Heat, Oxygen & Immunity: How Infrared and Ozone Saunas Strengthen Your Summer Vitality

As summer unfolds in Cape Town, most of us shift into longer days, outdoor living, and social seasons filled with sunshine, food, and fun. Yet, behind the glow of summer energy, your immune system is still working hard - balancing heat exposure, environmental toxins, and the after-effects of stress or fatigue carried through the year.

This is where sauna-based therapies come into play. At Expand Health, our infrared and ozone saunas don’t just help you sweat, they enhance circulation, oxygen delivery, and detoxification, supporting a stronger, more balanced immune system throughout the summer months.

Understanding Infrared Sauna Therapy

Infrared saunas use radiant heat at specific wavelengths to warm your body from the inside out, not just the air around you. This deep, gentle heat increases your core temperature and triggers a physiological response similar to moderate exercise.

According to research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Laukkanen et al., 2018), sauna use is linked to improved cardiovascular function, enhanced immune response, and reduced all-cause mortality - in other words, better long-term health outcomes.

Here’s how it helps your body stay strong and energised:

1. Increased white blood cell activity
   Heat exposure stimulates the production of white blood cells - your immune system’s first responders. Studies show that even a single sauna session can increase leukocytes and neutrophils, enhancing immune defence.

2. Immune system activation through heat stress
   The mild, controlled hyperthermia created during sauna use mimics a natural fever, prompting your immune system to destroy pathogens more effectively while improving metabolic resilience.

3. Detoxification through sweating
   Infrared heat helps your body eliminate environmental toxins, microplastics, and heavy metals through the skin, a powerful support during summer when exposure to pollutants, sunscreen chemicals, and processed foods often increases.

4. Improved circulation and oxygenation
   Better blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, boosts recovery after physical activity, and helps reduce inflammation.

5. Reduced stress and improved sleep
   Summer lifestyles can be high-paced. Infrared heat therapy reduces cortisol levels, balances your nervous system, and promotes deep relaxation for better rest and mental clarity.

The Ozone Sauna Advantage

Ozone sauna therapy on the otherhand combines heat, steam, and medical-grade ozone (O₃) - a molecule of three oxygen atoms - to deliver oxygen directly to your tissues through the skin while promoting detoxification and immune activation.

Research in Frontiers in Physiology (Bocci et al., 2017) and PubMed studies demonstrate ozone’s ability to modulate the immune response, enhance antioxidant activity, and improve circulation.

Here’s how it amplifies your health:

1. Deep oxygenation and detoxification
   The combination of steam and ozone opens pores, enhances lymphatic drainage, and supports the body’s natural detoxification pathways. This helps flush out cellular waste and improves oxygen efficiency, vital in hot climates where dehydration and sluggish circulation can occur.

2. Immune modulation and antiviral action
   Ozone therapy has been shown to stimulate immune cells and help the body respond to infections and oxidative stress. It may also inhibit certain viruses and bacteria through controlled oxidative reactions.

3. Enhanced mitochondrial and vascular function
   By improving oxygen delivery at the cellular level, ozone therapy supports mitochondrial energy production - helping your body perform better, recover faster, and maintain youthful energy levels.

The Expand Health Approach

At Expand Health, we combine the science of infrared heat and ozone oxygenation to deliver a holistic approach to immune and longevity support.

Our saunas are part of comprehensive, personalised wellness protocols that may also include:

• IV Therapy for mineral balance and hydration

• Red Light Therapy to support mitochondrial energy

• PEMF Therapy for circulation and recovery

• Nutrition and detox guidance from our in-house dietitian and integrative doctors

Together, these therapies create an integrated framework that supports your immune resilience, detoxification, and vitality, helping you feel lighter, clearer, and more energised all summer long.

Safe Use & Smart Sauna Habits

• Hydrate before and after each session, include electrolytes or mineral water.

• Start with shorter sessions (10–15 minutes) and build up gradually.

• Avoid alcohol or stimulants beforehand.

• Allow your body to cool gradually and rest afterwards.

The Summer Reset: Cleanse, Recharge, Thrive

Think of sauna therapy as your summer reset - a way to recharge your cells, boost your immunity, and prepare your body for a season of activity and connection.

At Expand Health, we don’t see sauna use as a passing wellness trend. It’s a science-backed, longevity-enhancing therapy that helps your body adapt, heal, and perform all year round.

Your body is designed to thrive - you just need to give it the right conditions.

Book your Infrared or Ozone Sauna Session today and experience the glow of cellular-level vitality.

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References

• Pilch W et al. “Effect of a Single Finnish Sauna Session on White Blood Cell Profile.” PMC (2013).

• Laukkanen T & Laukkanen J. “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing.” Mayo Clin Proc. (2018).

• Bocci V. “Ozone Therapy: An Overview of Pharmacodynamics, Current Research, and Clinical Utility.” PMC (2017).

• Endemann S. “Ozone Sauna Therapy: Benefits & Definition.” Ocean Luxe Med Spa (2024).

• Ojaimi C. “Can Infrared Sauna Boost Your Immune System?” Cleanslate. (2023).

• University of Oregon Study. “Hot tubs vs saunas: Study finds which offers greater health benefits.” (2025).

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