Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas: Which Is Better for Your Health?

At Verity Health Center, we know that heat therapy has been used for centuries to promote healing, reduce stress and support overall well-being. Today, there are two main options for sauna therapy: traditional steam saunas and modern infrared saunas. While both offer health benefits, they work in different ways. Understanding the difference can help you decide which is right for your wellness journey.

How Traditional Saunas Work

Traditional saunas heat the air around you, usually between 150–195°F. This high heat causes your body temperature to rise, your heart rate to increase and your body to sweat.

According to the American Heart Association, sauna bathing has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure and reduced risk of sudden cardiac death. A landmark 20-year study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that frequent sauna use was associated with a significantly lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke.

Traditional saunas are also known to help relax muscles, reduce tension and improve circulation after exercise, making them a staple in many athletic recovery programs.

How Infrared Saunas Work

Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use light waves to directly heat the body rather than the surrounding air. This allows for lower ambient temperatures (110–135°F) while still promoting deep tissue heating.

According to the Mayo Clinic, infrared saunas may help with muscle soreness, relaxation and improved sleep quality. A review in the Canadian Family Physician Journal found that infrared sauna use was associated with improvements in chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Because infrared waves penetrate more deeply into tissues, many people find them more tolerable than the intense heat of traditional saunas while still experiencing significant health benefits.

Health Benefits Compared

• Both sauna types support detoxification, stress relief and circulation, but their unique mechanisms can make them better suited to different needs.
• Cardiovascular Health: According to a study in Annals of Medicine, both sauna types can improve blood vessel function and reduce blood pressure, though infrared saunas may provide these benefits at lower temperatures, making them accessible for people who can’t tolerate high heat.
• Pain Management: Research in Clinical Rheumatology found that infrared sauna sessions led to decreased pain and stiffness in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional saunas also improve circulation, which can aid in post-exercise recovery.
• Stress and Mental Health: According to the National Institutes of Health, sauna use of any kind has been associated with lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improved mood, supporting overall mental well-being.

Which Sauna Is Right for You?

Choosing between infrared and traditional saunas depends on your personal health goals and heat tolerance. If you enjoy the ritual of a hotter environment and want the proven cardiovascular benefits linked with Finnish sauna traditions, a traditional sauna may be best. If you’re looking for lower temperatures with deep-tissue benefits for pain relief, detoxification, and relaxation, an infrared sauna may be a more comfortable fit.

Sauna Therapy for Tallahassee and Beyond

At Verity Health Center, we offer a state-of-the-art full-spectrum infrared sauna at both our Tallahassee and Crawford locations that combines near, mid and far infrared wavelengths to maximize benefits for circulation, detox and muscle recovery. Whether used alongside chiropractic care or as part of your self-care routine, infrared sauna therapy can help restore balance and promote holistic healing.

Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Schedule your infrared sauna session today and take a step toward better health.