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From ancient baths to modern saunas, passive heat therapy has long been used to boost health and reduce disease risk. As warmth penetrates the body, core temperature climbs. The effect? The cardiovascular system kicks in, raising heart rate and widening blood vessels—like a light workout without the effort.
Think of it as a spa session with extra perks; this gentle battle with heat sparks potent physiological changes.
Heat therapies don’t all work equally well A new University of Oregon study put hot baths, traditional saunas, and far-infrared saunas head-to-head to see which delivers the greatest health benefits.
Study Finds Hot Water Immersion Tops Both Traditional and Infrared Saunas
For young, healthy adults, soaking in hot water produced the most powerful effects—improving temperature regulation, circulation, and even immune function more effectively than either sauna type.
The study followed 20 fit participants (ages 20–28, non-smokers, and not on medication) under the guidance of physiology expert Christopher Minson. Researchers measured changes in core temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac workload, and immune response across different heat sessions.
Participants completed 10 sessions, rotating between hot tubs, traditional saunas, and far-infrared saunas. Data was collected before, during, and after each session.
Why Hot Baths Heat the Body More Than Saunas
Hot water immersion raised core temperature the most, boosting circulation and immune response. Lead author Jessica Atencio explained this occurs because submersion prevents efficient cooling through sweat.
Minson adds that while regular exercise can match or even surpass these benefits, passive heat therapy is a valuable alternative for those unable to work out.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Physiology.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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