Sauna Benefits: Health Benefits of a Sauna Bath

A sauna bath is also referred to as a sweat bath as it rejuvenates the body by flushing out toxins with sweat. The health benefits of a sauna bath were known even to our ancestors, and there is evidence of these baths being used even during the stone ages. Be it the Thermae of the ancient Romans or the traditional Japanese Onsen, there are other cultures that have their own version of sauna baths. However, it was the Finnish saunas that became popular all over the world after the Industrial Revolution.

The traditional saunas based on the Finnish model have stones in a fireplace that are heated to high temperatures. Water is poured over these rocks from time to time that evaporates into steam which heats up the air inside the sauna. Some modern saunas have electrical heaters to generate heat. The latest in the line are the infrared saunas that use far infrared rays that penetrate into the body and heat it up.

Health Benefits of a Sauna

The heat generated in the saunas have a therapeutic effect on the body. Not only does the heat activate sweat glands that helps the body to eliminate toxins, it also increases heart rate and blood circulation. Some of the sauna benefits are:

Detoxification of the Body
Be it taking infrared radiations or sitting in the warm environment of a traditional sauna, all sauna baths work on the principle that sweating is an excellent way of getting rid of toxins inside our body. Along with the lungs, kidneys, bowels and the lymphatic system, the skin performs an important role in detoxifying our body. Our skin has sweat glands all over. The heat of a sauna bath activates the sweat glands and they excrete toxins from the body in the form of sweat. Of all the organs, our skin has the largest surface area. Hence, a large amount of toxins are flushed out of the body by the skin due increased sweating induced in a sauna.

Increases Heart Rate
A sauna bath is an excellent option for those who are unable to bear the strain of rigorous exercising. A sauna bath increases and strengthens the blood circulation without causing stress on any other system of the body. A 10 - 20 minute long sauna bath increases heart rate by 50 - 75%. This brings about the same effect as moderately rigorous physical exercise. Increased cardiac output ensures that there is improved supply of blood to all the parts of the body.

Improves Blood Circulation
Increased heart rate in turn improves blood circulation. The heat of the sauna dilates the blood vessels that ensures that there is proper supply of blood even by the thinnest of the capillaries. Proper blood supply brings fresh nutrients to the cells and ensures complete removal of waste out of them.

Improves Skin
The pores of the skin through which sweat is excreted get clogged due to the use of creams, deodorants and dead skin cells. These clogged pores cause skin problems like acne, pimple and blackheads. The heat of the sauna cleans and opens up these pores, and the sweat flushes out of them, thus carrying poisonous substances out of the body. Also improved blood circulation to the skin leaves it looking young and fresh.

Strengthens Immunity
Some 2000 years ago, Parmenides, a Greek physician had claimed that he could cure any disease if he were given a chance to create fever. He was referring to our body's defense mechanism, the fever, that enables the body to fight micro-organisms and their harmful effects. The elevated temperature during fever boosts the production of white blood cells, anti-ferons and anti-bodies, that help us fight diseases. Sauna baths takes the body to an artificial fever state where these infection fighting entities are produced that strengthen our immune system.

Weight Loss
Of the several sauna health benefits, weight loss is one of the most sought for. Along with sweat, one loses a large amount of water from the body. This might show up as significant weight loss on the weighing machine. However, the weight thus lost is gained back with consumption of water. However, recent studies have shown that increased cardiac output in an average sauna session burns about 300 calories. This is equivalent to using up the same amount of calories as during a brisk walk. Not bad, considering the fact that all one has to do is to lie down and relax!

Muscle Relaxation
The strain in the muscles that one feels after physical exercise is due to excessive production of lactic acid, and the wear and tear that the muscles undergo. Not only do sauna baths help one's muscles to relax, they also flush out the lactic acid that accumulates in them. Also, increased blood flows to the muscle and helps them to repair the worn out cells.

Mental Health
People who frequent the sauna often feel mentally relaxed. This is because the increased cardiovascular activity releases endorphins - a 'feel-good' chemical, in the brain.

Be it the conventional steam sauna or the infrared saunas, benefits of sauna baths are acknowledged world over. From being a session of social interaction, saunas are increasingly being used for their healing effects.