The outdoor sauna is often purchased for its endless list of health benefits. For example, sauna use is great for reducing stress, helping your cardiovascular system, and even fighting acne. If you have issues with your heart or blood flow, you may be curious about if the sauna can help with regulation. You may want a stronger immune system or a way to fight stubborn body fat. If you want to relieve stress, fix your skin, or better your health as a whole, here are the health benefits of using an outdoor cedar sauna. 

YOUR SAUNA AND YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

One of the benefits of regular sauna use is its effect on your cardiovascular system. Being around high heat levels increases your heart rate, which in turn helps with blood flow. Your cardiovascular health will improve while using your outdoor cedar sauna because:

• High blood pressure gets lower over time
• Your risk of cardiovascular disease lowers
• Your lipid profiles change for the better
• You get rid of the stiffness of your arteries

Scientific studies prove these facts. In one example, scientists followed 100 men and women, all between the ages of 32 and 75. Each of them had at least one type of heart issue. After using a sauna for 30 minutes, their blood pressure went down.

IS A SAUNA GOOD FOR YOUR LUNGS AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM?  

Coming up with a routine for using your sauna can increase your lung capacity and function. Because of dry heat, you experience better breathing. Sauna use is great for those who may suffer from asthma, COPD, hay fever, bronchitis, and even the common cold. Here is how the sauna benefits your respiratory system:

• Less risk of pneumonia
• You won't catch a common cold or the flu as often
• Also assists with acute respiratory symptoms and mild upper respiratory tract infections
• Heals lungs by:
• Helping ventilation
• Helping them drain
• Improved forced expiratory volume
• Reduced inflammation
• Higher vital capacity

DETOXING BY WAY OF SAUNA USE

Whether you use a wood-heated sauna or an electric sauna, detoxing is also a great way to help the fat cells in your body get rid of harsh chemicals. Each session can get rid of up to one-third of the toxins in your bloodstream, giving your kidneys a chance to rest as well.

PCBs

• Scientific studies show that toxic chemicals, such as lead and mercury, leave your body better through sweat than urine or blood.
• Another study also proved that phytates, a toxic set of chemicals often used in makeup, perfumes, and toys, had double the concentration in sweat than in blood or urine.
• In yet another study, scientists test the subjects for BPA, a toxic chemical linked to health complications in humans. While BPA was not in their urine and bloodstream, the harmful chemical was in 80% of the participants’ sweat.
• Sauna use will rid your body of the following:
• Heavy metals
• Solvents
• PCBs
• Pharmaceuticals
• Organic chemicals

UNDERSTANDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND YOUR OUTDOOR SAUNA 

Viruses and bacteria cannot function when exposed to high heat. This is why the sauna is perfect for making your immune system stronger. Here’s how the process works:

1. The sauna heats to about 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes your core temperature rise.
2. Your body creates its own fake fever, causing your immune system to spring into action.
3. As a result, the amount of white blood cells released by your thymus and bone marrow increases.
4. These cells identify unhealthy bacteria and work together to rid your body of infection.

Afterward, your antibodies can increase by up to 2,000 percent, which is why saunas are often used to assist with the common cold.

WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT 

While regular sauna use will result in the loss of water weight, true weight loss occurs in a less obvious way. Many of your sauna’s benefits will result in weight loss over time. For example, you will experience:

• Lowered stress levels 
• Improved workout due to:
• Shorter recovery time
• Strengthened respiratory system
• Increased blood flow due to dilated blood vessels 
• Soothed muscles
• Increased frequency and effectiveness of workout routine
• Boosted metabolism
• 
  

Keep in mind that you should always avoid using your sauna before working out, be sure that you drink an ample amount of water during and after use, and gradually ease into increasing the length of each session. Failure to do so may result in dehydration. 

THE OUTDOOR SAUNA AND STRESS RELIEF 

Stress left untreated will have a lot of bad effects on your health.  Stress can cause diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Headaches, chest pain, fatigue, and stomach problems are all side effects of working too much. Here’s how your sauna can lower your stress levels:

• Your body makes more endorphins or the “happy hormone”
• Your body lets go of tension
• Meditation
• A means for uninterrupted relaxation
• Reduced risk of depression & mental health disorders

SKIN CARE 

Not only does your outdoor cedar sauna benefit the health of your heart and lungs, but your outer appearance as well. You will notice a more youthful appearance in terms of your skin’s elasticity and clarity. Here are the ways that your sauna will benefit your skin:

• Reduced acne
• Active removal of:

            Blackheads

            Whiteheads

            Inflammation

            Boils

            Pimples

• Removal of dead skin and excess sebum
• Increase in collagen production
• Improved circulation 
• Pore rejuvenation 

SUMMARY

There are a lot of health benefits that you will enjoy while using your outdoor cedar sauna. For example, when you begin to use your sauna, your body will have a better heart rate and blood flow. This lessens your chance of getting cardiovascular disease. Your breathing will improve as you experience a better lung capacity. You may also notice that you catch colds less due to a stronger immune system. Not to mention, your body creates more antibodies and fights other infections with ease.

Your sauna will help the outside of your body as well. You will shed water weight and your body will be able to work out longer. Stress relief happens after each session because you feel less tense. Your body will release more "happy hormones." Your skin will also thank you for no more acne. As a whole, your entire body has much to gain from a regular sauna routine.

For more information on the health benefits of sauna use or added bonuses, such as the Himalayan salt wall panel, continue to check with My Sauna World for helpful tips and updates.