We hear a lot about the benefits of high heat for strengthening the immune system, but did you know infrared sauna does not have to get extremely hot to be effective?
For those who don’t feel well in the extreme heat of a traditional or steam sauna, or who simply don’t enjoy it, our infrared saunas offer benefits of light therapy effective without high temperatures.
A strong immune system is your body’s first line of defence and it’s one that most of us neglect until we’re already unwell. Regular infrared sauna sessions at our Trowbridge wellness spa are one of the most effective ways to actively support immune function, reduce inflammation and help your body stay resilient through the year.
The mechanism is well understood: heat triggers a controlled, mild stress response that causes the immune system to mount a stronger, more active defence. Over time, regular sessions build a more robust baseline immune response.
The infrared sauna creates a temporary, controlled rise in core body temperature mimicking the effects of a mild fever. A fever isn’t a malfunction; it’s your immune system working. White blood cell production increases, interferon (an antiviral protein) is produced, and the body’s natural pathogen-fighting mechanisms are activated.
Regular exposure to this controlled heat stress trains the immune system to respond faster and more effectively in the same way that physical exercise trains cardiovascular fitness.
| WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS |
| • Infrared sauna use shown to stimulate production of white blood cells (lymphocytes and neutrophils) — the primary soldiers of the immune system.
• Heat exposure triggers production of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which protect cells from damage and play a key role in immune signalling. • Regular sauna use associated with reduced frequency of common colds and respiratory illness in long-term Finnish population studies. • Far-infrared therapy shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine activity — supporting conditions where chronic inflammation suppresses immune function. • Studies on sauna bathing and reduced risk of pneumonia suggest respiratory immune benefits beyond just general immunity. |
Pairing infrared sauna with cold plunge therapy as offered in all three of our private suites creates an additional immune benefit. The rapid temperature change from heat to cold triggers a powerful adaptive response, with studies showing increases in circulating immune cells and anti-inflammatory markers following contrast therapy.
Many of our members schedule sessions through the autumn and winter months specifically as an immune support strategy making Relax Recover part of their seasonal health routine.
| WHICH SUITE IS BEST FOR THIS |
| Retreat Suite – mPulse 3-in-1 with immune system pre-set programme. Near infrared specifically supports cellular immune function.
Reset Suite – full spectrum infrared with cold plunge at 7°C for contrast therapy immune benefit. Recover Suite – our coldest plunge at 3°C for maximum contrast response and immune stimulation. Communal Suite – sauna and steam room for a gentler immune support session. |
BETTER SLEEP