A sauna session and its ten positive effects on the body
What happens to our body in the sauna? Finland is the motherland of the sauna. There are an estimated 3.3 million private saunas for every 5.5 million inhabitants. For Finns, taking a sauna is part of everyday life. They intuitively know what is good for their bodies. But saunas are also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. According to a Statista survey from 2020, around 27 million people in Germany regularly go to the sauna. Although the majority of respondents state that they go to the hot wooden houses primarily for relaxation, the positive effects for the body are far more diverse.
1. Sauna ensures healthy well-being
People who expose themselves to the high temperatures of a sauna often experience a sense of relaxation. But where does this come from? Studies have shown that saunas increase the release of the happiness hormones serotonin and endorphin, triggering a feeling of euphoria. Thus, a regular sauna session can be supportive in the treatment of depressive moods.
2. Sauna strengthens the immune system
It is not a myth: taking a sauna strengthens the body’s immune system. In the sauna, the surface of the skin warms up by 3 to 10 degrees. At the same time, the body’s core temperature rises by 1 to 2 degrees, as with a slight fever. As a result, bacteria and pathogens are first attacked, then eliminated. In addition, interleukin as messenger substances ensure that defense cells are activated.
3. Sauna boosts the cardiovascular system
As soon as the interplay of heat and cold is celebrated correctly, positive effects result for the own cardiovascular system. That means in practice: First 10 to 15 minutes sweat correctly in the hot wood hut and afterward ice-cold shower off. With the warmth in the sauna the blood vessels are widened, with the cold they contract then again. In this way, the cardiovascular system is stimulated.
4. Sauna boosts metabolism
When the body is exposed to heat for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, it is brought into a state of stress that is positive for the body. As a result, our organism is able to metabolize about 40% more than usual. Our own body works at full speed.
5. Sauna improves the appearance of the skin
During a sauna session, the blood vessels are dilated, the skin of our body is supplied with more blood and oxygen. With the cooling down, the vessels constrict – a very good workout. The skin appears fresh and rosy. In addition, a sauna session removes dead skin cells. The pores are cleaned. Not to forget: The humidity in the sauna, it prevents dry skin. Thus, it contributes to a rejuvenating skin appearance. Also for people with skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne or neurodermitis, sauna can relieve symptoms.
6. Sauna relaxes muscles
People who exercise intensively run the risk of getting sore muscles. Saunas can prevent this, because the heat promotes the removal of the annoying lactic acid that causes muscle soreness. In addition, the brisk blood flow to the muscles during a sauna session provides a general relaxing effect.
7. Sauna improves breathing
Deep breathing in the heat exercises our respiratory organs. It improves the capacity of air in the lungs. In addition, the hot and humid air in the sauna increases the blood supply to the mucous membranes. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from chronic bronchitis or asthma.
8. Sauna helps against sleep disorders and headaches
As already mentioned, going to the sauna increases the serotonin level in the body. This not only puts you in a good mood, but also improves sleep. In addition, scientists have found that people in warmer countries are less often affected by headaches. Taking a sauna has a similar effect – it also relieves pain.
9. Sauna prevents strokes and dementia as a preventive measure
Long-term studies are said to have shown that regular sauna sessions significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. The same probably also applies to the risk of suffering from strokes.
Our tip: You want to offer your body relaxation in the sauna at home and are still looking for the right sauna fragrance? Then you should buy a sauna infusion that suits you and your taste. For this purpose, we have compiled the 10 most popular sauna fragrances on Amazon.
