Combine Infrared Saunas & Red Light Therapy to Optimize Your Health Routine

Written By: Dr. Raleigh Duncan

 

Many wellness enthusiasts have wondered, “Can I use red light therapy and infrared saunas together?” While some sources claim these therapies shouldn’t or can’t be combined, the truth is that using red light therapy with your infrared sauna can amplify their benefits. Individually, each therapy offers powerful health advantages, but when used in tandem, they work synergistically to maximize healing, detoxification, and relaxation.

 

Myth-Busting: Red Light Therapy and Infrared Saunas

 

Some sources suggest that red light therapy (RLT) and infrared saunas should not be used together, but this claim is often based on misconceptions rather than science. One common myth is that the overlapping wavelengths of red and infrared light might cancel each other out or that using both might overstimulate the body. However, these therapies are not only compatible, but can work in harmony for an enhanced therapeutic effect.

Together, they create a multi-level healing effect: while infrared heat relaxes muscles and improves circulation, red light adds energy directly to the cells, promoting faster recovery and deeper rejuvenation. So, despite what some may say, combining RLT and infrared heat is both safe and highly beneficial for overall wellness.

 

 

Can You Use Red Light Therapy in an Infrared Sauna?

 

Of course you should use red light and your infrared sauna together. When combined, these two therapies work synergistically increasing their actions in the body and taking your healing to the next level.

When the infrared sauna heats your body, vasodilation naturally occurs. The heat and increased blood flow helps us to detox, relax, and recover from stress and muscular pain. We start to feel better as the infrared heat releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, and soon our immune system releases more white blood cells to fight off infections.

Later on in the process, there is a general release of HSPs, or heat shock proteins, that repair and replace old proteins. BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factors, are released during infrared sauna usage and play an important role in creating new cells in the brain and enhancing overall brain function.

Clearlight’s red light units use powerful red light and near infrared to heal the body while reducing inflammation and adding energy into the mitochondria of cells by stimulating the production of ATP in a process called photobiomodulation. This groundbreaking process and red light therapy in general has been heavily researched and its effectiveness proven many times over.

Red light therapy becomes a useful addition when used in the sauna by increasing the lifespan of the cells involved in the healing process. In other words, red light therapy enhances and prolongs the effectiveness of the infrared sauna by increasing the actions of infrared healing and allowing them to last longer and go deeper! 

 

 

Choosing the Right Equipment

 

To get the most out of combining red light therapy and infrared saunas, it’s essential to choose the right equipment designed for compatibility. With the right tools, you can create an effective, home-based healing environment that leverages the best of both red light therapy and infrared heat. Make sure to invest in high-quality equipment that suits your specific health goals for an optimal, synergistic experience. Here’s what to look for:

 

Wavelengths

For red light therapy, ensure that your device uses wavelengths within the optimal range, typically around 630-660 nm for red light and 800-850 nm for near-infrared. These wavelengths are proven to be effective for cellular regeneration and inflammation reduction, offering maximum benefits when paired with infrared sauna therapy.

 

Types of Infrared Saunas

Not all infrared saunas are created equal. Look for full-spectrum saunas that offer near, mid, and far-infrared heat, as each penetrates the body at different depths, helping create a well-rounded detox and relaxation effect for optimal health benefits.

 

Integrated vs. Standalone Units

Some saunas come with built-in red light therapy panels, which can be convenient and space-saving. However, standalone red light devices allow for greater flexibility, enabling you to focus the light on specific body areas if needed, whether you’re aiming for full-body effects or targeted healing. The CORE Red Light Tower by Clearlight is the best of both worlds; easily installed on the door of your infrared sauna, or paired with a floor stand for use anywhere in your home. 

 

Infrared Therapy and RLT for Your Wellness Routine

 

Incorporating red light therapy into your infrared sauna routine can be a game-changer for your health journey. This combination not only supports relaxation and recovery but also aids in cellular regeneration and immune support, working to optimize your body’s healing process. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, boost brain health, or support muscle recovery, red light therapy in an infrared sauna offers a powerful, natural approach to enhanced well-being. Embrace this dynamic duo and experience a deeper, more effective healing journey.