Managing Chronic Inflammation with Regular Sauna Use

Chronic inflammation is a major underlying cause of many health challenges from arthritis and fibromyalgia to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Unfortunately, this affects millions of Americans. In fact, according to a study published in Frontiers in Medicine in 2024, approximately 35% of adults deal with chronic inflammation (1). 

Fortunately, far infrared sauna therapy offers a proven and effective way to help manage inflammation and its related symptoms.

The Science Behind Infrared’s Anti-Inflammatory Power

1. Reduction in C‑Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Markers

FIR sauna therapy has been shown to lower systemic inflammation by reducing blood levels of C‑reactive protein and other inflammatory biomarkers (2)(3). 

2. Cellular Mechanisms: Heat, Blood Flow, and Gene Expression

Infrared heat penetrates tissues, causing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and enhanced circulation (4). This helps flush out inflammatory cytokines and metabolic waste from muscles and joints. Additionally, FIR therapy induces expression of heme oxygenase‑1, a gene known for its anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects (5).

Functional Health Benefits of Reducing Chronic Inflammation

• Managing Pain: Reducing inflammation has been linked to short and long‑term improvements in pain and stiffness. (6)(7)(8)
• Improvement in Immune Activity: Systemic reduction in inflammation supports a meaningful regulation of immune activity (9). 
• Lowered Risk of Developing Various Diseases: Chronic inflammation has been associated as a major underlying component of many age-related degenerative conditions and so by keeping it in check we can allow our body to maintain healthy homeostasis (10).

Choosing the Right Sauna to Maximize Benefits

When choosing a sauna for your home, knowing you are getting the highest quality is paramount. Many saunas use heaters that have high EMF and woods that off-gas fumes (such as formaldehyde) which are both triggers of inflammation.

Here at High Tech Health we take pride in having the proven lowest total EMF and 100% single wood construction with no “other woods” like off-gassing plywood or particleboard. This ensures you get the most possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Takeaway

Far infrared sauna therapy, when used consistently, offers a science-backed way to manage chronic inflammation and its associated symptoms. By supporting circulatory health, lowering inflammatory biomarkers, and soothing sore joints and muscles, it is a powerful addition to your wellness routine, perhaps the most important!

Our product specialists are all health professionals and are available to help you in your wellness journey.

Shop Low EMF Infrared Saunas

References

1. Mainous AG 3rd, Sharma P, Jo A. Systemic inflammation among adults with diagnosed and undiagnosed cardiometabolic conditions: a potential missed opportunity for cardiovascular disease prevention. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Jan 11;10:1327205. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1327205. PMID: 38274464; PMCID: PMC10808594.
2. Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T. Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Mar;33(3):351-353. doi: 10.1007/s10654-017-0335-y. Epub 2017 Dec 5. PMID: 29209938.
3. Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen T, Laukkanen JA. Longitudinal associations of sauna bathing with inflammation and oxidative stress: the KIHD prospective cohort study. Ann Med. 2018 Aug;50(5):437-442. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2018.1489143. Epub 2018 Jul 24. PMID: 29897261.
4. Imamura M, Biro S, Kihara T, Yoshifuku S, Takasaki K, Otsuji Y, Minagoe S, Toyama Y, Tei C. Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001 Oct;38(4):1083-8. doi: 10.1016/s0735-1097(01)01467-x. PMID: 11583886.
5. Lin CC, Liu XM, Peyton K, Wang H, Yang WC, Lin SJ, Durante W. Far infrared therapy inhibits vascular endothelial inflammation via the induction of heme oxygenase-1. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008 Apr;28(4):739-45. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.160085. Epub 2008 Jan 17. PMID: 18202320; PMCID: PMC2748062.
6. Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C. The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychother Psychosom. 2005;74(5):288-94. doi: 10.1159/000086319. PMID: 16088266.
7. Ervolino F, Gazze R. Far infrared wavelength treatment for low back pain: Evaluation of a non-invasive device. Work. 2015;53(1):157-62. doi: 10.3233/WOR-152152. PMID: 26409395.
8. Lai CH, Leung TK, Peng CW, Chang KH, Lai MJ, Lai WF, Chen SC. Effects of far-infrared irradiation on myofascial neck pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Feb;20(2):123-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0122. Epub 2013 Oct 23. PMID: 24152215.
9. Gupta SC, Kunnumakkara AB, Aggarwal S, Aggarwal BB. Inflammation, a Double-Edge Sword for Cancer and Other Age-Related Diseases. Front Immunol. 2018 Sep 27;9:2160. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02160. PMID: 30319623; PMCID: PMC6170639.
10. Rea IM, Gibson DS, McGilligan V, McNerlan SE, Alexander HD, Ross OA. Age and Age-Related Diseases: Role of Inflammation Triggers and Cytokines. Front Immunol. 2018 Apr 9;9:586. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00586. PMID: 29686666; PMCID: PMC5900450.