THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAUNA BENEFITS:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

Saunas are a cultural staple in many parts of the world. Though some may initially be wary of the enclosed, steam-filled rooms, some compelling evidence points towards the profound sauna benefits. 

 

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking to speed up muscle recovery, someone seeking to alleviate the stress of day-to-day life, or just craving a bit of "me time" away from the hustle and bustle, a sauna session might be ideal for your needs. 

 

Read on to learn more about the hidden sauna benefits and its potential to transform your well-being.

 

 

Different Types of Saunas

 

Different types of saunas are available on the market, each offering a unique experience. Let's see what these saunas bring to the table.

 

 

Traditional Finnish Saunas

 

Originating from Finland's cold, snowy regions, traditional Finnish saunas are a big part of Scandinavian culture. These saunas come equipped with a wood-burning stove that's topped with a layer of rocks and pebbles. The stove heats these rocks, and then the air around them circulates throughout the sauna. 

 

Finnish saunas typically operate at a sweltering 180-195 degrees Fahrenheit, helping open up your pores and promote sweating. However, they're not for the faint of heart. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart anomalies, or other serious health conditions, you should consult your doctor before using the sauna. The same goes for pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. 

 

Infrared Saunas

 

Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to heat your body directly. This creates a unique, penetrating heat sensation that can feel more intense. 

 

Since these saunas usually work at lower temperatures, usually between 110 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, they are perfect for those who want to reap sauna benefits but might feel claustrophobic or have difficulty breathing in traditional saunas.

 

Steam Room Saunas

 

Used in many cultures, including Turkish Hamams and Russian Banyas, these saunas offer a soothing heat experience. While steam saunas operate at a mere 110 degrees Fahrenheit, they bring the mercury up with 100% humidity. 

 

The result? A hot cloud wrap that can work wonders for your respiratory system, helping clear your sinuses and relieving congestion.

 

Health Benefits of Sauna Therapy

 

In a world where our well-being often takes a back seat, sauna therapy offers a warm and comforting way to promote health and well-being. 

Here are some sauna benefits:

 

Improves Cardiovascular Health

 

Sauna therapy is a great way to improve cardiovascular health. As you soak in the warmth of the sauna, your blood vessels dilate. This allows your heart to pump blood more efficiently, lowering your blood pressure in the process. 

 

Harvard Health Publishing explains that regular sauna use can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

 

Better Mental Health

 

Who wouldn't want a calm mind after a long, chaotic day? As it turns out, saunas are the ideal place to de-stress and recharge your mind.

 

Research shows that sauna heat helps lower cortisol — the body's primary stress hormone. This helps lower anxiety levels and allows you to relax.

 

It also triggers the release of endorphins, your body's natural feel-good chemicals that make you feel happier and more content. Regular sauna therapy can improve your mental well-being by providing a stress-free environment to unwind, reflect, and meditate.

 

Aids in Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief

 

If you have sore muscles or are recovering from a strenuous workout, sauna therapy is a fantastic option to reduce nagging aches and pains.

 

Arthritis Foundations explains that sauna-induced heat stimulates blood flow, allowing essential nutrients and oxygen to reach your muscles and joints, speeding up recovery. 

 

It also helps loosen tight knots, lubricate stiff joints, and improve flexibility — which can be especially beneficial for people with limited mobility.

Strengthens Immune System

 

Tired of catching a pesky cold every time someone sneezes? Time to step into the sauna! Studies suggest thermal stress during a sauna session triggers an increase in white blood cells, the body's natural defenders. This equips your immune system to fight off infections and inflammation more efficiently.

 

Enhances Respiratory Function

 

Has anyone told you that saunas can help you breathe better? Well, it's true! The moist heat can help remove mucus, improve lung capacity, and reduce airway inflammation, making breathing easier. This can be especially beneficial for people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD.

 

Helps With Weight Reduction

 

If you want to shed those extra pounds without running a zillion miles or lifting those dumbbells, then sauna therapy might be your secret weapon. Now you might think sitting in a sauna will help burn 500 caloriesut , but that's actually a sauna health myth. 

 

It's actually sauna workouts and hot yoga sessions that crank up your metabolic rate, making it easy to burn those extra calories and fats. Not only that, but sweating will also release toxins from your body that might be holding you back from losing weight and feeling better.

 

Promotes Skin Rejuvenation

 

Are you tired of the same old skincare routine? Want that elusive radiating skin? Saunas might be the answer. Healthline explains that soothing, moist heat unclogs your pores and releases trapped dust and debris through sweating. 

 

The heat also stimulates collagen production that helps firm and tighten your skin. This improved blood flow also benefits those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, and acne, helping with tissue repair and relief.

 

Improves Sleep Quality

 

Another sauna benefit is that it can help improve your sleep quality. When you sink into that sauna heat, your muscles loosen up, and tension melts. This can help you get to sleep faster and get deeper, more restorative sleep. 

 

The dark and quiet sauna environment also triggers melatonin production in your body, helping you transition smoothly from wakefulness to sleep. 

 

Best Saunas for Health Maximization

The following are some of the best saunas for maximizing sauna benefits:

 

Safety Guidelines for Sauna Usage

 

Saunas are a great way to relax and enjoy some health benefits, but they also come with some risks. 

 

Here are some safety guidelines for sauna usage that you should follow:

 

• Check with your doctor before using a sauna if you have any medical conditions or concerns. Saunas are generally safe and beneficial for most people, but they may not suit those with heart or blood pressure problems, diabetes, pregnancy, or other health issues.

   

• Avoid alcohol and medications that may affect your body's response to heat. These substances can impair your sweating, increase your risk of dehydration, or cause drowsiness or dizziness in the sauna.

   

• Stay in no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and cool down gradually afterward. Leave the sauna immediately if you feel any nausea, dizziness, hot flashes, cold chills, headaches, or other discomfort.

   

• Rest and rehydrate after your sauna session. Drink plenty of water or isotonic drinks to replenish the fluids and electrolytes you lose through sweating.

   

• Consider the buddy system, and don't use a sauna if you're ill. It's always safer and more fun to use a sauna with a friend or family member who can keep an eye on you and help you in case of an emergency. Also, avoid using a sauna if you have an active fever, infection, or inflammation, as this can worsen your condition.

   

• Do not wear anything dirty or tight-fitting to a sauna, including things you wore throughout the day. Also, do not wear any jewelry in a sauna, as the metal may heat up and burn your skin.

   

• Bring a towel and a change of clothes. You will need a towel to sit on, wipe off sweat, and dry yourself after the sauna. You will also need a fresh set of clothes to change into after your sauna and water to drink throughout your session.

   

• Avoid smoking, exercising, eating, or drinking in the sauna. These activities can potentially increase your risk of dehydration, overheating, or fire hazards.

   

• Avoid using chlorinated water and oil on heating rocks in a wet sauna. These substances can damage the sauna equipment and create harmful fumes.

 

 

Tips to Optimize Your Sauna Experience

 

Here are some simple tips to help optimize your sauna experiences:

 

• Shower before and after using your sauna. This will help you prepare your skin, open your pores, and remove dirt or sweat.

   

• Set aside enough time for your sauna. Don't rush or stress yourself while in the sauna. Allow at least 30 minutes for the sauna to heat up and 15 to 20 minutes for each session. You can also take breaks between sessions to cool down and rest.

   

• Adjust the temperature and humidity to your preference. Depending on the type of sauna you use, you can control the heat and moisture levels by adding water to the rocks, adjusting the thermostat, or opening the vents.

   

• Enhance your relaxation with aromatherapy, music, or lighting. You can add some essential oils to the water or use a diffuser to create a soothing aroma in the sauna. You can also play calming music or dim the lights to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

   

• Stretch out or lay down in the sauna. This will help you relax your muscles and joints and improve your blood circulation. You can also do gentle exercises or yoga poses if you feel comfortable.

   

• Have a light pre-sauna snack. Avoid eating heavy meals before or after your sauna, as this can interfere with digestion and metabolism. Instead, have a small snack rich in protein and carbohydrates, such as a banana, yogurt, or nuts.

   

• Exfoliate and boost circulation to the skin. You can use a loofah, brush, or scrub to gently remove dead skin cells and improve blood flow to the skin. This will help you achieve a smoother and healthier complexion after your sauna.

 

 

FAQs

 

Is it good to have sauna session every day?

 

While regular sweat sessions offer a range of sauna benefits, including relaxation and stress reduction, most experts recommend using them two to three times a week to prevent possible side effects. 

 

How many minutes in a sauna is healthy?

 

Generally, spending 15-20 minutes in a sauna is considered healthy for most people. If you're a sauna newbie, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time once you acclimate to the heat.

 

Which Is better: a steam room or a sauna?

 

It depends on your personal preference and wellness goals. Saunas use dry heat, which may be easier to breathe, while steam rooms apply moist heat, which can help with respiratory issues. Both offer stress reduction and overall relaxation, so give them both a try to see which one floats your boat!

 

Does sauna detox your body?

 

While the sauna doesn't help with complete detoxification, it helps remove toxins like heavy metals and chemicals from your body through sweating.

 

Does a sauna burn calories?

 

Yes, a sauna does help burn calories. The heat increases your heart rate, similar to the effect of a light cardio workout which results in burning calories. However, most of the weight lost in a sauna is water weight due to excessive sweating and is usually regained when you hydrate after the session.

 

Is a sauna session better than the gym?

 

Saunas and gyms both have their unique benefits. Physical exercise at the gym strengthens muscles, improves metabolism, and helps in weight management. 

 

Saunas, on the other hand, help with muscle recovery and pain relief after a strenuous workout. Combining both can help improve your fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase energy levels.

 

Should I shower after sauna?

 

Yes, indeed! Rinsing off with a cool shower after a sauna session helps to close your pores and remove the toxins you just sweated out. It's a refreshing way to cap off your sauna experience and get your body back to its average temperature. 

 

 

Sauna Health Benefits: Conclusion

 

To summarize, saunas can do much more for you beyond a quick soak. From relaxing your mind and muscles to improving cardiovascular health, sauna therapy can be transformational. 

 

If you want to experience all these therapeutic benefits from the comfort of your home, check out MySaunaWorld's collection of traditional and infrared saunas. For more information, feel free to contact us. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions and help you find the perfect model for your needs.