Infrared Sauna Therapy: Sweat Gently, Heal Deeply

At Clinic 5C Functional Medicine in Spokane, Infrared Sauna Therapy is one of our most accessible and rejuvenating tools for whole-body health.

Unlike traditional saunas, which rely on high heat to warm the air, infrared saunas use light waves to gently heat the body directly. This allows for a deeper, more therapeutic sweat with less intensity.

From detoxification to relaxation, this modality supports a range of healing processes without placing added stress on the body. It's ideal for patients looking to improve resilience, reduce inflammation, and reclaim a sense of ease and clarity.

Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: What's The Difference?

How Infrared Sauna Therapy Works

Infrared light penetrates several inches into the body, warming your tissues and encouraging a deep, cellular-level response. The result is a detoxifying sweat without the overwhelming heat of a conventional sauna. The experience is gentle, even for those sensitive to heat.

As your body warms, circulation increases, toxins are mobilized, and your parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system activates. This combination can support:

• Sweating out environmental toxins
• Reducing systemic inflammation
• Easing joint and muscle stiffness
• Enhancing skin clarity and glow
• Improving sleep and stress levels

A typical session lasts 20–45 minutes. You’ll rest comfortably in a private, low-lit sauna pod. We have two in the clinic. Many patients read, meditate, or simply enjoy quiet time while the therapy works. You can even play your own music if you prefer!

Potential Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

At Clinic 5C, we integrate Infrared Sauna into care plans for people seeking a variety of health goals. Here are the most common benefits people may experience with infrared sauna use:

Detoxification & Toxin Removal

Infrared sauna therapy supports the body’s natural detoxification processes by promoting deep sweating, which helps the body eliminate certain environmental toxins. Using an infrared sauna for deep sweating can be seen as more user friendly than a traditional sauna, as the temperature remains lower, at a more comfortable or tolerable temperature.

Circulation and Cardiovascular Support

Infrared sauna use may support circulation by gently increasing heart rate and improving blood flow throughout the body. This mild cardiovascular response can be beneficial for individuals incorporating sauna therapy into broader wellness or recovery routines.

Support for Inflammation and Musculoskeletal Discomfort

Heat exposure from infrared sauna therapy may help reduce sensations of stiffness and discomfort associated with chronic inflammation. Patients often incorporate sauna sessions alongside other therapies aimed at supporting joint, muscle, and connective tissue health.

Skin Tone, Elasticity, and Clarity

Improved circulation and sweating may contribute to healthier-looking skin over time. Some patients report improvements in skin tone and clarity as infrared sauna therapy supports oxygen delivery and cellular turnover.

Lymphatic Flow and Fluid Balance

Infrared sauna sessions may support lymphatic circulation by encouraging movement of fluids through gentle heat and sweating. This can be especially helpful when used alongside protocols designed to reduce inflammatory or metabolic load.

Stress Reduction and Nervous System Reset

Infrared sauna therapy is commonly used as a tool for relaxation and stress management. The warmth and quiet environment may help shift the nervous system away from sympathetic overdrive and support parasympathetic recovery.

Cardiometabolic and Recovery Optimization

Infrared sauna therapy is sometimes incorporated into cardiometabolic optimization programs, where circulation and recovery are key goals. It may complement broader strategies focused on metabolic health, physical performance, and resilience.

Who Is It For?

Infrared Sauna Therapy may be ideal for people who:

• Feel run down, inflamed, or chemically sensitive
• Are recovering from illness, injury, or intense physical training
• Want to support skin, joints, and detox pathways
• Struggle with stress, burnout, or sleep disruption
• Are exploring gentle tools to complement deeper healing work

Because it’s non-invasive and easy to tolerate, it’s one of the most beginner-friendly modalities in functional medicine. This therapy is especially helpful during seasonal transitions, after traveling, or alongside healing protocols designed to reduce environmental or metabolic load.

Nervous about getting sweaty? It’s okay! We have a shower on-site for you to use after your session, or you can go home and take a shower after your appointment. Whichever you are most comfortable with.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Sauna

At Clinic 5C, hopping in the sauna can be a relaxing one-time experience, but it’s long-term benefits come from consistent use, and may also benefit from pairing with other therapies or appointments.

It can be a strategic part of your broader plan when prescribed at the right time, for the right reasons, based on your test results, symptoms, and goals.

We often pair Infrared Sauna with other therapies like IV Nutrition, binders or supplements for detox, or calming therapies like Red Light or PEMF for a holistic, supported healing experience. Clinic 5C also provides comprehensive health consultations to advise on lifestyle and nutrition changes that can increase the benefits of your overall health optimization plan.

Related Modalities to Explore

If you’re using sauna to support detox or inflammation, consider exploring Ozone Therapy, which uses oxidative support to aid immune function and cellular resilience.

Looking for nervous system balance and recovery? Red Light Therapy can be an ideal complement, offering mitochondrial support and skin health benefits with zero heat.

What to Expect During a Session

Each sauna session at Clinic 5C is designed to be private, restorative, and customized for comfort.

• Before Your Session: Hydrate well and wear light, breathable clothing or a towel wrap.
• During: You'll relax in your own sauna pod with infrared light panels, set to a comfortable temperature. Music, silence, or guided meditation are all optional.
• After: Drink fluids, take time to cool down, and let your body ease back into activity. Many patients report improved sleep and mental clarity within hours.

Ready to Learn More?

Infrared Sauna Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect with your body, and activate deep healing. To learn how this modality can fit into your care plan, get in touch with our Functional Medicine team here.