Sauna Culture and its Benefits

Countries around the  world, including Finland, Iceland, Japan, and Turkey, are known for their rich “Sauna Culture.” But what is sauna culture? Is it just a cultural phenomenon from countries continents away from the United States, or are these nations onto something? The health benefits of saunas have been extensively studied, and research has shown that saunas are not only safe but also incredibly beneficial to one’s health in many ways. While most of these countries use traditional steam saunas, another option, the infrared sauna, is gaining popularity. The differences between the two are noteworthy, yet both offer substantial health benefits.

A traditional sauna uses steam to heat the air, which in turn heats the body. An infrared sauna, on the other hand, uses infrared lamps to emit heat directly into the body. These lamps penetrate the skin up to three inches, raising your body’s core temperature. Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature (110–135°F) compared to traditional saunas (150–195°F), allowing for longer sessions.

For this blog, we’ll focus on infrared saunas because we have one here at CURA! The benefits are impressive: improved detoxification, reduced inflammation, enhanced immunity, better skin health, cardiovascular support, pain management, elevated mood, and even cancer prevention. Let’s dive into the details and see why “Sauna Culture” might just be your next wellness obsession.

Improved Detoxification

Infrared saunas heat the body from the inside out, promoting a deeper, detoxifying sweat. Research shows sweating is an effective way to eliminate heavy metals from the body. While small amounts of heavy metals are essential for good health, modern lifestyles can lead to excessive exposure through food, personal care products, technology, and even water. Infrared saunas help counteract this buildup.

Reduced Inflammation

How many medical conditions end in “-itis”? Pancreatitis, hepatitis, meningitis, sinusitis, arthritis—the list goes on. Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a root cause of numerous diseases, unwanted symptoms, and even aging. Studies show that infrared saunas reduce inflammatory biomarkers like interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, proteins that drive inflammation in the body. Lowering these levels means reduced inflammation, which is great news for your overall health.

Enhanced Immunity

A healthy immune system is like a well-trained army ready to defend your body. Infrared saunas mimic the stress of a fever, activating white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils to fight off threats. Over time, this process strengthens your immune system, improving its resilience.

Better Skin Health

Regular sauna use improves the skin’s barrier function, leading to better hydration and a smoother complexion. Infrared light is absorbed by fibroblast cells, which produce collagen and elastin. This helps reduce fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and even out hyperpigmentation.

Brain Health

Infrared saunas benefit your brain as much as your body. Studies have found that using a sauna 4–7 times per week reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 65% compared to those who use saunas less frequently. This is linked to increased levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which supports memory and brain function. Heat stress from infrared saunas has been shown to boost BDNF levels, improving cognitive health.

Cardiovascular Health

Protecting your heart is vital, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. Infrared saunas improve circulation, increase heart rate, and lower blood pressure. One study found that using a sauna 2–3 times per week reduced the risk of hypertension by 24%, while using it 4–7 times per week lowered the risk by 46%. Another study showed that infrared sauna therapy significantly reduced irregular heartbeats in patients with congestive heart failure, outperforming conventional medical treatments.

Pain Management

Infrared saunas increase circulation and oxygenation, which can significantly reduce chronic pain. Conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis respond well to regular sauna use, making it a valuable tool for pain management.

Elevated Mood

Although there isn’t extensive research linking infrared saunas directly to mood enhancement, the benefits for your physical health often translate into improved mental well-being. When your body feels good, your mind has a chance to relax and rejuvenate.

Cancer Prevention

Infrared saunas may even support cancer prevention. Studies show that infrared sauna therapy can inhibit the proliferation or the growth of cancer cells and, in some cases even kill bone cancer cells altogether. 

Ready to Join “Sauna Culture”?

Have I convinced you to try our full-spectrum infrared sauna at CURA yet? The benefits are too good to ignore. We can’t wait to see you experience the healing power of infrared sauna therapy for yourself! Schedule with CURA today.