THE UNDERRATED 10 BENEFITS OF SAUNA USE

Have you ever been curious about saunas? What makes them so popular and deeply rooted in various cultures throughout history? Saunas, whether it's Turkish baths, Native American sweat lodges, or the iconic Russian banyas, provide a comforting and enveloping experience. In Finland, saunas are an integral part of daily life, and this tradition begins from a young age. 

Scandinavians have harnessed the sauna's cleansing, relaxing, and even weight-reducing effects for generations. If you've ever had the pleasure of being in a sauna, you'll understand that it offers a holistic and immersive experience for the entire body.

Discover the multifaceted advantages of saunas, whether you're a seasoned sauna lover or a newcomer to the practice. Moreover, you can tailor these relaxation havens to your home's aesthetic and make them uniquely yours. 

Let's begin with the 10 sauna benefits, which includes a look at the various types of saunas. Each type offers its own unique advantages, providing a personal sanctuary for home and well-being.

Types of Saunas and Their Health-based Advantages 

Saunas come in various types for diverse personal aesthetic preferences and health goals. These varieties can offer different benefits based on your needs. 

The three primary sauna types are:

Dry Saunas

Dry saunas, often found in Scandinavia, have dry, scorching heat. This heat comes from burning wood or electric heaters. As you sit in these saunas, your body gradually warms up, starting from the outside and working its way toward your muscles.

These saunas typically operate at higher temperatures, somewhere from 150°F to 195°F. Because of their intense heat, dry saunas might not be suitable for everyone. It's important to note that even though they can create some steam when water is thrown on hot rocks — they're different from steam saunas as they have a much lower humidity level.

Steam Saunas 

Steam saunas rely on boiling water to generate a humid, warm environment, and usually maintain an average temperature of around 110°F. 

The health and wellness benefits of these saunas primarily include the following:

1. Improving blood circulation

2. aiding muscle recovery post-exercise

3. reducing joint inflammation in individuals with arthritis

   
   

The heightened circulation also promotes oxygen-rich blood flow to the skin, potentially enhancing collagen and elastin production. These steam sauna benefits contribute to skin resiliency and elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas introduce a modern twist to traditional saunas. They use infrared light and heat waves, typically emitted by carbon heaters. Unlike dry saunas, infrared saunas don't heat the air inside the structure but rather heat your body from the inside out. 

This allows for deeper penetration of heat into the skin and neuromuscular system. The bonus? You can enjoy these benefits at lower temperatures, typically ranging between 120°F and 140°F. This makes them a more comfortable option for many while still delivering the advantages of an intense sweat session.

10 Benefits of Sauna

Here are the top 10 benefits of sauna bathing:

1. Extends Your Lifespan

Frequent sauna sessions have been linked to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. In simpler terms, science gives a resounding "yes" to saunas. Using a sauna multiple times can help improve the way your blood vessels function, particularly if you have risk factors for heart problems.

This suggests that saunas could be a helpful therapy for people with these risk factors for heart disease — eventually elongating their lives.

2.Boosts Brain Performance

Home sauna benefits offer more than just relaxation; they can remarkably enhance brain performance:

• Norepinephrine levels in your body experience a significant boost in the sauna. This hormone sharpens your attention span and ramps up your focus.

  
  

• The heat stress endured during a sauna session encourages the production of new brain cells — a process known as neurogenesis. This effectively supercharges your ability to learn and adapt.

  
  

• Sauna sessions also trigger the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a natural protein that lowers the risk of mental illness and enhances brain function. 

  
  

• BDNF also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding, repairing, and nurturing new brain cells.

3. Improves Skin

As we grow, our skin starts showing signs of aging. Saunas offer a range of benefits for the skin, making them a valuable addition to your wellness routine. 

Some improvements include:

• Improved moisture retention: Saunas help your skin hold onto moisture, making it feel smoother and reducing wrinkles.

  
  

• Reduced redness: Saunas may reduce skin redness, a sign of skin irritation or inflammation, helping your skin look healthier.

  
  

• Preventing excessive moisture loss: Excessive moisture loss through the skin can lead to dryness and aging. Saunas can help maintain a healthy balance.

  
  

• Enhanced blood flow: The heat from saunas improves blood flow in the skin. This increased circulation brings vital nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, promoting overall skin health.

  
  

• Balanced skin pH: Saunas can assist in maintaining the skin's natural pH balance. When the skin's pH is balanced, it acts as a barrier against external stressors, preventing dryness, irritation, and premature aging.

4. Boosts Nitric Oxide 

Among the 10 benefits of saunas, here's something significant, especially for the gentlemen. Nitric Oxide (NO) plays several vital roles, such as expanding blood vessels, which increases blood flow to muscles. 

Notably, NO also has implications for male erections, making it especially beneficial for men to have sufficient NO levels. Research supports the idea that sauna use elevates our NO levels, affirming this noteworthy benefit. 

5. Improves Insulin Sensitivity 

Insulin sensitivity is crucial for several reasons:

• It impacts body weight

• It plays a role in inflammation

• It affects the risk of diabetes

  
  

For individuals dealing with conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance — which can contribute to weight issues — sauna-induced hyperthermia, or becoming very hot in a sauna, has been proven to enhance insulin sensitivity.  

Being in a sauna or hot environment can make insulin injections under the skin work faster, potentially lowering blood sugar levels more quickly for people with diabetes. Besides that, sauna exposure increases insulin sensitivity, leading to lower blood sugar levels, which is a valuable benefit for those living with diabetes. 

6. Convenience of Home Saunas

Other than the health benefits, your own personal sauna also offers the following advantages:

• Privacy: Home saunas offer complete privacy during your sessions, eliminating the need to share the space with others, unlike public facilities.

  
  

• Controlled Environment: Saunas at home provide a controlled environment where you can adjust the temperature and humidity to your liking, whether you prefer a dry heat or a soothing, humid experience.

  
  

• Flexible Scheduling: Enjoy the convenience of using your sauna whenever it suits you, without the restrictions of public hours. It becomes a seamless part of your daily routine, making relaxation effortless.

7. Relieves Anxiety and Depression 

Saunas offer more than just physical benefits; they can also alleviate stress and anxiety. Spending significant time in a sauna helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress, and triggers the release of beta-endorphins, leading to a sense of euphoria.

Saunas offer valuable support in combating stress and depression, completely free from any adverse effects. When life becomes overwhelming, saunas and steam baths serve as ideal havens for relaxation. The addition of herbal infusions and essential oils enhances the overall soothing experience.

8. Diverse Customization Choices

When considering a sauna for your home or commercial space, you not only gain access to a multitude of health benefits but also enjoy various customization and size options. 

The selection of sauna wood is a crucial aspect of customization. They are the building blocks of your sauna experience, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Let's check out the different types of woods in the table below:

Apart from this, you can further tailor your sauna experience to your exact preferences with these customizable options:

9. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a notable advantage of saunas, offering potential customers benefits of cutting down their energy costs over time. Here's why:

• Direct Heating: Saunas use heaters (electric or wood-burning) to heat the room swiftly, focusing energy where it's needed and avoiding unnecessary heating of the entire space.

  
  

• Insulation: Sauna walls and ceilings are well-insulated to retain heat effectively, requiring minimal additional energy to maintain the desired temperature. This insulation also contributes to long-term energy savings, resulting in lower utility bills. Sealed doors further enhance this insulation.

  
  

• Timer Controls: Sauna heaters often include timers, allowing users to set session times. This feature helps prevent unnecessary energy consumption by ensuring the sauna is ready when needed and turned off when not in use.

  
  

• Efficient Ventilation: Saunas are equipped with ventilation systems to maintain proper air circulation and humidity control, ensuring comfort without compromising heat retention.

  
  

10. Enhanced Property Value

Beyond the immediate benefits of saunas, a durable sauna can enhance the resale value of your property. If you ever decide to sell your home, a well-maintained sauna can make your property more appealing to potential buyers, which could fetch a higher resale price.

Think of it not merely as an expense but as a prudent investment in your comfort, well-being, and home's long-term value.

Deciphering Saunas: Your Buyer's Guide with Confidence

If you're thinking about incorporating this serene retreat into your life, we're here to ensure you get the best for your home and well-being. Now we will offer insights into customization, materials, and address any concerns about durability and the purchasing process. 

Let's delve into the details and ensure your buying decision becomes a lifelong source of satisfaction.

Finding the Right Place of Purchase 

When it comes to finding the perfect customized sauna for your home, the right place can make all the difference. 

Here's how to navigate your search effectively:

• Manufacturer and retailer websites: Explore reputable sauna providers' websites for options and guidance.

  
  

• Ask your network: Seek advice from friends, family, or neighbors with saunas.

  
  

• Professional installers: Contact experts for customized solutions and proper installation.

  
  

• Read reviews: Check customer reviews to gauge the quality of products and services.

  
  

• Consultation calls: Arrange meetings with sauna experts to discuss your specific needs.

  
  

Evaluating Space and Lifestyle

To benefit from a home sauna, ensuring it fits your space and lifestyle is crucial. Aligning your sauna with long-term ownership goals is key to maximizing its benefits. 

Here are a couple of factors to consider:

• Space Dimensions: Measure your available space to confirm the sauna's dimensions align with it.

  
  

• Lifestyle Alignment: Consider if sauna use suits your routine and if it complements your wellness goals.

  
  

• Installation Requirements: Ensure your space meets the sauna's electrical and ventilation needs.

  
  

• Maintenance: Understand your chosen sauna type's maintenance demands and long-term care.

  
  

• Durability: Investigate the sauna's materials and construction to assess its potential for long-term use.

  
  

• Customization: Evaluate if the sauna can be tailored to your preferences and changing needs over time.

Who Should Avoid Saunas?

While there are many benefits to sauna use, remember, it's more crucial to prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare professional first. 

This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. Individual health considerations should always come first. The following are the types of individuals who should avoid saunas:

Claustrophobic Individuals

Saunas are known to make you sweat profusely and can have acute effects on your heart rate, cortisol levels, and blood pressure. However, the experience of sitting in a small, hot, and enclosed space might not be suitable for everyone. Claustrophobic individuals who fear confined spaces may find traditional sauna cabins uncomfortable. For them, alternatives like six-person saunas can provide the benefits of a sauna without the confinement.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should avoid saunas and hot tubs, especially for extended periods. Some studies suggest that these practices, which raise body temperature significantly, may be linked to congenital disabilities. To ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing baby, it's best to steer clear of saunas during pregnancy.

Individuals with Orthostatic Hypotension or POTS

People who suffer from orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when transitioning from sitting to standing) or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) should also avoid saunas. Saunas can rapidly increase heart rate and an acute drop in blood pressure due to the loss of bodily fluids through sweating. This can be particularly risky for those with these conditions or a tendency to experience dizziness.

Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

While regular sauna bathing may contribute to a decrease in overall blood pressure, it's essential to note that blood pressure can actually rise during a sauna session. For individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, this temporary increase in blood pressure can pose a risk for complications. It's advisable for them to skip sauna bathing to ensure their safety.

Sauna Safety and Etiquettes 

Besides the 10 benefits of saunas, here are some important sauna safety tips to keep in mind when you're about to enjoy a sauna session. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned sauna enthusiast, these guidelines will help you make the most of your experience while ensuring everyone's comfort and safety.

Sauna Safety

• Avoid alcohol before and after a sauna session

• Skip the sauna if you take medications that impair sweating

• Limit sauna sessions to 15–20 minutes

• Start with shorter sessions if you're new to saunas

• Drink water after each sauna session

• Allow your body temperature to cool down gradually

• Avoid sauna sessions when you're unwell

  
  

FAQs: 10 Benefits of Sauna Use

Can I use a face mask in the sauna?

Yes, you can use face masks and enjoy foot baths in the sauna. The gentle warmth and humid environment can enhance the effectiveness of these treatments. It's advisable to avoid adding excessive wood to the sauna heater or turning up the heat too high; instead, aim for a mild and slightly more humid sauna experience for this purpose.

Should I apply oil to my hair before going to the sauna?

If you prefer not to spend extra time on hair care in the sauna, you can use a damp towel to protect your hair. Alternatively, you can apply your regular hair conditioner or oil (like baby oil) to your hair before entering the sauna or immediately upon entering.

Is it safe to use the sauna every day?

For individuals in good health, using the sauna daily is generally safe. However, it's essential to remember that if you frequent the sauna multiple times a week, you may want to reduce the number of sessions for a balanced sauna routine.

Conclusion: 10 Benefits of Sauna Use

Saunas bring a world of benefits, whether you're a long-time enthusiast or just starting out. They enhance muscle growth, contribute to a longer, healthier life, alleviate anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, and contribute to radiant skin. You can customize them to fit your home's aesthetic and personalize the experience. Always remember to use them safely and follow sauna etiquette for the ultimate home spa experience.

My Sauna World is your one-stop destination for premium sauna experiences. Our diverse product range includes traditional saunas, infrared saunas, and more designed to enhance your well-being. Explore our exquisite collection, and if you have any inquiries or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your path to relaxation and health begins with us.