Health Benefits of Sauna
Top 11 Reasons to Embrace the Heat
Much has been made of the health benefits of regular sauna use—and with good reason. Physically, nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat every day. Tension fades, and muscles unwind. Mentally, 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 out by people all over the world. That’s why more and more wellness experts are recommending its purifying benefits.
Saunas Improve Cardiovascular Performance
Not surprisingly, sauna bathers most frequently cite stress reduction as the number one benefit. Medical studies show that stress in our daily lives can negatively affect our health. Heat bathing in a sauna provides stress relief in a number of ways:
It’s a warm, quiet space without distractions. The heat relaxes the body’s muscles, improves circulation, and stimulates the release of endorphins—the body’s all-natural “feel good” chemical.
- Reduced Risk of Cardiac Incidents: Landmark research, including studies by Dr. Jari Laukkanen (see video below), has shown that regular sauna use (4–7 times per week) significantly reduces the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: Studies show a reduced occurrence of hypertension (high blood pressure) with regular use.
- Improved Arterial Health: Long-term sauna use is associated with improved arterial compliance, leading to healthier arteries.
- Sauna use increases the heart rate similar to moderate aerobic exercise, with the heart rate ranging between 120–150 beats per minute.
Saunas Aid in Recovery After Intense Physical Activity
- Under the high heat, the body releases endorphins which have a tranquilizing effect and minimize pain from intense workouts.
- The heat increases blood circulation, which speeds up the body’s natural healing process for soothing aches, pains, or minor injuries.
- Use the heat to promote muscle relaxation by helping to reduce tension and eliminate lactic acid and other toxins.
- Regular use may also benefit strength training through improved recovery and even muscle growth due to increased growth hormones.
- Recovery Data: Post-exercise sauna bathing has been shown in studies to significantly increase run time to exhaustion in distance runners.
Saunas Flush Toxins
Many of us don’t actively deep sweat every day. Benefits derived from deep sweating, however, can be achieved via regular sauna bathing.
- Due to the sauna’s heat, the core body temperature rises, blood vessels dilate, and the body’s nervous system stimulates millions of sweat glands.
- While sweat is mostly water, deep sweating can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and other chemical toxins commonly absorbed from our daily environments.
- Many doctors and practitioners agree that saunas are one of the best ways to actively detoxify the body.
Reduced Incidences of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Saunas Relieve Stress
Saunas Can Induce a Deeper Sleep
Saunas Can Help Fight Illness
Research from German medical studies shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants.
- As the body is exposed to heat, it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which helps to fight illnesses and kill viruses.
- Saunas can relieve uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies—especially when used with steam (tip: add eucalyptus to the water for added benefit and enjoyment).
Sauna Cleanses the Skin
Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty strategies for cleansing one’s skin.
- When the body begins to produce deep sweat, the skin is cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced.
- Sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts.
- Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve capillary circulation, giving the skin a softer, healthier appearance.
Saunas Burn Calories
While saunas are not a magic solution, the process does require a notable amount of energy.
- The body consumes calories due to the acceleration of heart activity (the cardiovascular system). As heart activity increases and processes demand more oxygen, the body begins to convert more calories into usable energy.
- Medical research has indicated that a moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off a notable amount of weight in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process.
Saunas Bring Out Recreational and Social Benefits
Saunas 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 retreat of the sauna, every seasoned sauna bather agrees—it feels wonderful! 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.”