Infrared Saunas and COPD: A Breath of Relief for Chronic Lung Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a rising health crisis. Millions of Americans are now diagnosed with it—and many more live undiagnosed, managing symptoms that silently worsen over time. According to the National Institutes of Health, COPD is now the third leading cause of death in the United States.
This condition is characterized by:
Persistent shortness of breath
Chronic coughing
Wheezing or tightness in the chest
Declining lung capacity over time
The long-term effects of COPD include irreversible damage to the delicate tissues of the lungs and airways, making everyday tasks—from walking to speaking—exhausting.
But there’s a powerful, drug-free way to support respiratory health:
Far infrared sauna therapy has been clinically shown to reduce airway obstruction, support breathing, and ease the burden of chronic pulmonary conditions like COPD.
What the Research Shows on Saunas and COPD
In 2013, researchers published a breakthrough study in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease examining the effects of repeated infrared sauna sessions on individuals with COPD.
Here’s what they found:
Patients who added far infrared therapy to their conventional treatment had significantly improved tidal volume, vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow.
The group that used infrared saunas outperformed the control group, even when both groups were receiving standard medical care.
The conclusion? Far infrared sauna therapy enhances conventional COPD treatment.
Infrared heat gently supports your lungs:
By increasing circulation and reducing inflammation in the chest and lungs, far infrared therapy helps ease breathing and improve oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Why Far Infrared Works for Lung Health
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, far infrared saunas use invisible wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and warm the body from within. This deeper, more targeted heating leads to:
Improved blood oxygenation
Enhanced detoxification through sweat
Reduced inflammation in the lungs and airways
A relaxing parasympathetic state that helps lower breathing rate and reduce anxiety around breathlessness
Infrared therapy improves airflow and lung function:
With repeated use, sauna therapy can help ease the tightness and obstruction COPD patients often feel—especially when paired with traditional medications.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you love is managing COPD, infrared sauna therapy is a powerful complementary approach that can support your healing journey.
At SaunaCloud, we specialize in premium infrared saunas that deliver therapeutic benefits with comfort and consistency. Every model we build includes red light capability and is engineered for optimal circulatory and respiratory support.
Start where you are. Breathe deeper. Heal gently.
Speak with your healthcare provider about integrating far infrared therapy into your COPD treatment plan—and then let SaunaCloud support you with the most effective tools available.