Sauna And Immune System: Does Infrared Sauna Improve Immunity?

We’re taking a deep dive into the possible sauna immune system connection. In these unpredictable times, with COVID-19 constantly changing, strengthening your immune system is more important than ever. Recent scientific research shows that the heat of infrared saunas can boost your immunity.

Infrared saunas warm you with targeted infrared light, help to detox your body, stimulate blood flow and melt away stress. This calming therapy may just be your secret retreat. It's a peaceful place that quietly strengthens your body's shield against hidden threats like COVID-19. Ready to give it a go?

UNDERSTANDING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Before we examine how infrared saunas can benefit our immune health, let’s get a grasp on the immune system itself. It’s our body’s defense force against harmful invaders, crucial for keeping us healthy. Heat therapy, like that from infrared saunas, is a game changer here. The mentioned boost of circulation, helps our immune cells move more effectively, strengthening our body’s ability to fight off illness.

HOW INFRARED SAUNAS BOLSTER IMMUNE HEALTH

Infrared saunas bring the science of heat therapy to life. When you sit in one, the infrared light goes deep into your skin, raising your core body temperature.

The warmth expands your blood vessels, which helps immune cells to move swiftly and efficiently. This can ramp up your body’s barriers against germs. This is not just a theory,  recent research provides concrete evidence of these benefits.

A study [1] on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, indicates that a combined method involving 30-minute far infrared sauna sessions, hydration, and vitamin C supplementation can effectively boost the immune system and prevent COVID-19.

Furthermore, 60-minute sauna sessions were part of a treatment that completely cured infected patients. This approach promises a non-pharmaceutical method to boost immunity against the virus. While this study shows exciting possibilities, keep in mind that more research is needed to confirm its benefits. And of course, everyone's experience may differ.

Detox, Circulation, and the Advanced Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas stand out as a holistic aid for overall well-being, particularly beneficial for heart health and athletic performance. The gentle warmth of an infrared sauna helps your body efficiently shed toxins, like heavy metals, through increased sweating. This natural detoxification process leaves you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized. Moreover, better circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to organs and tissues. 

Studies [2] suggest that this could be partly due to the increased bioavailability of nitric oxide to the vascular endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels.

STRESS, IMMUNITY, AND THE SERENE EMBRACE OF INFRARED SAUNAS

The link between stress and immunity is well-established, with high stress known to compromise the immune system [3]. Here, infrared saunas offer a tranquil refuge, not only lowering stress and tensions but also potentially regulating cortisol levels. This 'stress hormone,' when elevated, can suppress immune function, but the soothing warmth of the sauna may help bring cortisol levels to a more balanced state.

This mild type of stress from the warmth is beneficial, promoting hormone activity crucial for health and supporting a healthy balance between stress hormones and relaxation hormones, essential for both mental and physical well-being.

Utilizing the infrared therapy-immune system connection, is a scientifically backed way to optimize your body’s natural defence.

Discover all the types of infrared sauna therapy for your home

GETTING STARTED

Do you want to make infrared sauna part of your everyday wellness ritual? 

Contrary to what you might think, adopting this health-enhancing practice doesn't have to be expensive, and it doesn’t require a lot of space either. Portable sauna options like the sauna blanket and personal tent, available from $200, can fit into small areas of your home, making it easy to store and use even in compact living spaces.

For a more fixed setup, options like the infrared PEMF mat and sauna dome fit perfectly into any room, serving both therapeutic and practical needs without demanding significant space.

Here are some tips before you start your first sessions:

• Schedule regular sessions, perhaps in the morning to kickstart your day or in the evening to unwind.
• Enrich your sauna time with calming music, aromatherapy, or a good read or audiobook. 
• Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after your session to support detox. 
• Listen to your body and adjust the sauna settings for your comfort.

If you follow these tips, you seamlessly integrate infrared sauna time into your life, simultaneously tapping into sauna immune system boosting powers.

Diane Sargent

References

1. Kwasi Donyina, Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Infections using Vitality TherapyTM, Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics,  https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/prevention-and-treatment-of-covid19-infections-using-vitality-therapysuptmsup-82836.html

2. Hussain J and Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1857413. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413. PMID: 29849692; PMCID: PMC5941775.

3. Ishikawa Y and Furuyashiki T. The impact of stress on immune systems and its relevance to mental illness. Neurosci Res. 2022 Feb;175:16-24. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.09.005. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34606943.

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