These are the 8 positive effects of saunas
There is nothing more beneficial than spending time in a sauna, be it a traditional Finnish sauna or a similar facility, to relax and relieve stress. The microclimate of the sauna, created by the heat and humidity, makes this traditional Finnish application a suitable treatment for a variety of needs.
An old Finnish proverb says: “Build your sauna first and then your house”. This proverb, which has its origins in the culture of the Nordic countries, illustrates the importance of such an application. A simple hot air bath can become the linchpin of daily health and vitality.
Other ancient cultures also relied on heat therapy to relieve pain or cleanse the body. The use of heat and cold has accompanied man throughout history and is still used today because of its effectiveness. Below is a list of the eight main benefits that can be derived from a visit to the sauna.
1. Strengthens our immune system
Disease-causing germs can be killed by high temperatures, which is especially the case in traditional Finnish saunas. This not only protects the skin, which is the body’s first line of defense, but also strengthens the immune system overall. Sauna sessions also help prevent fever by regulating body temperature and thermoregulatory mechanisms. The change from the hot environment to the cold cooling, which is often performed in the sauna, serves exactly this function, stimulating the circulation and increasing the efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
2. Cleanses the skin
Sauna sessions also have a positive effect on the surface of the skin, resulting in thorough cleansing. The heat expands the pores so that dead cells, toxins and everything that “pollutes” the surface of the body are flushed out of the body. As a result of this treatment, resistance to pollutants, extreme temperatures and infectious diseases is improved. Those who suffer from acne, pimples or blackheads will notice an improvement in their skin after a sauna session. Compared to cleaning the face, cleaning the body in the sauna is easier and more extensive. For this reason, sauna is typically used together with other methods of cleansing the body, such as baths and scrubs.
3. Improves the cardiovascular system
Sauna visits are very beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Due to the increased temperature in the sweat room, the heart pumps up to three times more blood through the veins than in a normal environment. Maintaining a normal body temperature requires a great deal of effort from the heart, which over time can lead to a greater strain on the organ. This effect is enhanced if you get into the cold shower or plunge pool immediately after the sauna session.
4. Reduces stress and insomnia
Sauna has both physical and psychological benefits. Anxiety can be eliminated by sweating and relaxing. Stress levels sing and you begin to sleep better and benefit during the day as well. People who suffer from insomnia may notice a change in their sleep patterns for the first time in a long time. The feeling of chronic fatigue increasingly disappears the more often you visit the sauna.
5. Eliminates lactic acid and relaxes muscles
Another advantage of a sauna is that it relaxes muscles more effectively than a hot bath or shower. For example, in the sauna, sweating and dilating blood vessels relieve micro tears in muscle cells and flush out lactic acid. Some spas also offer massages as an alternative to sauna sessions. Since the body is already in a relaxed state, massages are particularly effective after the sauna session.
6. Delays the aging process
Dry and wet saunas have another advantage that few people know about. The body is cleared of toxins, and free radicals responsible for aging are also eliminated. The overall health of the body, including joints and muscles, is improved. Regular sauna sessions can also increase life expectancy, according to a study by the University of Eastern Finland. The risk of suffering sudden cardiac death is significantly reduced by continuous exercise of the cardiovascular system.
7. Helps with respiratory problems
Sauna baths can provide relief from mild respiratory ailments such as congestion, colds and runny nose. Asthmatics can also experience significant relief from their symptoms in a hot steam bath. Using warm steam to loosen mucus that has accumulated in the airways can be very helpful. However, it should be remembered that heat may be counterproductive in certain individuals with asthma symptoms.
8. Counteract dementia with regular sauna sessions
Frequent sauna sessions in a Finnish sauna may help reduce memory loss. This is the result of a study conducted by specialists in Finland. After all, the country in the far north is considered the origin of the sauna. In Finland, a much smaller percentage of the population is affected by memory loss than in other European countries. Since scientific research on the effects of sauna sessions on cardiovascular health is still in its infancy, it is unclear how sauna sessions alter memory. Dr. Jari Laukkanen, the author of the study, believes that the sauna’s ability to induce well-being and relaxation may also be responsible.
Conclusion
There are a number of benefits to using a sauna. One of them is that it promotes the release of endorphins, chemicals that provide an increased sense of well-being and are released throughout the body. Granted, a list of benefits is always useful, but the truth is that no one would really sauna if it didn’t also give them pleasure.
