Infrared Sauna: The Recovery Tool You're Underestimating

Most people think a sauna is a sauna. Hot room. Sweating. Done.

But infrared is different. And if you understand why, you’ll understand why it shows up in nearly every protocol we run.

The Difference: Radiant Heat vs. Ambient Heat

Traditional saunas heat the air around you. The air heats your skin. Your skin heats your body. It works, but it’s indirect-and it requires extreme temperatures (180-200°F) to be effective.

Infrared saunas work differently. They emit light in the infrared spectrum-the same type of heat you feel from sunlight, minus the UV. This light penetrates your skin and heats your body directly.

The result? You get the therapeutic benefits at a much lower air temperature (120-150°F). It’s more comfortable. You can stay longer. And the heat goes deeper.

What’s Actually Happening

When infrared light penetrates your tissue, several things happen:

Core temperature rises - Your body thinks it’s running a fever. This triggers the immune response and releases heat shock proteins, which help repair damaged cells.

Blood vessels dilate - More blood flow means more oxygen to tissues and faster removal of metabolic waste.

Sweat glands activate - But infrared sweat is different. Studies show it contains more heavy metals and environmental toxins than regular sweat. Your body is taking out the trash.

Heart rate increases - A 30-minute session can mimic the cardiovascular effects of moderate exercise. Your heart works, but your joints don’t.

The Benefits We Actually See

We’re careful about making claims. But here’s what clients tell us-and what the research supports:

Muscle recovery - The increased blood flow speeds up the removal of lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts. Athletes recover faster between sessions.

Joint relief - The deep heat soothes stiff joints and tight muscles without the stress of movement. We see this especially with clients who have chronic pain.

Sleep quality - Evening infrared sessions help downregulate the nervous system. The body temperature drop after you leave triggers natural sleepiness.

Skin clarity - Increased circulation and sweating clears pores. Many clients notice visible improvements in skin tone after consistent use.

Stress reduction - Heat is a stressor, but a controlled one. Regular exposure trains your body to handle stress more efficiently.

How We Use It

Infrared shows up in all three of our signature protocols:

Reset Circuit - Paired with cold plunge for contrast therapy. The oscillation between heat and cold is where the magic happens.

Deep Recovery - Used after PEMF and hyperbaric to help the body integrate and process the cellular work.

Nervous System Drop - As the final step after floating and salt therapy. The warmth seals in the parasympathetic state.

It’s also a standalone session. 30-40 minutes of infrared is a complete recovery experience on its own.

Common Questions

How hot does it get? Our saunas run between 125-150°F. Much more comfortable than traditional saunas, but just as effective.

How long should I stay? 20-40 minutes is the sweet spot. Start with 20 if you’re new. Work up from there.

Can I use it every day? Yes. Daily use is safe and many clients make it part of their routine. Listen to your body-if you feel depleted rather than refreshed, take a rest day.

Should I drink water? Absolutely. Hydrate before, during, and after. You’ll sweat more than you realize.

The Bottom Line

Infrared sauna isn’t a luxury. It’s a tool. One that supports everything from athletic performance to chronic pain management to simple stress relief.

We’ve watched skeptics become regulars. The results speak for themselves.

Come try a session. You’ll understand why we’re believers.