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With chilly, crisp days ahead, there is nothing nicer than heading to a relaxing, sizzling sauna. Aside from being a wonderful place to unwind, saunas heal – and it just takes sitting to regenerate! Incorporate this heat therapy into your routine and do wonders for your body and mind. For thousands of years, many cultures have used saunas for purification, cleansing, as well as for healing, according to Forbes Health. These spaces typically operate at temperatures ranging from 113 degrees to 212 degrees Fahrenheit and have varying humidity levels.
There are several types of saunas available today, explains Women's Health: traditional wood-burning saunas, electric saunas, and infrared saunas that utilize light waves to warm the body without raising the air temperature.
As there are certain precautions to consider, contact a professional before going into a sauna; and remember to stay hydrated before and after a session. Here are five ways a sauna may improve your well-being.
May enhance cardiovascular health
There is compelling evidence for a sauna's cardiovascular benefits, reports Forbes Health. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that regular sauna use (from one to seven times weekly) provided protection from cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes, and these benefits improved with increased frequency of sauna use.
Could help reduce stress and promote relaxation
Sauna bathing significantly reduces anxiety. This is because it decreases the stress hormone cortisol anywhere from ten to 40 percent, as seen in a study published in Medical Principles and Practice. Dr. Denise Millstine told Women’s Health that regular sauna practice, especially when integrated into a daily routine, or combined with social interaction, can effectively lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
May improve sleep and mood
After spending time in a sauna, people tend to sleep better at night. The practice helps them to wind down and also improves their mood, Dr. David Li explained to Women’s Health. He said that people who used saunas anywhere from five to 15 times per month demonstrated higher mental well-being scores. These feelings of positivity may also be a result of the social aspect found in sauna rooms.
Helps with pain and muscle relief
Sauna use can significantly reduce pain, particularly in joints and muscles, according to Healthline. This is because blood vessels dilate during sauna sessions, increasing blood flow and helping to relieve tension.
A study in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine found that saunas helped ease lower back pain. The study noted no adverse effects from sauna therapy and participants reported an improved quality of life.
May reduce inflammation
Regular sauna sessions may strengthen the immune system by reducing systemic inflammation, Dr. Reuben Chen explained to Forbes Health. As inflammation is caused by stress and autoimmune disorders, it is important to address this before it results in arthritis, cancer, or heart disease. So relax your way to optimal health and take a seat in a hot sauna.
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