"When you are chronically ill and have few treatment options, you become desperate to find something that can give you a break from the pain," says Hildegunn Lid Meidell. She has fibromyalgia and endometriosis, and does not regret buying an IR SaunaPod.
"I considered an infrared sauna for almost a year before I decided to give it a try. I dug deep into the research and other people's experiences. Today the sauna has a permanent place in the living room and is rarely put away. It comes along to the cabin and when I go on holiday."
Pain that drifted around the body
Hildegunn's health problems began when she was 19.
"I experienced pain that moved, or drifted, around my whole body, and that gradually increased in extent and intensity. I trained as a hairdresser. It became harder and harder to keep up my work as a hairdresser. I was on sick leave more often, and today I am on disability benefit."
At first she met little understanding from her doctor, and it took a long time before she was properly assessed. She chose to change GP, and finally received the help and support she needed to get the right diagnosis.
"Fibromyalgia is an invisible and diffuse condition that does not show up on blood tests, scans or images. The diagnosis is made using medical history and by ruling out other conditions. The endometriosis flared up when I was 21 and stopped taking contraception because my husband and I wanted children. Put simply, the pain can be compared to extreme period pain."
Critical about what she chooses
Over the years, Hildegunn has tried and failed in her search for things that can ease her symptoms, so that she can feel as well as she possibly can.
"It can be hard to sift out what may help and what is money down the drain. I have been burned many times."
She therefore describes herself as a bit of a nerd. She wants to know why something is effective.
"I usually say it does not matter whether it has an effect or whether it is placebo, as long as it helps. The problem arises when everyone who experiences an effect from something becomes passionately keen to push their solution on other sick people. It is hard enough being desperate, ill, on disability benefit and without money to waste."
Infrared sauna helps Hildegunn
After almost three years of regular use, the IR SaunaPod has proven not to be money down the drain.
"The sauna helps me release tension in my body and soften sore muscles and joints. I sleep better and, not least, I have an increased sense of well-being. Infrared heat helps me a lot with both conditions, fibromyalgia and endometriosis. In winter I use the sauna 3-7 days a week, and a little more sporadically in summer."
Hildegunn is pleased that she can adjust the temperature. She does not always have the energy to sweat it out at over 60 degrees.
"Even though it does my body good, it can be tiring when it gets too hot for how I feel that day. I adjust the temperature to what my body needs. When I am very tired, I choose to sit longer in the sauna at a lower temperature, around 35-40 degrees. My pulse does not get as high and I sweat less, but I get the loosening up that I need without being exhausted afterwards."
Effective treatment for fibromyalgia
Over the years, Hildegunn has learned that warmth is good for her body: hot water, warm summer days and infrared heat products. She also follows a diet without sugar and alcohol, and does yoga daily.
"Now an infrared yoga mat and one of the sauna blankets are high on my wish list," she smiles.
Research shows that infrared heat therapy is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. In a study carried out by researchers in Japan, muscle pain was reduced by up to 78% in 13 female fibromyalgia patients. In another study with 44 fibromyalgia patients, pain was reduced by 33-77%. Six months after the end of the study, pain was still reduced by 28-68%.
Neurological, autoimmune or rheumatological?
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises fibromyalgia as a disease of the muscles, skeleton and connective tissue. In professional circles, there is discussion about whether fibromyalgia may be a neurological or autoimmune condition rather than a rheumatological one.
Endometriosis is defined by Felleskatalogen as a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows outside the womb. The tissue can be located on the abdominal wall, the bowel, the ovaries or the bladder.
Norsk Revmatikerforbund (NRF) and Norges Fibromyalgiforbund (NFF) recommend Radiant Health's saunas to their members who struggle with chronic pain conditions. Members get a 20% discount on all Radiant Health products. Recently, Endometrioseforeningen has also entered into a partnership with Radiant Health, and all members get 20% off the entire range.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still developing, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
Text: Trine Dahlman
