People have been enjoying the benefits of saunas for thousands of years, and it appears as if they were on to something good. Nothing quite matches the feeling of relaxation that a warm sauna provides. It soothes the muscles after a day of strenuous activity and relaxes the soul.
Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of saunas.
Stress Reliever:
Stress relief is the number 1 benefit that sauna bathers reported experiencing. Medical studies have shown clearly that a majority of diseases are stress related.
The sauna offers a retreat from the busy world outside, the heat relaxes the body, releases endorphins, and increases blood circulation, rejuvenating the body and sparking the senses.
Flushes Toxins:
Saunas are one of the best ways to detoxify the body, and deep sweating can lower levels of copper, nickel, lead, zinc, mercury, and other chemicals acquired from the environment. Hundreds of practitioners have written about the benefits of detoxifying the body.
Soothes Aches and Pains:
When introduced to high levels of heat, the body releases endorphins and the heart rate increases, This combination can have a mild tranquilizing effect, and the increased blood flow quickens the body’s natural healing process. This results in quicker healing times of cuts and bruises, as well as soothing sore muscles and body aches.
Defends Against Illness:
Recent medical studies from Germany show that sauna use can significantly reduce the occurrences of influenza and the flu. The body produces more white blood cells when it’s exposed to the steam and heat within the sauna, and white blood cells are the part of your immune system that kills viruses and battles against illness.
Saunas are very effective at relieving allergy symptoms and sinus congestion. When eucalyptus leaves are added to the water, the resulting steam vapour is an effective addition and will help clear up uncomfortable congestion.
Aids in a Restful Sleep:
studies have shown that saunas help release endorphins and facilitate a deeper sleep. Countless individuals from all parts of the world communicated receiving a more fitful sleep after taking a sauna bath.
Cardiovascular Benefits:
Saunas cause the heart rate to increase from 60 beats per minute to between 120 and 150 beats per minute. Regular sauna use can train your heart muscles, improve cardiac output, and have positive effects on the regulatory system. Separating session times with brief dips in the pool is also beneficial, as each time the body rapidly changes temperature, the heart rate increases nearly 60%.
Burns Calories:
U.S. Army medical research showed that a moderately conditioned person could burn 300 calories in one sauna session and sweat off about 500 grams in the process. Many individuals today utilize a sauna as a small part of their weight loss program.
Improves Mental Health and Overall Well-Being:
There’s something about the calm warmth of a sauna that causes physiological changes to occur in the body. And when it’s combined with the relaxing retreat of the sauna, it restores the body and soul, allowing you to feel better, sleep better, and look better.
Social Benefits:
A sauna can provide a relaxing environment for socializing, and it’s the perfect place for conversation and intimacy.
If you have an opportunity to take a sauna, you’re certain to experience these benefits as well.