The Heat on Health: How Saunas and Infrared Saunas Support Wellness
Saunas have been a part of human wellness traditions for centuries. Today, both traditional saunas and newer infrared saunas are gaining attention in modern research. The results are encouraging: regular sauna use may support heart health, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve recovery. Even more, pairing sauna use with chiropractic care can make adjustments more effective and help patients heal comfortably.
What Happens in a Sauna?
When you sit in a sauna, your body temperature rises, your blood vessels widen, and your heart rate increases — much like what happens during moderate exercise. These physiological changes boost circulation, relax muscles, and trigger sweating, which together support relaxation and recovery.
Benefits of Traditional Sauna Use
1. Heart and Circulation Support
Research from Finland shows that frequent sauna use is linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and even longer lifespan. Regular sauna sessions may lower blood pressure and improve vascular function, which is why they’re often compared to a “passive workout” for your cardiovascular system.
2. Pain Relief and Mobility
Heat therapy has long been used for stiff muscles and joints. Studies show sauna bathing can reduce discomfort in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic muscle pain. The increased blood flow helps muscles relax and improves flexibility.
3. Stress Reduction
Beyond physical effects, saunas promote deep relaxation. Many people report better sleep, reduced tension, and an overall sense of calm after regular sessions.
Infrared Saunas — A Modern Twist on Tradition
Infrared saunas work differently than traditional saunas. Instead of heating the air around you, infrared light gently warms your body directly. Because of this, sessions typically feel more comfortable at lower temperatures.
Research on infrared therapy is still emerging, but studies show encouraging results:
• Musculoskeletal pain: Improvements in stiffness, mobility, and pain have been reported in patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Recovery: Athletes using infrared saunas after training report faster recovery and less soreness.
• Relaxation: Lower operating temperatures make infrared saunas more tolerable for people who struggle with traditional heat.
Why Saunas and Chiropractic Care Work So Well Together
Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore motion, relieve pain, and support overall function. Saunas and infrared sessions complement this approach beautifully:
Pre-treatment warm-up: Spending a short time in a sauna before an adjustment loosens tight muscles, making treatment more comfortable and sometimes more effective.
Post-treatment recovery: A session afterward can encourage circulation and reduce post-adjustment soreness, much like active recovery after exercise.
Whole-body benefits: Saunas not only relax tissues but also support cardiovascular and stress relief, amplifying the systemic wellness goals of chiropractic care.
By integrating both, patients often find they recover faster, experience longer-lasting relief, and feel more relaxed overall.
Safety Considerations
For most healthy adults, sauna use is safe. However, certain people should check with a healthcare provider first — including those with unstable heart conditions, pregnant women, or individuals sensitive to heat. Staying hydrated is also essential.
The Takeaway
Saunas and infrared saunas aren’t just a luxury — they’re powerful tools with real health benefits. From supporting cardiovascular health to easing pain and tension, the science shows that heat therapy works. When combined with chiropractic care, sauna use helps prepare the body for treatment, enhances recovery, and supports long-term wellness
Where Can I Find the Right Sauna?
There are so many different versions of saunas making it difficult to find the one that fits your needs best. At SaunaNera there is a large variety with options of traditional saunas and infrared saunas! Go to https://saunanera.com to find the sauna that fits your lifestyle best.
