The study conducted by Yuji Soejima and colleagues explored the feasibility and safety of Waon therapy, a form of thermal therapy utilizing a far-infrared dry sauna, as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The research involved 10 consecutive inpatients with CFS who underwent daily 15-minute sauna sessions at 60°C, followed by 30 minutes of rest under a blanket. The therapy was administered five days a week for four weeks, and several parameters were assessed, including perceived fatigue, pain, mood, and performance status, before and after the treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in perceived fatigue after the therapy, with improvements in mood (anxiety, depression) and performance status, indicating that Waon therapy helped alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms of CFS. However, there were no significant changes in pain levels or vigor. Notably, no adverse effects were reported during the treatment.
This research underscores the potential benefits of infrared therapy in treating chronic conditions like CFS, which has no known cure or definitive treatment. Waon therapy, through its use of far-infrared heat, may offer biological benefits by enhancing circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, all of which could help manage the symptoms of fatigue and mood disturbances commonly associated with CFS. The study’s findings suggest that Waon therapy is not only a feasible and safe option for improving quality of life in CFS patients but also highlight its broader medical applications as a non-invasive therapeutic approach. This innovative treatment could potentially offer relief to individuals with other chronic conditions involving fatigue and pain, supporting its inclusion as a valuable tool in managing complex syndromes.
