The discomfort women experience during their monthly courses often occurs even before the actual event. Typically, a week before menstruation, most women experience premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like bloating, skin issues, lethargy, weight gain, cravings, constipation, headaches, or swollen ankles. For some, these symptoms can become severe and impact their ability to function well. An uncommonly prescribed solution to this condition involves engagement in infrared sauna sessions, however, the treatment has shown great potential in providing relief for PMS symptoms. Through infrared wavelengths that penetrate deeply into muscles and tissue below the skin, infrared saunas activate a series of biological and cellular responses supporting circulation, relaxation, and more. Explore how infrared sauna benefits can help address PMS symptoms, with our team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS below.
1. Reducing Menstrual Cramps Through Improved Muscle Oxygenation
Menstrual cramps, which often start a few days before menstruation, are primarily due to prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that stimulate uterine contractions to help with the shedding of the uterine lining. Excessive production of this chemical, however, leads to stronger and more painful contractions.
Infrared sauna therapy helps relieve pain from these cramps by enhancing blood flow to the affected area. The heat from the treatment stimulates nitric oxide production, which is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and allows for better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the uterine muscles.
This provides relief to the oxygen-deprived muscles causing the cramping, moderating their contractions and lowering pain response.
2. Easing Bloating and Fluid Retention Through Sweating and Detoxification
While bloating isn’t the most uncomfortable symptom of menstruation, it can affect how a woman feels during her course. The good news is that infrared saunas can help mitigate this by encouraging the body to sweat.
This not only helps the body cool down, but it also aids in the removal of excess fluids and sodium, which can reduce bloating and provide a feeling of lightness and ease.
3. Enhancing Mood and Alleviating PMS-Related Fatigue
PMS is often associated with a drop in serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and stress. Infrared saunas help fill this gap by stimulating the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormone of the body. The treatment also activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system – or the rest and digest system – which lowers cortisol levels and reduces feelings of irritability and anxiety.
Additionally, infrared sauna sessions help alleviate fatigue by increasing the production of the cell’s primary fuel, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Through this, the treatment supports the body’s energy reserves, allowing women to combat lethargy during PMS.
4. Supporting Skin Health and Reducing PMS-Related Acne
The hormonal shifts women experience during their menstrual cycle can significantly affect their skin, leading to breakouts and clogged pores. Fortunately, this is one area in which infrared saunas excel.
Infrared sauna therapy has anti-inflammatory effects that help calm down acne breakouts and irritated skin. It also enhances microcirculation, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to small blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. This boost in circulation has two major benefits: it nourishes the skin cells with oxygen and essential nutrients, and it accelerates the process of cell turnover and repair.
This increased blood flow also encourages collagen synthesis, a key protein that maintains the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Overall, these features help repair any pre-existing blemishes and renew the skin’s appearance.
Key Takeaway
For those seeking a natural approach to relieving PMS symptoms, consistent infrared sauna sessions provide an effective solution. The best part is that with at-home infrared sauna setups like the ones we offer at SunStream, you can gain all the benefits of the treatment from the comfort of your home.
For an at-home solution tailored to your wellness journey, Sun Stream Saunas AUS provides top-quality infrared saunas designed for overall wellness. Contact us today for more questions or inquiries.