A sauna has been used to relax many people for thousands of years worldwide while being in a dry heat room. In fact, studies have found that they also have health benefits, especially when the user spends at least 20 minutes sauna bathing. As the skin temperature rises, heavy sweating comes while the heart rate rises as the body attempt to keep cool.
What Are The Types Of Sauna?
Saunas have main types that differ based on how they’re heated and how the air feels to the person using them.
- Wood-Burning Saunas. This is the old type of sauna in its most authentic form that does not require electricity. Also known as “savusauna,” a Finnish kind of sauna, they are open fire to heat a pile of rocks used to stand up to high temperatures without cracking or becoming damaged. The most ofen used rocks are peridotite, basalt, and hornblende are often used.
- Electrically Heated Saunas. Another option is an electrically heated sauna. These use an electric stove or similar heat sources, like propane or natural gas. Since it has a heating design, they are quick to heat, clean, and convenient. In fact, the max temperature of an electric sauna is 194° F (90° C).
- Infrared Saunas. Unlike the traditional saunas, the air doesn’t heat up in an infrared sauna. Instead, an infrared lamp is used alongside the electromagnetic radiation. Moreover, infrared saunas operate between 120-140˚ F (49-60° C) at lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas, which typical temperature range is 150-180˚ F (65-82° C), allowing the heat to penetrate deeper and more directly into the skin than simply warm air, resulting in more intense sweat using infrared saunas.
- Steam rooms. They are common in Turkish traditions and Eastern European. Steam rooms feature a moist heat, typically operating at around 104° F (40° C), with the main source of heat being steam. So to make these any hotter, there is a need to add more steam, and one must practice safety precautions as it can quickly reach dangerous, scalding temperatures.
What Medical Conditions Can Benefit Sauna?
Besides making a person feels relaxed and rejuvenated, there are many other potential sauna benefits that modern science is beginning to discover.
Increased Circulation
One of the best benefits one can expect from relaxing in a sauna is dramatically improving circulation. When the body is exposed to heat, the heart begins to work harder, allowing the blood vessels to expand and allowing blood to flow more freely throughout the body. This is important as it helps promote overall health that supports the body when there ae pain in the muscles pains, which is great for athletes and fitness fanatics.
Reduces the risk of developing heart disease
Sauna is known to be used in supporting a healthy heart. In fact, a 20-year study conducted in Finland monitored participants and their sauna usage. After using, the results may show that those who relaxed in the sauna at least weekly were less likely to suffer from cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
This is for the reason that the sauna mimics moderate exercise in most people when using it. Moreover, even if a sauna can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, it should not be used as an alternative to a regular exercise routine.
Support a weight loss program
Many weight loss fads these days, but many people overlook the positive impact sauna use can have on weight loss. Research has shown that increasing temperature increases the heart rate when using the sauna, alongside some people exasperating to 500 calories after 20 minutes since the body’s metabolism increases similarly to exercising.
Reduced blood temperature
Studies have claimed that sauna is used to reduce blood pressure and lower the risks of high blood pressure. But it’s unclear whether saunas affect blood pressure in the long term or just temporarily.
Flush toxins from the body
Since most jobs are sedentary and involve sitting behind a desk, most people don’t sweat regularly. This could only mean that toxins in the atmosphere such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium that the body has absorbed get trapped deep in the skin.
People can sweat away those toxins by spending time in a sauna. It’s a safe and straightforward approach to reducing the harmful effects of these substances in your body.
A great reliever of stress
There are several reasons why saunas are a great stress reliever. Firstly, when choosing to relax in a sauna only means isolating oneself from the outside world. With no phones, laptops, or tablets to distract you, one can fully relax and unwind. Another reason is the release of endorphins, which are produced at a higher rate with an elevated heart rate, allowing an individual to feel great while relaxing.
Skin problems
When using a sauna, the skin becomes dry. In fact, some people with psoriasis have claimed that their symptoms had reduced while using a sauna. This does not apply to those with atopic dermatitis, as it may worsen.
Asthma
People with asthma may find relief from some symptoms due to using a sauna. A sauna may help open airways, loosen phlegm, and reduce stress.
What Are The Risks Of Sauna?
While saunas are relatively safe for most people, people with uncontrolled heart disease and high blood pressure should check with their doctors before taking a sauna.
Below are some general precautions when using saunas:
- Make sure not to drink alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and overheating before and after the sauna.
- Do not use the sauna when sick or felt unwell before the session and
- Cooldown gradually afterward.
- Stay in no more than 15–20 minutes.
- Make sure to Drin two to four glasses of cool water always after a sauna session.
The Bottom Line
Sauna has potential benefits for many significant health challenges facing today’s population. Affinity Well Spa offers a Medical Sauna, which is a medical-grade infrared sauna used for detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, improved blood circulation, reduced pain, improved skin health, antiaging, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved immune function, improve sleep, stress management, and overall relaxation.
