6 of the Many Health Benefits of a Sauna

6 of the Many Health Benefits of a Sauna

For centuries, heat treatments have been a popular way of recovering from various ailments and enhancing overall well-being. Although there are several heat treatments available, the sauna is one of the most popular among them. A sauna is a small or big enclosed space meant to assist you in sweating. Saunas come in different types and it usually depends on how the sauna’s space is heated. 

Among the different types of saunas, the most commonly used one is the type that is heated by wood and sauna stones. It has low moisture and high heating. Other types are electrically heated saunas that provide high heating and low moisture. These are normally heated by an electrical heater linked to the ground. Lastly, far-infrared saunas (FIRS) are heated by light waves. These special lights are used to warm an individual’s body rather than the entire space. Although these saunas have heat content that’s usually lower than other saunas, the user sweats in the same way. However, before you can start to select the perfect type of sauna for yourself, it is prudent to learn about some of the most potent health benefits it has to offer. In this article, we discuss 6 benefits of using a glorious sauna. 

1. Bodily Detoxification

All types of saunas are great at inducing and promoting sweating, which happens to be a natural bodily response to high temperatures. You may be wondering how sweating could be beneficial to our health because it seems to be something of a nuisance. 

As a general rule, the phenomenon of sweating aids in organic cleansing, also known as ‘detoxification’. Sweating is a smart body mechanism that helps to eliminate the body’s organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), which we intake daily through edibles and air. Despite the irritability it tends to cause during scorching summers, sweating is actually ‘good news’ for our bodies and overall health. This is because OCPs have been shown to have a harmful influence on metabolic activities and may even induce illness. 

Other than OCPs, sweating also helps eliminate the body’s other toxin called Bisphenol (a hormone disruptor). These toxins in the body cannot be detected through urine or other samples. It can only be identified and released through sweating.

2. Improved Cardiac Health

Saunas also help improve your heart health because high-temperature stimulation and resulting perspiration seem to be immensely beneficial to your cardiovascular health. If you are a frequent sauna user, chances are that you will have a decreased risk of unexpected heart arrest, severe myocardial infarction, and other cardiac ailments. Overall, saunas may improve your heart health by improving microvascular function. It may also open up blocked veins and will automatically decrease the risk of heart disease due to hypertension or cholesterol blocks. 

3. Saunas Reduces Fatigue

If you have always struggled with fatigue, then a sauna could be the one magical solution you have always longed for. Fatigue is often caused by psychological stress and it may harm your mental peace, cognition, and other abilities. If you want to effectively decrease your fatigue, a sauna guide can provide you with helpful information and techniques to combat chronic fatigue and increase energy levels. As a matter of fact, sauna baths may also aid in relaxing your mind, thoughts, and nerves. It will assist in alleviating the tiredness of your body and your mind. 

4. Relieves Anxiety & Depression

It may come as a surprise to you that saunas may help improve your mood. Psychiatrists recommend having sauna sessions for patients who have disturbing or intrusive thoughts, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. If you have sauna baths regularly, it will help calm your nerves and optimize your mental health by activating the production of endorphins (naturally released chemicals that generate positive feelings). 

5. Preservation of Muscle Mass

A sauna is not only for psychological or subtle physical benefits; as a matter of fact, it is an amazing fitness booster. People are often unfamiliar with this aspect but sauna usage has been linked with muscle mass preservation in the human body. In other words, the more you are using the sauna, the less likely you will be to encounter inflammation. 

6. Healthier Skin

One of the most amazing benefits of a sauna is its impact on the health of your skin. Using a sauna is beneficial for your skin because it helps with getting rid of dried or dead skin cells. In addition to this, going through the process of sweating profusely in a sauna will aid you in having optimal collagen production and improved circulation. 

While the above six benefits present a compelling case for you to hit the sauna as soon and as often as possible, it is recommended to stay cautious of dehydration. Like everything else, you have to take some precautions or do some preparations beforehand, and one of the most important things to do before going to a sauna is to properly hydrate yourself. Lastly, don’t forget to have an amazing and relaxing time!

Author: Allen Brown.