INFRARED SAUNA & RED LIGHT THERAPY in West Auckland – Recovery, Detox & Relaxation

At Waitākere Health Hub, our Wellness Room combines infrared sauna therapy and red light therapy to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. These non-invasive, relaxing treatments can be used on their own or alongside our other services, such as osteopathy, acupuncture, or massage.

Infrared Sauna – Deep Heat for Detox, Circulation & Pain Relief

Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas use light waves to gently warm your body from the inside out.

This deeper heat penetrates muscles and joints, stimulating circulation and encouraging detoxification through sweat.

Potential benefits include:

Muscle recovery after training or injury
Reduction in joint pain and stiffness
Detoxification
Support for circulation and cardiovascular health
Deep relaxation and stress reduction
Assisting detoxification by encouraging sweat
Supporting healthy skin tone and elasticity
Boosting mood

HeatIng the tissues with infrared sauna causes vasodilation, which enhances blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking oxygen and/or nutrients and enhances cardiovascular resilience. The vasodilation helps bring more oxygen to tired, strained, and painful joints and muscles, speeding the healing of sprains and strains, thus relieving pain. Evidence has shown that using the sauna 24-48 hours after an injury can reduce the time it takes for your body to heal sprains and strains. In addition, stretching after the sauna, while your muscles are warm and relaxed, improves flexibility more than cold stretching.

Heat absorbed by the body in an infrared sauna causes intense sweating, which is the body's natural way of getting rid of toxins that build up in everyday life. The heat wavelengths penetrate the skin and break down fat cells, which release toxins enabling them to be eliminated in sweat. This heat-induced sweating also mimics a fever, which is our body's way of boosting immune function and has been known to support recovery in the early stages of a cold or flu. When you sweat, fat deposits are also broken up and burned which supports weight loss by speeding up the metabolic processes of the body.

Sauna also helps your skin by clearing out pores during sweating and increasing blood circulation that carries nutrients to the skin. This promotes a healthy skin tone and texture.

Infrared sauna sessions are gentle enough for those who find traditional saunas too hot, making them suitable for a wide range of people — from athletes to those managing chronic pain.

MMA fighter in sauna for muscle recovery

My experience with the infrared sauna at the Waitakere Health Hub was fantastic. It was clean, well set up, and they thought of everything. From towels, to electrolytes for the water, a speaker for Bluetooth, soap and moisturiser. I used it for muscle pain and it helped relieve some pain and increase mobility. I will be returning!

Melissa

The Waitākere Health Hub sauna being produced right now features 360-degree surround heat for a faster heavier sweat. It is low EMF and hypoallergenic, made with 100% basswood, 100% food safe glue, carbon panel heaters, and water based lacquer with no harmful VOCs.

Bluetooth speakers are installed so you can connect your device to listen to your favourite podcast or soothing music while you relax.

The infra red sauna was amazing, I got a great detoxifying sweat on and felt a million dollars afterwards. It was real nice having the shower and towels right there to complete the session. I'd highly recommend it for the detoxifying effect and for the feel good endorphins you get afterwards.

Kristian F

Red Light Therapy – Healing with Light

Red light therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cell repair, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It’s safe, painless, and deeply restorative.

Common uses for red light therapy:

Reducing muscle and joint pain
Accelerating recovery after injury or surgery
Increase strength, endurance, and muscle mass
Improving skin appearance, reducing fine lines and cellulite
Supporting wound healing
Reducing inflammation in joints and soft tissue
Improving mood and energy through light exposure
Overcome fatigue and improve energy levels

In essence, NIR and red light therapy help mitrochondria produce more energy, decrease inflammation, and help build the cell defense systems to increase resilience.

It’s common to feel warm and relaxed with some reduced stiffness of muscles and pain relief after a few red light therapy sessions. With consistent use over time you can experience more results including improved muscle recovery, reduced inflammation and pain, and improved skin health.

How does it work?

Of course, we all know the importance of Vitamin D from sunlight and UV light. But now we are aware that there is another type of light that may be just as vital to our health. Photobiomodulation (also called red light therapy) is the use of red and near-infrared (NIR) light treatment to stimulate, heal, regenerate and protect tissue that has either been injured or is degenerating. We live in a world of mal-illumination where many people spend too much time indoors not getting enough of any of the bioactive light spectrum.

Our red light therapy unit has both red and NIR lights as each wavelength, red light at ~660 nm and NIR at ~850 nm, enhance cellular function in a different way. Red light is absorbed by the skin and supports collagen production and improves skin health. NIR is invisible to the naked eye (which is why these lights look like they are not on) and penetrates deeper into the tissue, supporting muscle relaxation, circulation, and recovery and reducing pain. Red and NIR wavelengths are able to penetrate several cm into cells, tissues, blood, nerves, the brain, and bones. The two central mechanisms of how this benefits us on a cellular level and our overall health are:

1. Stimulating ATP production in the mitochondria through interacting with a photoreceptor called cytochrome c oxidase.

2. Creating a temporary, low-dose metabolic stress that ultimately builds up the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and cell defense systems of the cell. (This is called hormesis, which is also a primary mechanism of why exercise works).

Most research showing benefits have specifically been within the ranges of 630-680nm and 800-880nm, and there are now over 3,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies showing the incredible health and anti-aging benefits of this therapy.

Mitrochondrial energy production is essentially in every type of cell in the body, when this process is more efficient the cellular processes and celluar health benefits effect the entire body.

Thank you to the amazing staff at Waitākere Health Hub who so kindly and professionally explained the process and health benefits of using the red light therapy and infrared sauna.

I had never used either of these treatments before, and someone who suffers from arthritis I was very keen to try this new treatment and see if it provided any benefits for me.

Although I have only had one session in the red light therapy and infrared sauna, I immediately felt the benefits, and I continued to feel the benefits days after the treatment. I am very keen to return and try and make using these sessions a regular thing.

The environment and facilities at Waitākere Health Hub are very welcoming and relaxing, and the staff are absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend checking them out for yourself.

Gary

Why Combine Infrared Sauna & Red Light Therapy?

Using both treatments together can provide a powerful, whole-body recovery session. While infrared sauna promotes circulation, detox, and relaxation, red light therapy works at the cellular level to speed tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

This combination is ideal for:

Sports recovery days
Injury rehabilitation support
Chronic pain management
Stress relief and sleep improvement
Skin and collagen health

Wellness Room Sessions – What to Expect

Our Wellness Room is a private, comfortable space where you can enjoy one or both therapies in the same visit.

Sessions are fully customisable — whether you want a quick 15-minute red light boost or a 40-minute combined session.

Session options:

Infrared sauna – 20–40 minutes
Red light therapy – 10–20 minutes
Combination sessions – back-to-back for enhanced benefits

Hydration is important before and after your session, and many clients like to schedule treatments after exercise or hands-on therapy for maximum effect. We recommend before a massage and after osteopathy or acupuncture. We offer a 20% discount if you use in conjunction with your clinical treatment.

We provide fresh filtered drinking water in the Wellness room and towels for your sauna use. We also have complimentary electrolytes and calming essential oils to enhance your experience.

Our sauna is cleaned after each use and infrared heat kills 99% of bacteria, which also helps leave a naturally clean environment.

We have a ‘cozy’ two-person sauna so you can bring a friend, spouse, or significant other - see our special pricing for “adding a friend.”

Eye protection isn’t necessary when using the red light therapy unit as it's beneficial to get some light into the eyes, however, we don’t recommend looking directly at the LEDs. You are welcome to close your eyes during the treatment session or we have googles available on request.

Combination packages for both RLT and infrared sauna treatments are available. It's beneficial to use the RLT for 10 minutes prior to your sauna session.

Shorter treatment session packages are available for those with a chronic illness if needed - contact us for more details.

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Frequently asked questions

RLT uses light, while infrared saunas use heat. Both technologies deliver benefits, however, they do so very differently and are complimentary.

Using RLT is like getting the beneficial wavelengths of the sun in a controlled environment. The light provides a variety of benefits to the areas of the body areas it penetrates and is warming, not hot and doesn’t make you sweat.

Infrared sauna is designed to heat your body tissues, creating physical changes and causing you to sweat.

RLT is natural and therefore it is very safe, however, there are some precautions for certain medical conditions and if you are on certain medications. RLT uses the beneficial wavelengths of light without the harmful UV light and cannot cause sunburn or tanning of the skin. Exposure to infrared sauna heat therapy is safe also and won’t cause the skin to burn. Infrared heat is actually the same wavelength of heat that the human body gives off and the warmth that a baby feels when its mother runs its back with her hand.

Please do not use RLT if you are taking antibiotics or any medication that makes your skin sensitive to light. Using citrus essential oils on your skin before red light therapy is also not recommended as many citrus oils cause photosensitivity. If you have a heart condition, MS, diabetes, hemophilia, a fever, or are taking blood thinners or medications that could be affected by increased circulation (such as transdermal patches) please consult your doctor before using a sauna. Sauna is also not recommended for children under 12 or during pregnancy. It is not safe to use the infrared sauna if you have silicone implants.

Saunas can lower your blood pressure, so if you have low blood pressure, please ensure you are well hydrated and use electrolytes or salt in your water. It is important to listen to your body. If you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or start to get a headache, end your session immediately.

If you have a chronic illness such as ME/CFS, multiple chemical sensitivity, diabetes, or a heart condition you may want to start sauna slowly and build up your tolerance - please chat with our staff about package options with shorter timeframes.

It is best to be well hydrated before both RLT and a sauna. It’s helpful to exfoliate the night before and don’t wear makeup or sunscreen during red light therapy.

Dry brushing before a sauna is helpful for creating movement in the lymphatic system, removing dead skin cells, and opening up clogged pores which helps the detoxification process.

Please do not come to a sauna session hungover or after drinking alcohol as this can cause severe dehydration.

It is best to only use glass or stainless-steel bottles in the sauna as plastic releases toxins when heated.

During RLT, the light wavelengths need to reach your bare skin, therefore it is best to remove all your clothing or at least the area you are treating. Please leave your lower underwear on for hygiene reasons.

In the sauna, it is best to wear a swimsuit or lower underwear and we provide towels to sit on and to wrap yourself in for hygiene reasons.

It is not advisable to wear clothes in a sauna, as your skin needs to sweat and breathe. When your sweat evaporates it helps cool your body down and clothes prevent this from happening, meaning you can overheat and reabsorb the toxins from your sweat that your body is trying to get rid of.

A general guide is to use RLT for 20 minute sessions, at a distance of approximately 15cm from the light unit, 3 times a week or as often as you are able. Sessions are generally 30 minutes allowing for a 20 minute treatment and time to change before and after. People with chronic health complaints are best to start with shorter durations and build up to 20 minute sessions. If you are combining red light therapy with the infrared sauna, we recommend 10 minutes of red light therapy and 20-30minutes in the sauna.

As with any treatment, it depends on what you are trying to achieve, so talk to your practitioner for a targeted treatment plan that fits your situation.

For cumulative results, it is best to use a sauna 3-7 days a week. It’s safe to use every day for a healthy adult, however, everyone is different and it's best to listen to your body. For someone with a chronic illness or other health concerns, we recommend starting slowly and building up your tolerance, just as you would with exercise.

Please speak with a health professional or one of our team if you have questions.

We have shorter treatment times and packages available for people with a chronic illness such as ME/CFS or multiple chemical sensitivity wishing to use the sauna and/or red light therapy.

It is best to be well hydrated before both RLT and a sauna. It’s helpful to exfoliate the night before and don’t wear makeup or sunscreen during red light therapy.

Dry brushing before a sauna is helpful for creating movement in the lymphatic system, removing dead skin cells, and opening up clogged pores which helps the detoxification process.

Please do not come to a sauna session hungover or after drinking alcohol as this can cause severe dehydration.

It is best to only use glass or stainless-steel bottles in the sauna as plastic releases toxins when heated.

After your RLT session, it is best to stay hydrated and use sunscreen if you are going to be outside afterwards.

After your sauna, drink lots of water, with added electrolytes if you can. This will help your body replace the fluids lost during your sweat and help remove further toxins that have been mobilised in your body. Refrain from strenuous exercise for the first hour after your sauna to help your body recover.

We did a lot of research before purchasing this sauna to provide one free from any toxins. Our sauna is hypoallergenic, made with 100% basswood, 100% food safe glue and a water-based lacquer with no harmful VOCs. We have an essential oil diffuser in the room, however this can be removed if you prefer to have a space free from any natural smells.

If you have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), the sauna itself is often less risk than the process of toxins being released from the tissues by heat. This can cause a reaction that is often mistaken with a reaction to the sauna itself. People with chemical sensitivities can still use a sauna to detoxify, however it is suggested to start low and slow, listen to your body and seek advice from a medical professional who understands your chemical sensitivities.

Both - we have a package deal for booking an RLT and sauna combo session. Using the combination of red light therapy and sauna, along with our osteo, massage or acupuncture treatments can help you get back to what you love sooner.

Red light therapy has been shown to promote healing and reduce inflammation and pain symptoms, potentially shortening your recovery time.

Infrared sauna sessions will simulate circulating and mimic the response your body has to exercise helping you sweat out toxins. Some sauna research has discovered that ‘heat shock proteins' which are special stress proteins that protect and repair cells and help boost the immune system, are activated during the passive heat of an infrared sauna.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3418130/

Yes and studies show that sauna can support recovery or ease symptoms from chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, or arthritis.

It is best to start sauna slowly, allow your body to adapt and build up your tolerance We can offer people with a chronic illness shorter time frames at a reduced rate. Please contact us stuff for further details.

Saunas can lower blood pressure temporarily so if you have low blood pressure make sure you drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes and monitor how you feel during and after the sauna and adjust the timeframe accordingly.

This infrared sauna operates best between 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. We will pre-heat the sauna to 45 degrees and the temperature will continue to increase as you are in there. Infrared heat heats the body directly which provides benefits aside from sweating, so the inside temperature of the cabin doesn’t need to be at its maximum before you get in.

If you have a chronic illness or are sensitive to heat you can start the sauna at 40 degrees and still get the benefits as it heats to 50-55 degrees. Please chat with our staff if you prefer to start at this lower heat.

INFRARED SAUNA & RED LIGHT THERAPY in West Auckland – Recovery, Detox & Relaxation

Infrared Sauna – Deep Heat for Detox, Circulation & Pain Relief

Red Light Therapy – Healing with Light

How does it work?

Mitrochondrial energy production is essentially in every type of cell in the body, when this process is more efficient the cellular processes and celluar health benefits effect the entire body.

Why Combine Infrared Sauna & Red Light Therapy?

Wellness Room Sessions – What to Expect

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Red light therapy and Infrared sauna?

What is the difference between traditional and Infrared sauna?

Is sauna and red light therapy safe

How should I prepare for my session?

What do I wear?

How long is an infrared sauna session?

How long is a red light therapy session?

How often can I use a sauna?

How should I prepare for my session?

What do I do afterwards for best results?

I am chemically sensitive; will the sauna cause a reaction?

I hurt my back should I use red light therapy or sauna?

Can I use the sauna if I have chronic illness?

What are the coloured lights in the sauna for?

What is the temperature of the sauna?