Saunas can help tension fade away and muscles relax in the most pleasant way. Our bodies will begin to respond in only a few minutes of the gentle heat by leaving us rejuvenated and relaxed. Even doctors are supporting the use of saunas for their many health benefits.
1. Skin Cleansing
The deep skin penetrating heat that a sauna causes helps remove dead skin cells in order to be replaced by new ones. Bacteria are washed away from pores and the epidermal layer of the skin. Tone, vitality, and a healthy glow are restored to the skin.
2. Stress Reliever
Many diseases can be traced back to stress. The warmth and quiet of a sauna gives us an escape from the rest of the world. Our muscles relax, our circulation improves, and our bodies release endorphins as our stress lowers. These endorphins are responsible for the good feeling we experience.
3. Flushes Toxins
Saunas will cause a deep sweat. Sweat is mostly water, but it also flushes out toxins. Levels of zinc, copper, mercury, and nickel are reduced within the body after a deep sweat. These are common toxins we pick up from our environment. Those with low functioning kidneys can greatly benefit from this.
4. Relieves Muscle and Joint Aches and Pains
The endorphins released by our bodies due to the high heat help to minimize the pain and soreness of muscles and arthritis. The elevated body temperature opens the blood vessels which increases the circulation. The result is a speed up of the healing process.
5. Deep Sleep
Partaking in regular sauna visits can result in a deeper sleep. As the endorphins and body temperature lower after the sauna session, sleep is facilitated. Those who use saunas will often comment on how much better sleep they experience.
6. Improved Cardiovascular System
The increased body temperature dilates blood vessels while increasing cardiac output. One’s heart rate can rise to twice as many heart beats per minute while in the sauna. Once out and cooling off, the heart rate can go below normal. This fluctuation can improve the cardiovascular system. Benefits are increased when a sauna visit is followed by a cool shower or dip in a pool.
7. Fights Illness
German research has shown that sauna usage reduces the number of colds and influenza one may experience. In a reaction to the heat, the body will produce more white blood cells. These go on to kill viruses and fight illness.
8. Burn Those Calories
Although the sauna is not the answer to weight loss, it can help. Sweating requires quite a lot of energy. As one’s heart rate increases, their body needs more oxygen. The body will then convert calories into a usable energy for this process. Saunas are not a complete weight loss system, but they are beneficial when combined with other weight loss tools.
9. A Good Feeling
Saunas are both good for your body and they feel terrific. It’s an excellent way to pamper yourself while relieving stress and improving your health. After a session in a sauna, one ends up feeling better, sleeping soundly, and looking terrific.
10. Social and Recreational
Many people think of a sauna as personal and private. The truth is it can also be a terrific place to socialize with friends and family in a relaxing setting, as is traditionally practised by Finlanders. Saunas naturally inspire quiet and intimate conversations.