Summary: Sauna is an age-old tradition that has been made popular again due to its relaxing effect. Apart from its soothing benefits, some people believe that a sauna session can help alleviate menstrual cramps. In this article, we’ll look at whether there’s any truth to this claim and explore other ways to ease period pain through sauna baths.
1. Scientific research on sauna for period cramps
There is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of sauna baths in treating period cramps. One study conducted in 2010 found that women who regularly used sauna experienced less severe dysmenorrhea or period pain than those who didn’t use it. But, the research was conducted on a small sample size of 37 women and didn’t compare the effects of sauna with other pain-alleviating methods.
Another study conducted in 2006 suggested that heat therapy can be beneficial in reducing menstrual pain. The study included 45 women who used a hot water bag on the abdomen when experiencing menstrual cramps. The heat therapy was found to be as effective as taking a painkiller like ibuprofen.
Though these findings suggest that sauna can be beneficial, there’s still no concrete evidence that explicitly proves the same. More research is needed in this regard.
2. How does sauna help period cramps?
The heat generated from sauna can increase blood flow, which can provide relief from muscle tension and spasms which occur during menstrual cramps. The heat can also help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation in the pelvic area.
Additionally, sauna sessions are known to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can provide relief from menstrual cramps. The relaxation caused by the heat can also induce better sleep, resulting in reduced stress and pain.
That said, it’s important to remember that too much heat can cause damage to the body. Saunas should be used with caution, taking care not to overheat, which can cause fainting, dehydration, and other health risks.
3. Other benefits of sauna during periods
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that sauna can alleviate menstrual cramps, it’s clear that sauna has multiple other benefits that can help during periods. A sauna session can help relieve stress, lift mood, and promote better sleep, all of which can reduce the intensity of period-related symptoms.
Additionally, the heat generated by a sauna bath can increase sweating, which can result in detoxification of the body. This process helps flush out toxins and, ultimately, reduce bloating and water retention, common symptoms of periods.
Lastly, regular sessions at a sauna can help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, and anxiety. Though the relaxation from sauna won’t completely eradicate these symptoms, it can be a great complementary therapy to manage them.
4. Precautions to keep in mind while using sauna during periods
As mentioned earlier, excessive or improper use of sauna can lead to severe health issues, especially during periods. Firstly, it’s essential to maintain hydration levels throughout your sauna session to prevent dehydration caused by excessive sweating. It’s also important to take breaks in between sauna rounds and not prolong the sessions.
If you’re pregnant, have high blood pressure, suffer from epilepsy, or are taking certain medications, it’s best not to use a sauna during periods or otherwise. If you’re using a public sauna, ensure that you take necessary precautions to avoid any vaginal infections or bacterial growth due to bacteria present in a communal environment.
Lastly, if you experience excessive vaginal bleeding during your period, you should avoid sauna sessions and consult with your doctor first. You don’t want to risk worsening the condition due to the heat generated by the sauna.
Conclusion:
While sauna has several relaxation and detoxification benefits, there isn’t enough research to support claims that it helps with menstrual cramps. It’s important to use caution while using saunas, taking care not to overheat to prevent health risks. That said, sauna can provide relief from other PMS symptoms, such as headaches and anxiety. If you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns, it’s best to consult with your doctor before trying sauna therapy.