What Happens to Your Body When You Use a Sauna?

If you’re exploring the idea of adding a sauna to your home, you’ve probably heard about the benefits—but what really happens to your body while you’re inside a sauna? And how does the experience differ between traditional and infrared sauna bathing?

In this post, we’ll walk you through the physiological effects, health benefits, and unique qualities of each type—so you can make a confident decision about what’s best for your home wellness routine.

What Happens Inside Your Body During a Sauna Session

Whether you’re enjoying a high-heat traditional sauna or a lower-temperature infrared model, your body naturally begins to respond to the heat in a variety of ways:

- Your Core Temperature Gently Rises

The heat exposure raises your internal temperature slightly, which encourages your body’s natural cooling process—sweating. This helps promote a sense of physical release and warmth.

- Your Heart Rate Gently Increases

As your body adjusts to the heat, your heart rate may increase—similar to what occurs during light to moderate physical activity. This process supports healthy circulation and can contribute to an overall feeling of vitality.

- Sweating May Support Natural Elimination

Sweating is one of the body’s ways of maintaining internal balance. Some sauna users incorporate regular sessions as part of a wellness routine to support the body’s natural processes of elimination and hydration.

- A Shift Toward Relaxation

Many sauna users describe feeling calmer or more at ease after their session. The warmth and stillness may help encourage relaxation and allow the body to move toward a more restful state.

Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing (Backed by Research)

• Improved cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure, better vascular function)

• Muscle recovery & pain relief from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and DOMS

• Clearer skin & improved tone through increased circulation and sweat-induced exfoliation

• Reduced inflammation markers over time

• Stress reduction and improvements in mental clarity

Sources: PubMed, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic

How are Traditional and Infrared Different?

Traditional Saunas: The Original Sweat Ritual

A Brief History

Archaeological evidence suggests sauna-like structures date back nearly 7,000 years, with early saunas believed to be dug-out earth pits lined with hot stones and covered to trap heat and steam. These primitive steam baths—precursors to the Finnish sauna—served not only for warmth and cleansing, but also for rituals, healing, and childbirth.

Over time, they evolved into the wood-heated log saunas we recognize today as essential to daily life in Nordic cultures.

How It Works

Traditional saunas use either electric or wood-burning stoves to heat the air, which then heats your body. Temperatures typically reach 150°F to 190°F.

Unique Features

• Intense, enveloping heat

• Optional steam when water is poured over rocks

• Strong sweating within a short period

Best For:

• Sauna purists and ritual lovers

• Those who enjoy steam or group sauna experiences

• Users seeking high-heat therapy for muscle recovery or relaxation

Infrared Saunas: Deep Heat, Modern Technology

A Modern Development

Infrared saunas gained popularity in the late 20th century. Instead of heating the air, they emit invisible light waves that warm the body directly.

How It Works

Infrared panels emit Far Infrared (FIR) waves—some models also offer Full Spectrum (Near, Mid, Far). This heat penetrates up to 2–3 inches into tissues.

Unique Benefits

• Operates at lower temperatures (110–140°F)

• Easier to tolerate for longer sessions

• Deeper tissue warming without overwhelming heat

• Often includes low or near-zero EMF technology for peace of mind

Best For:

• Daily users or heat-sensitive individuals

• Wellness routines focused on detox, recovery, and chronic pain

• Those who prefer tech-enhanced features or compact, plug-and-play models

Pro Tips for Sauna Bathing:

• Hydrate well before and after

• Start slow (5–10 minutes) if you’re new

• Use a towel to absorb sweat and protect the bench

• Don’t eat a large meal right before entering

• Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant, have heart issues, or take medications

What Sauna Fits You Best?

If you love the ritual, steam, and high heat of a classic sauna experience, a traditional sauna is likely your best match.

If you prefer gentle, deep-penetrating heat and a more convenient, low-maintenance setup, an infrared sauna may be the right fit.

Still deciding—or have different preferences in your household? Hybrid saunas combine both technologies, giving you the best of both worlds in a single unit.

Either way, you're giving your body a gift that supports detoxification, relaxation, and restoration—right from home.

🛒 Explore top-rated infrared and traditional saunas at Home Spa Direct

📩 Have questions? Reach us at support@homespadirect.com or call +1 (512) 980-9593 We're here to help you create your daily sanctuary.