Sauna Health Benefits

In today's hectic, nonstop world, health and fitness demands frequently get superseded by more pressing responsibilities. Finding time to exercise, eat right, and squeeze in moments of needed relaxation is increasingly difficult. This has led to a host of miracle solutions that claim to do all three. Taking a regular sauna, however, is one activity that might actually live up to the claim. Below are some FAQs that explain how.

FAQs About Saunas and Healthy Living

Who invented the sauna?

Archeological remains and historical texts point to the fact that the purifying benefits of heat and steam have been known for eons. Early man frequently established homes and villages as close as possible to naturally occurring hot springs, due to their healing effects. Throughout history, the medicinal value of the sweat bath has been recognized in many cultures. The African Sifutu, Russian banai, Islamic hammam, and Native American sweatlodge are all forms of sweat baths. But it was the Roman thermaes (or heated bath halls) which are most responsible for exposing the world to the benefits of heated spas. These were found throughout the vast Roman empire.

The modern wooden sauna as we know it today has its origins in Finland. There, saunas are still considered a place of spiritual, mental, and physical rejuvenation. Today, technological advances have given rise to a number of innovations which allow people around the world to enjoy the health benefits of both dry and steam heat.

How does sweating improve my health?

Sweating is one of the most important functions of the body. It regulates temperature, rids the body of toxins and wastes, and keeps the skin clean by opening its pores. Physicians suspect that insufficient perspiration and inactive lifestyles are two contributors to toxin related causes of kidney and liver damage. Regular visits to a sauna can counter the effects of harmful environmental chemicals found in our food and water, and speed our body's disposal of accumulated contaminants.

Can regular visits to the sauna help me lose weight?

Yes, and not just water weight. By taking a sauna after you workout, you can burn an additional 300-500 calories. It's also a great way to increase the blood circulation to tired muscles and joints. Athletes can benefit from a sauna before workouts and competitions as well. Saunas increase heart rate, and the heat improves flexibility by warming the joints.

How do saunas work to relieve stress?

Perhaps the greatest benefit offered by modern saunas is deep, stress-relieving relaxation. Not only does a good sweat encourage a great night's sleep, but the gentle warming creates increased blood flow and soothes stored muscle tension. By providing additional ways for the body to rid itself of excess salt and other waste products, saunas can also reduce hypertension. Adding herbs to sauna stones or coals increases the therapeutic effect on respiratory passages, and can provide aroma-therapeutic soothing to frayed nerves. In addition to all these factors, saunas have long been used to promote a feeling of spiritual well-being, which is reported to carry over into many other areas of life.