(Part of Our Series on Complementary Wellness Habits with Therapy). Taking time for yourself can be a monumental step in your healing journey, whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Beyond the traditional methods of talk therapy, like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and art therapy, there are a range of complementary wellness habits that can play an essential role in recovery. One such option gaining attention is red light and sauna therapy for mental health, which research suggests may offer benefits for anxiety and trauma management.
The Science Behind Red Light & Sauna Therapy for Mental Health
Research shows that red light therapy and infrared sauna therapy are effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Both therapies focus on healing the body to improve the mind.
- Red Light Therapy (or Photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and promote neuroplasticity. Studies suggest it can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, possibly by improving blood flow to the brain and enhancing the brain’s capacity to repair itself after trauma.
- Infrared Sauna Therapy works by raising the body’s core temperature, inducing a natural relaxation response, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), and boosting endorphins. In turn, this promotes deep relaxation and mental clarity. The effects of sauna therapy can be especially beneficial for those with chronic stress or PTSD by helping the body reset its nervous system, shifting it from the fight-or-flight state to a more balanced rest-and-digest mode.
Both therapies create a space for the body to relax and heal, allowing the mind to follow suit.
The Power of Taking Time for Yourself
Often, the most challenging part of mental health recovery is the decision to invest time in yourself. Taking a step back, whether through red light or sauna therapy, can signal a powerful moment of self-care. This act alone, deciding to prioritize your health and well-being, is a major part of the healing process. It tells your nervous system that you deserve to rest and recharge.
Healing doesn’t just happen through talking; it happens through action. When we take time to care for our bodies, we send a message to our mind that healing is a holistic process, one that values our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Local Resources for Complementary Wellness
In our Malvern, PA community, local businesses like Beem in Malvern have become popular among clients for offering red light therapy and infrared sauna services. Many of our clients have shared their positive experiences, noting how these treatments have helped reduce their stress and anxiety, complementing the work they’re doing in therapy. While we are happy to refer clients to Beem for these services, it’s important to note that we do not receive any compensation from them. Our goal is simply to highlight local resources that can support your journey to healing.
Integrating Complementary Therapies with EMDR & Art Therapy
Incorporating body-based practices like red light and sauna therapy outside of therapy sessions may help support the work you’re doing in EMDR or art therapy. While these wellness therapies are not part of your clinical sessions, some clients find they create a calmer, more regulated state that can enhance their ability to engage in therapeutic work.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This evidence-based therapy helps process and resolve traumatic memories. Research suggests red light therapy may support overall brain health and neuroplasticity. While red light therapy is not used during EMDR sessions, some individuals find that consistent use outside of sessions supports their broader healing efforts.
- Art Therapy: Art therapy provides a creative outlet to express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Engaging in practices that promote relaxation, such as sauna therapy, before or after a session may help clients feel more grounded and open to the creative process.
Used at different times and for different purposes, these therapies can complement each other as part of a well-rounded, integrative approach to mental health care.
Part of a Bigger Picture
This post is part of our ongoing Complementary Wellness Habits with Therapy series. In future posts, we’ll spotlight other practices, like acupuncture, yoga, and mindfulness meditation, and share what research says about their potential to support your mental health journey.
While traditional therapy remains essential for addressing mental health challenges, complementary therapies like red light and sauna therapy can provide significant relief and enhance the benefits of therapy. Prioritizing your health and taking time for yourself is not just about physical treatments, but about giving yourself the permission to heal, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
As we continue to spotlight complementary wellness habits alongside therapy, we encourage you to consider these options as part of your broader mental health plan. Therapy, when combined with self-care practices like art therapy, EMDR, and body-based therapies, offers a comprehensive approach to healing that addresses the full spectrum of human experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about how red light therapy, sauna therapy, EMDR, or art therapy might benefit you, contact us. We’re here to help you navigate your healing journey with care and respect for your unique needs.
FAQs about Light Therapy and Mental Health and Wellness
1. Can red light or sauna therapy replace traditional mental health treatment?
No. While research shows these therapies can support mental wellbeing, they are not a substitute for evidence-based treatments like EMDR, art therapy, or talk therapy. They can be used between sessions as complementary self-care.
2. How often should someone use red light or sauna therapy for mental health benefits?
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule. Some research studies used several sessions per week, but frequency depends on your goals, tolerance, and any health conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider.
3. Can these therapies help with trauma recovery?
While there is emerging evidence that they may help regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms, red light and sauna therapy should be seen as supportive tools, not trauma treatments in themselves.
4. Do you offer red light or sauna therapy at Bloom Therapy?
No. Bloom Therapy provides psychotherapy services like EMDR, art therapy, and talk therapy. We sometimes refer clients to trusted local resources, such as Beem in Malvern, for complementary wellness services, but we have no financial relationship with them.
5. Can red light or sauna therapy be used alongside EMDR or art therapy?
Yes, many people choose to use these therapies between sessions to help regulate their nervous system and support emotional balance. They are not done during EMDR or art therapy sessions, but can complement the overall healing process.