Why Infrared Saunas Are Your Secret Health Hack

Sweat It Out: The Power of Sauna Therapy

When I spent three weeks at the Hippocrates Wellness Centre in Florida, I became a total infrared sauna convert! Now, at Maison de Lunel, our infrared sauna is a key part of the guest juice detox experience, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it daily.

I know that getting hot and sweaty might not sound like your idea of fun, but trust me — when it comes to your health, sweating it out is a game-changer.

Not only can saunas help to flush out toxins and heavy metals like mercury and lead, they also improve circulation, relieve pain, support weight loss, and purify your skin. Not a bad payoff for just 30 minutes of sitting back and relaxing!!

So, why not embrace the heat? Believe me, your body and your mind, will thank you.

Hippocrates Health Institute

Why Saunas Are Your Secret Health Hack?

When your body is exposed to heat, its primary goal is to protect the nervous system and vital organs from overheating. Your heart rate and blood pressure rise slightly, directing warm blood away from the core and toward the skin. This process boosts circulation, helping to remove waste from tissues while delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to your cells.

As your body heats up, fat-stored toxins are mobilized and flushed from adipose tissues. Some of these toxins exit through your skin as you sweat, while others are eliminated through your kidneys and bowels. Meanwhile, the increased blood flow and metabolism mimic the benefits of moderate exercise — even though you’re just sitting back and relaxing!

Beyond detoxification, saunas also offer some amazing immune-boosting effects. The mild rise in body temperature can help kill bacteria and viruses, thus strengthening your body’s natural defences.

Think of a sauna as your body’s personal deep-cleaning system and just 30 minutes of relaxing heat can:

✅ Flush out toxins and heavy metals like mercury and lead
✅ Improve circulation and boost metabolism
✅ Relieve pain and muscle tension
✅ Support weight loss (yes, really!)
✅ Purify and rejuvenate your skin
✅ Strengthen your immune system

Not bad for just sitting down and doing nothing?

Sauna Health Hacks

The Ancient Secret to Wellness

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used to say: “Give me a fever, and I will cure any illness.” For centuries, cultures around the world have used sauna therapy for physical cleansing, spiritual renewal, and overall well-being.

Saunas have been a way of life in Finland for centuries — so much so that nearly every home has one. Traditionally, Finns would heat stones with wood fires, pour water over them for steam, and then strip down to enjoy the warmth.

But Finland isn’t the only place that figured out the magic of heat therapy. Ancient cultures around the world have used saunas for physical cleansing and relaxation. From Mexico’s Temazcals to Korea’s dome-shaped Hanjeungmak, sweating it out has always been a global health hack.

Today, far-infrared saunas are often praised for their enhanced detoxification benefits and while it’s true that infrared technology can accelerate the process, the reality is that any sauna, when used well, can be a powerful tool for cleansing and revitalization.

Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna

So What’s the Difference? Traditional vs. Infrared Saunas

With so many sauna options out there — traditional, steam, infrared — it’s easy to get confused. The short answer? They all make you sweat, but infrared saunas penetrate deeper into your tissues, helping to mobilize fat-stored toxins more effectively. That means a more intense detox, without the extreme heat of a traditional sauna.

Unlike traditional saunas that rely on steam or superheated air, far infrared saunas use infrared light to warm you up from the inside out. This means:

✅ A gentler heat (48–58°C vs. 85–95°C in traditional saunas)

✅ Deeper penetration into muscles and tissues

✅ More efficient detoxification and sweating at a lower temperature

✅ Better circulation and muscle recovery

✅ Deeper relaxation and stress relief

So, instead of heating the air around you, infrared saunas heat you directly. This makes them a more comfortable option while delivering all the same health benefits.

Want to enhance the benefits? Try alternating sauna sessions with a cold shower or plunge—this helps flush toxins from your system and boosts circulation. (If you’re feeling brave, go for the icy dip!) We have cold water recovery baths as well as a wood burning hot tub at Maison de Lunel.

Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Infrared Rays: A Different Kind of Heat

Infrared rays are a type of safe electromagnetic radiation—unlike x-rays or UV rays, which can be harmful. Think of infrared as the warm, cozy cousin of visible light.

There are three types of infrared rays:
🌟 Near Infrared (NIR) – Focuses on surface-level skin benefits.
🌟 Mid Infrared (MIR) – Penetrates a little deeper to help with circulation and pain relief.
🌟 Far Infrared (FIR) – The deepest-penetrating rays, used in infrared saunas for their powerful detox effects.

Both types of saunas offer incredible health benefits, but here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Traditional Sauna 🌡️	Infrared Sauna 🔥
Temperature	85–95°C (185–203°F)	48–58°C (118–136°F)
Heating Method	Steam/Hot Air	Infrared Rays
Heat Penetration	Surface-level	Deep into muscles & tissues
Detox Effectiveness	High	Even higher due to deep penetration
Comfort Level	Intense heat, not for everyone	Milder, more relaxing

Benefits of Infrared Sauna

10 Science-backed Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna:

If you are on a juice cleanse programme using the infrared sauna is a fantastic way to boost your detox and support your healing? It’s like a warm hug that comes with a bunch of science-backed benefits. Here’s why sweating it out might be the best thing you do for your body:

1. Detox Like a Pro

Sweating is one of the body’s natural ways to flush out toxins, and infrared saunas take it to the next level. Research suggests that regular sauna use can help eliminate heavy metals like, mercury, cadmium and lead, reduce oxidative stress, and even help ward off colds. Who knew sweating could be so powerful?

2. Bye-Bye, Aches and Pains

Infrared heat works deep into your muscles to help with recovery, reduce inflammation, and ease chronic pain. Athletes swear by it for post-workout recovery, and studies even show it can be a game-changer for people dealing with long-term pain conditions.

3. Happy Heart, Happy You

Sitting in an infrared sauna gets your heart pumping in a way that mimics moderate exercise. Studies have linked sauna use to improved blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and even benefits for those with heart conditions. It’s basically cardio without the running!

4. Burn Calories While You Relax

Yes, you read that right! The increase in heart rate from infrared heat makes your body work harder to regulate its temperature, leading to calorie burn. Some studies suggest a 30-minute sauna session could burn as many as 600 calories — talk about effortless weight loss!

5. Glow from the Inside Out

Your skin will love you for this one. Sweating in an infrared sauna helps unclog pores, flush out impurities, and even boost collagen production for a youthful glow. Hello, radiant skin!

6. Boost Your Blood Flow

Infrared heat increases circulation, helping to deliver more oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. This can speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and even support better overall health. Your body will thank you for that alone.

7. Ease Back Pain & Stiff Joints

A 2015 study found that infrared sauna use significantly reduced back pain, with no negative side effects. Another study in the Netherlands showed that people with arthritis experienced less stiffness and fatigue after regular sessions. Less pain, more gain!

8. Sweet, Sweet Sleep

If counting sheep isn’t working, try an infrared sauna session before bed. The deep relaxation effect can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. Say hello to blissful ZZZs and a healing night’s sleep.

9. Melt Away Stress & Anxiety

Infrared saunas don’t just relax your body, they calm your mind, too. Studies suggest they can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, leaving you feeling more balanced and stress-free. Think of it as a warm meditation session.

10. Support for Diabetics

For those with type II diabetes, research shows that regular infrared sauna use can help improve overall well-being, reduce fatigue, and lower stress levels. It’s a natural way to help manage symptoms and feel better overall.

Bonus: Heat Therapy for Cellular Health

Beyond the feel-good effects, infrared heat may also help your body on a cellular level. Studies show that it activates heat-shock proteins, which protect your cells, fight free radicals, and even aid in muscle recovery, like getting the benefits of a workout without lifting a finger.

So, whether you’re looking for pain relief, glowing skin, a heart-healthy boost, or just an excuse to relax, infrared saunas have got you covered. Time to get your sweat on!