Sauna Health & Wellness Benefits
Physically, nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat every day. Tension fades. Muscles unwind. And you emerge relaxed, revived, and ready for whatever the day may bring. A few minutes a day is all it takes to look and feel better. The body's response to gentle, persistent heat is well-documented and proven day-in and day-out by people all over the world. Which is why more and more doctors are recommending sauna and its purifying benefits. Certain health issues may not be suitable for sauna use. Always consult your physician prior to any form of heat bathing.
Overall well-being
Heat has the power to heal in so many ways, thanks to the body's ability to respond to it. Sweat production, heart rate increases, hormone releases, and more are all ways the body positively reacts to heat. And each response, whether physiological or psychological, offers profound health benefits, emotional well-being, and the list goes on.
The sauna heat combined with your preferred ambiance creates a powerfully relaxing, rejuvenating, healing and therapeutic space. As you settle in, the heat takes over and nourishes your body and mind. In short, regular sauna bathing is a wonderful, feel-good and good-for-you addition to your overall health and wellness plan.
Brain health
A 25-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 176° Fahrenheit for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer's and Dementia by upwards of 65%
Cardiovascular health
Medical research shows that sauna bathing may also aid in reducing risk associated with high blood pressure, stroke, and all-cause mortality and fatal cardiac incidents.
In response to high temperatures, core body temperature rises - dilating skin and increasing cardiac output/circulation. Similar to the physiological responses produced by exercise, the higher temperatures of a sauna may also cause the heart rate to rise, from 60-70 bpm to 110-120bpm (140-150 bpm with more intensive bathing). Increased heart rate helps circulate oxygen and blood to your muscles faster, lowering cholesterol and increasing calories burned.
Stress reduction & mood improvement
The enveloping heat, peaceful ambience, and restful setting of a sauna promotes relaxation. It's a perfect opportunity to unwind, rest your mind, breathe deeply, and generally slow down in a way that is healing and restorative. Moments of solitude paired with deep heat and your preferred therapeutic practices (i.e. medication, breath work, prayer) can work wonders on your physical and physiological well-being.
If you're interested in the science and research behind how sauna effects the brain to support stress reduction and mood enhancement, check out this resource:
Fitness support
Sauna relaxes muscles and soothes aches in both muscles and joints. Under the high-heat of a sauna, the body releases endorphins, body temperature rises, blood vessels dilate allowing for increased blood circulation.
Before physical activity, enjoy a few moments in the sauna to warm your body in preparation for work it is going to perform. The sauna is a great addition to your pre-workout warm-up.
After physical activity, allow the heat and steam of a sauna to promote muscle relaxation by reducing muscle tension and eliminating lactic acid and other toxins that may have built up during your workout.
Social connection
The important social benefits of sauna are often underrated or dismissed entirely. While the sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude, it can just as easily be a perfect environment for socializing with family, friends, and soon-to-be-friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate, and quiet conversation.
Calorie burn
Saunas are one of many tools to facilitate calorie burn. Saunas induce sweating, and sweating requires a notable amount of energy.
A 2019 study researched sauna calorie expenditure in young, sedentary, and overweight men (45 participants ages 19-24, with a mean body weight of ~190 lbs.). Results identified caloric burn was present, and influenced by a variety of factors, but specifically by both body mass and sauna duration. In the first of four 10-minute sauna sessions an average of 73 calories were burned, and in the last session the average increased to 153 calories.
Toxin release
In the heat of a sauna core body temperature rises and sweating begins. Sweat production is primarily designed to cool the body, and is composed of 99% water. However, deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of toxins, as well as food additives, preservatives and other environmental toxins in the body which are absorbed simply from interacting with our daily environments.
Sleep improvement
Research has suggested that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins, elevated body temperatures resulting from a late evening sauna fall at bedtime. Sauna bathers everywhere can enjoy the deep sleep experiences resulting from the calming heat of an evening sauna.
As a result of a good night's sleep, many sauna users have reported a marked increase in their energy levels and overall feeling of well-being the following day.
Skin care
Heat bathing is one of the oldest health and beauty strategies in terms of cleansing one's skin. When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced - keeping your skin in good working condition.
Sweating flushes out dirt and bacteria from the epidermal layer while leaving behind a minimal amount of beneficial oils. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking appearance and healthy glow. Regular sauna use can help purify the body from the inside out.
Respiratory health
Many studies have shown that regular sauna use with löyly and certain aromatheraphy oils can benefit those with sinus congestion and infections. Additionally, people with lung and respiratory issues have experienced improved respiratory function and ease of breathing during and after sauna use.
Illness prevention
German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza among study participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional sauna), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and ill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies.
Relaxation & rejuvenation
Now that you know sauna is good for you, you should also know it just feels good, too. Whether it's the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat, every seasoned sauna bather agrees - it feels wonderful! As we progress through our everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat - where we can relax and restore body and soul. It's the best addition to your personal self-care routine.
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