How a sauna session affects health
A visit to the sauna is like a regeneration time for the whole organism. Body, mind and soul therefore benefit equally from sweating. In particular, effects on the body’s defenses, the skin, the psyche and the cardiovascular system have also been scientifically proven. Regular sauna users benefit in particular. In order to enjoy all the health-promoting benefits of sauna bathing, it is quite sufficient to do so twice a week. More than that is not necessary and can even be counterproductive, mainly for people with health limitations, as it can affect their health.
Preventing colds by regular visits to the sauna
First of all, the alternation of exposure to cold and heat exerts a strong stimulus, thus the metabolism runs at full speed, which stimulates all organ systems. In a 194 °F dry sauna, the temperature on the skin rises by about 50 °F within a very short time. But also inside the organism, in the so-called body core, the temperature rises to values that can also be present in a slight fever. But it is precisely this brief increase in the core body temperature to up to 102,2 °F that has an enormously positive effect on health.
This is because the slight, artificially created state of alarm caused by the heat causes the immune system to produce defensive substances. So if you go to the sauna often, you can effectively prevent colds caused by viruses or bacteria. However, in order not to overtax the immune system, the sauna should not be visited under any circumstances if you already have an infection or even if you have a fever. This should be done at the earliest when a cold has been completely cured and all symptoms have subsided.
People with chronic skin conditions or rheumatism can get relief
For some chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis, a visit to the dry sauna can be very helpful. However, people with acute skin infections or even open wounds should not visit the sauna. Patients with musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis, arthritis or rheumatism, also report pleasant effects, including long-lasting pain relief, when they visit the sauna regularly.
But here, too, the exception is that the sauna cabin should never be visited if people are suffering from an acute rheumatic flare-up or acute joint complaints. If there is any uncertainty, the advice of a doctor should always be sought before visiting the hot dry sauna.
Effects of sauna on cardiovascular diseases
People with hypertension, high blood pressure, can also use the sauna in principle, if there are no other limiting factors. If the sauna is used regularly, there is a certain habituation and training effect on the cardiovascular system, from which people with high blood pressure in particular can benefit. This is because studies with hypertensive patients have shown that blood pressure can be permanently lowered by up to 15 mm/hg. The effect can be explained by the fact that the blood vessels initially dilate as a result of the sauna heat and then contract again during the cooling phase.
Thus, taking a sauna is associated with a certain training effect on the human vascular system. In addition, under the influence of the heat in the sauna cabin, the heart beats temporarily stronger and also faster, which increases the blood supply to all organs and organ systems. In order not to jeopardize the wonderful positive effects on health, do not smoke or drink alcohol after sauna visits.
Cool down carefully so as not to overload the cardiovascular system
Nevertheless, people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases should always consult their doctor before taking their first sauna. For example, the cooling phase must not be too abrupt or too cold for people with hypertension, otherwise blood pressure could rise to very high levels. However, this should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, people with cardiovascular diseases are recommended to carefully cool down the extremities, i.e. arms and legs, after the sauna session, but to refrain from using the ice-cold plunge pool. People with respiratory diseases such as asthma are also recommended to visit the sauna. It is important to breathe evenly and calmly and to use infusions with valuable, natural essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender.
