Saunas are becoming increasingly popular around the world — and for good reason! Here are 18 benefits of saunas and why you might want to consider them for your health.
1. Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Saunas have been shown to optimize the production and reception of the natural antidepressants in our brain — dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It’s also been shown they help to lower the level of cortisol in the body, the chemical associated with stress and tension.
2. Boosts immune system
Increased circulation means more blood flows from the cellular level to the skin’s surface, strengthening the immune system. A number of studies show that saunas can significantly improve the body’s ability to fight illness, reducing the incidence of cold and flu by about 30%.
3. Flushes toxins
Deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemicals – which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.
4. Promotes cardiovascular health
Based on recent studies, frequent sauna use has been shown to reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and hypertension.
5. Aids in recovery
Blood vessels dilate allowing for increased blood circulation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to body tissues and thus helping speed up the body’s natural healing process.
6. Promotes long-term brain health
A recent study conducted by researchers in Finland found that men who used a sauna four to seven times a week had a 66 percent lower risk of developing dementia, and 65 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
7. Acts as a natural moisturizer
Sweating draws additional oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface; promoting skin cell rejuvenation. This process aids in moisturizing your face and body naturally and without any toxic or clog filling chemicals.
8. Improves sleep quality
Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. Endorphins rise during heat therapy then fall in a slow, relaxing decline as the body cools, which is key in facilitating sleep. Sauna bathers worldwide enjoy the deep sleep experiences resulting from the calming heat of an evening sauna.
9. May help balance hormones
Stress reduction helps to lower stress hormones (cortisol), which helps keep the thyroid, insulin, DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen in balance. Saunas help the adrenals secrete aldosterone, which helps keep electrolytes balanced as well.
10. Younger, healthier looking skin
As you step into a sauna, circulation increases in the same way moderate to intense cardiovascular exercise would inspire, which brings more nutrients and oxygen to the surface of the skin. This helps to support an efficient, bright, vibrant feel.
11. Lowers blood pressure
Heat exposure helps with arterial compliance (arteries flexibility) as well as haemodynamic (the ability of your blood to flow easily across your body). In fact, it is strongly recommended for people who suffers from high blood pressure & cardiovascular diseases to use the sauna multiple times a week.
12. Improves acne and overall skin health
Deep sweating is an excellent way of filtering out skin impurities lodged in your pores like excess sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, or bacteria. The result? You enjoy clearer skin without any expensive creams, harsh beauty treatments, or prescription medications.
13. Promoted strength at the cellular level
Applying heat from a sauna actually changes composition of the body at a cellular level. Cells become more resistant to heat, stronger, and overall healthier.
14. Aids in pain relief
Heat penetrates tissue, joints, and muscles to relieve anything from minor aches and pains to chronic conditions. Professionals incorporate heat therapy into treatment plans to decrease pain speed up recovery time.
15. Increases collagen production
Collagen is beneficial because it provides our skin and organs elasticity and strength; however, as we age, our bodies slow down this production. Sitting in a sauna helps fight this as it increases the production of collagen in the body.
16. Improves energy
Studies show that heat therapy recharges mitochondria, energizing us from a cellular level. For this reason, sauna use is a common practice for increasing energy and stamina.
17. Helps autoimmune disease, chronic pain, and headaches
Heat therapy is proven to help with various medical conditions including chronic tension headaches. In addition, sauna therapy helps reduce pain and fatigue associated with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
18. May help reverse UV damage
Although this effect is still being studied, in some cases, people have seen a reverse in UV damage on skin, including burns, scars, and signs of aging.
A sauna is not only a great place to relax and unwind; it’s great for your body. Most people who begin using a sauna on a regular basis will notice the difference in overall physical and mental health very quickly. As we progress through our stressful everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat – where we can relax and restore body and soul.
