What Science Says About Infrared Saunas

A lot of guests ask us about why Infrared Saunas are the better choice. Beyond the real-feel of what our guests report when they finish their service at Soma Haus, we also go back to what the science and research is showing us.

1. Improves Heart Condition

A 2015 research reported that infrared saunas could help with irregular heart-beats, as well as improve your physical fitness level, and boost your overall cardiovascular performance.
The use of infrared saunas is proven to increase nitric oxide production, making it a beneficial complement to chronic disease treatment.

*Nitric oxide is a gas that’s naturally produced in the body that increases blood flow by relaxing blood vessels

2. Pain Relief

A study reported in Clinical Rheumatology showed that infrared saunas gave significant relief for patients with chronic pain (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

In this study, they found that four weeks of 30-minute, twice-weekly sessions in an infrared sauna resulted in a 40 percent improvement in pain and stiffness.

3. Promotes Healthy Skin

Infrared radiation increases the content of collagen and elastin produced by our fibroblasts (cells that manufacture and maintain connective tissue).
This study zooms in on a group of patients that found after 6 months of infrared sauna treatment, they saw a 51-75% improvement in their skin texture.

4. Reduces Fatigue

If you’ve been feeling more tired than usual and rest just doesn’t seem to help, try spending some time in an infrared sauna. A small study suggests that hot therapy reduces perceived fatigue and negative mood in people living with chronic fatigue syndrome.

5. Improve Mental Health

Infrared saunas have been shown to optimise the production and reception of the natural antidepressants in our brain – dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They also help to lower the level of cortisol in the body, the chemical associated with stress and tension.

A 2005 study out of Psychosomatic Medicine examined a group of 28 mildly depressed patients with appetite loss and subjective symptoms. Half of the patients were treated with infrared sauna therapy once a day for four weeks, while the other half were given bed rest for four weeks. The group that received infrared sauna therapy for depression showed statistically significant improvements in somatic complaints, hunger, and relaxation in comparison to the control group.

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