A broad review of 40 clinical studies found encouraging evidence around regular sauna bathing and its potential role in supporting general health and wellbeing, while highlighting the need for further high-quality research.

Research specifically into far-infrared sauna use has produced promising early findings, particularly around physiological and cardiovascular responses, although the overall evidence base remains limited.

Research into regular sauna bathing continues to explore how repeated heat exposure may influence cardiovascular function, circulation and wider wellbeing, with Finnish sauna studies forming much of the current evidence base.

A review of 68 studies found that cold-water immersion may support several aspects of post-exercise recovery, including perceived recovery, muscle soreness and certain measures of physical performance.

Evidence across 44 studies suggests cold-water immersion can help reduce perceived muscle soreness after exercise, with results influenced by factors such as temperature, exposure time and the type of exercise performed.

A 2025 review involving more than 3,000 participants explored cold-water immersion beyond athletic recovery, identifying promising findings around areas such as stress, sleep and quality of life while noting that further research is still needed.