Infrared Sauna Melbourne: Benefits, Safety and What to Expect
An infrared sauna uses infrared energy to warm your body directly rather than relying mainly on hot air, as a traditional sauna does. It can produce sweating and an increased heart rate at a lower air temperature than a conventional sauna. Although research has explored potential health benefits, the evidence remains limited, and an infrared sauna is not suitable for everyone.
If you are considering an infrared sauna in Melbourne, it helps to understand how it works, what research says about its potential benefits, which safety precautions matter and what to expect during your first visit.
At Summer Healing Society in Brunswick, you can book a large infrared sauna session as part of your personal wellness routine. This guide covers the essentials so you can make an informed decision before booking.
Key Takeaways
Infrared saunas use infrared energy to heat the body, generally at a lower air temperature than traditional saunas.
Research suggests potential benefits, but larger and more rigorous studies are needed to establish specific health effects.
Heat can affect heart rate, blood pressure and hydration, so certain people should seek medical advice before using a sauna.
Start cautiously, leave if you feel unwell and allow time to cool down afterwards.
Summer Healing's large infrared sauna session is listed as one hour. Bring your own towel and water.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared emitters to transfer heat to the body rather than relying primarily on heating the surrounding air. This differs from a traditional sauna, where hot air warms the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic's guide to infrared saunas, infrared saunas can produce responses such as sweating and an elevated heart rate at lower air temperatures than conventional saunas.
Infrared sauna air temperatures commonly fall within approximately 40–60°C, although the actual setting varies by equipment and facility. Always check the temperature and operating instructions of the sauna you plan to use.
Some people prefer an infrared sauna because the surrounding air may feel less intensely hot than in a traditional sauna. However, a lower air temperature does not eliminate the risks associated with heat exposure.
If you are comparing the two options, read our guide to infrared vs traditional sauna.
What Are the Potential Benefits of an Infrared Sauna?
Interest in infrared saunas has grown because of their potential role in relaxation, exercise recovery and general wellbeing. It is important, however, to distinguish promising findings from proven health benefits.
1. Relaxation and downtime
Many people use a sauna as an opportunity to slow down and take a break from their daily routine. The warm environment may feel relaxing, but individual experiences differ, and relaxation should not be confused with a proven medical treatment.
2. Exercise recovery and muscle soreness
A small 2023 study published in Biology of Sport investigated infrared sauna use after resistance exercise in 16 male basketball players.
The researchers found that a 20-minute infrared sauna session was associated with less perceived muscle soreness and better recovery of jump performance than passive rest in this small group.
The findings are interesting, but the study was small and involved a specific group of athletes under controlled conditions. It does not establish that infrared sauna sessions improve recovery for everyone or replace appropriate rest, nutrition and medical care.
Read the published infrared sauna recovery study.
3. Cardiovascular health: what the evidence shows
Research has investigated sauna bathing and cardiovascular health, including possible associations with blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes.
However, some widely discussed findings come from studies of traditional Finnish-style saunas rather than infrared saunas. These results should not automatically be applied to infrared sauna use.
A 2018 review in Mayo Clinic Proceedings examined evidence on sauna bathing and cardiovascular health. Much of the evidence it discussed was observational, meaning it cannot establish that sauna use itself caused the reported outcomes.
You can read the review of sauna bathing and cardiovascular health.
4. What about detoxification and weight loss?
Be cautious of claims that an infrared sauna removes toxins, causes substantial fat loss or cures medical conditions.
Sweating is a normal response to heat, but temporary changes in body weight after a sauna session are largely related to fluid loss. They should not be mistaken for lasting fat loss.
An infrared sauna can be part of a personal relaxation routine, but it should not replace exercise, a balanced diet or appropriate medical treatment.
What does the overall research say?
The Mayo Clinic's infrared sauna guidance explains that studies have investigated possible benefits for several health conditions, but larger and more rigorous studies are needed to establish reliable conclusions.
The most responsible approach is to view an infrared sauna as a wellness experience with potential benefits that are still being investigated, rather than as a proven treatment for a particular condition.
Is an Infrared Sauna Safe?
An infrared sauna may be suitable for many healthy adults when used cautiously, but it is not risk-free. Heat exposure can raise your heart rate, widen blood vessels and contribute to fluid loss.
Your individual health, medications, hydration and tolerance for heat all affect whether a session is appropriate.
Blood pressure and dizziness
Heat causes blood vessels to widen and can contribute to a drop in blood pressure. People who experience low blood pressure, postural dizziness or fainting may need to avoid saunas or obtain medical advice before use.
The Victorian Department of Health's Better Health Channel guide to orthostatic hypotension explains why hot environments can be problematic for people with this condition.
Medical conditions and medication
Speak with your doctor before using an infrared sauna if you:
Have a heart condition or a history of fainting.
Have low blood pressure or a condition that affects circulation.
Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Have a condition that affects your ability to regulate body temperature or maintain hydration.
Take medication that may affect blood pressure, sweating or fluid balance.
Have another medical condition that could make heat exposure unsuitable.
This list is not exhaustive. Your healthcare professional can advise you based on your individual circumstances and medications.
What should you do if you feel unwell?
Leave the sauna if you experience dizziness, nausea, weakness, unusual breathlessness or other concerning symptoms. Move to a cooler area and allow yourself to recover.
Seek urgent medical assistance for severe symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, confusion or significant difficulty breathing.
Do not force yourself to stay in the sauna to complete a session. Longer exposure is not necessarily better.
What to Expect at Your First Infrared Sauna Session in Melbourne
If you are visiting Summer Healing Society in Brunswick for the first time, a little preparation can make your experience more comfortable.
1. Book your session in advance
Summer Healing lists its large infrared sauna as a one-hour booking. Check the infrared sauna booking page for current availability, pricing and cancellation terms before visiting.
2. Bring your own towel and water
Towel hire is not available at the studio, so bring your own towel. Drinking water before and after your session can help you maintain hydration.
Follow the facility's instructions about where to place your towel and whether water bottles are permitted inside the sauna.
3. Allow time to arrive and get comfortable
Give yourself enough time to find the studio, change and understand how the sauna operates. The studio's published information describes showers and changing facilities, as well as parking on site or nearby. Confirm any specific access requirements with the studio if needed.
4. Start cautiously
If you are new to infrared saunas, avoid pushing yourself to tolerate more heat than feels comfortable. Follow the facility's instructions, and leave early if you feel unwell.
The one-hour booking period is not a requirement to remain in the heat for the entire hour. Your comfort and safety come first.
5. Cool down gradually
After leaving the sauna, take time to cool down, drink water and stand up slowly if you feel lightheaded. Avoid immediately returning to strenuous activity if you feel weak or overheated.
If you have questions about using the sauna safely, contact Summer Healing before your appointment.
For more information about the local facility, read our guide to the infrared sauna in Brunswick.
Who Might Consider an Infrared Sauna?
People consider infrared saunas for different reasons, including relaxation, a warm environment after exercise or a quiet break from their daily routine.
Some prefer the lower surrounding air temperature compared with a traditional sauna. Others may simply enjoy the experience of sitting in a warm environment.
There is no guarantee that you will experience a particular benefit, and an infrared sauna is not essential for good health or recovery.
If you have a medical condition, take medication that affects heat tolerance or are unsure whether sauna use is appropriate for you, seek medical advice before booking.
Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: Which Should You Choose?
The main difference is how the heat is delivered.
Infrared sauna: Uses infrared energy to warm the body, generally at a lower air temperature.
Traditional sauna: Heats the surrounding air, which then warms the body.
Some people find an infrared sauna more comfortable, while others prefer the hotter air of a traditional sauna. Neither option is automatically better for everyone.
It is also important to remember that much of the long-term research on sauna bathing relates to traditional Finnish-style saunas. Evidence for one type should not be assumed to apply fully to the other.
Choose according to your preferences, health circumstances and the guidance of your healthcare professional where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Saunas in Melbourne
What temperature is an infrared sauna?
Infrared sauna air temperatures commonly range from approximately 40°C to 60°C, although settings vary between facilities and equipment. Check the actual temperature and follow the facility's instructions.
How long should I stay in an infrared sauna?
There is no single duration suitable for everyone. The research study discussed above used a 20-minute session, while Summer Healing lists a one-hour booking period. These are different contexts: a booking duration does not mean you must spend the entire period in the heat. Start cautiously and leave if you feel unwell.
Is an infrared sauna better than a traditional sauna?
Neither is universally better. Infrared saunas use infrared energy to warm the body, while traditional saunas primarily heat the surrounding air. Comfort, health circumstances and personal preferences should guide your choice.
Can an infrared sauna help with muscle soreness?
One small study involving 16 male basketball players found less perceived muscle soreness after a single infrared sauna session following resistance exercise. More research is needed to establish how consistently these findings apply to other people and situations.
Is an infrared sauna safe during pregnancy?
Seek advice from your healthcare professional before using a sauna during pregnancy. Heat exposure can affect body temperature and circulation, and individual circumstances matter.
What should I bring to an infrared sauna?
Bring your own towel and a bottle of water. Summer Healing states that towel hire is not available. Check the studio's instructions about water bottles and other items inside the sauna.
Do I need to book an infrared sauna in Melbourne?
Summer Healing asks visitors to book its large infrared sauna in advance. Check the booking page for current availability, pricing and cancellation conditions.
If you plan to visit regularly, you can also explore the studio's membership options.
Book an Infrared Sauna at Summer Healing Society in Brunswick
If you are looking for an infrared sauna in Melbourne, Summer Healing Society offers a large infrared sauna at its Brunswick wellness centre.
The published booking page lists a one-hour session for AUD $50. Check the booking page for the latest price and availability before making a reservation.
Ready to plan your visit?
Summer Healing Society 878a Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia Phone: 1800 281 366
Final Thoughts
An infrared sauna can be an enjoyable part of a personal wellness routine, but its potential health benefits should be understood in the context of the available evidence. Research is promising in some areas, yet it does not establish infrared sauna use as a cure or substitute for medical care.
If you choose to try one, start cautiously, stay hydrated, follow the facility's instructions and seek medical advice if you have health concerns.
Summer Healing Society in Brunswick provides an option for people interested in experiencing an infrared sauna in Melbourne. Review the current booking details and consider your individual needs before arranging a session.
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