The Health Benefits of Saunas: Why Heat Therapy Belongs in Your Wellness Routine Saunas have long been used for their therapeutic effects. First created in Finland, steam saunas were used...
Saunas have long been used for their therapeutic effects. First created in Finland, steam saunas were used for relaxation and detox. The practice spread far and wide across every continent. Today, you can find saunas in gyms, spas, and even some people’s backyards! The world now recognizes what the ancient Finns always knew. Sauna use has a profound impact on your health and quality of life. It transforms it for the better.
That’s why athletes seeking faster recovery times, professionals trying to manage stress, and even your average fitness enthusiast are turning towards sauna therapy.
Why is heat therapy even a thing? What happens to my body when I’m in a sauna? These are questions newcomers of the sauna world often ask themselves. I’ll try my best to answer them.
When your body is exposed to high heat, your blood vessels dilate. This allows for more blood to circulate and your heart rate to increase. This is similar to what happens during a mild exercise session. Repeated sauna use anchors these benefits for users, leading to improved overall cardiovascular health.
This isn’t just an opinion. It’s a science-backed fact. In a study conducted by Jama Internal Medicine researchers on participants aged 42-60, regular sauna use was directly associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, such as SCD, CHD and CVD. Taking part in this personal care ritual has profound effects on global well-being; just a few sessions per week have a significant impact on your heart’s health.
To say the world is stimulating is a euphemism. In our fast-paced society, where social media notifications reign supreme, stress is a silent epidemic.
Relaxing, even in the comfort of home, is now a luxury for many. Saunas can act as a sanctuary where you can relax, recover and reset both your mind and body.
When you step into the unit, heat envelops you. Sure, it’s relaxing, but why? What’s the science behind? Well, the heat reduces the production of cortisol, (the stress hormone) and encourages endorphin production, your body’s “feel-good” chemical. That’s why people are often seen looking more serene after a sauna session; their chemical balance has changed, which, in turn, affects their mood.
Did you know the skin is the body’s largest organ? Guess how much area it covers. You guessed right, almost 100%! Jokes aside, you can use your skin’s property to sweat to release toxins and improve your health; sweating is an effective way to flush out heavy metals, chemicals, and other impurities you’ve accumulated.
With all its benefits, it’s no surprise professional athletes almost unanimously integrate sauna sessions into their training programs. Heat therapy enhances blood flow which allows for more oxygen-rich blood to access muscle tissue. Thanks to sauna therapy, athletes’ muscles have more nutrients to recover after a workout.
Beyond internal benefits, saunas also improve skin quality. It’s almost too good to be true, but it is. When you sweat, little holes in your skin called pores open and unclog, leaving it cleansed. The improved blood circulation also allows for brighter coloration. Plus, repeated sauna sessions are linked to an increase in collagen production(collagen is what’s responsible for firm skin). This allows for fewer acne breakouts, healthier skin glow, and a healthy post-sauna look.
Saunas aren’t just a luxury; they’re an evidence-backed investment in your health, with countless benefits ranging from skin glow to blood circulation.
If you really want to unlock the benefits of heat therapy, consistency is key. Two to four sessions is what most experts recommend per week are optimal. Less, and you risk not enjoying all the benefits. If you go over four sessions per week, the added sauna sessions may not be of much value.
Pro tips: Always pair sauna sessions with proper hydration. We also encourage you to drink electrolytes to replace those lost in sweat.
If you want to make sauna sessions part of your day, investing in a home sauna is a good idea. Retailers Elite Sauna Direct make it easier to compare sauna prices, brands and models, allowing you to choose the best option for you. That way, you can enjoy the health benefits on your terms.
People say saunas have stood the test of time. I disagree. They haven’t simply passed the test, they’ve aced it! From the Scandinavian countryside, saunas are now found in every corner of the world. They feature unparalleled health benefits and are great for relaxing with friends. The untold story of this wooden little box is a testament to its unique properties and wellness benefits. Try it, and feel for yourself what it’s all about.
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