Staying healthy and maintaining a strong immune system is crucial in the current health climate and for the foreseeable future. But it’s not just about COVID-19 issues. We experience an onslaught of exposure to bacteria and viruses every single day. What’s important is how we prepare our bodies to fight off viruses and build our defenses. Some of the common methods include using hand sanitizer, washing hands regularly, taking vitamins, getting enough sleep, and having a proper diet. Using a sauna as a wellness tool can also help, but does an infrared sauna kill viruses?
To answer that question, we need to look at what an infrared sauna is and how it affects the body, including the immune system.
Let’s dive in.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit light of varying wavelengths within the infrared light section of the electromagnetic spectrum. This light penetrates the skin as heat and is able to, depending on which wavelength is being absorbed, have an effect on the internal systems of the body. There are 3 types of wavelengths: Near, mid, and far-infrared.
Near-infrared, with wavelengths from 0.76 to 1.5 microns, is the shortest wavelength in the infrared light spectrum. Some of the benefits include wound healing, improved skin, increased collagen production, and muscle recovery. Some saunas feature chromotherapy lighting, a type of near-infrared, which uses colors at varying wavelengths in order to produce additional benefits.
Mid-infrared, with wavelengths from 1.5 to 5.6 microns, penetrates deeper than near-infrared, but not as deep as far-infrared. Benefits include improved circulation, joint pain relief, and weight loss.
Far-infrared, with wavelengths from 5.6 all the way to 1000 microns, has the deepest level of penetration within the infrared light spectrum. Some of these benefits include strengthening the cardiovascular system, boosting immunity, eliminating toxins, and lowering blood pressure. Sunlight is considered far-infrared light and is helpful in boosting our vitamin D levels.
The combination of all three of these types of infrared light within our infrared saunas, including chromotherapy lighting, is the best recipe for a healthy immune system and so much more.
The Role Of Infrared Sauna In Killing Viruses
The main topic of this article is addressing the question of – does an infrared sauna kill viruses?
We’ve learned that far-infrared light helps boost immunity, detoxify, and provides other cellular health benefits. Does that mean that viruses, including SAR-CoV-2, are killed along the way?
An article from Marc Cohen, MD from the Extreme Wellness Institute in Melbourne, VIC, Australia, explores whether or not heat can be a therapeutic intervention for COVID-19. In it, it says:
“Enveloped viruses such as SAR-CoV-2 are sensitive to heat and are destroyed by temperatures tolerable to humans.”
It also indicates, “Heat is a widely accessible therapeutic modality with a long history of traditional use, yet it remains to be seen if heat can be effective in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.” So, we can’t say for sure if infrared saunas (heat therapy) can be directly responsible for eliminating COVID-19.
However, infrared saunas ARE excellent for helping reduce inflammation and expanding blood vessels to transport oxygen more efficiently. Saunas may also relieve congestion and ease breathing. Additionally, infrared can increase white blood cell production to help combat viruses and promote cell regeneration.
So yes, an infrared sauna kills viruses indirectly as it aids in other processes that ultimately work to build immunity and keep the body healthy.
What Have We Learned?
The sheer number of benefits gained from regular use is reason enough to make an investment in an infrared sauna. With more people staying home or avoiding crowded gyms and spas, having a personal sauna at your disposal is extremely convenient and more hygienic. At the same time, you can increase your immunity and ward off viruses and other bacteria.
If you’re looking to boost your immunity and stay healthy, consider Health Mate. We’re the leading manufacturer of infrared saunas for the home for over 40 years. Our infrared saunas are made with 100% natural, whole wood that is naturally anti-bacterial and sustainably sourced. For more information on our line of infrared saunas for sale, contact us today so we can help with your wellness journey.