What Are The Benefits of Sauna Use?

Here we bring you a list of the TOP 8 benefits from traditional and infrared saunas.

Have you been thinking about getting that sweet and beneficial home sauna you keep reading or hearing about, but you still feel indecisive? Well, maybe knowing some significant benefits that sitting in a sauna can bring you might finally convince you. Sauna bathing has been a tradition for thousands of years, with good reason. Physically, nothing is more rejuvenating than a deep, healthy sweat from a sauna. Your mind and muscles feel at ease, and you emerge restored and full of energy. 

Although relaxation is usually the number one reason people use saunas, we can get many health benefits beyond just that. A traditional or infrared sauna session can bring a wide variety of health benefits, such as improving high blood pressure, relieving pain from conditions like arthritis, and reducing the risk of lung disease! This is why more and more doctors are recommending this activity as a daily wellness routine.

Lets answer the questions around the benefits of saunas. 

1- DO SAUNAS IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

Sauna enthusiasts frequently tout "stress reduction" as the primary benefit of bathing, but the significance of reducing stress in daily life extends far beyond just feeling good. According to a recent study conducted at Harvard University, which tracked 2,300 middle-aged men for an average of 20 years, the impact of stress reduction on overall health can be profound and even life-saving.

Chronic stress has been linked to numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. By actively engaging in relaxation techniques such as sauna bathing, individuals can potentially mitigate the detrimental effects of stress on their cardiovascular health. The benefits of stress reduction extend beyond simply improving mood; they can have tangible effects on long-term health outcomes.

Both traditional and infrared saunas have emerged as effective tools for managing stress and anxiety levels. Beyond providing a moment of relaxation, saunas offer physiological benefits that can help individuals cope with stress more effectively. By promoting relaxation and alleviating tension, sauna bathing contributes to a reduction in stress-related symptoms and may even lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Andrew Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, has extensively researched the impact of stress on the brain and body. In his talks and studies, Dr. Huberman emphasizes the importance of stress management for overall health and well-being. He highlights relaxation techniques such as sauna bathing as valuable tools for combating stress and improving resilience to its effects.

In addition to stress reduction, saunas offer a myriad of other health benefits, ranging from improved blood flow to enhanced skin health. By incorporating sauna sessions into their routines, individuals can experience not only immediate relaxation but also long-term health benefits that contribute to a happier and healthier lifestyle. Sauna bathing provides a proactive approach to health maintenance, offering a holistic solution for both physical and mental well-being.

2- ARE SAUNAS ARE A GREAT AID FOR EXERCISE RECOVERY?

Saunas do wonders for our muscles and joints. When our bodies are under high heat provided by a sauna and our heart rate raises, we increase blood circulation and release endorphins. Better blood flow moves higher volumes of oxygen to your body. A well-oxygenated body helps replace worn-out cells. Endorphins are the body's natural pain killers; they create a general feeling of well-being. No wonder they are called the "feel-good hormones." The heat and steam generated in a sauna session help to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, facilitating faster recovery after intense exercise. Incorporating regular sauna sessions into a workout regimen can enhance overall athletic performance and promote long-term fitness goals.

Infrared and traditional saunas are gaining popularity among professional athletes when it comes to muscle recovery. Today, we have excellent examples of professional athletes using saunas as a means of healing and relaxation. One of them is Valtery Bottass, a professional Formula 1 Driver from Finland. We can see him taking a sauna bath after one of the most stressful moments of his career.

3- CAN SAUNAS RELIEVE STRESS?

When our bodies are under prolonged periods of stress, they trigger the release of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol acts as the body's natural alarm system in response to stressors. While cortisol plays essential roles in reducing muscle inflammation and regulating blood pressure, excessive levels can pose health risks.

Persistent elevation of cortisol levels can lead to various health issues, including rapid weight gain, increased susceptibility to bruising, and heightened risk of conditions like diabetes. Saunas, whether traditional or infrared, offer a holistic approach to stress relief. They stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain, often referred to as the "happy hormone." Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and managing stress and anxiety levels.

By promoting serotonin production, saunas provide a natural and effective method for combating the negative effects of stress. Integrating a relaxation chamber, commonly known as a sauna, into your home environment can have profound benefits for overall well-being. Beyond merely offering a place to unwind, saunas serve as sanctuaries for rejuvenation and stress reduction. Whether it's a traditional sauna with its enveloping heat or an infrared sauna harnessing therapeutic wavelengths, incorporating sauna sessions into your routine can be a powerful tool for restoring balance and promoting mental and physical health.

4- ARE SAUNAS KNOWN FOR IMPROVING BRAIN HEALTH?

Beyond the immediate benefits of relaxation and mood enhancement, regular sauna use has shown promising results in improving brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland have revealed that individuals who engage in frequent sauna sessions, whether traditional or infrared, experience a significant decrease in their risk of developing Alzheimer's and dementia. The heat and steam generated in a sauna promote circulation, leading to improved blood flow to the brain, which is essential for maintaining cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. The most optimal time ranges from 10-15 minutes 4-7 times a week. 

Furthermore, sauna bathing induces a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress levels and promoting overall mental well-being. Incorporating a home sauna into your daily routine not only provides a sanctuary for relaxation but also serves as a proactive measure for preserving long-term brain health and cognitive function. Having a home sauna taking care of your mental health every day is an extraordinary addition to your wellness routine, ensuring both physical and mental well-being are nurtured and maintained. 

Check out how a deep sweat from a sauna bath can help with Alzheimer's: 10 ways to love your brain.

5- IS SAUNAS DETOXING YOUR SKIN TRUE?

Saunas offer a natural and effective method for detoxifying the skin, promoting a radiant and healthy complexion. Heat bathing, a time-honored practice, has long been revered for its skin-cleansing benefits. As the body begins to produce sweat in response to the sauna's heat, a deep cleansing process is initiated. Sweat helps to flush out impurities from the skin, including dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, leaving behind a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. The "after sauna glow" is a well-known phenomenon, characterized by a dewy complexion and a youthful radiance. This glow is a result of the skin's cleansing process during sauna sessions, which helps to remove impurities and promote cell turnover. With regular sauna use, individuals often notice improvements in the texture and tone of their skin, achieving a softer and smoother look.

Furthermore, sweating during sauna sessions can help to unclog pores and improve capillary circulation in the skin. By removing excess oil, dirt, and toxins from the pores, saunas contribute to a clearer complexion and reduced risk of breakouts. The cleansing action of saunas not only enhances the appearance of the skin but also supports its overall health and vitality. Studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of sauna bathing for specific skin conditions. For example, individuals with psoriasis have reported improvements in their symptoms after incorporating sauna baths into their wellness routines. Research conducted by  M Ständer, B Steinsland.  revealed a notable improvement of 10.14% in psoriasis symptoms among participants who regularly engaged in sauna sessions.

In summary, saunas offer a natural and holistic approach to detoxifying the skin, promoting a clearer, smoother, and more radiant complexion. By harnessing the power of heat bathing, individuals can enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of sauna therapy while supporting the health and vitality of their skin.

6- DOES A SAUNA IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

While infrared saunas produce penetrating wavelengths that raise the body's core temperature, traditional saunas produce heat from steam. They work very similarly. Both induce a fever-like response in our bodies. A fever is the body's mechanism to strengthen and accelerate the immune response, as seen in the case of infection. This boosts the immune system, and when combined with the detox benefits from the deep sweat, we develop an increase in disease resistance.

7- CAN SAUNAS INDUCE A DEEPER SLEEP?

Saunas are widely known for being a great way to relax and live stress-free. As the gentle steam heat rises in a sauna, your body starts producing endorphins and enters an immediate state of relaxation. As the endorphins begin to dissipate and the body temperature lowers throughout the evening, at bedtime, your body will have reached its relaxation climax. Thus helping sauna bathers have a deeper sleep.

8- DO SAUNAS HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

Myths of saunas being a "sit down and lose weight" machine have always been around. However, this is not entirely true. An increase in your metabolic rate and the sweating process caused by a sauna bath consumes a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from breaking down proteins, fat, and carbohydrates in a bodily function that burns up calories. This, in the long run, is a great way to burn extra calories, but don't bank on it alone to shed pounds.

So what did you think?

Are you ready to buy that home sauna you've been thinking about, now knowing the benefits they bring to your life? We hope you enjoyed this article and that you were able to learn something new about saunas, even if you already own one.

Stay healthy, sauna enthusiasts!