Why We Sauna Daily: The Benefits of Traditional and Infrared Saunas for Detox, Energy, and Mom Life

If you’ve followed us for a while, you know we’re big believers in sweating it out — literally. As two Integrative Health Practitioners and crunchy moms in our 30s, sauna therapy has become one of our favorite daily rituals for feeling our best physically and mentally.

Whether it’s Sam pouring water over hot rocks in her traditional sauna or Alyssa soaking up the deep, gentle heat of her infrared sauna, we both agree: there’s something powerful about creating space to slow down, detox, and reset.

If you’ve ever wondered why we love saunas so much (and what the difference is between them), this post breaks it all down — plus we’ll share where you can shop the saunas we personally use and recommend on our LTK here!

Why Sauna Therapy is So Important + Sauna Benefits

In today’s world, our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins — from air pollution and processed foods to personal care products and household cleaners. While your liver and kidneys do most of the detoxing, sweating through your skin is another natural way your body helps eliminate built-up toxins and heavy metals.

Regular sauna use supports:

• Detoxification: Helps release stored toxins through sweat.

• Lymphatic drainage: Promotes circulation and helps reduce puffiness or water retention.

• Stress reduction: Encourages relaxation and lowers cortisol (your stress hormone).

• Skin health: Improves circulation for that healthy, post-sauna glow.

• Immune support: Temporarily raises your core temperature, helping your body fight off unwanted invaders.

  
  

The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the sauna to see benefits. Just 15–30 minutes a few times a week can make a noticeable difference in energy, mood, and overall wellness.

The Difference Between Traditional and Infrared Saunas

Traditional saunas use heat from rocks and steam — the kind where you pour water over the rocks for that iconic, steamy burst of heat. This type of sauna heats the air around you, which in turn warms your body from the outside in.

Traditional Sauna Benefits:

• Promotes deep sweating (you’ll leave drenched and refreshed).

• Excellent for circulation and muscle recovery.

• Creates that calming, ritual-like atmosphere that feels ancient and grounding.

  
  

Sam loves her traditional sauna because it feels like a full-body reset. There’s something therapeutic about that intense, immediate heat and the sound of the steam. It’s her go-to after workouts, long days, or any time she wants to clear her mind and recharge.

Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air, infrared light directly warms your body, penetrating deeper into tissues at a lower temperature. This makes it easier to tolerate — especially for busy moms multitasking between sauna sessions and bedtime routines.

Infrared Light Sauna Benefits:

• Supports detox at a cellular level through deep tissue heating.

• Gentle enough for longer, more frequent sessions.

• Helps with joint pain, inflammation, and recovery.

• Improves skin clarity and elasticity over time.

  
  

Alyssa loves her infrared sauna because it’s easy to use daily, even while pregnant or postpartum (always check with your practitioner first). The warmth feels nurturing and restorative, making it one of her favorite self-care rituals.

Why We Sauna Daily

As integrative health practitioners, we’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our body’s toxic load and support natural healing. But as moms? We’re also just looking for sanity.

Daily sauna time gives us both — it’s our moment to disconnect from screens, quiet our minds, and give our bodies the detox and relaxation they crave.

It’s not about perfection or performance. It’s about creating small, consistent habits that make a big impact on how we feel day to day. Sauna sessions help us show up as more patient, energized, and grounded versions of ourselves — something every mom could use more of.

Tips for a Safe and Effective Sauna Routine

1. Start slow. If you’re new to sauna therapy, begin with 10–15 minutes at a comfortable temperature and build up gradually.

2. Hydrate and remineralize. Always drink filtered water before and after your session. Adding electrolytes or trace minerals can help replenish what you lose through sweat.

3. Use a binder or detox support. During heavy sweating detoxes, pairing sauna use with a gentle binder (like activated charcoal or chlorella) can help your body safely eliminate toxins instead of reabsorbing them. We use a binder from this brand! Discount Code: BALANCEDFRIENDS

4. Shower afterward. Rinsing off right after your sauna helps remove toxins from the skin’s surface.

5. Listen to your body. Some days you’ll feel like cranking the heat — other days, a short, gentle session is enough. Go with what feels best.

Shop Our Favorite Saunas

Ready to start your own sauna routine? Whether you love the traditional steam-room experience or prefer the gentle warmth of infrared, we’ve rounded up the exact saunas we personally use and recommend on our [LTK page].

👉 [Click here to shop our favorite non-toxic saunas, sauna blankets, and accessories.]

Each one aligns with our clean-living philosophy — no harsh materials, no off-gassing, just pure, restorative heat to help you detox and recharge naturally.

Final Thoughts

Sauna therapy isn’t just a wellness trend — it’s a centuries-old practice that continues to prove its value. From boosting detox pathways to calming the nervous system, it’s one of the simplest ways to support your body naturally.

Whether you go the traditional route like Sam or the infrared route like Alyssa, consistency is key. Start where you are, make it enjoyable, and treat your sauna time as sacred self-care — because it truly is.

Ready to sweat it out with us? Head over to our [LTK page] to find the saunas we love and trust for daily use.