MVIIIHealth The MVIII app
← Back

Research · Practices

Infrared sauna

Most trials are of Waon therapy, 15 minutes at 60°C, in Japanese heart failure patients, where pooled results show better ejection fraction and lower BNP over 2 to 4 weeks. Evidence in healthy people is limited to small recovery studies. Trials found no gain in muscle growth or blood sugar handling. No serious adverse events occurred in a 149-person trial.

Add to Bio HackChecked 2026-11-13
Status
A practice, not a regulated product.
Also called
far-infrared sauna, FIR sauna, FIRS, infrared sauna blanket, Waon therapy, thermal therapy, whole-body hyperthermia
Practiced for
heart health, heart failure, blood pressure, recovery, muscle soreness, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, fatigue, relaxation, detox, weight loss, cholesterol, blood sugar, skin, sleep

Strong several reviews agree · Moderate one review or consistent trials · Limited one or a few small studies · Untested no study in people, listed with what it rests on

Shown to help11

Reported risks2

What people practice it for, and what was found

Shown to help11

Moderate

Heart function in heart failure

Shown to raise ejection fraction and lower BNP over 2 to 4 weeks in people with heart failure, in pooled trials of 60°C far-infrared sessions.

The numbers and sources
Effect
A meta-analysis of 7 controlled studies found that 15 minutes in a 60°C infrared sauna followed by 30 minutes of warm rest, 5 times a week for 2 to 4 weeks, was associated with lower B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a smaller cardiothoracic ratio and higher left ventricular ejection fraction. Left ventricular and left atrial diameters and blood pressure did not change [1]. A second meta-analysis reported ejection fraction 3.27 percentage points higher and BNP 116.66 pg/mL lower after 2 to 4 weeks of sauna treatment [2]. In 188 patients, ejection fraction rose from 31.6% to 34.6% and BNP fell from 542 to 394 pg/mL after 2 weeks of daily sessions, with no significant change in controls [3].
Population
People with chronic heart failure in 9 controlled studies, 7 pooled [1]. Participants in 16 articles [2]. 188 patients, 112 assigned to Waon therapy and 76 to control [3].
Sources
[1], [2], [3]
Caveats
The reviewers rated the strength of evidence from moderate to insufficient, and only short-term effects were measured [1]. Nearly all trials come from Japan, many from the group that developed Waon therapy. Patients could not be blinded to heat. The searches in [1] found no eligible Finnish sauna trial in heart failure.
Moderate

Walking distance and symptoms in heart failure

Shown to improve 6-minute walk distance and symptom class in people with heart failure, though the largest trial missed its main endpoint, the change in BNP.

The numbers and sources
Effect
In 149 hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure, 10 daily sessions improved NYHA class, 6-minute walk distance and cardiothoracic ratio only in the Waon group. The primary endpoint, the change in BNP, did not reach statistical significance [4]. Pooled sauna studies found 6-minute walk distance 48.11 m longer after 2 to 4 weeks [2]. In 41 patients, walk distance rose from 337 to 379 m after 3 weeks [5]. In 49 patients, physical and mental quality of life scores on the SF-36 improved after 3 weeks [6].
Population
76 Waon and 73 control patients at 19 Japanese institutes, mean age 66 [4]. Participants in 16 articles [2]. 41 patients [5] and 49 patients [6] with chronic heart failure, no control groups.
Sources
[4], [2], [5], [6]
Caveats
The largest trial did not meet its primary endpoint [4]. Walking and symptom measures depend on effort and expectation, and no trial was blinded. Two of the studies had no control group [5][6].
Limited

Cardiac events over 5 years in heart failure

One non-randomized study found cardiac events in 31.3% of heart failure patients who continued Waon therapy for 5 years, against 68.7% of matched controls.

The numbers and sources
Effect
At 60 months, cardiac events, defined as events due to heart failure or cardiac death, had occurred in 31.3% of the Waon group and 68.7% of the control group (P < 0.01). Eight patients died in the Waon group and 12 in the control group [7].
Population
129 patients in NYHA class III or IV, 64 treated daily for 5 days in hospital and at least twice a week after discharge, and 65 controls matched for age, sex and class [7].
Sources
[7]
Caveats
Not randomized, single center, and the group that kept attending sessions may differ from those who did not.
Limited

Irregular heartbeats in heart failure

One small trial found fewer premature ventricular beats after 2 weeks of daily sessions in people with heart failure, 848 against 3,097 per 24 hours.

The numbers and sources
Effect
After 2 weeks, premature ventricular contractions numbered 848 ± 415 per 24 hours in the sauna group and 3,097 ± 1,033 in the untreated group (p < 0.01). Heart rate variability (SDNN) was higher, 142 against 112 ms, and BNP was lower [8].
Population
30 patients with NYHA class II or III heart failure and at least 200 premature ventricular contractions a day, 20 randomized to sauna and 10 to bed rest [8].
Sources
[8]
Caveats
One small trial from the group that developed the therapy.
Limited

Blood vessel function

Small studies found better artery dilation after 2 to 3 weeks of daily sessions in men with coronary risk factors and in people with heart failure.

The numbers and sources
Effect
In 25 men with at least one coronary risk factor, flow-mediated dilation rose from 4.0% to 5.8% after 2 weeks of daily sessions (p < 0.001) [9]. In 20 people with heart failure, flow-mediated dilation rose after 2 weeks while nothing changed in 10 untreated patients [10]. In uncontrolled heart failure studies it rose from 3.5% to 5.5% [5] and from 3.6% to 5.1% [6]. In 10 healthy women, a single 45-minute session did not change arterial stiffness compared with rest [11].
Population
25 men with risk factors, mean age 38 [9]. 30 people with heart failure [10]. 41 and 49 people with heart failure [5][6]. 10 healthy women [11].
Sources
[9], [10], [5], [6], [11]
Caveats
The risk factor study had no untreated comparison for the change over time [9]. All repeated-session studies are small and from Japan.
Limited

Peripheral artery disease

One small trial found less leg pain and longer walking distance after 6 weeks of daily Waon therapy in people with peripheral artery disease.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Leg pain scores, ankle-brachial pressure index and 6-minute walking distance improved significantly after 6 weeks in the Waon group and not in the control group [15].
Population
21 people with peripheral artery disease on standard medication, 11 randomized to Waon therapy and 10 to control [15].
Sources
[15]
Caveats
Twenty-one people, and the abstract gives no sizes for the clinical changes.
Limited

Recovery after training

Small trials found less muscle soreness and a smaller drop in jump performance after a post-exercise infrared sauna, with no difference after a strength session in one study.

The numbers and sources
Effect
In 16 male basketball players, 20 minutes at 43°C after resistance exercise attenuated the drop in countermovement jump 14 hours later and lowered muscle soreness against passive rest (p < 0.01) [20]. In 10 active men, 30 minutes of far-infrared sauna after a strength session produced no difference in any recovery measure. After an endurance session, jump height at 30 minutes was 0.34 m with sauna and 0.32 m without (p < 0.05) [21]. In 40 female athletes, muscle soreness rose 36 hours after exercise only in the group without sauna [22].
Population
16 male basketball players in a randomized crossover [20]. 10 physically active men [21]. 40 female team sport athletes, pair-matched into two groups [22].
Sources
[20], [21], [22]
Caveats
Small samples, and soreness is self-rated by people who know whether they used the sauna. Temperatures were mild, 35°C to 50°C.
Limited

Chronic pain

One study found 77% of chronic pain patients given daily far-infrared sessions alongside usual treatment had returned to work at 2 years, against 50% without the sessions.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Pain scores, pain behavior, depression and anger scores fell in both groups after 4 weeks of inpatient treatment. With added thermal therapy, anger scores were lower (p = 0.05) and pain behavior slightly lower (p = 0.07). Two years after discharge, 17 of 22 patients (77%) in the thermal group had returned to work against 12 of 24 (50%) (p < 0.05) [25]. A 2009 review rated the evidence for chronic pain as fair, from a single study [14].
Population
46 inpatients with chronic pain on multidisciplinary treatment, 22 of whom also had daily far-infrared sauna for 4 weeks [25].
Sources
[25], [14]
Caveats
The abstract does not say that groups were randomized. Pain scores themselves did not differ between groups.
LimitedStudied in women

Fibromyalgia

Limited evidence: pain fell by about half in 13 women with fibromyalgia given Waon therapy, in a study with no control group.

The numbers and sources
Effect
All 13 patients reported a reduction in pain of about half after the first session (range 11% to 70%), stable at 20% to 78% after 10 sessions. Pain and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores fell significantly (p < 0.01) [26].
Population
13 women with fibromyalgia, mean age 45, treated 2 or 5 days a week [26].
Sources
[26]
Caveats
No control group and 13 participants, so the change cannot be separated from expectation.
Limited

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Limited evidence: perceived fatigue fell after 4 weeks of Waon therapy in 10 inpatients with chronic fatigue syndrome, in a study with no control group.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Perceived fatigue on a numerical scale decreased significantly after 4 weeks, with no significant reduction at 2 weeks. Negative mood and performance status improved. Pain and vigor did not change significantly [28]. A 2009 review rated the evidence for chronic fatigue syndrome as weak, from a single study [14].
Population
10 consecutive inpatients, treated once a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks [28].
Sources
[28], [14]
Caveats
Ten inpatients and no control group.
Limited

Quality of life in type 2 diabetes

Limited evidence: quality of life, stress and fatigue scores improved after 3 months of infrared sauna in people with type 2 diabetes, in a study with no control group.

The numbers and sources
Effect
After 20-minute sessions 3 times a week for 3 months, physical health, general health and social functioning scores on the SF-36v2 improved, as did visual analogue scores for stress and fatigue [29].
Population
Patients with type 2 diabetes at one rural Canadian health center [29].
Sources
[29]
Caveats
No control group. The abstract gives no participant count, no effect sizes and no blood sugar results.

Mixed results5

Limited

Blood pressure

Mixed results: blood pressure fell right after sessions in small studies, while pooled heart failure trials found no lasting change.

The numbers and sources
Effect
In 31 people with treated hypertension, systolic pressure fell from 118.5 to 115.1 mmHg and diastolic from 70.5 to 65.9 mmHg after a single session (P < .001). After repeated sessions the fall was not significant overall, and was significant in 11 non-smokers (124.2 to 108.8 mmHg systolic) [12]. In 12 healthy adults, mean arterial pressure was 9 mmHg lower immediately after 45 minutes at 65°C [13]. Pooled heart failure trials found no significant effect on systolic or diastolic pressure [1]. A single session in 10 healthy women did not change blood pressure compared with rest [11]. A 2009 review of 9 papers found limited moderate evidence for normalizing blood pressure [14].
Population
31 people with hypertension, mean age 64, no control group [12]. 12 healthy adults [13]. People with heart failure [1]. 10 healthy women [11].
Sources
[12], [13], [1], [11], [14]
Caveats
The hypertension study had no control group, and its subgroup finding in non-smokers rests on 11 people [12]. No randomized trial of infrared sauna for high blood pressure was located.
Limited

Depression

Mixed results: one sham-controlled trial found lower depression scores for 6 weeks after a single whole-body hyperthermia session, and a later trial found no advantage over sham.

The numbers and sources
Effect
In 30 adults with major depressive disorder, a single session of whole-body hyperthermia lowered Hamilton depression scores against sham by 6.53 points at week 1 (95% CI -9.90 to -3.16) and 4.27 points at week 6 (95% CI -7.94 to -0.61) [16]. In 30 adults who all received cognitive behavioral therapy, Beck Depression Inventory scores fell 19.07 points with infrared hyperthermia and 21.10 points with sham [17]. A systematic review of 7 studies (148 people) found effect sizes of 0.8 or more on 19 of 21 endpoints [18]. In 28 mildly depressed inpatients, 20 far-infrared sessions improved somatic complaints, hunger and relaxation scores against no thermal therapy, and mental complaints only slightly (p = .054) [19].
Population
Medically healthy adults aged 18 to 65 with major depressive disorder, off psychotropic medication [16]. 30 adults with major depressive disorder [17]. 148 people in 7 studies, 4 using infrared heating and 3 hot baths [18]. 28 inpatients [19].
Sources
[16], [17], [18], [19]
Caveats
Whole-body hyperthermia is a supervised procedure that raises core temperature, not an ordinary sauna visit. After treatment, 93.8% of the heated group and 71.4% of the sham group believed they had received heat [16]. In the later trial every heated participant guessed correctly, and its authors judged the sham not fully credible [17]. Three of the 7 reviewed studies had no control group [18].
Limited

Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Mixed results: pain and stiffness eased during infrared sessions in 34 patients, while changes across the 4-week course did not reach significance.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Pain and stiffness decreased significantly during a session (p < 0.05 in rheumatoid arthritis and p < 0.001 in ankylosing spondylitis). Over 4 weeks and 8 sessions, improvements in pain, stiffness and fatigue did not reach statistical significance. Disease activity scores did not change [27].
Population
17 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 17 with ankylosing spondylitis, no control group [27].
Sources
[27]
Caveats
A pilot study with no control group.
Limited

Weight loss

Mixed results: a 2009 review found one weak supporting study for obesity, while fat mass rose in the sauna group of a 6-week study in female athletes.

The numbers and sources
Effect
The review described the evidence for obesity as weak and resting on one study [14]. In 40 female athletes training for 6 weeks, body mass and fat mass increased in the group using a post-training infrared sauna, with a group by time interaction for fat mass (p = 0.036) in one statistical model. Body mass rose from 64.8 to 65.7 kg in the sauna group [23].
Population
9 papers reviewed [14]. 40 female team sport athletes [23].
Sources
[14], [23]
Caveats
The review abstract gives no numbers for the obesity study. The athlete study was pair-matched, in lean young women who were not trying to lose weight [23]. No randomized trial of infrared sauna for weight loss was located.
LimitedStudied in women

Sweating out pesticides

Limited evidence: insecticide breakdown products were detected in the sweat of 10 women during infrared sauna. No health outcome was measured.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Organophosphate metabolites were detected in 84.6% (22 of 26) and pyrethroid metabolites in 26.9% (7 of 26) of pooled sweat samples. Urinary concentrations of 3 of 4 metabolites rose marginally after infrared sauna. No definite correlation between sweat and urine levels was shown [30].
Population
10 women in a single-blinded crossover of rest, infrared sauna and indoor cycling, 85 sweat and urine collections [30].
Sources
[30]
Caveats
A pilot that shows these compounds can be found in sweat. It did not measure body stores before and after, or any health effect.

Not shown to help7

LimitedStudied in women

Muscle growth and power

One trial found no added muscle growth from a 10-minute infrared sauna after training for 6 weeks in 40 female athletes. Loaded jump height improved.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Six weeks of strength and power training improved performance and muscle size in both groups. Hypertrophy measures by DXA and ultrasound showed no group by time interaction. Countermovement jump with 15% added load improved in the sauna group (interaction p = 0.002 for height and p = 0.010 for peak power) [23].
Population
40 female team sport athletes, pair-matched to sauna (10 minutes at 50°C, 3 times a week) or control [23].
Sources
[23]
Caveats
Pair-matched, not described as randomized. One of several jump tests showed the effect.
Limited

Blood sugar after a meal in type 2 diabetes

One trial found a single 40-minute infrared sauna session did not improve blood sugar handling in 12 people with type 2 diabetes. The glucose rise was larger after heat.

The numbers and sources
Effect
The incremental area under the glucose curve during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was 17.7 mmol/L/120 min after the 60°C condition and 14.8 after the 21°C condition (P < 0.001). Insulin concentrations (P = 0.93) and insulin sensitivity index (P = 0.67) did not differ [24].
Population
12 people with type 2 diabetes, mean age 69, in a randomized crossover [24].
Sources
[24]
Caveats
A single session in 12 people. Repeated use was not tested.
LimitedStudied in women

Cortisol and stress response

One study found morning cortisol rose after the first post-exercise infrared sauna in female athletes, a response that had disappeared after 6 weeks of regular use.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Salivary cortisol rose by 5.1 ± 8.6 nmol/L the morning after the first session in the sauna group (p = 0.017) and not in controls. Heart rate after the session was 61 against 55 beats a minute. In the sixth week the cortisol change was -1.8 ± 7.6 nmol/L [22].
Population
40 female team sport athletes, pair-matched, using 10 minutes at 50°C after training [22].
Sources
[22]
Caveats
One study. Cortisol was measured around two exercise sessions, not as a measure of everyday stress.
LimitedStudied in men

Sleep

One small trial found no difference in sleep duration or quality the night after a post-exercise infrared sauna in 16 athletes.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Sleep duration (p = 0.377) and sleep quality rated 1 to 5 (p = 0.632) did not differ between the sauna and passive recovery nights. Night-time heart rate and heart rate variability did not differ either [20].
Population
16 male basketball players, sleep recorded by diary [20].
Sources
[20]
Caveats
One night, self-reported by diary, in young athletes without sleep complaints.
LimitedStudied in women

Cardiovascular effects compared with exercise

One small trial found 45 minutes of infrared sauna raised body temperature but did not reproduce the breathing or cardiovascular responses of moderate cycling in 10 women.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Tympanic temperature was 1.05°C higher during infrared sauna than rest and 0.79°C higher than cycling. Respiratory rate was 6.66 breaths a minute higher during cycling than sauna. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and heart rate variability did not differ between sauna, cycling and rest [11].
Population
10 healthy women, mean age 36, in a randomized crossover of rest, infrared sauna and indoor cycling [11].
Sources
[11]
Caveats
Ten women, single sessions.
Limited

Cholesterol

Limited evidence: a 2009 review of 9 far-infrared sauna papers found consistent fair evidence against a cholesterol-lowering effect.

The numbers and sources
Effect
The review concluded there was consistent fair evidence to refute claims regarding cholesterol reduction [14].
Population
9 papers on far-infrared sauna in humans, 4 in heart failure and 5 in people with coronary risk factors [14].
Sources
[14]
Caveats
A review by a single author, searched to 2009, with no pooled numbers in the abstract.
Limited

Skin aging

Limited evidence: no study tested infrared saunas on skin aging. Heat and infrared light on human skin raised enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, changes seen in sun-aged skin.

The numbers and sources
Effect
A 2009 review of studies in living human skin reports that infrared radiation and heat each induce new blood vessel growth and inflammatory cells, disrupt the dermal matrix by inducing matrix metalloproteinases, and alter dermal structural proteins, adding to premature skin aging [31]. In human skin heated in vivo, tropoelastin and the elastin-degrading enzyme MMP-12 rose, and fibrillin-1 fell in the dermis, a pattern the authors tie to the elastic fiber build-up of photoaged skin [32].
Population
Human skin exposed to heat or infrared in experimental studies [31][32].
Sources
[31], [32]
Caveats
These studies applied heat or infrared directly to skin, not whole-body sauna sessions, and measured tissue markers rather than wrinkles. No trial of infrared sauna and skin appearance was located.

Protocols studied

Waon therapy, the protocol behind most trials, is 15 minutes in a far-infrared dry sauna held at 60°C, then 30 minutes of rest under a blanket. Trials ran it once a day, 5 days a week for 2 to 4 weeks [1], daily for 10 days [4], daily for 6 weeks in peripheral artery disease [15], and at least twice a week for 5 years in one follow-up study [7].

Sports studies used milder heat: 20 minutes at 43°C once [20], 30 minutes at 35°C to 50°C [21], or 10 minutes at 50°C three times a week for 6 weeks [23]. The diabetes quality of life study used 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 3 months [29]. The arthritis pilot used 8 sessions over 4 weeks [27]. A physiology study used 45 minutes at 65°C, which raised rectal temperature by 1.4°C [13]. The depression trials used a single supervised whole-body hyperthermia session [16][17].

Risks

Reported risks2

Limited

Heat strain at higher temperatures

One small study found 45 minutes in a 65°C far-infrared sauna raised core temperature 1.4°C, doubled heart rate and shrank plasma volume 11.6% in healthy adults.

The numbers and sources
Effect
Rectal temperature rose 1.4°C (95% CI 0.9 to 1.8). Heart rate rose from 74 to 153 beats a minute. Plasma volume fell 11.6% (95% CI -15.9 to -7.2), with sweat losses of 1.4 L an hour. Mean arterial pressure was 9 mmHg lower immediately afterward. Participants rated the heat as extremely hot and extremely uncomfortable [13].
Population
12 healthy adults, 6 of them women, in a single 45-minute exposure [13].
Sources
[13]
Caveats
Healthy volunteers, one session. The exposure was three times as long as a Waon session and hotter than the sports protocols.
Limited

Higher blood sugar response after a session in type 2 diabetes

One small trial found the blood glucose rise after a sugar drink was larger following a 60°C infrared session than following rest in 12 people with type 2 diabetes.

The numbers and sources
Effect
The incremental glucose area under the curve was 17.7 mmol/L/120 min after 40 minutes at 60°C and 14.8 after 40 minutes at 21°C (P < 0.001). Core temperature was 38.0°C against 36.6°C [24].
Population
12 people with type 2 diabetes, mean age 69 [24].
Sources
[24]
Caveats
One session in 12 people, measured with a glucose tolerance test straight after heating.

Checked, no increase found1

Limited

Serious adverse events in trials

No serious adverse events occurred in a 149-person heart failure trial of 10 daily sessions, and small studies in arthritis and chronic fatigue reported none.

The numbers and sources
Effect
No serious adverse events were observed in either group of the WAON-CHF trial [4]. In 34 people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, no adverse effects and no flare of disease were reported over 8 sessions [27]. None of 10 inpatients with chronic fatigue syndrome reported adverse effects over 4 weeks [28]. In the depression trial, adverse events were generally mild in both the heated and sham groups [16].
Population
149 hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure [4]. 34 patients with inflammatory arthritis [27]. 10 inpatients [28]. 30 adults with major depressive disorder [16].
Sources
[4], [27], [28], [16]
Caveats
These were supervised sessions of 15 minutes at 60°C in clinics, with patients monitored. The trials were too small and short to detect uncommon events, and none describes unsupervised home use. No case series of injuries from home infrared saunas was located.

Claims tested and not found

  1. That an infrared sauna gives the cardiovascular workout of exercise. In 10 women, blood pressure, arterial stiffness and heart rate variability did not differ between sauna, cycling and rest, and breathing rate rose only with cycling [11].
  2. That a post-workout infrared sauna adds muscle. Hypertrophy measures did not differ from training alone after 6 weeks in 40 athletes [23].
  3. That an infrared sauna session improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. The glucose response to a tolerance test was higher after a heated session than after rest, and insulin sensitivity did not change [24].
  4. That far-infrared sauna lowers cholesterol. A review of the published trials found consistent fair evidence against it [14].
  5. That a post-exercise infrared sauna improves that night's sleep. Sleep duration and quality did not differ from passive recovery in 16 athletes [20].

Sources

  1. Källström M, Soveri I, Oldgren J, et al. Effects of sauna bath on heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Cardiology. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.23077
  2. Li Z, Jiang W, Chen Y, et al. Acute and short-term efficacy of sauna treatment on cardiovascular function: A meta-analysis. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474515120944584
  3. Miyata M, Kihara T, Kubozono T, et al. Beneficial effects of Waon therapy on patients with chronic heart failure: Results of a prospective multicenter study. Journal of Cardiology. 2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.07.009
  4. Tei C, Imamura T, Kinugawa K, et al. Waon Therapy for Managing Chronic Heart Failure: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Randomized WAON-CHF Study. Circulation Journal. 2016. https://doi.org/10.1253/circj.cj-16-0051
  5. Ohori T, Nozawa T, Ihori H, et al. Effect of Repeated Sauna Treatment on Exercise Tolerance and Endothelial Function in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure. The American Journal of Cardiology. 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.08.014
  6. Sobajima M, Nozawa T, Fukui Y, et al. Waon Therapy Improves Quality of Life as Well as Cardiac Function and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure. International Heart Journal. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1536/ihj.14-266
  7. Kihara T, Miyata M, Fukudome T, et al. Waon therapy improves the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure. Journal of Cardiology. 2009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.11.005
  8. Kihara T, Biro S, Ikeda Y, et al. Effects of Repeated Sauna Treatment on Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure. Circulation Journal. 2004. https://doi.org/10.1253/circj.68.1146
  9. Imamura M, Biro S, Kihara T, et al. Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2001. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0735-1097(01)01467-x
  10. Kihara T, Biro S, Imamura M, et al. Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0735-1097(01)01824-1
  11. Hussain JN, Cohen MM, Mantri N, et al. Infrared sauna as exercise-mimetic? Physiological responses to infrared sauna vs exercise in healthy women: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102798
  12. Kominami K, Takahiza E, Tabuchi M, Akino M. Blood pressure-lowering effect of repeated Waon therapy in non-smokers with hypertension. Medicine. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000026266
  13. Jenkins EJ, Killick JA, Grimm SR, et al. Far-infrared sauna exposure at 65°C elevates core temperature. Experimental Physiology. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1113/ep094028
  14. Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence. Canadian Family Physician. 2009. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2718593/
  15. Shinsato T, Miyata M, Kubozono T, et al. Waon therapy mobilizes CD34+ cells and improves peripheral arterial disease. Journal of Cardiology. 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjcc.2010.08.004
  16. Janssen CW, Lowry CA, Mehl MR, et al. Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.1031
  17. Mason AE, Hartogensis W, Chowdhary A, et al. A Randomized Trial Testing a Novel Mind and Body Intervention for Depression: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH). Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130251387714
  18. Hanusch KU, Janssen CW. The impact of whole-body hyperthermia interventions on mood and depression, are we ready for recommendations for clinical application? International Journal of Hyperthermia. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/02656736.2019.1612103
  19. Masuda A, Nakazato M, Kihara T, et al. Repeated Thermal Therapy Diminishes Appetite Loss and Subjective Complaints in Mildly Depressed Patients. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2005. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000171812.67767.8f
  20. Ahokas EK, Ihalainen JK, Hanstock HG, et al. A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biology of Sport. 2023. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289
  21. Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. SpringerPlus. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5
  22. Ahokas EK, Kyröläinen H, Ihalainen JK, Hanstock HG. Salivary cortisol response to post-exercise infrared sauna declines over time. Temperature. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2025.2493460
  23. Ahokas EK, Hanstock HG, Kyröläinen H, Ihalainen JK. Effects of repeated use of post-exercise infrared sauna on neuromuscular performance and muscle hypertrophy. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1462901
  24. Schenaarts L, Hendriks FK, Fuchs CJ, et al. A Single Sauna Session Does Not Improve Postprandial Blood Glucose Handling in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Over, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2406-4491
  25. Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, et al. The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy for Patients with Chronic Pain. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 2005. https://doi.org/10.1159/000086319
  26. Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. Efficacy of Waon Therapy for Fibromyalgia. Internal Medicine. 2008. https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.47.1054
  27. Oosterveld FGJ, Rasker JJ, Floors M, et al. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology. 2009. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y
  28. Soejima Y, Munemoto T, Masuda A, et al. Effects of Waon Therapy on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Internal Medicine. 2015. https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.54.3042
  29. Beever R. The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0358
  30. Hussain J, Cohen M, O'Malley CJ, et al. Detections of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticide metabolites in urine and sweat obtained from women during infrared sauna and exercise: A pilot crossover study. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114091
  31. Cho S, Shin MH, Kim YK, et al. Effects of infrared radiation and heat on human skin aging in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2009. https://doi.org/10.1038/jidsymp.2009.7
  32. Chen Z, Seo JY, Kim YK, et al. Heat modulation of tropoelastin, fibrillin-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-12 in human skin in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2005. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202x.2004.23550.x

Everything in the library