Pure well-being with essential oils, heat and light
A visit to the sauna can do wonders for both our bodies and our minds. And there is a good reason for this: our well-being is enhanced not only by the warmth, but also by essential oils in the sauna infusion and, not least, by light.
It has been shown that a visit to the sauna has numerous positive aspects: various illnesses can be alleviated or even combated, and mood swings are often a thing of the past as a result of regular light or heat therapy. We present all the important information on the subject in more detail in the following guide.
Relaxing in the sauna: Why the heat is so healthy for our bodies
The sauna has a long tradition, especially in Finland, but it has long since become widespread in Germany as well. For many people, a sauna is now an integral part of life: Especially after a long, stressful day at work, it is particularly relaxing to treat yourself to a visit to the warm cabin and really sweat. You take time for yourself and simply switch off completely. In a sauna, the air temperature is between 140 and 212 °F – depending on the variant. The best known is the classic Finnish sauna. Because the humidity averages between 7 and 30%, the heat is extremely pleasant for most people.
Pleasant and aromatic infusions in the sauna
Some saunas cannot do without aromatic infusions. These are primarily intended to raise the temperature in the cabin for a short time. During such an infusion, water is poured over the sauna stones several times. This increases the humidity for a short time and you sweat more. If the infusion is enriched by the addition of essential oils, the sauna session becomes an experience for all the senses.
Sweating in the sauna promotes blood circulation and cleanses our body
First and foremost, however, a sauna visit is a very cleansing process for the body and mind. Because the heat stimulates our blood circulation, more oxygen passes through the dilated vessels and we automatically feel more relaxed. In addition, sweating ensures that toxins and waste products are removed from our body – so saunas cleanse our body from the inside out, so to speak.
Essential oils – what effect do they have on our well-being?
Often, infusions in the sauna are enriched with essential oils that come from natural plants. These can be, for example, plant parts from leaves, roots, flowers, or barks. However, an essential oil is not a normal oil and therefore cannot leave grease stains. Essential in this sense means that it is an oil in volatile form, which evaporates in the heat.
It is not without reason that essential oils are used in particular in the context of aromatherapy or, more generally, in homeopathy. Because the oils are used to alleviate various physical ailments as well as to positively influence the soul. When used correctly, no side effects are normally to be expected.
Infusion concentrates have a soothing effect on the skin and lift the mood
Popular essential oils include lavender, rosemary, clove, tea tree, sage or eucalyptus – they all provide a calming effect during a sauna session. To prevent or counteract colds, on the other hand, mint or spruce are ideal. If you use the sauna to relieve painful muscle tension, essential oils such as peppermint, bergamot, lemon balm or ylang ylang are best used – these have an antispasmodic, loosening effect. And even as an antidepressant essential oil can be used and lift our mood, such as tangerine, lemongrass, neroli or even rose. By the way, the fact that essential oils actually have a positive effect on body and mind has now been proven by various studies.
How light can have a positive effect on our well-being
Light is vital for us humans and brings many more benefits than just a good view. Thus, the cells of our body benefit from it, also the performance increases and the hormone production of our body is stimulated. In particular, sunlight is important and vital for the formation of vitamin D in our body. It has a lasting effect on our day-night rhythm and signals our organism when to be awake or tired. When our inner clock is out of balance, it often has a negative effect on our mental and physical health. Concentration problems, sleep disorders and mood swings are frequent consequences.
Thus, light is increasingly being used in sauna cabins to improve our well-being. Whether LEDs with color-changing mode or soothing lighting in a subdued tone – there is no question that light has a lasting effect on our mood.
Sauna or infrared cabin – an individual decision
Accordingly, the effect of infrared light is also very important in this context. Many people prefer to choose an infrared cabin instead of a sauna. The special kind of heat radiation has a positive effect on our organism and our skin: Thus the blood circulation is improved, our muscles relax and the central nervous system comes to rest. Even inflammations can be significantly alleviated by regular irradiation with infrared radiation. For various pains or ailments, treatment with infrared light can work wonders. Infrared radiation is often used to relieve ear, throat and nose infections. It can also make blemished skin appear cleaner, rosier and plumper.
A visit to the sauna is relaxation for all the senses
Even those who do not have their own sauna should take time now and then to treat themselves to a visit to a public sauna. Because our body benefits from it in many ways: the warmth has a positive effect on our body and can alleviate or eliminate various ailments. The light has a lasting effect on our mood and can contribute to optimal relaxation. And last but not least, fragrant essential oils provide that very special wellness feeling in a sauna – so you can relax all around. If you regularly take time out from your daily routine to enjoy a sauna, you will quickly notice that you feel fitter and healthier overall. It’s best to just try it out for yourself!
