If you don’t tolerate heat well, go slow and ease into it.


Looking to Buy One? Here’s What to Look For

If your in the market for a sauna, here's what to look for:


  1. Low EMF Levels – Look for saunas with low electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions for safety.


  2. High-Quality Wood – Opt for non-toxic, untreated woods like Canadian cedar or basswood.


  3. Full-Spectrum Infrared – If you want both near and far infrared benefits, get a full-spectrum sauna.


  4. Good Warranty & Customer Support – You’re making an investment—get a sauna from a reputable brand with great customer service.


Best Places to Buy:


No Budget for a Home Sauna? Try:

  • Wellness spas & gyms

  • Cryotherapy centers

  • Alternative Clinics


That’s a Wrap

If you love the idea of sweating out toxins, boosting your health, and relaxing like a pro, infrared sauna therapy is 100% worth trying.


If you enjoy sweating your way to better health- tell us all about it in the comments. 😉

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