Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence.
Beever, Richard · Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien · 2009
Quick Summary
This review looked at nine published studies about far-infrared saunas and their health benefits. The researchers found weak evidence from just one study suggesting that far-infrared saunas might help with chronic fatigue syndrome, though the evidence is too limited to make firm recommendations. While manufacturers claim many health benefits for these saunas, most claims are not well supported by scientific research.
Why It Matters
This systematic review directly addresses FIRS as a potential therapeutic intervention for ME/CFS, identifying only weak evidence from a single study. For ME/CFS patients exploring complementary therapies, this summary highlights the current evidence gap and emphasizes the need for better-designed trials before recommending FIRS as a treatment.
Observed Findings
One study examined far-infrared sauna therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome
Moderate evidence supported FIRS efficacy for blood pressure normalization
Moderate evidence supported FIRS efficacy for congestive heart failure treatment
Fair evidence from a single study supported FIRS for chronic pain management
Fair evidence refuted manufacturers' claims regarding FIRS and cholesterol reduction
Inferred Conclusions
Far-infrared sauna health benefits claimed by manufacturers lack sufficient scientific support
Limited but moderate evidence supports FIRS use in cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, heart failure)
Evidence for FIRS in chronic fatigue syndrome and pain conditions remains sparse and weak
Further rigorous clinical trials are needed before widespread recommendation of FIRS for most conditions
Remaining Questions
What were the specific methodological qualities and sample sizes of the single ME/CFS study reviewed?
Why has there been so little research on FIRS for chronic fatigue syndrome despite manufacturer claims?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This review does not establish that far-infrared saunas are effective for ME/CFS, as the evidence is based on only one small study. The weak evidence grade indicates that single study may have had methodological limitations. Additionally, this review does not assess whether FIRS might worsen post-exertional malaise or other ME/CFS symptoms in susceptible patients.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →