Infrared Sauna
for Mental Health
Infrared Sauna for Mental Health
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are three natural antidepressants that are produced and transported more efficiently in our brains when we use an infrared sauna for Mental Health. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that they aid in reducing the body’s level of cortisol, the hormone linked to stress and tension.
Some of the most straightforward tactics can have a significant influence when it comes to enhancing your mental health.
One of them is frequently using a sauna. Particularly popular lately, and for good reason, are infrared saunas.
They have several advantages for the brain and mental health, as mentioned in Dr Lawrence Wilson’s book Sauna Therapy.
As soon as you begin utilising an infrared sauna, pay attention to your body to gauge how much time you should spend there. Start out gradually and lengthen your sessions as you go. Drink plenty of water both before and after each session, and avoid combining it with alcohol.
Continue reading to discover the 13 ways that both conventional and infrared saunas can benefit your mental and cognitive wellness.
4 Scientifically Proven Ways that Infrared Sauna for Mental Health Boost Your Mental Health
People who deal with depression may find great relief from the sauna.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that they have euphoric effects. Because of the mild physical stress that saunas cause, your brain manufactures and releases more euphoric hormones to counteract it. These modifications seem to be largely permanent.
So if you routinely utilise an infrared sauna, you’ll experience consistent happiness.
In two experiments, major depressive patients were made to sit in infrared saunas by Dr Jeffrey Lieberman.
In one infrared sauna session, all the subjects in his initial study experienced a 50% reduction in their symptoms. In his subsequent research, he discovered that a single session had an unexpectedly quick and potent antidepressant effect that lasted for up to six weeks.
He came to the conclusion that whole-body hyperthermia shows potential as a quick-acting, secure antidepressant with a sustained therapeutic benefit.
Other researchers have examined how infrared sauna therapy affects those who are somewhat depressed and experience exhaustion, loss of appetite, and mental symptoms. They discovered that using the sauna considerably improved their mood and increased their appetite.
It has also been demonstrated that whole-body heat therapy lowers depression in cancer patients. According to additional research, sweating boosts mental energy and satisfaction.
Additionally, infrared saunas help ease anxiety and stress.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that frequent sauna use reduces cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone.
Researchers discovered in one study that utilising a sauna can lessen both state and trait anxiety.
According to another study, sweating promotes relaxation and lessens feelings of anger and anxiety.
Beta-endorphins are substances produced by your body that help you feel less pain.
When you are in pain, under emotional stress, or engaged in strenuous activity, your brain generates and releases these natural painkillers.
Saunas are stressful, therefore when you spend time in one, endorphin release is boosted.
Using a sauna regularly can assist with fibromyalgia symptoms.
Numerous studies have revealed that beta-endorphin levels significantly rise in response to heat stress and dry sauna heat exposure.
This may help to explain why studies have shown that sauna therapy can help individuals with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition marked by widespread pain and sensitivity in certain places, feel less pain.
According to one study, daily use of an infrared sauna reduced pain in fibromyalgia sufferers by 33 to 77%. Participants in the trial continued to report a 28 to 66% reduction in pain six months after the study was completed.
It has been discovered by other researchers that infrared sauna therapy is successful in treating fibromyalgia.
DL-Phenylalanine is another method of pain relief. It’s an amino acid that prevents endorphins from being broken down. You can purchase it here. I previously wrote about it here.
A naturally occurring protein in the brain called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) lowers your risk of mental illness and elevates your mood. It accomplishes this by promoting the formation of new brain cells while preserving and mending your existing brain cells. Because it helps lessen anxiety and depression, many researchers believe it to be a natural antidepressant.
According to research, people who experience mental illness are more likely to have low levels of BDNF. Fortunately, there are techniques to increase it.
One way is by using an infrared sauna.
Improving Mental Health with an infrared sauna
As you can see, infrared saunas have a lot of cognitive advantages that can aid in managing and resolving mental health issues.
Pure Medical may suggest using adjunctive therapies to Infrared Sauna for mental health as listed below. Although the number of sessions per week cannot be determined in advance, infrared saunas are safe to use every day. In fact, if you use it consistently, your wellness will improve faster. Most people participate in 30-45 minute sessions, three to four times each week on average.
