Unveiling the Benefits of Sauna After Massage

Both sauna therapy and massage therapy have unique and individual benefits. Both wellness therapies share certain benefits, from helping you relax to improving blood circulation, but did you know that combining the two can lead to more well-rounded physical and mental health benefits for your body?

In the discourse about saunas and massages, much has been written about what should come first, much like the chicken-or-egg dilemma. The good news is that there is no correct answer to this. It all comes down to preference and what works best for you.

Nonetheless, there are significant benefits to basking in the peaceful, therapeutic heat of a traditional sauna following a massage. In this article, we will discuss the many health benefits of sauna after massage.

Why Sauna After a Massage?

Many individuals like receiving a massage following a sauna session. That said, experienced massage therapists are slightly more likely to recommend sauna bathing after a treatment. One of the main reasons is that a deep tissue massage primes your body for a sauna session. 

This "priming" refers to activating the body's inflammatory responses. A sauna immediately following a massage is thought to ease this inflammation and speed up the healing process.

Let's take a closer look at the key benefits of sauna after a massage.

Detox Benefits

What if we told you that your sweat contains a host of unwanted and toxic elements? 

A medical review suggests that these toxins include:

• Lead

• Cadmium

• Arsenic

• Mercury

Unknowingly, our body absorbs these toxins and heavy metals from the atmosphere. When they're not dispelled, they can disrupt our endocrine system, damage our enzymes, and accelerate the aging process.

A massage stimulates the sweating process, which is essential in a sauna. When you follow a massage with a sauna, your sweat levels increase tenfold. This intense perspiration is believed to eliminate toxins from your system.

Muscle Recovery

This is another example of how a massage primes your body. A massage uses a lot of rubbing and kneading techniques to help warm up the muscles. The muscular healing process has already begun during your massage, but a sauna takes it one step further.

A lot of research has been published supporting the effects of far-infrared saunas on muscle recovery. The heat in the sauna reduces inflammation and heals any sore muscles resulting from your massage. It does so by dilating your blood vessels to improve oxygenation and blood flow. When these processes are underway, your muscles receive fresh blood and begin to heal.

Enhanced Blood Circulation

One of the major benefits of sauna after massage is improved blood flow to the body's vital organs. Sauna bathing immediately following a massage can promote smoother and more effective circulation, according to multiple published studies. 

It allows your blood to reach areas where it is most needed, such as congested or painful areas that require healing. The sauna's high temperatures cause blood vessels to widen more easily. A massage before entering the sauna prepares your body for this process, increasing the blood flow you experience in the sauna.

Improved Sleep

The combination of a massage and a sauna can induce a deep, restful sleep. A massage helps to release knots in your muscles and make them more supple, whereas a sauna sustains this process.

Increased oxygenation promotes profound relaxation while triggering the generation of melatonin, the sleep hormone. All of these processes help manage cortisol levels in your body, making you feel less stressed. This is why a massage and sauna are two of the most effective ways to relax and feel more rested. 

Sauna and Massage Benefits for a Holistic Wellness Experience

Massage therapy dates back thousands of years, when ancient civilizations used it to alleviate painful symptoms. 

A massage involves rubbing, pushing, kneading, and stretching several parts of the body, including:

• Muscles

• Tendons

• Skin

This helps to relieve pain symptoms, which massage therapy and sauna bathing both provide. While these therapies don't directly "treat" chronic pain issues, they do reduce pain and promote healing when used in conjunction. 

Only 10 minutes of massage every day will help your body combat stress. Only 15–20 minutes of sauna bathing per day offers a plethora of benefits, including:

• Improved heart health

• Better sleep

• Radiant skin

• Muscle recovery and pain relief

• Stress reduction

• Improved mental well-being

• Boosted immunity

Combining these two therapies can bring positive changes and improve your quality of life, especially if you lead a hectic lifestyle. The idea is to amplify health benefits by incorporating elements of both in your wellness routine.

Health Considerations While Combining Sauna and Massage

After your massage, take a break and hydrate before entering the sauna. Remember that you will sweat considerably in the sauna, so stock up on fluids. This can help you avoid the long-term symptoms of dehydration, such as headaches and fatigue, allowing you to focus solely on the sauna's therapeutic advantages.

Taking a cold shower after your sauna session is also a good idea. It will help you cool down after the massage and sauna and decrease any lingering inflammation. It also removes dust, dirt, and residue massage oils from your body, allowing your skin to breathe!

Lastly, keep in mind that massages and traditional sauna therapy are generally considered safe for most people. However, it could have adverse reactions on someone with prior health issues. Avoid trying out new wellness routines until they're deemed safe by your doctor or healthcare provider. This is especially true for people with heart conditions, minor injuries, or other chronic ailments.

Final Thoughts: Benefits of Sauna After Massage

The combination of sauna therapy and massage results in a holistic wellness experience that extends beyond individual benefits. Choosing a sauna session after a massage improves relaxation and maximizes the therapeutic effects for both the body and mind.

Try a combination of these therapies for a range of advantages, including pain relief, improved mental well-being, better heart health, and increased immunity.

If you'd like to incorporate a home-based sauna routine, ensure you invest in a quality sauna. Discover a range of saunas at My Sauna World, from traditional to infrared. Our collection features diverse sauna brands, sauna heaters, accessories, and hot tubs. The best part? We offer free shipping!

Feel free to contact us for more details. Our staff will be happy to assist you in choosing the most suitable sauna for your wellness goals.