An alternating bath strengthens the body’s defenses
There is no question that regular sauna sessions can reduce susceptibility to infection and greatly increase general well-being. To feel good, however, it is always necessary to cool down the whole body, if possible, after leaving the sauna cabin and filling the lungs with fresh air. After a hot sauna session, it is almost a need, even a relief, to cool down. This alternating bath between hot and cold can happen in very different ways. And those who are sensitive do not necessarily have to go into the cold plunge pool or cool their bodies down with ice after a sauna session.
Elastic trained blood vessels thanks to alternating bath when sauna between hot and cold
According to experts, cooling down can also be done gently, but it takes a little longer. For sauna beginners, it is quite sufficient at the beginning to cool down only the extremities, i.e. arms and legs, with tempered water. People with cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, should also pay particular attention to gentle cooling so that the blood pressure values do not rise too much due to the cold stimulus and the organism is protected.
Regular warm-cold stimuli train the immune system
Hot-cold stimuli, such as those typically caused by a visit to a sauna, are not only good for the immune system, but also have a whole range of other positive effects on health. Why the alternating bath between hot and cold works so well has already been the subject of numerous studies. It has been established time and again that the alternating bath between hot and cold has a similarly good effect on the vascular system as physical exertion.
The alternation between hot and cold has a real training effect
Every visit to a 90° sauna followed by a cool-down phase inevitably results in strong temperature fluctuations. And it is precisely these that are responsible for stimulating the cardiovascular system, similarly and as well as moderate exercise. The heat-cold stimulus caused by a visit to the sauna bath can therefore certainly be compared to a light to moderate training activity. This also explains the many positive effects, especially when saunas are taken regularly.
As with sports, it is better not to visit the sauna if you have colds or other symptoms of illness, as this would be counterproductive for your health. The alternating bath between hot and cold in the sauna also directly improves blood circulation, right down to the core of the body.
Long-term hardening through adjustment of thermoregulation
As a result, the mucous membranes produce considerably more non-specific defense substances, which has a direct effect on a person’s immune defenses. However, this effect also only occurs if the sauna is visited as regularly as possible. Visiting the sauna once at the beginning of a new flu season and then cooling down afterward will then have no effect. It is therefore the alternating bath between hot and cold that is responsible for the enormous positive health effects.
The alternating stimulus makes it
Because if only daily cold one showered, thus without a Sauna to visit, the positive effects on the immune defense did not adjust themselves, unfortunately. The cold-warm stimulus in saunas also improves the so-called thermoregulation in the long term. As a result, the organism is demonstrably better able to cope with low temperatures and adapt in such a way that illnesses do not have to occur immediately.
Sauna: The hot way to health and relaxation
The sauna, especially the alternation between hot and cold, offers a variety of health benefits. Here is a listing of some of those benefits:
- Relaxation and stress reduction: sauna helps to reduce stress and achieve deep relaxation. The heat and the alternation between hot and cold stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote the release of endorphins, the so-called happy hormones.
- Improving blood circulation: the alternation between hot and cold in the sauna dilates the blood vessels and thus improves blood circulation. This can lead to a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, organs, and tissues.
- Strengthening the immune system: regular sauna visits can strengthen the immune system. The heat stimulates the production of white blood cells, which play an important role in the body’s defense against pathogens.
- Improving the respiratory system: alternating between hot and cold in the sauna can help open the airways and make breathing easier. This can be especially beneficial for people with colds, allergies, or asthma.
- Muscle relaxation and pain relief: the heat in the sauna helps relax muscles and relieve tension. In addition, sauna can relieve muscle and joint pain.
- Improve skin health: sweating in the sauna can lead to better blood circulation to the skin, which in turn can help to create a healthier and more radiant complexion. In addition, certain skin conditions such as acne or eczema can be alleviated by the heat of the sauna.
- Promote sleep quality: saunas can help to relax and prepare the body for a restful night’s sleep. By relaxing muscles and releasing endorphins, saunas can help reduce sleep disturbances and improve sleep quality.
Conclusion
Alternating between hot and cold in the sauna offers a variety of health benefits, especially in terms of boosting the immune system. Regular sauna visits can reduce susceptibility to infections and strengthen the immune system. The alternation between heat and cold, similar to physical activity, stimulates the cardiovascular system and improves blood circulation in the body. In addition, sauna helps to relax, relieve stress, loosen muscles and relieve pain. It can also open the respiratory system, improve skin health and promote sleep quality.
The positive effects of alternating baths occur, especially when saunas are taken regularly. By adjusting thermoregulation, the body copes better with low temperatures and the immune system is strengthened in the long term. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before visiting the sauna, especially if you already have health problems. All in all, sauna offers a hot way to health and relaxation and can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
