Saunas have become incredibly popular for sports recovery, helping with muscle soreness and circulation but from a naturopathic viewpoint, their benefits extend far beyond post-workout relief. I regularly use sauna therapy as part of treatment plans for clients with autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, hormonal issues, and nervous system dysregulation because of its profound impact on the body at both a cellular and systemic level.

Heat exposure stimulates something called heat shock proteins, protective molecules that help repair damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and support healthy immune function. This is particularly valuable for autoimmune presentations where the body is overwhelmed by inflammatory load. These heat shock proteins also play a role in DNA repair and cellular resilience, helping protect your cells from everyday stressors.

Regular sauna use has also been shown to support telomere maintenance, the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes that shorten with age, stress, inflammation, and toxin exposure. Longer telomeres are associated with healthier ageing and improved metabolic and immune function. Sauna therapy creates a hormetic (beneficial stress) response that strengthens the body and helps slow cellular ageing over time.

On a nervous system level, sauna therapy creates a powerful shift. The warmth activates the parasympathetic “rest and repair” response, helping to calm anxiety, improve sleep quality, and support more regulated mood and stress hormones. Many people leave a session feeling grounded, clear, and emotionally reset.

If you’re curious about incorporating regular sauna therapy into your health routine whether for inflammation, immune support, recovery, or simply improved wellbeing come check out our sauna at The Wellness Centre. It’s a beautiful way to support your body, mind, and long-term vitality.

By Elisse Brown, BHSc Naturopath