We love seeing the smiles and relaxed faces as people leave the sauna room after their session. It’s so easy to see how good it is for you!! But perhaps, you’d like to know specifically which benefits you are reaping asides the beaming grin and care free attitude that takes over your body and mind post sauna.
People always ask about the health benefits of regular sauna, so I thought I’d write a blog for you all. It fits pretty well after our #worldmentalhealthday celebrations.
As most of us know, our physical well-being is one of the key effects on our mental health. Healthy body, happy mind. You can start your physical well-being by improving your health with regular saunas.
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Saunas have been used for thousands of years and every culture if you dig deep seems to have it’s own sweat bathing culture and traditions - for social purposes as much as cleanliness.
The main benefits proposed for saunas are for relaxation and cardiovascular health. However, it's important to remember that a sauna may not be suitable for everyone.
When a person sits in a sauna, their heart rate increases, and blood vessels widen. This increases circulation, in a similar way to low to moderate exercise depending on the duration of sauna use. Your heart rate increases to 100-150 beats a minute while using a sauna. This MAY bring some health benefits…
10 possible benefits of sauna sessions…
1. Easing pain…
Increased circulation may help reduce muscle soreness, improve joint movement and ease arthritis pain.
2. Reducing stress levels…
As heat in a sauna improves circulation, it also promotes relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins. This can improve feelings of well-being. #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth
3. Improving cardiovascular health…
The reduction in stress levels when using a sauna may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular events. The stress hormone cortisol is often recorded as lower after a sauna session.
Sauna use may also be associated with lower blood pressure and enhanced heart function.
While studies may be promising, sauna use should NOT replace an exercise programme to keep the heart healthy.
4. Skin problems…
A sauna can ease skin problems - it definitely helps to heal skin after injury. Some people with psoriasis may find that their symptoms reduce while using a sauna, but those with atopic dermatitis may find that it worsens.
5. Asthma
People with asthma may find relief from some of the symptoms as a result of using a sauna regularly. A sauna may open their airways, loosen phlegm, and reduce stress. As you add water to the rocks, you release loyly (steam) and you can always add eucalyptus to the water for additional airway relief!
6. Improve sleep…
The stress-relieving benefits of saunas can help when it comes to inducing a deeper sleep; in addition to the calm that comes naturally from the steam, everything about the sauna experience lends itself to a good night’s sleep.
Prolonged exposure to computer screens (including phones or tablets) have been shown to affect deep sleep patterns, so an evening sauna gives you a great excuse to put down the phone before bed.
For many people it’s normal to feel tired after coming from a sauna, but most attribute this to heat-related exhaustion. However, it’s a relaxed tiredness where you feel rejuvenated and peaceful, rather than exhausted and depleted. While you are sat still, your body is working hard in the heat, naturally making you less energetic. That’s why a sauna later in the day is often just the ticket for a great night’s sleep.
7. Remove toxins from your system
Many of the health benefits of a sauna come from removing toxins, dead skin and other products of everyday life that otherwise might not get expelled as readily from your system (often called a detox).
When your body sweats it removes these deposits from your system, giving you the opportunity to replenish them with fresh, clean water. Not only is the hydration great for your body but it means that your body is carrying a larger amount of clean water, leaving you to feel great.
8. Muscle relaxant & workout recovery
Another great reason to get into a sauna after a workout is to aid the relaxation of muscles, meaning that you’ll feel the burn for a much shorter time when compared with letting them recover naturally.
Thermotherapy is a widely accepted form of relief for muscles for a variety of ailments, whether it stems from cramps, spasms or from the pain associated with a thorough workout. You might also notice relief from stiffness and pain in your arms and legs even from gentle exercise is relieved by the effects of gentle heat. The heat from a good sauna session actually helps to release heat shock proteins that aid muscle repair!
9. Great for hair
The heat and steam of a sauna works wonders for your hair, bringing out naturally healthy and glossy qualities. Many recommend complementing this treatment with a cold wash afterwards to lock in the benefits for longer by closing the pores on the scalp.
The oils released in your scalp (called sebum) keep your hair and scalp healthy and hydrated with moisture, this can also help alleviate symptoms of a dry scalp.
10. Saunas bring out recreational and social benefits.
While the social benefit is rarely talked about, it's actually quite important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socializing with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.
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