Studies have proven the Effectiveness of Far Infrared Saunas
Scientific Studies Far Infrared Sauna Research
Check out this research list on saunas Scientific Studies Far Infrared on the effects of far infrared and saunas. Many studies have shown remarkable results of far infrared for many health conditions.
Far Infrared Sauna Effects On Oxygenation in the Body
A study finds an increase in muscle oxygenation after sauna use, “whole body muscle oxygenation and kcal expended per minute increased 8.1% and 20.1% from baseline, respectively.
At the same time, cardiac output (+10.2%), systemic vascular resistance (-13.9%), and heart rate (+12.6%) significantly changed across the measurement periods compared to baseline.
These combined results show that FIR had a measurable positive effect on cardiovascular function and metabolic thermogenic responses, enhancing body oxygenation and regional blood flow to allow whole-body thermoregulatory cooling.
Similar respiratory whole body response showed ventilation increasing 20%, tidal volume increasing 29.6%, with a lower respiratory frequency of 13.1%.
These data suggest that during the FIR trial intervention, the subject breathed more profoundly and provided an enhanced oxygen exchange at the lung and pulmonary capillary.
Thus, leading to a more efficient breathing and oxygen exchange pattern that would be similar to a more profound meditation-like breathing response despite the high thermal stress load on the body.” Download the Report
Near and Far Infrared
A study of far infrared’s effects at a cellular level finds that far infrared resonates with the cells more than near infrared.
Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications
Heart Health and Improving Circulation
The sauna is a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced, and other chronic health problems.
“Evidence suggests that sauna therapy is an effective and underutilized treatment for various cardiovascular problems. Mechanistically, sauna therapy increases vasodilation, possibly through increased nitric oxide production, and enhances left ventricular ejection fraction.” (2)
Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Kihara T, Biro S, Imamura M, et alJ Am Coll Cardiol. 2002 March. 39(5):754-759. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(01)01824-1.
Far-infrared therapy: a novel treatment to improve access blood flow and unassisted patency of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. Lin CC, Chang CF, Lai MY, Chen TW, Lee PC, Yang WC. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):985-92. Epub 2007 Jan 31.
Respiratory Health
“Finnish saunas decrease pulmonary congestion and increase forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). (11,12) Research indicates sauna therapy can help respiration in patients with asthma and bronchitis; however, saunas should not be used during the acute phase of a respiratory infection. Regular Finnish sauna therapy improved lung function in 12 men from the Netherlands with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These men did not experience adverse effects from the sauna, had significant improvements in FEV1 and FVC, and reported that they did not have to expend as much effort to breathe.” (2)
Immune system
Heat Shock Proteins and their Effect on Viral Infections
Study on heat shock proteins(HSP) and viral infections “Thus, HSPs and particularly HSP70 can enhance the development of innate and adaptive immune responses against infecting agents (Oglesbee, Pratt, & Carsillo, 2002).” (5 Can the hyperthermia‐mediated heat shock factor/heat shock protein 70 pathway dampen the cytokine storm during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection?)
Colds
“Having a Finnish sauna session twice weekly for six months reduced the incidence of the common cold by 50 percent during months 4-6 of the protocol.” (2)
Detoxing Heavy Metals and other Toxins
Heavy metals can be detoxed/released from the body via sweat and urine. Far infrared can help break down the toxins in the fat tissue.
“In individuals with higher exposure or body burden, sweat generally exceeded plasma or urine concentrations, and dermal could match or surpass daily urinary excretion. Arsenic dermal excretion was several-fold higher in arsenic-exposed individuals than in unexposed controls. Cadmium was more concentrated in sweat than in blood plasma. Sweat lead was associated with high-molecular-weight molecules, and in an interventional study, levels were higher with endurance compared with intensive exercise. Mercury levels normalized with repeated saunas in a case report. Sweating deserves consideration for toxic element detoxification. Research including appropriately sized trials is needed to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.” (6 Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review)
The study shows benefits for chronic pain and illness related to environmental toxin exposure; “Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefits. Evidence supports using saunas as a component of depuration (purification or cleansing) protocols for environmentally-induced illness.” (7 Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced, and other chronic health problems)
Firefighters use infrared saunas to detox after being exposed to toxins in smoke. Firefighters are exposed to many toxins from smoke and debris. Using an infrared sauna is one meaningful way they can eliminate these toxins. (8 IFD firefighters sweat out dangerous toxins to fight back against growing cancer epidemic)
Sauna detoxing was used on people exposed to toxins on 9/11. Here is a report about detoxing, which includes dioxins. (9 Health Status of Rescue Workers Improved by Sauna Detoxification)
A study on bisphenol-A(BPA) finds “Induced sweating appears to be a clinically useful tool to facilitate the release of BPA through the skin to eliminate this toxicant from the human body.” (14)
Pain Relief, Healing Wounds, and Arthritis
Study shows far infrared reduces pain and increases tissue repair in wounds. (10 The Application of Far-Infrared in the Treatment of Wound Healing)
A four-week pilot study on patients with arthritis found short-term improvement of pain and stiffness and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects with no adverse effects. Fatigue reduced. (11)
“Plasma levels of growth hormone, beta-endorphins, and prolactin also increase during a sauna session.” (2)
Improving Mood, Depression, and Increasing Energy
A Japanese study shows increases in patients’ mood after sauna use. They also found detoxing of heavy metals. (12 Psychological Characteristics after Far-infrared Hyperthermia Evaluated Using the Profile of Mood State (POMS)
“Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever were dramatically improved after 15 to 25 sessions of thermal therapy.”(13 The effects of repeated thermal therapy for two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome)
Weight Loss
Sauna use increases weight loss and burns more fat than exercise alone. A study found that people who combined 30 minutes of sauna use with 15 minutes of exercise lost 80% more weight and 460% more body fat than the control group, which only exercised. (15)
Sources:
- Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications
- Crinnion, Walter J. “Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced and other chronic health problems.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 16, no. 3, Sept. 2011, pp. 215+. Gale Academic OneFile, Accessed Nov 8, 2021.
- Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Kihara T, Biro S, Imamura M, et alJ Am Coll Cardiol. 2002 March. 39(5):754-759. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(01)018
- Far-infrared therapy: a novel treatment to improve access blood flow and unassisted patency of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. Lin CC, Chang CF, Lai MY, Chen TW, Lee PC, Yang WC. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):985-92. Epub 2007 Jan 31.
- Can the hyperthermia‐mediated heat shock factor/heat shock protein 70 pathway dampen the cytokine storm during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection?
- Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review
- The sauna is a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced, and other chronic health problems
- IFD firefighters sweat out dangerous toxins to fight back against the growing cancer epidemic
- Health Status of Rescue Workers Improved by Sauna Detoxification
- The Application of Far-Infrared in the Treatment of Wound Healing
- Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Psychological Characteristics after Far-infrared Hyperthermia Evaluated Using the Profile of Mood State POMS
- The effects of repeated thermal therapy for two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
- Human Excretion of Bisphenol A: Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study
- Siewert C, Siewert H, Winterfeld HJ, Strangfeld D. Changes of central and peripheral hemodynamics during isometric and dynamic exercise in hypertensive patients before and after regular sauna therapy. Z Kardiol 1994;83:652-657.
More sources of studies on the benefits of far infrared saunas
You can use the references below to look for information on how far infrared saunas and saunas, in general, can benefit your health condition. Try adding keywords plus “far infrared sauna,” “far infrared’ or “sauna,” plus your health condition or keywords relating to your interest.
Click here to view more studies on Google Scholar.
Studies on the benefits of far infrared saunas from the American National Institute of Health