The Health Benefits of Saunas Are Recognized Around the World

Whoever first said "don’t sweat the small stuff" obviously never tried out a sauna and all of the health benefits and relaxation that comes along with spending time in one.

Saunas are popular all over the world – a newer innovation is the infrared sauna. All saunas are small rooms or freestanding buildings which are kept at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Saunas help the body cleanse and refresh by sweating. At one time, saunas were largely seen only in spas and health clubs, but home saunas have proliferated in recent years.

Doctors Recommend Saunas

So why is it that saunas have enjoyed such a rise in popularity recently? Doctors and sauna enthusiasts both have lauded the health benefits which they offer. One of the biggest and most readily apparent benefits is the sense of relaxation and well being which comes with the soothing, therapeutic heat of a sauna. Today’s overscheduled, hectic lifestyles lead to high levels of stress, which is known to weaken the immune system. Using a sauna on a regular basis helps to keep these stress levels down, which makes you feel better overall and keeps your immune system healthier. Sweating helps regulate body temperature as well, by letting the body release heat.

Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are commonly recommended by doctors as a treatment for various ailments. People who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma find the dry heat of a sauna to be particularly beneficial for alleviating their symptoms. Sufferers from chronic pain related to arthritis, muscle spasms and back injuries also report having less pain and soreness – and more mobility with regular sessions in a sauna.

Another of the benefits of saunas is lowering blood pressure, which should be great news for those who have chronically elevated blood pressure. The heat of a sauna causes the capillaries to dilate, which reduces blood pressure. Remember, this cannot and should not replace your blood pressure medication, but is an addition to such treatment. Studies suggest that infrared saunas may also lower cholesterol levels.

Saunas and Exercise

Athletes have long known of the health benefits of infrared saunas. Regular use of saunas has been linked to better physical performance and more endurance, as well as a higher tolerance for anaerobic exercise. For athletes and those on fitness regimens, a sauna can be a supplemental method of burning calories (up to 500 calories per sauna session!), a way of getting rid of fat cells and a means of boosting the metabolism. Saunas should not be used as a replacement for a cardio workout, but make a great follow up to a workout.

Detoxification and other Benefits

In our environment, the average person is exposed to many harmful elements on a daily basis. Sweating helps to eliminate these toxic substances, which include carcinogenic chemicals and metals. Your skin is your largest organ, containing more than 2.6 million sweat glands – infrared saunas help keep this important organ healthy by aiding in the elimination of toxins.

The heat from an infrared sauna is also beneficial for common skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Many who have these conditions have reported that the use of saunas have helped them get clearer, healthier skin. Scar tissue reduction has even been reported in some cases.

Whatever the reason you use an infrared sauna – relaxation after a long day, improved health, better fitness or as part of a weight loss or skin care regimen, one thing is sure: you’ll step out of the sauna feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world. A sauna is no replacement for standard medical treatment, but the health benefits of saunas make them an ideal compliment for a healthy lifestyle as well as the treatment of ailments.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban is the editor for Sauna-Talk, the web's comprehensive guide to home saunas and kits. Visit the site to learn about the sauna health benefits of Finnish, steam and home infrared
saunas.