A partner for your patients' recovery & resilience
Healux is Brussels' first dedicated full-spectrum infrared light therapy studio, powered by Sunlighten mPulse technology, the most clinically studied infrared sauna system available. This document is intended as a professional reference for practitioners who wish to understand the evidence base and refer patients accordingly.
01 — Why Full-Spectrum Infrared
Is Different from Traditional Heat Therapy
Traditional saunas heat the surrounding air, which then warms the body primarily via convection. Full-spectrum infrared therapy works differently: infrared wavelengths are absorbed directly by the body's tissues, raising core temperature from within at lower ambient temperatures (45–60°C vs. 80–100°C). This makes sessions more tolerable for patients with heat sensitivity, while delivering measurably deeper physiological effects.
The Sunlighten mPulse — the technology used at Healux — delivers four precisely controlled wavelengths independently: near infrared, mid infrared, far infrared, and red light. This is clinically significant because each wavelength produces distinct physiological responses, and the ability to customise their delivery is unique to this system.
Near Infrared (NIR)
Penetrates skin surface. Stimulates ATP production, collagen synthesis, cellular repair, and wound healing via photobiomodulation.
Mid Infrared (MIR)
Reaches soft tissue and joints. Reduces local inflammation, improves circulation, and supports pain modulation in musculoskeletal conditions.
Far Infrared (FIR)
Deepest penetration. Raises core body temperature, induces productive sweating, activates parasympathetic nervous system, and supports cardiovascular function.
The mPulse's patented SoloCarbon® heaters achieve 95–99% infrared emissivity, a key quality indicator ensuring that the energy produced is effectively absorbed by the patient's tissues rather than lost as ambient heat. Six evidence-based wellness programmes are built from more than 50 data points drawn from 37 third-party clinical studies.
02 — Clinical Applications:
Conditions We Support
The following three areas represent the conditions most frequently seen in patients referred to Healux, and where the evidence base is most relevant to your clinical practice.
Burnout, Chronic Stress & Sleep Disorders
PRIORITY REFERRAL AREA
MECHANISM
Far infrared heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing sympathetic overdrive and lowering cortisol — the primary hormonal driver of sleep disruption and burnout. Heat-induced vasodilation increases endorphin and serotonin release via activation of the brainstem's raphe nuclei. Post-session core temperature drop mimics natural sleep-onset thermoregulation, improving both sleep latency and depth.
Evidence: Strong
RELEVANT RESEARCH
A University of Wisconsin-Madison randomised clinical trial (JAMA Psychiatry, 2016) found that whole-body hyperthermia produced significant improvements in depressive symptoms lasting up to six weeks after a single treatment session.
A 2025 UCSF randomised trial found that heat therapy combined with CBT led to 86.2% of patients with major depressive disorder no longer meeting diagnostic criteria at final assessment.
A 2019 Global Sauna Survey reported that 83.5% of regular sauna users experienced meaningful improvements in sleep quality.
Chronic Pain & Musculoskeletal Inflammation
FIBROMYALGIA · RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS · ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS · LOWER BACK PAIN
MECHANISM
Mid infrared penetrates 3–4cm into soft tissue, inducing vasodilation that increases localised blood flow and oxygen delivery while accelerating removal of inflammatory metabolites. Heat stress activates HSP70 (heat shock proteins), which directly modulate inflammatory cytokine activity. Far infrared reduces systemic inflammation markers including IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP.
Evidence: Strong — Multiple RCTs
RELEVANT RESEARCH
A 2023 systematic review in Pain Medicine analysed 12 studies involving 1,047 participants across fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and chronic lower back pain, finding 40–50% reduction in pain scores after 8–12 weeks of regular infrared sauna use.
A Clinical Rheumatology pilot study found statistically significant reductions in pain and stiffness in RA and ankylosing spondylitis patients after 4 weeks of infrared treatment, with no disease exacerbation reported.
Japanese research tracking chronic pain patients using daily infrared sessions found pain levels dropped approximately 70% after the first session, with improvements maintained at 2-year follow-up.
Hormonal Health, Fatigue & Autonomic Regulation
HPA AXIS DYSREGULATION · CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME · PERIMENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS
MECHANISM
Regular infrared exposure supports HPA axis regulation by modulating cortisol rhythm and improving heart rate variability (HRV) — a direct marker of autonomic nervous system balance. Improved circulation and mitochondrial stimulation via near infrared photobiomodulation addresses the cellular energy deficit central to chronic fatigue presentations. Red light therapy supports melatonin synthesis without suppression, restoring circadian rhythm regulation.
Evidence: Moderate — Growing body
RELEVANT RESEARCH
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome who underwent regular far-infrared thermal therapy experienced significant reductions in physical pain, fatigue, depression, and improved sleep quality and overall mood.
Research published in the Journal of Human Kinetics found that regular sauna use lowered cortisol output in response to heat stress, and simultaneously increased neutrophils and eosinophils — supporting both stress resilience and immune regulation.
A systematic review in PMC found that passive heat therapies including far-infrared treatment improved mental symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.
Key Evidence at a Glance
86% of patients with major depressive disorder no longer met diagnostic criteria after infrared heat therapy + CBT
UCSF Randomised Trial, 2025
40–50% reduction in chronic pain scores after 8–12 weeks of regular infrared use across 1,047 participants
Pain Medicine Systematic Review, 2023
83.5% of regular sauna users reported meaningful improvements in sleep quality
Global Sauna Survey, 2019
6 weeks of sustained mood improvement following a single whole-body heat therapy session in depressed patients
JAMA Psychiatry / Univ. Wisconsin-Madison
03 — What Your Patient Can Expect at HEALUX
Healux offers private, individual infrared sessions in a calm, professionally managed studio environment in Brussels. Each session uses the Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna, which automatically delivers the appropriate combination of wavelengths based on the selected health programme. Sessions are safe, non-invasive, and require no preparation beyond standard hydration.
40 min
Recommended session duration for therapeutic benefit
45–60°C
Comfortable ambient temperature — significantly lower than traditional saunas
2–3×
Recommended weekly frequency for measurable therapeutic outcomes
Private
All sessions are individual and fully private — no shared sauna spaces, unless you want to share with your partner or friends!
What to Tell Your Patient Before Their First Session
Make sure you are well-hydrated. Drink at least 500ml of water, and, if possible, include Electrolytes
Wear light, comfortable clothing — swimwear is appropriate. Towels are provided
The heat is gentle and comfortable, very different from a traditional steam sauna
Most patients feel deeply relaxed during and immediately after the session
Benefits are cumulative — consistent weekly sessions produce the strongest results
Evening sessions are particularly effective for patients with sleep or stress concerns
CONTRAINDICATIONS & CAUTIONS —
PLEASE REVIEW
The following conditions require physician clearance prior to infrared sauna use.
PHYSICIAN CONSULTATION REQUIRED BEFORE USE
Cardiovascular conditions, obesity or diabetes
Pregnancy
Some prescription medications
Elderly patients
Children
Surgical implants
Pacemakers / defibrillators
Acutely injured joints
USE SHOULD BE AVOIDED
Haemophilia or bleeding tendency
Fever or heat insensitivity
Alcohol or drug intoxication
We strongly recommend drinking electrolyte before and after each session to compensate for fluid and mineral loss through perspiration.
Source: Sunlighten official contraindications
HEALUX staff are not medical practitioners. Patients with complex conditions should obtain clearance from their treating physician before beginning sessions. We welcome direct communication with practitioners for specific cases.
04 — Referring a Patient to Healux
Referring is simple and requires no formal paperwork. You can direct patients to book online, or contact us in advance to discuss a specific case or arrange a complimentary introductory session for yourself, something we warmly encourage before referring your patients.
We believe the most effective referral relationship begins with a practitioner who has personally experienced what we offer. If you would like to come in as our guest, please reach out directly.
Let's work together
for your patients'
wellbeing
Book your first session at HEALUX for yourself, refer a patient, or simply reach out with a clinical question. We are here to support you.
