Sauna Health Benefits

IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH, WELLNESS AND PERFORMANCE

Not surprisingly, that cited stress reduction is considered the number one benefit of sauna use. Medical studies often determine that stress in our daily lives can negatively affect our health. In fact, the vast majority of diseases (e.g. heart disease) are at least partially stress-related. Heat bathing in a sauna provides stress relief in several ways. It’s a warm, quiet space without any distractions coming from the outside. As we say, “Step into a Finnish sauna and close the door on the rest of the world.” The heat from the sauna relaxes the body’s muscles, improves circulation, and stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s all-natural “feel good” chemical, and their release provides a truly wonderful “after-sauna glow.”

AID IN RECOVERY AFTER INTENSE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Under the high heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable “tranquillising effect” and the ability to minimise the pain of joint and muscle soreness other than, say, an intense physical workout. Body temperature also rises from the heat of the sauna. This causes blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This increased blood flow, in turn, speeds up the body’s natural healing process via soothing aches and pains and/or speeding up the healing of minor bruises or cuts. After participating in physical sports, use the heat and/or steam of a sauna to promote muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and eliminate lactic acid and/or other toxins that may be present.

FLUSH TOXINS VIA SWEATING PROCESS

Many of us – if not most – do not actively sweat every day. However, deep sweating has multiple proven health benefits, which can be achieved by regular bathing in the sauna. Due to the heat of a sauna, the temperature of the central body begins to rise. The blood vessels then dilate, causing increased blood flow. As the heat in the blood begins to move to the skin’s surface, the body’s nervous system sends signals to the millions of sweat glands covering the human body. As the sweat glands become stimulated, they produce perspiration. Sweat production is designed primarily for cooling the body and comprises 99% water. However, deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce the levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and chemicals – toxins normally absorbed only by interacting with our daily environments. Therefore, many doctors will agree that an important reason for the popularity of saunas is that they are one of the best ways to detoxify our bodies.

IMPROVE BRAIN HEALTH

A 20-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed that regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 80°C for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & and Dementia by engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.
The Alzheimer’s Association includes sweating as an important way to improve brain health.

CAN HELP FIGHT ILLNESS

German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional saunas), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies – especially when used with steam (tip: add eucalyptus to the water for added benefit and overall enjoyment). The steam vapour action helps to clear up unwanted congestion and is a wonderful aspect of the Finnish sauna experience.

BRING OUT RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS

While the social benefit is rarely talked about, it’s actually quite important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socialising with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.

RELIEVE STRESS

The heat in the sauna helps us relax and regulates the cortisol level in our blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we’re stressed, and too high levels of cortisol can lead to a number of health issues, such as problems with the immune system and with sleeping. Sauna bathing reduces cortisol levels in our blood, and instead, it stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is our “happy hormone” that makes us feel good.

CLEANSES THE SKIN

The heat bath is one of the oldest beauty and/or health strategies for skin cleansing. 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 rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing the pores has improved capillary circulation while giving the skin a softer-looking quality.

JUST FEEL GOOD

A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for your body. 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 of the sauna, every seasoned sauna bather agrees – it feels wonderful! As we progress through our stressful everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat – where we can relax and restore body and soul.

CAN INDUCE A DEEPER SLEEP

Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins, body temperatures that become elevated in the late evening fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating sleep. Numerous sauna bathers worldwide recall the deep sleep experiences they feel after bathing in the calming heat of a sauna.

BURN CALORIES

The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from converting fat and carbohydrates in a bodily process that burns calories. U.S. Army medical research (Ward Dean, M.D.) states, “A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories.” The body consumes calories due to the acceleration of heart activity (the cardiovascular section). As heart activity increases and these processes demand more oxygen, the body converts more calories into usable energy.