Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: What You Really Need to Know

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna—or which one is “better”—you’re not alone. At Cryo Method, we get this question all the time. The short answer? Both are amazing for your body and mind, but they work in very different ways.

Heating Things Up: Traditional vs. Infrared

Traditional Sauna:

  • Cranks the air temperature up to about 170°F

  • Heats your body from the outside in

  • Creates a steamy, hot environment that helps your muscles relax and makes you sweat

Infrared Sauna:

  • Uses infrared light to warm your body directly

  • Heats you from the inside out at a more comfortable 130–150°F

  • Promotes a deep, detoxifying sweat without the “overheated” feeling

Think of it this way: traditional saunas make the air hot, infrared saunas make you hot—inside and out. Both improve circulation and relax the body, but infrared goes a step further, reaching your cells to support recovery, detox, and overall wellness.

Why Our Members Love Infrared Sauna

1. Reduce Inflammation & Soothe Pain
Infrared heat increases circulation and oxygen flow, helping reduce inflammation and ease joint or muscle discomfort (Mason et al., 2024a).

2. Relax, De-Stress & Sleep Better
Heat therapy triggers endorphin release, supporting mood, relaxation, and improved sleep quality (Mason et al., 2024b).

3. Support Brain Health & Mental Clarity
Increased blood flow from infrared therapy can improve cognitive function, mental focus, and overall brain health (Mason et al., 2024a).

4. Detox Naturally
Deep sweating helps your body eliminate toxins, supporting liver, kidney, and lymphatic function (Cristiano, 2019).

5. Recover Faster from Workouts & Outdoor Adventures
Post-exercise infrared sessions have been shown to improve neuromuscular recovery and reduce muscle soreness, making it ideal for athletes or active Montana lifestyles (Ahokas et al., 2023).

6. Support Circulation & Heart Health
Regular infrared sauna use can mimic mild cardiovascular activity, enhancing circulation and overall heart health (Smith et al., 2025; Sandell & Davies, 2023).

7. Glow from the Inside Out
Infrared therapy can stimulate collagen production, improve skin tone, and leave your skin radiant (Cristiano, 2019).

Why Winter in Montana Is Infrared Sauna Season

Cold, dark winters can be rough on your body and mood—but infrared sauna therapy has you covered:

  • Warm up and relax after outdoor adventures or workouts

  • Support your immune system and relieve cold or flu symptoms

  • Boost your energy and mood with a long-lasting “feel-good” glow

At Cryo Method, our infrared sauna isn’t just about warming up—it’s about helping you feel recharged, balanced, and ready to tackle whatever Montana winter throws your way.

Try It for Yourself: $59 for 14 Days

Jumpstart your wellness journey with our 14-day introductory membership for only $59. You’ll get unlimited access to our infrared sauna, red light therapy, whole body cryotherapy, and compression therapy—everything you need to recover, relax, and reset this winter.

Don’t wait—your body (and your mood) will thank you.

References

  • Ahokas, E. K., et al. (2023). A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biology of Sport, 40(3), 681–689.

  • Cristiano, L. (2019). Use of infrared-based devices in aesthetic medicine and for beauty and wellness treatments. Infrared Physics & Technology, 102, 102991.

  • Mason, A. E., Chowdhary, A., Hartogensis, W., et al. (2024a). Feasibility and acceptability of an integrated mind-body intervention for depression: whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) and cognitive behavioral therapy. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/02656736.2024.2351459

  • Mason, A. E., Kasl, P., Soltani, S., et al. (2024b). Elevated body temperature is associated with depressive symptoms: results from the TemPredict Study. Sci Rep 14, 1884. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51567-w

  • Sandell, J., & Davies, M. (2023). Benefits of sauna on lung capacity, neurocognitive diseases, and heart health. World J Adv Res Rev, 17(1), 1414.

  • Smith, N., et al. (2025). An Overview of the Health and Fitness Benefits From Sauna Exposure. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 23(4), 20.

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Red Light Therapy: Science-Backed Recovery That Goes Skin-Deep