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.

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 gentle, natural detoxification method
• Relief from chronic inflammation and pain
• Improved skin tone, elasticity, and clarity
• Support for lymphatic flow and circulation
• A regular reset from stress and sympathetic overdrive

This therapy is especially helpful during seasonal transitions, after traveling, or alongside healing protocols designed to reduce environmental or metabolic load.

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.

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.

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.

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, call Clinic 5C or ask about our Longevity Membership, which includes access to sauna and our full suite of therapeutic modalities.

Discover more about our Functional Medicine Modalities and begin your journey toward feeling clearer, lighter, and more energized, inside and out.

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