Self-Care 101: The Health Benefits of Saunas

Health Benefits of Saunas

The health benefits of saunas have been touted for thousands of years, and for a good reason. Sweating it out in a sauna can make a person feel better and can even offer some life-changing benefits. Heat therapy has been used for thousands of years and is engrained in many cultures because of the health benefits that the heat provides. Having a deep, healthy sweat is reinvigorating for both the body and the mind, and is an excellent way to make the tension fade away. Typically a sauna is heated anywhere between 158° to 212° Fahrenheit, causing heavy sweating to occur. In fact, a person can sweat so much it’s not uncommon for a person to lose about a pint of sweat only after a short time in a sauna!

With the temperatures dropping, and wintery weather on the way, there is no better time than the present to get in some self-care. Sauna bathing during the colder months is an excellent way to bask in the heat, unwind, and so much more. Plus, having a good sweat every now and then can have some positive health benefits. If you are thinking about incorporating sauna bathing into your daily regime, or have found yourself on the fence, learn more about the many health benefits of saunas.

• Spending time in a sauna may or may not help with skin problems. For some, they find that the sauna works, while others are not so lucky. For example, while a sauna may not help someone with atopic dermatitis, saunas could significantly improve the symptoms of someone who has psoriasis.
• Saunas may offer some relief from asthma symptoms. Sitting in a heated sauna not only can help you reduce stress on the body, but it also may help loosen phlegm and open airways. All of which can help you breath better.
• The heat in a sauna can improve your circulation and help you relax after a long day. Sitting in a sauna can be a great way to enhance feelings of well-being, promote relaxation, and can even help reduce stress levels.
• Using a sauna may be linked to improving your cardiovascular health. The lower risk of a cardiovascular event is believed to be connected to the reduction in stress levels. A study in Finland was conducted, and it was discovered that increased sauna use was linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular-related diseases.
• Sitting in a sauna can increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to widen, increasing circulation. By increasing your blood flow, you may help ease arthritis pain, reduce muscle soreness, and even improve joint movement.