SAUNA HEALTH BENEFITS
INCREASED METABOLISOM & WEIGHT LOSS
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, regular use of a sauna promotes a similar boost on the cardiovascular system to running and exercise. As you relax in the heat from an infrared or traditional sauna your body is hard at work producing sweat, pumping blood, and burning calories. As your body increases sweat production to cool itself off, your heart works harder to pump blood at a greater rate to boost circulation. This increase in your metabolism will burn up to 600 calories in a 25-minute session.
MUSCLE PAIN RELIEF
Increased blood circulation carries off metabolic waste products and delivers oxygen-rich blood to oxygen depleted muscles, so they recover faster. Muscles relax best when tissue is warm, for greater flexibility and range of motion. Both Traditional and Far Infrared Saunas aid in pain relief and faster muscle recovery.
Far Infrared heat relieves muscle tension. The deep heat created by a Far infrared sauna helps blood vessels dilate, bringing relief and healing to muscle and soft tissue injuries. Infrared heat also reduces soreness on nerve endings and muscle spasms as muscle joints and fibers are heated.
DEEPER SLEEP
Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from both traditional and far infrared sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins, body temperatures that become elevated in the late evening, fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating deep sleep.
IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST
German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam in a traditional sauna or steam bath, it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and help kill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds and allergies, especially when used with steam. Tip: add eucalyptus to the water for added benefit and overall enjoyment. The steam vapor action created in a traditional sauna or steam shower helps clear up unwanted congestion.
STRESS AND FATIGUE REDUCTION
Just a few minutes in the warmth of a sauna will help you feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and happy. The heat in the sauna helps regulate the level of cortisol in our blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we are stressed, and elevated levels of cortisol can lead to several health issues such as problems with the immune system and sleeping. Sauna use reduces the level of cortisol in our blood and stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is the “happy hormone” that makes us feel good.
BRAIN HEALTH
A 20-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 176oF for 19 minutes lowered the risk of both Alzheimer’s and Dementia (Traditional Sauna).
IMPROVED SKIN
Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty and health strategies in terms of cleansing the skin of impurities. When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced, improving skin health. The action of sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking quality. You will see improved tone, elasticity, texture and fresh colour. Increased blood circulation has also been shown to relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, lesions, and cuts. In addition, open wounds heal more quickly, reducing scarring.
DETOXIFICATION
One of the biggest sauna health benefits is its ability to increase your blood circulation and stimulate the sweat glands, releasing built-up toxins in the body. Daily sauna sweating can help detoxify your body as it rids itself of accumulated highly toxic metals (lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sulfuric acid and other organic and inorganic compounds.
EASE OF JOINT PAIN AND STIFFNESS
Time spent in a sauna benefits people suffering from many forms of arthritis. Far Infrared heat has also been an effective treatment of sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and many other muscular-skeletal ailments. Much of the stiffness, aches and soreness that comes with aging is reduced or eliminated as a result of heat bathing in a sauna.