History of Saunas
c. 7000 BCE
The earliest “pit saunas” were dug into the ground.
Middle Ages (~1000–1500 CE)
Smoke saunas with no chimneys became common.
17th–19th century
Chimneys and wood-burning stoves improved usability; urban saunas emerged.
1938
The first electric sauna heater was introduced in Finland.
1940s–1950s
Public and home electric saunas became widespread.
Late 20th century
Infrared saunas were developed, using gentle radiant heat to penetrate muscles and support relaxation, detoxification, and circulation.
21st century
Red light therapy saunas emerged, combining infrared heat with targeted red and near-infrared light to promote skin rejuvenation, cellular repair, and overall wellness.
2020
Finnish sauna culture was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Science Behind Sauna
Steam Sauna
Key Functions:
Provides high-humidity heat for deep relaxation and sweating.
Helps relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and promote mental relaxation.
Scientific Basis & References:
Cardiovascular Response: Steam increases skin blood flow and raises heart rate while slightly lowering blood pressure.
Arterial Compliance: Temporary reduction in arterial stiffness, improving vascular function.
PubMed:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29269746/
Long-Term Cardiovascular Benefits: Frequent sauna use is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality.
JAMA Internal Medicine: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2130724
Recovery: Helps lower heart rate and supports post-exercise recovery.
SeeJPH:https://www.seejph.com/index.php/seejph/article/download/5146/3390/7861
Infrared Sauna
Key Functions:
- Uses radiant infrared heat to warm the body directly.
- Supports muscle recovery, circulation, and “passive cardio” effects.
Scientific Basis & References:
Thermoregulatory Stress & Blood Flow: Infrared heat raises skin and core temperature, triggering natural thermoregulatory responses.
PMC:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/
Cardiovascular Adaptation: Can lower blood pressure and improve cardiorespiratory fitness when combined with exercise.
PubMed:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35785965/
Cellular Protection (Heat Shock Proteins): Infrared heat may stimulate HSPs to support cellular repair.
Nature:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68022-1
Safety & Comfort: Operates at lower air temperatures (35–50 °C), allowing deep heat exposure with greater comfort.
Red-Light Sauna
Key Functions:
- Combines red light (600–850 nm) with infrared heat.
- Promotes cellular repair, collagen production, anti-inflammation, and recovery.
Scientific Basis & References:
Photobiomodulation: Red/near-infrared light absorbed by mitochondria increases ATP production and supports cell repair.
Nature:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77290-w
Skin & Collagen: Red light stimulates fibroblasts, promoting collagen synthesis for skin repair.
Scirp:https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=142513
Circulation & Anti-Inflammation: Heat + light synergistically improves microcirculation and reduces inflammation.
pmc.ncbi.n1m.nih:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12154360/
Synergy: Heat enhances cellular responsiveness to light therapy, maximizing recovery and repair.
pmc.ncbi.n1m.nih:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10295700/
Differences in Sauna Solutions
From relaxing steam to deep infrared detox and advanced full-spectrum red light recovery, choose the sauna that fits your lifestyle and wellness goals.
Steam Sauna
A steam sauna uses moist heat generated by boiling water, creating high humidity at lower temperatures (around 110–130°F). It is ideal for users who enjoy a traditional wet sauna experience, helping open pores, hydrate skin, and support respiratory comfort. Steam saunas are generally more relaxing and easier to tolerate for beginners.
Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna uses far infrared heat to warm the body directly rather than heating the air. It operates at higher dry-heat temperatures (up to about 149°F) with low humidity, promoting deep sweating, detoxification, improved circulation, and muscle relaxation. This type is well suited for daily home use and long-term wellness routines.
Full-Spectrum + Red Light Sauna
A full-spectrum + red light sauna combines near, mid, and far infrared heat with red and near-infrared light therapy (660nm and 850nm). Beyond traditional sauna benefits, it targets deeper cellular recovery, reduces inflammation, enhances muscle repair, and supports skin rejuvenation. This is a premium option designed for advanced recovery, anti-aging, and high-performance wellness users.