To sanitize a sauna, wipe down all surfaces with a mild soap and water solution, disinfect with equal parts white vinegar and water, and allow it to air-dry completely. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood or emit toxic fumes when heated.
Many people with lupus struggle with disease symptoms that can be hard to control. Some have said that using infrared saunas as a complementary therapy with standard medical treatment helps relieve joint pain or other lupus symptoms. However, spending time in a sauna may not be safe or beneficial for everyone.
Yes, saunas are a highly effective natural tool for managing high cortisol. While the intense heat initially spikes the stress hormone as your body adapts to thermal stress, regular sessions—specifically infrared or traditional saunas—lead to significantly lower baseline cortisol levels and better long-term stress management.
At operating temperatures of 80°C-100°C (dry saunas), 48°C-60°C (infrared saunas), and 50°C (steam saunas), most bacteria are destroyed or suppressed except for thermophilic bacteria and spore-forming bacteria.
For individuals with COPD, saunas may offer some benefits like improved circulation and loosened mucus, but they carry significant risks. Because extreme heat can strain the heart and lungs, you must consult your doctor or a pulmonologist before trying it.
Saunas do not "cure" respiratory conditions, but they can temporarily help clear your lungs. The heat and humidity increase circulation, relax tight airways, and act as a natural expectorant to thin and loosen mucus. This makes it easier to cough up congestion.
The "rule of 200" is a guideline for maintaining safety and comfort by balancing temperature and humidity. According to the rule of 200, the sum of your sauna temperature and humidity readings shouldn't exceed 200. For example, if your sauna is set to 170°F (76.6°C), the humidity level should be around 30%.
Outdoor saunas can potentially be infested by ants, especially if they are attracted to the warmth or moisture around the sauna.
Yes, you can contract a staph infection (including MRSA) from a sauna. Transmission happens when bacteria from an infected person's skin or wound rub off onto commonly shared items like benches, walls, or towels, and then enter your skin through tiny cuts, scrapes, or pores opened by the intense sweat.
Yes, mold can absolutely grow in a sauna. While high heat kills mold spores, a sauna has unheated or poorly ventilated microclimates. When moisture lingers in corners, behind benches, or at floor level after use, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
This rise in hormones changes your appetite. You do not usually crave broccoli or grilled fish when you are stressed. Instead, you want foods that give you fast energy or make you feel comforted. Most people crave sugar, salt, and fat when their cortisol stays high for too long.
Joe Rogan primarily uses traditional Finnish dry barrel saunas manufactured by Salus Saunas. He has these 6-person cedar barrel saunas installed at both his Austin home and his podcast studio, featuring high-powered heaters that reach up to 200°F.
Norepinephrine increases in those accustomed to sauna bath. Sweating increases the production of antidiuretic hormone, and the renin–angiotensin system becomes activated. Of the anterior pituitary hormones, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion is increased.
Stepping into a soothing infrared sauna experience elevates core temperature through deep‑penetrating far infrared waves. This increase in circulation can enhance detox-like benefits, support skin clarity, and ease muscular tension. Some of these perks include: Improved cardiovascular response and relaxation potential.
Yes, lupus can affect your sense of smell in a few different ways. People with the autoimmune disease often report these distinct changes:
Cold weather can exacerbate these symptoms, making for a long, miserable winter season. But there's good news! Research has shown that those with Hashimoto's and other autoimmune disorders benefit tremendously from infrared saunas and float therapy.
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) typically begins as a skin infection. The earliest warning signs include swollen, red, or painful bumps that resemble a pimple, boil, or spider bite. The affected area may feel warm to the touch and begin leaking pus or fluid.
Yes, heat kills the live Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. However, it does not destroy the harmful toxins they produce in contaminated food.
MRSA on the skin is effectively killed using targeted prescription antibiotics, professional wound drainage, and medical-grade antiseptics. Over-the-counter products are generally not reliable for an active infection.
While hot, dry saunas can kill many airborne viruses, they are not entirely germ-free. The warm, humid environments of steam rooms and lower-heat infrared saunas can harbor bacteria, fungi, and viruses on porous wooden benches and floors.
Here's a lineup of fragrant, natural bug repellents that smell amazing to humans, but are offensive to insects:
Interestingly, a sauna's warmth can help reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol. The heat from a sauna session mimics the body's response to fever, a natural mechanism for strengthening and accelerating your immune response.
30 minutes in a sauna is physiologically comparable to light cardio, such as a brisk walk, light cycling, or moderate calisthenics.
For the best health benefits, aim for a traditional sauna temperature between 150∘F150 raised to the composed with power F150∘F and 175∘F175 raised to the composed with power F175∘F (65∘C65 raised to the composed with power C65∘C to 80∘C80 raised to the composed with power C80∘C). For infrared saunas, a lower range of 120∘F120 raised to the composed with power F120∘F to 145∘F145 raised to the composed with power F145∘F (48∘C48 raised to the composed with power C48∘C to 63∘C63 raised to the composed with power C63∘C) is standard. The sweet spot to trigger deep healing and cellular repair is a core body temperature rise of about 1∘F1 raised to the composed with power F1∘F to 2∘F2 raised to the composed with power F2∘F.
Yes, dry saunas can be good for your lungs if you have healthy airways or mild conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis. The heat helps dilate airways, reduce inflammation, and improve lung capacity. However, the dry air can irritate airways, so they are not recommended if you have COPD, an active infection, or a cold.