SWEAT, SOOTHE & SHINE || 5 Ways Infrared Saunas Support Women’s Health

For my birthday this year, I decided to gift myself the gift of health.

This meant baby steps, such as being more mindful of the proportion of my day I spent working and signing up for a yoga class starter pack. An added benefit of the yoga studio was that it had an infrared sauna, which piqued my curiosity. After my first class, I decided to spend 15 minutes in it to see what would happen. I observed that I often experienced a much more restful slumber after a yoga and infrared session. I also have inflammation in my right upper arm, which has almost been eliminated. Realizing these benefits led me to dig deeper into the positives of infrared sauna use for women, and here’s the shortlist of what I came across:

1 | Eases Menstrual Cramps & PMS Discomfort

Infrared heat gently relaxes uterine muscles and enhances blood flow, helping reduce cramp intensity and bloating. Women report softer, more tolerable cycles after even short regular sessions (20–30 min). Many experts also note its anti‑inflammatory effect, which may alleviate lower‑back pain, too.

2 | Relieves Menopause Symptoms & Hot Flashes

Post‑menopausal bodies often struggle with temperature regulation, night sweats, joint stiffness and emotional fluctuations. Controlled trials show that far‑infrared therapy can significantly reduce hot flashes, enhance sleep quality, and even modestly support bone health in women undergoing menopause.

3 | Supports Heart Health & Circulation

Infrared sessions mimic moderate exercise by raising core temperature, heart rate, and cardiac output—without breaking a sweat in a gym. Improved blood vessel dilation and lower blood pressure are documented benefits. In studies with women, cardiovascular signals resembled those achieved through cycling or brisk walking.

4 | Brightens Skin, Detoxifies & Reduces Inflammation

This one I definitely noticed because not one, but several of the friends I met up with after my first handful of sessions commented on my glowing skin. Because infrared penetrates the dermis, it stimulates circulation and collagen production while encouraging sweat-based elimination of toxins like metals and BPA. Women commonly report clearer, softer skin and reduced appearance of cellulite with regular sauna use.

5 | Boosts Mood, Reduces Stress & Enhances Sleep

Infrared heat triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol, raising serotonin, and delivering a deep sense of calm. Surveys show over 80% of sauna users notice improved sleep. Pairing evening sessions with soothing techniques like aromatherapy or magnesium tea amplifies the effect.

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I have to admit that I wasn’t in the best mental health shape before, which is why I wanted to give myself the gift of health this year. Exercise has often been cited as a helpful way to boost mood and alleviate stress. I feel that pairing my yoga routine with infrared sauna sessions has significantly improved my mood. I sip electrolyte water before and after, and I make a point to breathe deeply, let go of work thoughts, and unwind into each session. If you’ve never tried an infrared sauna, I would suggest starting with a short session to see how you tolerate the heat. Even without the other health benefits, I would still sign up for this just for the more restful sleep!