I have had an interest in saunas since Dr Rhonda Patrick spoke about them on the Joe Rogan Podcast.

There’s quite a bit of science to back up the claims for health, recovery and performance. All good things when it comes to MMA

Saunas in general offer a range of health benefits.

The abstract from this paper in the Alternative Medicine Review for example states that:

Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and for post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefit.

Sauna therapy is great for treating a range of aches & pains, from DOMs (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – usually post-exercise) to fibromyalgia.

Beurer IL 50 Infrared heat lamp 300W

Anyway back to this specific infrared lamp.

You can buy it from Amazon.co.uk here

I would describe it as ‘good’. It definitely has anti-inflammatory effects, for example, when I have a sinus headache the swelling in my face and around my eyes is reduced significantly after ten minutes (facing it with my eyes closed).

However, I’ve used the light on my swollen foot and my wrist with tendonitis and the next day they are still very painful.

For chronic issues, it doesn’t seem to have any medium to long term effects. If you have multiple areas of pain and inflammation, you have to spend hours – treating each spot for 15 minutes with the light before moving it to the next.

I would personally advice buying the sleeping bag version if you have the money.

Saunas have many health benefits, but a lot of the benefits come directly from heating up your body’s core temperature. Which a light won’t do.

The light has dozens of great reviews on Amazon however, so don’t take my word for it. I’ve personally found meriva curcumin more effective for inflammation and general pain.

For MMA recovery tips, see my article here