Published June 20, 2022  

Saunas offer various health benefits, including relaxation and improved sleep, but did you know that they can also be a form of cancer therapy? Saunas have long been used across various cultures to cleanse the body, alleviate stress, and enhance overall well-being. Today, modern research indicates that infrared sauna therapy offers even greater benefits, particularly as a supportive treatment for cancer. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the surrounding air, infrared saunas use light waves to warm the body directly, promoting detoxification, circulation, and immune balance. Read on to learn how far-infrared saunas and near-infrared light work as an alternative therapy for cancer care.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

Saunas use steam/heat to create an environment that raises the temperature of your inner body. You’ll sweat and increase your heart rate to pump more blood to your skin. The excess sweat is your body’s way of cooling itself. This method is designed to mimic the effects of exercise and deliver similar health benefits. Infrared saunas utilize infrared light to heat your body. At the same time, the air around you remains constant, unlike a traditional sauna, which uses heating devices to elevate the air temperature within. This therapy can also be a type of whole-body hyperthermia with several therapeutic mechanisms to fight cancer.

The Science Behind It

Traditional saunas heat the surrounding air, which warms our bodies. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared wavelengths to penetrate the skin, offering a deeper and more direct form of warmth. Unlike their traditional counterparts, infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature. This lower temperature can be more tolerable for individuals who struggle with the intense heat of a regular sauna. As a result, your core temperature rises without needing to sit in a room with a temperature of around 200℉. This temperature is more pleasant for some people than a typical sauna.

Types of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some of the most common you can come across include

Far Infrared Saunas

These primarily target body detoxification. Far infrared waves are the longest wavelength and penetrate the body, reaching the muscles and tissues. These wavelengths help to increase circulation,2 promote relaxation, and reduce inflammation. Far infrared saunas are also believed to aid in detoxification by encouraging the body to sweat out toxins.3

Near-Infrared Saunas

These promote wound healing and cellular health. Near-infrared waves are the shortest wavelength and penetrate the shallowest into the body, reaching the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Near-infrared light stimulates collagen production, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation. This can help promote wound healing, improve skin health, and aid in overall muscle recovery.

Full-Spectrum Saunas

A mix of both, offering the best of both worlds. Full-spectrum saunas emit all three wavelengths of infrared light: near, mid, and far. This provides many health benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced wound healing. Your health is our priority. Contact us!

How Does Infrared Sauna Therapy Help Treat Cancer?

Numerous research studies support the idea that infrared therapy has a significant impact on human health. Not only does the infrared sauna therapy’s hypothermic action confront poisonous and cancerous cells, but it also restores and regenerates our bodies at the cellular level. Hyperthermia is an infrared sauna cancer treatment in which bodily tissue is subjected to high temperatures. Because high temperatures attack weaker cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed, infrared is the ideal cancer combatant. Regularly using an infrared sauna increases blood circulation- the thermal radiation penetrates deep into the body, altering it at the cellular level. Freshly oxygenated hemoglobin then rushes throughout our bodies as ATP generation rises. Since cancer cells can’t live in highly oxygenated conditions, the benefit of using an infrared sauna on cancer is also linked to reversing malignant cell growth. People are drawn to infrared saunas for the tremendous detox benefits they provide, in addition to the oxygenation they provide. Infrared saunas have various detoxification effects, including cutaneous flushes and removing toxins from one’s interior organs. Furthermore, because infrared heat permeates the human body directly, this sort of sauna produces substantially more sweat than conventional heating options. Infrared heating enables individuals to stay in the sauna for extended periods and even allows at-risk groups to participate in this therapy.

Health and Wellness Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Regular sessions of infrared sauna therapy offer numerous health benefits to promote overall well-being. By gently heating the body, infrared saunas enhance circulation, support immune function, and help reduce inflammation, all while promoting deep relaxation.

  1. Detoxification: The heat in infrared sauna therapy encourages sweating, helping the body flush out toxins, heavy metals, and impurities that may accumulate during cancer therapies.
  2. Improved Cardiovascular Function: Studies show that people who regularly use infrared saunas can experience lower blood pressure and improved heart function, including relief from symptoms of heart failure.6
  3. Enhanced Circulation: Infrared radiation increases blood flow and oxygenation, improving tissue repair and promoting better metabolic activity.
  4. Immune Activation: Hyperthermia produced by infrared sauna therapy stimulates “heat shock” proteins on the surface of cancer cells, making them more recognizable to the immune system. This triggers macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells to attack and destroy abnormal cells.
  5. Pain Relief and Relaxation: Regular sauna use can help alleviate chronic pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation to lower stress levels. A study7 found that saunas help alleviate muscular aches and pains after strenuous exercise.
  6. Skin Rejuvenation: Infrared saunas utilize red light to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thereby enhancing skin tone and elasticity.
  7. Inflammation Reduction: Regular infrared sessions can help reduce inflammation associated with chronic diseases and improve comfort during recovery.
  8. Weight and Metabolism Support: While not a quick fix for weight loss, infrared sauna therapy can complement a healthy lifestyle by improving circulation and metabolism.

What Are the Risks of Infrared Sauna Therapy?

Most researchers looking into the health advantages of infrared sauna therapy report that they have few adverse effects. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe:

  • Dehydration: You can get dehydrated if you do not drink enough water. To keep hydrated, drink lots of water before and after your workout.
  • Lightheadedness: Even if you drink plenty of water, lightheadedness might happen. Walking gently inside and outside the sauna is best to avoid falling or collapsing.
  • Overheating: If you’ve never used a sauna before, there’s a chance you’ll overheat. That’s why, when you first start, it’s crucial to keep sessions brief. If at all feasible, choose the lowest heat setting.

If you start to feel any of these adverse effects, leave the sauna immediately. Drink lots of water and take a cold plunge shower to chill down. To lower your core temperature, drape a cool towel over your head. Seek immediate medical help if your heart is thumping and you still feel lightheaded.

Safety and Precautions

The appeal of infrared sauna therapy is undeniable, especially given its numerous potential health benefits. However, like with all treatments or therapies, it’s crucial to understand all the dos and don’ts. Ensuring safe and effective sessions is paramount and can significantly enhance the overall experience. Moderation is key when delving into infrared sauna therapy. Experts suggest starting with a shorter sauna session of around 10 to 15 minutes, especially if you’re new to the experience, and then gradually increasing the duration as your body acclimates. It’s essential to gauge your body’s response after each session and make adjustments as necessary.8 Infrared saunas may also present unique challenges to those battling or recovering from cancer. If you’re undergoing treatment or have a history of cancer, always consult with healthcare professionals like ours at Immunity Therapy Center before starting infrared sauna therapy sessions. Their insights will be invaluable, ensuring the therapy advances rather than complicates your health journey.

Infrared Sauna Cancer Treatment Research and Studies

Several studies and research have been carried out to show the impact of infrared sauna therapy on cancer cells. In a clinical trial published in 2009 in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy, researchers explored the effects of infrared heat treatment on mice cancer cells. The study found that, in just 30 days, the mice tumor volumes decreased by 86 percent. In another study 9 Japanese researchers found that whole-body infrared hyperthermia significantly slowed the development of breast cancer tumors in mice with no adverse side effects. According to researchers, whole-body infrared hyperthermia is a viable noninvasive brain cancer therapy.9

Is Infrared Sauna Therapy Worth it?

Although there are other methods for producing hyperthermia, the infrared sauna is unquestionably one of the simplest and safest. According to an article published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, materials emitting electromagnetic energy in the far-infrared range can stimulate leukocyte functions without boosting oxidative injury.10 Because of the selective toxicity that infrared sauna treatment exerts on cells, they are particularly promising for cancer therapy. Infrared radiation’s hyperthermia impacts are detrimental to malignant cells since normal healthy cells resist it, but cancer cells are challenged. You’re selectively destroying or removing those cancer cells by subjecting your body to that infrared sauna’s heat without harming your healthy cells. So, infrared saunas can help you sweat, discharge toxins, and, theoretically, kill cancer cells that can’t withstand the heat. Infrared saunas provide a one-two punch for effective detoxification, cellular repair, and regeneration, thanks to their internal heating mechanism and the sweat they generate.11 Poor blood circulation is often associated with cancer, and an infrared sauna can help by promoting improved blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. This improved circulation supports detoxification and healing — key components of any holistic cancer treatment plan. At Immunity Therapy Center, our alternative cancer treatments, including infrared sauna therapy, can help enhance recovery, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall patient comfort. If you’re exploring non-invasive options for your cancer treatment, contact us today to learn how infrared sauna therapy and other natural therapies can become part of your personalized healing plan.  

 

Written By: Dr. David Alvarez Dr. David Alvarez is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Xochicalco and Certified by the American Heart Association (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). Dr. Alvarez has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista as an Assistant Medical Director at the Immunity Therapy Center for over 6 years. He provides daily on site patient care and participates on the medical board on research and development of patient treatment plans and programs. Dr. Alvarez is a knowledgeable and compassionate Doctor committed to helping patients get to where they want to be health wise through a more holistic and comprehensive approach.  

 

Sources:

  1. Definition of hyperthermia – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/hyperthermia
  2. Infrared Sauna Improving Circulation https://saunas.org/infrared-sauna-improving-circulation/
  3. BUS Study: How Infrared Saunas Can Help You Detox Heavy Metals https://www.urbanfloat.com/blog/bus-study-infrared-saunas-are-a-powerful-detox-tool
  4. The Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure in Individuals with High-Stress Occupations. A Mechanistic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7908414/
  5. Whole-body hyperthermia helps kill cancer cells https://www.canceractive.com/article/whole-body-hyperthermia-helps-kill-cancer-cells
  6. Permanently cure chronic fatigue with infrared saunas and lifestyle modifications https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/permanently-cure-chronic-fatigue-infrared-saunas-lifestyle-mearns
  7. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/
  8. How Long Should You Sauna For Detoxification Benefits? https://infrared-sauna.com.au/blog/benefits-of-a-sauna-detoxification
  9. Non-Thermal Effects of Far-Infrared Ray (FIR) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells HepG2 and their Tumors https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/nonthermal-effects-of-farinfrared-rayfir-on-human-hepatocellular-carcinoma-cells-hepg-and-their-tumors-1948-5956.1000012.pdf
  10. Electromagnetic wave emitting products and “Kikoh” potentiate human leukocyte functions https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1993IJBm…37..133N/abstract
  11. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y
  12. Prophylactic Effects of Sauna on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness of the Wrist Extensors https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592767/
  13. Sauna Detox: The Toxin Connection to Autoimmunity https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/sauna-detox