Highlands in Bloom is a licensed residential treatment center in Agoura Hills, California. Our clinical program is developed and overseen by Clinical Program Director Stacy McNeal, PhD, LMFT and Medical Director and Psychiatrist Dr. Todd Hill. Far infrared sauna is an evidence-informed integrative modality offered throughout the residential program at Highlands in Bloom, selected for its clinical relevance to inflammation reduction, nervous system regulation, and whole-body recovery.
What Is Far Infrared Sauna?
Far infrared sauna uses infrared light wavelengths to penetrate body tissue directly and produce therapeutic heat at the cellular level, supporting detoxification, circulation, inflammation reduction, and nervous system relaxation. Unlike conventional saunas that heat the surrounding air to produce heat by convection, far infrared saunas deliver radiant energy that heats the body from within at lower ambient temperatures. This makes far infrared sauna accessible for individuals with heat sensitivity, cardiovascular concerns, or physical limitations that may make conventional high-heat sauna uncomfortable or contraindicated.
Highlands in Bloom offers two far infrared sauna options for residential clients. The Heavenly Heat Two-Person Far Infrared Sauna provides a full-size, low-EMF cedar sauna experience designed for comfort and accessibility. For clients who prefer a more compact and portable option, the Relax Far Infrared Sauna delivers targeted full-body infrared therapy in a portable format. Both options are available to residential clients during the dedicated one-hour daily modality block and can be selected based on personal preference and clinical appropriateness.
Far Infrared Sauna and Autoimmune Conditions
For clients managing autoimmune conditions including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue, far infrared sauna offers clinically meaningful support for the systemic inflammation, circulatory dysfunction, and musculoskeletal pain that frequently accompany these conditions. Research on far infrared sauna in chronic pain and autoimmune populations has documented reductions in pain intensity, fatigue, and inflammatory markers with consistent use. The heat stress produced by infrared sauna also activates heat shock proteins that play a role in cellular repair and immune regulation.
Far Infrared Sauna and Mental Health
Far infrared sauna supports mental health through several physiological mechanisms. Heat exposure activates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes relaxation of the chronic sympathetic activation associated with anxiety, burnout, and trauma-related hyperarousal. Sauna-induced endorphin release supports mood elevation and stress relief. Research on sauna therapy in depression populations has demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms, with some studies suggesting effects comparable to antidepressant medication in selected populations. The detoxification and circulatory benefits of regular sauna use also support the physiological conditions in which clinical therapy is most effective.
Far Infrared Sauna at Highlands in Bloom
Every residential client at Highlands in Bloom receives a dedicated one-hour modality block each day that can be used for far infrared sauna as desired. This protected time gives clients the space to engage with the sauna at their own pace and comfort level as part of their daily self-directed recovery practice. The far infrared sauna is frequently used in conjunction with cold plunge hydrotherapy as part of a contrast therapy protocol that supports cardiovascular, nervous system, and inflammatory regulation simultaneously.
FAQs
How does far infrared sauna differ from a regular sauna?
Far infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly from within rather than heating the surrounding air to produce heat by convection. This produces therapeutic effects at lower ambient temperatures, making it more accessible for clients with heat sensitivity or physical limitations.
How often do clients use the far infrared sauna at Highlands in Bloom?
Every residential client receives a dedicated one-hour modality block each day to use as they see fit. Clients who choose to use the far infrared sauna during this time are welcome to do so at their own discretion. Sessions are typically 20 to 45 minutes, leaving room within the block to combine sauna use with other modalities such as cold plunge or red light therapy as desired.
Is far infrared sauna safe for autoimmune conditions?
Far infrared sauna is generally well-tolerated by clients with autoimmune conditions and has been studied specifically in fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis populations with favorable safety profiles. At Highlands in Bloom all modality use is reviewed in the context of each client’s individual health history and treatment plan.
Can far infrared sauna help with depression?
Research on sauna therapy and depression has demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms with regular use, with some studies comparing effects favorably to pharmaceutical interventions. At Highlands in Bloom, far infrared sauna is used as a supportive physiological complement to clinical therapeutic work rather than as a standalone treatment for depression.
Take the First Step
Highlands in Bloom accepts clients from across California and the United States. Our admissions team is available daily for a complimentary, confidential clinical consultation. Call us at (805) 892-6313 or visit highlandsinbloom.com/contact. We are in-network with Blue Shield of California and Aetna and accept most major PPO plans.