How Does Far Infrared Therapy Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is categorized by the Mayo Clinic as:
A complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can’t be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.

Other characteristic symptoms include:

  • Sleep that isn’t refreshing
  • Difficulties with memory, focus and concentration
  • Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing

    2.5 million Americans suffer from CFS but there is no definite cure or cause.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can vary from person to person, and the severity of symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Problems with memory or concentration
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
  • Unexplained muscle or joint pain
  • Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing
  • Unrefreshing sleep
  • Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise

The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy for Two Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – PUBMed Study.

In the following study (link here), two patients were subject to a once a day, far infrared sauna session at 60 degrees Celsius. This continued every day for 35 days, then one or twice a week on an out patient basis.

Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever were drastically improved after 15-25 far infrared sessions.

Both patients showed no sign of relapse during their first year of discharge.

How Does Far Infrared Therapy Help?

The reasons exactly why far infrared therapy is beneficial for people who suffer from CFS is inconclusive. 

However, research shows that far infrared therapy increases detoxification within the body. As a result of far infrared waves penetrating heat deeply into the body, it effectively stimulates metabolic activity. This triggers a release of stood toxins through sweat, as well as through the liver and kidneys. Studies suggest this could be the reasoning behind improved CFS symptoms.