Lyme Disease is the most common tick-borne illness in North America, and it can easily be contracted by you or someone you love, especially if you live in a wooded or tall-grassy area. According to the CDC, about 30,000 people contract Lyme Disease every year.

Early treatment typically involves antibiotics [1]. Yet, these pharmaceutical options are not always effective or covered by your individual insurance. As such, many people seek out alternative therapies, such as infrared saunas, but what are the benefits? How can infrared saunas help fight Lyme Disease? In the following sections, we explore the benefits of infrared saunas when it comes to fighting Lyme Disease.

The Benefits of Infrared Saunas in Treating Lyme Disease

Infrared saunas offer an alternative when antibiotics just aren’t cutting it. Essentially, an infrared sauna involves the use of invisible light to create heat, which then warms your body. This can help with detoxification by flushing out toxins. So, how does this relate to Lyme Disease? What benefits can infrared saunas offer to those with Lyme Disease?

1. It helps excrete heavy metal and fat-soluble toxins

For individuals with Lyme Disease, their kidneys and liver are overexerted due to inflammation and infection. The bacteria circulating within the body of someone with Lyme Disease further creates a build-up of toxins, and this can lead to feeling unwell and fatigued. Yet, infrared saunas help flush out these toxins through perspiration [2]. This helps prevent toxins from building in the internal organs, which can cause even more problems.

2. Infrared saunas may help you sleep better and reduce your fatigue

Infrared saunas offer a calm and peaceful environment with very little stimuli, allowing you to fully relax. The higher temperature also relaxes your muscles, releasing tension throughout the body, and promoting a calm feeling. Interestingly, a 2015 study showed infrared saunas to even help those with chronic fatigue syndrome improve their perceived fatigue levels, as well as increase their mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve their performance [3].

3. It may help reduce pain associated with Lyme Disease

As the body’s core temperature rises, your circulation also increases. This allows more oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to reach areas of the body that need it. This may help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Further, this increase in blood flow relaxes the muscles and joint, which may also decrease symptoms of Lyme Disease including pain and stiffness.

4. It provides a non-invasive treatment option

Unlike antibiotics, an infrared sauna doesn’t require you to put anything in your body. There is no invasive technique involved, and it’s all natural. Essentially, an infrared sauna allows your body to do its job by promoting its natural-healing capabilities through sweating.

5. It may reduce your risk of depression

As aforementioned, a 2015 study suggested that infrared saunas can help decrease one’s risk of depression and anxiety [3]. In fact, other research has also indicated that the heat exposure via regular sauna bathing may help improve certain medical disorders and increase overall wellness [4]. How does an infrared sauna do this? The heat produced by an infrared sauna promotes feelings of relaxation and calm. As such, they may provide time to meditate and relax, which some individuals may not have otherwise.

6. It may increase your immune function and response

Research has suggested that the increased body temperature induced by the sauna may cause improved immune function [5]. Studies have noted an increased number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and basophils after sauna bathing. Further, with improved circulation (also caused by the increased heat), the immune cells can reach all parts of the body and help fight off Lyme Disease and its symptoms.

Combat Lyme Disease Using an Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas can prove very beneficial for those suffering from Lyme Disease or those in remission from it. However, before you begin any treatment, ensure you discuss your options with your doctor. They know your situation best and can offer medical advice pertinent to your current health status. Find out what options you have and begin your road toward recovery today.

Resources:

[1] Johnson R, Luger S, et al. “Treatment Of Early Lyme Disease.” Sciencedirect.com, The American Journal of Medicine, 18 February 1992, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/000293439290270L.

[2] Hussain J, Cohen M. “Clinical Effects Of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2018 April 24, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/.

[3] Masuda A, Miyata M, et al. “Effects Of Waon Therapy On Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 17 June 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25748743.

[4] Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula & Kyllikki Kauppinen. “Health Effects And Risks Of Sauna Bathing.” Tandfonline.com, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 18 March 2012, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3402/ijch.v65i3.18102.

[5] Pilch W, Pokora I, Szyguła Z, et al. “Effect Of A Single Finnish Sauna Session On White Blood Cell Profile And Cortisol Levels In Athletes And Non-Athletes.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2013 December 31, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916915/.