Saunas and sweat lodges have been used by humans for thousands of years as mystical healing experiences that can treat a wide variety of physical and mental symptoms.
In the last few decades, research teams have begun to examine the physical, mental, and emotional results of sauna use, and have found some pretty spectacular results.
It turns out that in this instance, ancient humans knew a little more than we’ve been giving them credit for.
There are several types of heat-based therapy available including dry saunas, infrared saunas, steam baths, and sweat lodges.
Each has its own specific focuses and some are more readily available in certain areas than others. The following will examine the recently-discovered benefits of using infrared saunas specifically.
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1. Spending Time In The Sauna Can Help You Detoxify Your Body
Using infrared saunas can improve the circulation of your blood as well as stimulate your sweat glands. This results in a release of the toxins stored in your body.
In particular, if the infrared sauna is visited regularly, the body will begin to release heavy metal toxins such as nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead as well as other organic and inorganic compounds that have a negative effect on the functioning of your body.
This might include alcohol, BPA, phthalates, sulfuric acid, and nicotine. All of these toxins can have long-term and damaging effects on your body, especially as they build up from accumulation throughout a lifetime.
2. Using A Sauna Can Improve The Health Of Your Heart And Cardiovascular System
In addition to helping with toxin expulsion, spending time in an infrared sauna helps bring your blood pressure down to healthy levels.
This in turn reduces your risk of heart attacks. One study found that men who visited a sauna between four and seven times a week were 50 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
While inside a sauna, your body temperature rises because the air around you is so hot.
When this happens your heart rate rises as well—usually reaching somewhere between 100 and 150 beats each minute—this is the same heart rate you’re likely to experience while doing moderate exercise.
Simply put, visiting a sauna exercises your heart.
3. Time Spent In A Sauna Supports A Healthy Immune System
When sitting in a sauna, your immune system is boosted.
Studies have found that even as little as fifteen minutes in the sauna can raise the number of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophil counts, all of which are crucial for a strong immune system.
It has also been found that those who regularly attend a sauna session catch fewer colds. This is because a strong immune system can handle colds, flu, viruses, and bacteria more easily which reduces the number of times a person gets sick.
It also ensures that if someone does end up getting sick, the symptoms are more mild and last for a shorter period of time.
4. Sauna Use Helps With Pain Reduction And Management
That’s right. Spending a little time in a sauna releases beta-endorphins which can help relieve inflammation, stiffness, and soreness because blood circulation is increased.
The professionals behind this site explain how infrared heat also helps to relax muscles which softens some forms of pain and increases muscle flexibility as well as the range of motion that can be comfortably executed.
Studies have found that sauna use can help ease certain forms of arthritis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness, fibromyalgia, and some kinds of chronic pain.
If you experience chronic or regular pain, speak to your doctor about whether sauna heat is a good fit for your pain management.
5. Spending Time In The Sauna Can Reduce Depression
Because sauna visits put the body under stress (your body is working hard to keep your temperature at a good level) your brain produces euphoric hormones as a coping mechanism.
This can result in a drastic improvement in your mood. The effects are semi-permanent, meaning if you devote some regular time to the sauna, you can end up with a consistent improvement in your mood.
After a single sauna treatment, study participants had a 50% reduction in their depression, which lasted for six weeks.
Sauna treatments have also been linked to an increase in appetite and a reduction in repetitive mental complaints which are both difficult to handle symptoms of depression.
6. Using A Sauna Also Reduces Anxiety And Stress
Spending time in a sauna also reduces the levels of cortisol (the main stress hormone in your body). This means that your immediate levels of stress and anxiety are reduced (this effect is semi-permanent).
It also means that if you are suffering from stress-related hormone imbalances saunas may be of assistance.
The above list of benefits is by no means exclusive. New and positive outcomes of sauna use are being discovered all the time.
Of course, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the heat when using a sauna, listen to your body and take a break. Don’t stick it out just because you are hoping to receive some of the benefits above.
Typically it is not advisable to stay within a sauna for more than thirty minutes, but many people feel their maximum comfort level happens earlier than the half an hour mark.
As with any medically-based decision, it is always advisable to speak to your doctor before pursuing a new method of treatment.
Particularly if you have a preexisting cardiovascular condition you should speak to your doctor before using a sauna.
As well, if you are pregnant, sauna use is not recommended as your child-to-be does not yet have the ability to regulate his or her body temperature.
This means that the heat might be too much for your little one, particularly in the first trimester of your pregnancy.
In addition to precautions taken by pregnant women, saunas should not be used at the same time or immediately after drinking alcohol.
The sauna will amplify the effects of the alcohol meaning just one or two drinks could turn messy.
Moreover, the chances of dehydration (and a brutal hangover) are increased and the risk of your blood pressure dropping low enough that you pass out exists.