What is it

Heat bathing has been an accepted practice for healing, recovery, and performance in cultures around the world for ages. Now, scientific evidence is showing that heat bathing is a safe and effective way to improve general wellbeing.

Heat bathing can provide strong, protective effects against cardiovascular disease, inducing responses (and benefits) that mimic moderate exercise. It can lower stress, reduce systemic inflammation, and have acute anti-depressant effects. The effects are dose-dependeant, meaning more heat exposure = more benefits, with consistency being key.

Terminology

Deliberate heat exposure
Purposefully exposing yourself to heat — whether air (eg. sauna), water (eg. hot tub), stones, or light (eg. sun/infrared) — as a method to improve health and longevity.

Heat bathing
Practicing deliberate heat exposure for relaxation and wellbeing.

Sauna
A popular, effective, and accessible modality of heat bathing. Commonly: a hot room made of wood, with a heat generating stove, causing plenty of sweating and relaxing. Typical temperature ranges from 160°F to 200°F. Sauna is a beloved Finnish tradition, with roots in all nordic countries.

Whole-body hyperthermia
Using deliberate heat exposure to elevate core body temperature over 43°C (107°F). With head exposed, the rest of your body is placed in a thermal chamber for a tightly controlled heat exposure protocol.

Research Highlights