- HOME
- Infrared Sauna Benefits
- Stress & Anxiety
Infrared Sauna Therapy For Stress Relief, Anxiety, And Mood Improvement
In today's fast-paced world, infrared therapy can help alleviate stress and anxiety symptoms.
Infrared therapy provides a transformative journey for both your mind and body.
Discover here how infrared sauna sessions can seamlessly merge into your daily life, and create a sense of serenity.
the Calming Power of Infrared Saunas
In our rapidly moving world, finding effective stress relievers is not easy. Infrared saunas, however, deliver and unexpected, pacifying element in the hectic of everyday life. The mild, yet deeply penetrating radiant heat, fosters an environment where anxiety and stress dissipate.
The Burden of Stress in Modern Life
The demands of work, complexities in relationships, and daily challenges can make us feel harried, anxious and under continuous pressure. The impact on our physical and mental health is substantial, leading to exhaustion, chronic stress, anxiety, and potentially other health issues.
Infrared Saunas: the Basics
Infrared saunas utilize infrared technology to radiate a nurturing glow that wraps around you as well a warms you from the inside. Operating at more comfortable and inviting temperatures than traditional or Finnish saunas, they produce a milder, more comfy type of heat.
How Infrared Saunas Reduce Stress
Infrared therapy provides deep relaxation, unravels knots of stress and muscle tension, and draws you into a state of blissful tranquility. They may also regulate cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, further enhancing the calming effect. Regular sessions in the glow of an infrared sauna can be life-altering, alleviating anxiety and decreasing stress, instilling a sense of balance and calm that permeates every aspect of your existence.
Infrared Technology in Mental Health Research
Exploring the benefits of infrared technology, you will find its applications extend beyond the tranquil realm of infrared devices. Here are some insights from three different studies on the effects of infrared radiation on our mood:
Far infrared contributes to stress relief
The first and most recent study is from 2023 [1]. This study found that short sessions of far-infrared foot warming improved participants' mood states, decreasing chronic stressfulness. The far-infrared group experienced increased relaxation, marked by changes in autonomic nervous activity, including lower stress indicators and higher relaxation markers.
Autonomic nervous activity regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, and is a key indicator of stress and relaxation levels in the body. The sessions also led to less fatigue, tension and mood disorders, promoting psychological well-being.
Another research paper says "passive heat therapies such as Waon therapy, infrared saunas, and whole-body hyperthermia have also been shown to relieve stress and improve the symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety." [2]
These findings suggest that this sauna therapy may contribute to relieving tension. This research confirms the relaxing effects of far-infrared heat and encourages further research into far-infrared sauna therapy for holistic stress management.
near-infrared and mental health
The second study published in 'Behavioral and Brain Functions' sheds light on the potential of near-infrared (NIR) photobiomodulation (PBM) in treating psychiatric conditions. This research, conducted on patients with major depression, revealed noteable improvements in symptoms post-treatment with NIR light.
While infrared saunas are often mainly used for their gentle, comforting heat, similar infrared wavelengths are being explored for their direct impact on brain function and mental health. This blend of relaxation and therapeutic potential illustrates the versatility of infrared technology. For a more detailed exploration of this groundbreaking study, you may check out the findings here [3].
THE therapeutical HEAT OF FAR INFRARED
A third study [4] focused on the impact of far-infrared rays (FIR) on serotonin and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients suffering from depression and insomnia.
Serotonin is crucial for mood regulation, and MDA is a marker of oxidative stress, which is linked to cellular damage. The study involved 70 inpatients diagnosed with depression and sleep disturbances. The experimental group received FIR treatment on three acupuncture points - via a patch-like sticker. Each session lasted 15 minutes, twice a week, for four weeks. Both before and after the experiment, researchers measured the serum levels of serotonin and MDA in all participants.
The results were promising. In the experimental group, serotonin levels were raised, while MDA levels decreased post-treatment. This suggests that FIR could lift mood and lower oxidative stress levels in depressed patients with insomnia.
This study's outcomes on far-infrared rays for better mood in depressed patients with insomnia hint at similar benefits from sauna sessions. Like FIR therapy, the far-infrared sauna may also help bolster serotonin levels, and deepen relaxation. This suggests that the therapeutic use of heat, whether through medical FIR or IR sauna sessions, could be a promising approach for mental well-being.
In conclusion, all these findings suggest the usefulness of near- and far-infrared technology in promoting relaxation and decreasing the effects of chronic stress and anxiety, although more research is needed to see how infrared therapy can be best used for mood elevation.
Discover the best infrared sauna blankets and PEMF mats
Integrating Infrared Saunas into Your Wellness Routine
Infrared sauna sessions are steps towards a more serene, balanced state of being. To tailor your anxiety management with added convenience, consider the benefits of infrared PEMF mats and sauna blankets.
Weighing just 20 pounds, sauna blankets are highly portable and easily storable, making them perfect for quick relaxation sessions wherever you are—ideal for those with limited space or busy lifestyles.
On the other hand, full body infrared PEMF mats are designed for fixed usage (40lbs), fitting seamlessly on a sofa, yoga mat, or even your bed, providing a soothing foundation for a good night’s rest.
Integrating these flexible infrared tools into your daily routine can greatly enhance your ability to manage anxiety, offering immediate access to stress relief and deeper relaxation. These solutions not only adapt to your living space but also support your journey towards a calmer, more balanced mindset
Practice regularly and harmonize it with your lifestyle and commitments. You can further complement and upgrade your infrared enjoyment with aromatherapy, subdued lighting, and calming music, creating a serene atmosphere to help you unwind and revitalize.
Just make sure you stay hydrated to maximize the benefits of the infrared therapy, and remain alert to your body’s signals.
Diane Sargent
References
1. Yuko Matsui et al., Crossover trial of the effects of a far-infrared heater that heats the feet with ceramic balls on autonomic nervous activity and mood states, PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10450299/
2. Tanjaniina Laukkanen et al., Sauna Bathing and Risk of Psychotic Disorders: A Prospective Cohort Study, Medical Principal and Practice, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6422146/
3. Fredric Schiffer et al., Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near infrared light to the forehead: a pilot study of 10 patients with major depression and anxiety PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19995444/
4. Ying Chang et al., The effect on serotonin and MDA levels in depressed patients with insomnia when far-infrared rays are applied to acupoints, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19885944/
If you like this blogpost you might find the following articles as interesting as well
