What are saunas for? Why do people use them? If you are new to the world of saunas you are in for a real treat. Spending time in a sauna is deeply relaxing, comes with a wide range of health benefits, and just feels great. Discover what saunas are good for and how you can benefit from them today.
WHAT SAUNAS ARE GOOD FOR?
Have you ever wondered what saunas are good for? Why do so many people use a sauna? And, what are the benefits? Let’s take a closer look at what are saunas for – and discover why it is such a popular activity around the world.
RELAXATION
One of the greatest benefits of a sauna is how they encourage you to completely relax and unwind. If you’ve had a stressful day and need some quality downtime – one of the best things you can do is jump in a sauna.
The intense heat of the sauna calms the mind and soothes tired muscles. A sauna is a powerful relaxation tool. And, perhaps this is its most popular feature. SO many people just like to sit back, unwind, and let the heat get to work.
SOCIAL EXPERIENCE
Saunas are a social space. Whether you like to enjoy a sauna at your local gym or when staying over in a nice hotel – you’re going to meet new people. When you relax in a sauna you will find yourself sharing the experience with others.
This helps break down boundaries and encourages people to chat and get to know each other. Relaxing in a sauna can be a wonderful shared experience and many people thrive on this social aspect.
HEART HEALTH
Spending time in a sauna can boost your heart health. As the heat penetrates your skin and heats you to the core – your body begins to try and cool itself down. Part of this response includes increased cardiovascular activity.
Your heart rate will increase and your cardiovascular system will begin pumping increased levels of blood around your body. In fact, studies have shown that heart rate can double from a resting heartbeat of 60bpm to a high of 120 bpm in a sauna.
BOOSTS WORKOUT RECOVERY
You can boost your workout recovery by jumping in the sauna once you finish your routine. In fact, a sauna session will not only speed up your recovery but may even maximize the positive effects of your workout.
The sauna heat will soothe your body and loosen tight muscles after a strenuous workout. And, it will boost recovery. As we’ve mentioned above – you can expect elevated cardiovascular activity when you spend time in a sauna.
This means that your body will be pumping increased levels of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your whole body. This is exactly what your tissue cells need to grow and repair any damage.
PAIN RELIEF
Saunas can help relieve pain and inflammation. In response to the heat from a sauna, your body relaxes and dilates blood vessels. This can promote a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. A popular way of easing pain for many.
Sauna can help reduce the immune response that causes inflammation and help boost blood flow to affected painful areas. This may promote natural healing and there is no doubt that many people use sauna to ease chronic pain.
SYSTEM DETOX
Saunas are a great way of flushing toxins from the body. The intense heat of a sauna will trigger an intense sweat that will help detoxify your system. Scientists have identified the presence of harmful BPA (Bisphenol A), PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), and heavy metals in the sweat droplets produced during a sauna session.
When you begin to heat up inside a sauna your body reacts by trying to cool itself down. One of the key responses is an all-over body sweat. The sweat droplets open the pores in your skin and as they pass through they help remove toxins for your body.
GREAT FOR YOUR SKIN
Sauna is great for your skin. The intense heat triggers vigorous sweat that has a deep cleansing effect on your skin. Dry sauna triggers a greater sweat than a steam room. For more see – Do You Sweat More in a Sauna or Steam Room?
It opens your skin pores and releases dirt and grime that has gathered in the outer surface of your skin. And, as sweat droplets push through these pores the debris is flushed to the skin surface where it can be washed away.
A sauna session is a great way of caring and cleaning your skin. You’ll not only look great with your newly glowing skin but you’ll look feel fresh and deeply clean.
MIMICS EFFECTS OF EXERCISE
When you spend time in a sauna, your body mimics the effects of light-moderate exercise. Many of the physiological effects that kick in when you perform exercise – also kick in while you are in the sauna.
The most notable of these are increased cardiovascular activity and an intense sweat. Each of these has a healthy impact on your body. You will experience increased blood flow throughout the body and sweating will help detox your system and cleanse your skin.
You’re getting many of the benefits of gentle exercise, such as walking, just by relaxing in a sauna. So, what is saunas good for – they mimic gentle exercise.
LOWERS RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA
Saunas are good for your brain health. And there’s scientific evidence to prove it.
A study conducted by Dr. Jari Laukkanen of the University of Eastern Finland found that regular sauna use lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
The study was conducted by observing the effects of sauna on over 2,300 participants. And, participants were encouraged to spend 19 minutes in a sauna at a temperature of 176 °F, four to seven times per week.
READ NEXT
PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP
Sauna is good for promoting better sleep. An evening sauna session is a great way to unwind, calm the mind, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. The heat is a great way of soothing both the
the mind and body.
Remember, if you are using a sauna before bed – make sure you are properly hydrated before you get in. If you want to promote good sleep you need to make sure the sauna session does make you feel dehydrated just before you go to bed.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
Sauna may be an effective way of lowering blood pressure. Several studies have shown that sauna bathing may play a role in the modulation of blood pressure (also known as hypertension).
However, if you have any underlying conditions you should seek the advice of a medical professional before entering a sauna. Spending time in a sauna can place a strain on the body – so check it’s ok for you, before jumping in at the deep end.
HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS
Heat shock proteins are tiny molecules your body produces in response to stress. These molecules play a central role in protecting and maintaining the health of our cells. Heat shock proteins help defend a cell, prevent damage, and allow it to continue its normal function.
And the good news is that your body may produce increased levels of HSPs when in a sauna. A study by Rhonda P.Patrick and published in Science Direct in May 2021 found a link between exposure to high temperature and increased HSP production.
FEELS GREAT
And, perhaps the most important of all. Spending time in a sauna just feels GREAT! Sauna is deeply relaxing – for both mind and body. And, providing you stay properly hydrated when in a sauna – you will feel energized and refreshed afterward.
So, what are saunas for? They are for many things. They are for the way they make you feel, relax, and socialize. And, there are many potential health benefits associated with sauna heat therapy. Many of them even have scientific evidence to back them up.
RELATED
- SAUNA BEFORE OR AFTER WORKOUT?
- PROPER SAUNA ETIQUETTE
- SAUNA v STEAM ROOM
- SORE THROAT & SAUNA
- IS SAUNA GOOD FOR A HANGOVER?
- ORIGINS OF SAUNA
WHAT ARE SAUNAS FOR FAQ
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SAUNA?
The benefits of sauna include deep relaxation – for both body and mind, system detox, skin cleansing, and heart health. In fact, there is a wide range of potential health benefits from spending time in a sauna. However, most people just love the way it helps them relax and makes them feel.
IS SAUNA GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
No, sauna is not good for weight loss. You will not burn calories or lose weight in a sauna. You will sweat and lose water weight thanks to the intense heat. But this water must be replaced as soon as possible to prevent dehydration. Therefore you will get no long-term weight loss effect from a sauna.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SIT IN A SAUNA?
You should sit in a sauna for as long as you feel comfortable and no longer. Never stay inside longer than you feel comfortable. Beginners should start low and slowly work their way up if they feel comfortable doing so. And, make sure you drink plenty of water and stay properly hydrated. For more see: How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna – click here.
DO SAUNAS DETOX YOUR BODY?
Yes, saunas can help detox your body. The intense sweat you experience in a sauna will open your pores and flush harmful substances from your body, such as – BPA (Bisphenol A), PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), and heavy metals.
IS A SAUNA GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
Sauna is great for your skin. Sweating in a sauna is like a deep clean for your skin tissue. As your body heats up, your pores open, and dirt and grime are pushed to the surface by sweat droplets. You’ll look and feel great afterward.
WHY USE A SAUNA AFTER WORKING OUT?
Using a sauna after a workout can help speed up your recovery. In response to the intense heat, your body will increase cardiovascular activity and pump more blood around your body. This oxygen and nutrient-rich blood will speed up the natural healing and growth process. And, it will speed up your recovery.
READ NEXT
- THE BEST SAUNA BLANKETS REVIEWED
- DOES SAUNA DAMAGE YOUR HAIR?
- TYPES OF SAUNA HEATER
- WHAT TO WEAR IN THE SAUNA
About the Author
JAKE RAOUL
• Sauna Specialist
Meet Jake, a man with a passion for sauna therapy. Jake’s background is in science and his passion is wellness and basketball. Growing up in Orlando Florida, Jake enrolled in Florida International University where he graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences.
As a young man, he worked in the spa and wellness center at the renowned Breakers Palm Beach luxury hotel. Here he developed his skills and understanding of client-centered wellness delivery. Upon graduating from Florida International University he took up a research position focusing on the application and practical effects of steam therapy.
His research has contributed to advancing the understanding of steam sauna therapy and how it can be applied in the occupational health environment. His work in this area has been officially recognized for its impact on the field.
Jake is a devoted fan of the Orlando Magic basketball team. When not working and advancing his research he enjoys attending games at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. He also likes to remain active in his local sports community and volunteers as a basketball coach for his local youth team.
With his background in scientific research and passion for wellness, Jake is a valuable addition to the Home Sauna Heaven writer’s team where he shares his knowledge and understanding of sauna therapy, steam sauna therapy, and how they can be used for best effect.
I think saunas are best used for three things… relaxation, relaxation, and relaxation!!!
🙂 🙂 🙂