When it comes to wellness trends that deliver real results, infrared saunas and red light therapy (RLT) are two powerhouses. Each offers its own benefits, but when combined, they create a dynamic duo that takes your health and relaxation to the next level. Here’s why pairing these two modalities is a game-changer for your mind and body.

The Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly, rather than the air around you. This gentle yet effective heat penetrates deeply into your muscles, joints, and tissues, providing a wide range of benefits:

• Detoxification: Infrared saunas help your body eliminate toxins through sweat, improving overall health.
• Mental Health: The soothing warmth reduces stress and promotes better sleep.
• Pain Relief: Infrared heat can ease muscle soreness and joint stiffness, making it a favorite for athletes and anyone dealing with chronic pain.
• Improved Circulation: Studies show the heat improves cardiac function and boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients more effectively.

“I am such a big fan of saunas, specifically, infrared saunas, a mind-and-body health habit that we should all be adopting”

-Dr. Frank Lipman

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light.  Photoreceptors in our skin called chromophores absorb these wavelengths and the mitochondria then convert them into energy (adenosine triphosphate or ATP). ATP is the energy (or power) our body uses to function.  A few of the benefits of using this modality include:

• Skin Health: Red light promotes collagen production, reducing wrinkles, scars, and acne.
• Muscle Recovery: It stimulates mitochondria (the powerhouse of your cells) to produce more energy, enhancing healing and recovery.
• Reduced Inflammation: RLT helps calm inflammation, benefiting your skin, muscles, and joints.
• Cognitive Health: Encouraging research highlights its potential for treating depression and major depressive disorder (MDD), while also boosting memory and focus
• Stimulating RNA/DNA Synthesis RNA/DNA synthesis is essential for creating new proteins
• Engaging our Lymphatic System– RLT triggers our lymphatic system into gear, which is a major component of removing toxins from our body.

The latest studies on red light therapy continue to support decades-old findings that demonstrate the therapeutic and preventative effects, with benefits to hormonal, gut, and brain health at the forefront of the research.”

– Ben Greenfield

Why Use Infrared Saunas and Red Light Therapy Together?

Individually, infrared saunas and red light therapy are fantastic, but when used together, they create a synergistic effect that amplifies their benefits. Here’s how:

• Enhanced Detoxification and Recovery: RLT stimulates your cells and wakes up your lymphatic drainage pathways, the infrared sauna aids in flushing out toxins and soothing your muscles.
• Improved Circulation and Healing: The sauna’s heat enhances blood flow, while red light promotes cellular repair, creating an ideal environment for healing.
• Glowing Skin: RLT supports collagen production, and the infrared sauna boosts circulation for a radiant, healthy complexion.
• Deep Relaxation: The combination of gentle heat and calming light melts away stress, leaving you rejuvenated and refreshed.

How to Incorporate Both into Your Wellness Routine

Maximizing the benefits of combining red light therapy and infrared saunas starts with choosing the right equipment. The right setup can transform your space into an effective, home-based wellness retreat that harnesses the power of both therapies. Check wavelengths of the red light device, it should combine red light and near infrared.  Red light should be 630-660nm and near infrared should be 800-850nm. Chromotherapy lights are NOT the same as red light therapy devices.  I recommend Clearlight CORE Red Light Tower, it can be mounted to the inside of your sauna door or used on a stand. When combining red light therapy and infrared sauna use, wear minimal clothing and stay hydrated for optimal benefits. Red light therapy is bright and your eyes may need time to adjust. There are emerging studies illustrating how red light therapy is beneficial for eye health. As with all modalities, every individual is different, consult your healthcare provider or follow what feels right for you.  

Final Thoughts

Combining infrared saunas with red light therapy is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to enhance recovery, improve your skin, or just unwind, this pairing offers a holistic approach to feeling and looking your best. 

Ready to try it for yourself? Contact me to discover how it can transform your health and well-being!