How does sauna therapy work?
It’s as simple as sitting in a room with dry heat. The air in a sauna is typically around 70-80 degrees Celsius (158-176 Fahrenheit).
The high temperature causes you to sweat, which can help remove toxins from the body. As your body temperature rises, your heart rate also increases.
A sauna room typically has a small stove that heats rocks. Water is poured over the hot rocks to create steam, which further increases the temperature in the room.
Sauna bathing is typically done for 15-30 minutes at a time. It is important to drink plenty of water before and after sauna therapy to prevent dehydration.
You can talk to your doctor to see if sauna therapy is right for you. Let them know if you have any medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Different types of saunas
There are four main types of saunas:
1. Infrared saunas
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat the body. Infrared saunas are thought to be more effective at detoxification than traditional saunas because they penetrate the skin more deeply.
These saunas are hugely popular for their many health benefits, including weight loss, improved circulation, pain relief, and skin purification.
2. Traditional Finnish saunas
Finnish saunas use wood-burning stoves to heat the room. The stove heats rocks, which in turn produce steam. They offer traditional sauna sessions that are said to be very cleansing and relaxing.
It’s basically a steam room, and the heat can be quite intense. Finnish saunas are often found in gyms, spas, and hotels.
3. Electric saunas
As the name suggests, electric saunas use electricity to heat the room. They are typically small and portable, making them a popular choice for home use.
Electric saunas don’t need too much maintenance as well as they don’t require any water. They are easy to set up and use, and they can be very relaxing.
4. Portable saunas
Portable saunas are exactly what they sound like: small saunas that can be moved around and used in different locations.
These saunas are cheaper and don’t require too much space. So if you are on a budget and looking for a sauna that is easy to set up and use, then a portable sauna might be a good option for you.
Health benefits of saunas
Here are some of the sauna health benefits:
1. Good for your cardiovascular health
If you have some kind of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, sauna therapy can be beneficial.
Studies have shown that spending time in a sauna can help lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Sauna therapy can also reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
2. Improves blood flow and circulation
The heat from the sauna dilates the blood vessels, which in turn helps to improve circulation. Improved circulation can mean more oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the cells in your body. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
In addition, your heart rate will increase in a sauna, which can give you a gentle workout and help to strengthen your heart muscle.
3. Detoxifies the body
A few minutes of sauna use can help you sweat out toxins from your body. As your core body temperature rises, your sweat glands will open up and release toxins through your skin.
Sweating in a sauna can help to cleanse the skin and improve its appearance. It can also help to reduce stress and tension.
4. Soothes muscles and joints
If you have sore muscles or joints, spending time in a sauna can help to reduce inflammation and pain. The heat from the sauna can also help to relax the muscles, which can be beneficial if you have any kind of muscle tension.
Spending time in a dry sauna can also help you relax and improve your sleep quality.
5. Improves respiratory health
If you suffer from conditions like asthma or bronchitis, sauna therapy can help to open up the airways and improve breathing. The steam from the sauna can also help to moisturize the respiratory system.
It also reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death, and it can help to improve cognitive function and memory.
6. Great for relaxation
Everyone is aware of how good it feels to relax in a sauna. The heat from the sauna can help to relax your muscles and ease tension in your body.
It can also be beneficial for your mental health, as it can help you think-longer, faster, stronger. If you have trouble sleeping, spending some time in a sauna can also help you to sleep better.
Conclusion
As you can see regular sauna bathing comes with a whole host of health benefits. It is an excellent way to relax, detoxify the body, and improve circulation. If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health, then sauna therapy might be something you want to try. Make sure to consult with your doctor first, especially if you have any health conditions.