Scientific studies are being revisited as researchers ask: Can heat therapy strengthen the immune system and help prevent future pandemics?
There are currently no clinical protocols for using heat in the treatment of covid-19, but in a research report published in June 2020, the experts discuss whether heat therapy could be used in the treatment or prevention of future pandemics, such as covid-19.
The health benefits of heat
Both historically and in more recent times, research shows that regular sauna use improves blood circulation and respiratory and immune function, and contributes to pain relief, better mood and an improved quality of life. Traditional saunas have been shown to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac death, as well as cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as high blood pressure and stroke. In addition, regular sauna use reduces the risk of certain brain diseases, skin diseases and painful conditions such as rheumatism and headaches.
Epidemiological data also suggests that frequent sauna use is associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia and viral infections. Studies also show that heat treatment, such as an infrared sauna, stimulates the immune system to work better. One study has shown, among other things, how white blood cells increase when the body is exposed to heat from a sauna.
"White blood cells are an essential part of our immune system, including for fighting infections, which is very good news for us sauna enthusiasts," says the founder of the Radiant Health brand, Siw Hansson Kaulbach.
Hyperthermia (heat treatment) is used in cancer treatment in Norway. Research shows that regional heat treatment given in combination with chemotherapy improves survival for patients with high-risk soft tissue cancer (sarcoma). In the USA, infrared light is now being used to kill cancer cells and tumours that are otherwise difficult to destroy. The revolutionary new technology is showing good results with far fewer side effects.
Viruses are sensitive to heat that humans can tolerate
All life exists within a narrowly defined temperature range, but viruses, which are not technically alive, can remain biologically active in a wide range of environments. Enveloped viruses, such as coronaviruses (covid-19), are most active in dry, cool conditions and are sensitive to heat that humans can tolerate. By nature, all mammals use fever to cope with infections. Body temperature rises and the immune system is better equipped to defeat microbes (bacteria and viruses).
"An infrared sauna does not cause a fever, but it raises your body temperature by a few degrees and thereby makes the immune system work better. The sauna helps the body heal itself, in several ways," says Siw.
The founder stresses that you should not use an infrared sauna if you have a fever.
Heat as medicine
In a report released in October 2020, the intergovernmental panel IPBES warns that more and worse pandemics than covid-19 may come in the future. The question is how the world can best meet this health threat. Could heat treatment be part of the solution?
The research report concludes that heat is an inexpensive, practical and widely available form of treatment. Throughout human history, heat has been used in the form of hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam baths, sweat lodges, steam inhalation, hot mud and hot compresses, both to prevent and treat respiratory infections and to improve public health and well-being.
It remains to be seen whether heat can be an effective treatment or preventive measure in the fight against pandemics, but based on what science can tell us today, the researchers see heat as an attractive option for building resilience in society and reducing the impact of future pandemics. With the report, they want to highlight the importance of integrating this ancient tradition with modern medicine, so that society can use and combine the best of "both worlds".
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research into infrared heat and red light therapy is still evolving, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
Text: Trine Dahlman
