Fibromyalgia is a condition often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mentally and physically exhausting for those who live with it. The chronic, widespread pain can feel relentless, and fatigue never seems to lift. Traditional treatments—ranging from medications to physical therapy—often fall short, leaving many people searching for gentler, more natural solutions to manage their symptoms.
Infrared sauna therapy offers one such option. At Altered States Wellness, guests experiencing fibromyalgia have reported subtle yet meaningful shifts in their symptoms after incorporating infrared sauna sessions into their routine. While not a cure, infrared therapy presents a non-invasive and supportive approach that can complement existing treatments in a deeply soothing way.
Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Body in Overdrive
Fibromyalgia isn’t simply a pain condition. It touches nearly every system in the body. People with fibromyalgia often report sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating (commonly known as “fibro fog”), digestive discomfort, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, light, and even temperature.
Many researchers believe fibromyalgia is rooted in how the central nervous system processes pain signals. Instead of modulating input as it should, the nervous system amplifies sensations, making even light touch or mild pressure feel painful. Muscles remain tense, sleep quality declines, and the immune system becomes overwhelmed.
Traditional treatment typically involves medication, gentle movement practices, dietary changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, for many, these interventions only scratch the surface. That’s where gentle heat, specifically through infrared therapy, can be a meaningful addition.
How Infrared Sauna Works: More Than Just Heat
Unlike conventional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use light waves to warm the body directly. This results in a more tolerable environment, especially for those who can’t handle the intense heat of a traditional steam sauna.
The infrared wavelengths penetrate about 1.5 to 2 inches into the body’s tissues, which can promote muscle relaxation, increase circulation, and reduce stiffness. These sessions are typically set between 120°F and 140°F, creating a warm yet manageable experience that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.
The heat generated helps open up blood vessels, promoting better oxygenation of tissues and potentially improving the delivery of nutrients to muscles and joints that are often inflamed or tense in fibromyalgia sufferers. This subtle internal shift can help reduce pain intensity over time.
Gentle Detoxification and Its Role in Symptom Relief
People with fibromyalgia often have increased oxidative stress in their bodies. Infrared sauna therapy helps the body activate its natural detoxification pathways, allowing for the release of toxins through sweat in a low-impact, relaxing environment.
Unlike high-intensity detox methods that can sometimes trigger flare-ups, infrared sauna therapy encourages gradual detoxification. As the body sweats, heavy metals, chemical toxins, and metabolic waste can be excreted through the skin. Many people report feeling lighter and less foggy after a session, suggesting potential relief from the inflammation and fatigue that often accompany toxic load.
Although the research is still emerging, a few small-scale studies have shown promising results. One study published in Internal Medicine in 2008 found that participants with fibromyalgia experienced a significant reduction in pain levels and improvements in overall well-being after just a few infrared sauna sessions. These changes persisted even weeks after the therapy ended, suggesting a lasting benefit when used consistently.
Relaxing the Nervous System
For those living with fibromyalgia, the nervous system often exists in a constant state of “fight or flight.” This heightened state of alertness contributes to pain sensitivity, poor sleep, and fatigue. Regular use of infrared saunas may help shift the body toward a “rest and digest” state by encouraging parasympathetic nervous system activity.
The warmth envelops the body, inviting a feeling of safety and comfort. Muscles begin to release tension. The mind quiets. For many, the calm that follows an infrared sauna session is similar to the post-meditation glow—relaxed yet alert, grounded yet lifted.
Sleep often improves, which is especially meaningful given how central poor sleep is to the fibromyalgia cycle. Better sleep helps regulate inflammation, balance hormones, and support cellular repair.
Pain Reduction Through Muscle Relaxation and Improved Circulation
One of the most immediate benefits infrared sauna users report is muscle relief. Heat increases blood flow to sore or tight areas, easing stiffness and enhancing flexibility. In fibromyalgia, this can help reduce the feeling of achiness that often sets in after waking up or prolonged inactivity.
Improved circulation also enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, which can reduce fatigue and promote healing at a cellular level. Muscles and joints, no longer starved of oxygen-rich blood, may function more smoothly with less resistance.
Additionally, the body’s endorphins—the natural painkillers—are released during infrared sessions. This shift in internal chemistry can leave you feeling more comfortable, emotionally uplifted, and capable of engaging in daily activities with less resistance.
Emotional Relief and Mental Clarity
The mental strain of fibromyalgia is often overlooked. Chronic pain changes how we think, feel, and interact with others. It’s easy to feel isolated or misunderstood.
Infrared sauna therapy creates a space where the body and mind can rest together. The consistent warmth encourages a meditative state, often bringing with it clarity, emotional release, and a subtle sense of empowerment. Clients often describe feeling “reset” after a session—less reactive, more centered.
Some infrared saunas now include chromotherapy (light therapy) and calming audio elements that enhance relaxation. These sensory layers offer additional support for those managing both emotional and physical symptoms, turning the session into a sanctuary rather than just a therapy.
Considerations Before Starting Infrared Sauna for Fibromyalgia
Every fibromyalgia experience is different. It’s important to approach any new therapy with curiosity and gentleness rather than urgency. Start with shorter sessions—15 to 20 minutes—and gradually increase based on how your body responds. Hydration is essential before and after sessions, as is allowing time for rest afterward.
Consulting your physician or integrative health provider is always advised before starting any new wellness practice. They can help determine if infrared therapy is appropriate based on your health history and medications.
At Altered States Wellness, our staff is trained to guide you through infrared sauna therapy safely and comfortably. Each session is tailored to your needs, with adjustable temperature settings, optional chromotherapy, and thoughtful support throughout.
Long-Term Support and Consistency
Infrared therapy works best when integrated into a long-term care routine. One or two sessions may offer a short-term sense of relief, but consistency brings the deeper benefits. With repeated sessions, inflammation markers may decline, circulation can improve, and the nervous system becomes more balanced.
Fibromyalgia may not have a one-size-fits-all solution, but many find comfort in creating a personalized care plan that includes gentle, non-invasive therapies. Infrared sauna can serve as a meaningful pillar in this plan—offering warmth in place of cold clinical settings and giving you agency over your well-being.
Finding What Feels Good
Healing doesn’t always come in the form of intense interventions. Sometimes, it begins with a simple commitment to comfort. For many people with fibromyalgia, infrared sauna sessions offer that—an invitation to breathe, to soften, and to reconnect with a body that’s been working overtime.
Relief may not be instant, but when the body is supported consistently, it can begin to trust again. And in that trust, healing starts to unfold.
