Top 12 Health & Wellness Benefits of Sauna
Sauna bathing is known to be one of the best ways to relax and have a healthy body. People all over the world experience the benefits of sauna bathing every day and they feel more relaxed, refreshed and ready for whatever activities they need to do. There are so many reasons why more and more doctors recommend sauna bathing as it has been proven that this practice helps people become healthier.
Studies have found that regular use of a sauna can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, alleviate stress, slow the aging process, and improve overall health.
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Improves heart health
When someone takes a traditional sauna or infrared sauna, the heat will make their skin warm up and their core body temperature rise. In response to these increased heat levels, their blood vessels near the skin will dilate, and “cardiac output/circulation” will increase. Studies have shown that the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm (beats per minute) to 110-120 bpm in the sauna (140-150 bpm with more intensive bathing), and can often sink to below normal after the cooling off stage. Regular sauna usage has been shown to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality and fatal cardiac incidents along with the reduced risk of stroke and hypertension.
Saunas improve overall health, wellness & performance
There are numerous benefits associated with regular sauna use. As the number one benefit, most sauna bathers cite stress reduction—a factor that plays a role in the majority of diseases, including heart disease.
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 improves cardiovascular health, along with many other benefits.
Saunas aid in recovery after excercise
Have you ever wondered why it feels so good to sit in a sauna? It's because the heat and steam are working to relax your muscles, soothe aches and pains, and get your blood pumping. When you're in the heat of the sauna, your body releases endorphins, which can minimize pain and is often associated with a "runner's high." As the body temperature rises in the heat of the sauna, blood vessels dilate allowing for increased blood circulation, which in turn speeds the body's natural healing process. After physical activity, use the heat and steam of a sauna to promote muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and eliminate lactic acid and other toxins that may be present.
Saunas flush toxins
Sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and chemicals - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.
The heat of a sauna causes your body to begin producing sweat. Sweating is primarily designed to cool the body, but it also helps remove toxins from your system. Since the skin is one of the largest organs of elimination in the body, sweating can help you get rid of harmful substances that may be lingering in your system.
Improves brain health
If you want to keep your brain in tip-top shape, sweating is one of the best ways to do it.
In 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 degrees F for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & Dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association includes sweating as an important way to improve brain health: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain
Saunas relieve stress
Sauna bathing is a great way to unwind, de-stress and relax. It’s also a great way to help regulate the level of cortisol 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 the levels of cortisol in our blood, and instead, it stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is our “happy hormone” that makes us feel good.
Saunas induce a deeper sleep
We all know a good night's sleep is one of the best things in life. But did you know that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use? Research has shown that the release of endorphins in the body leads to the slow and relaxing decline in these chemicals that helps facilitate sleep. Sauna bathers worldwide enjoy the deep sleep experiences resulting from the calming heat of an evening sauna.
Saunas help fight illness
Sauna studies in Germany have shown that saunas can help reduce rates of colds and the flu. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam, it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which helps fight illnesses and kills viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies.
Saunas burn calories
Many promoters of saunas claim outlandish things to make their product seem like the end-all weight loss tool. While some individuals may initially experience high amounts of calorie burn, over the long term, saunas are simply treated as one of many tools in our arsenal when it comes to burning additional calories. The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy; that energy is derived from fat and carbohydrates that are broken down into glucose.
Sauna cleans skin
Deep heat bathing has been used for centuries to cleanse the skin and improve its appearance. When the body begins to sweat, it rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores improves capillary circulation while giving the skin a softer-looking quality.
Recreational & social benefits
The social benefit of the sauna room is not often talked about, but it is important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socializing with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.
Just feels good
Whether it's the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or if it's 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. Sauna bathing truly makes you “Feel Better”, “Look Better” and “Sleep Better”!