Physically, nothing is more invigorating and relaxing than a deep, soothing sweat at the sauna.
But did you know that there are a lot more benefits to visiting the sauna?
The body’s positive response to soft yet persistent heat is well-known and all around the world people make use of the various health benefits.
Want to learn more about the sauna’s purifying effects? Keep reading.
Unsurprisingly, many sauna-lovers note stress reduction as the number one advantage of visiting a sauna. And as we all know, the stress in our daily lives negatively affects both our mental and physical health.
Bathing in a sauna reduces stress in several ways. For one, it’s a quiet, warm, and cozy space where you can take time for yourself from the outside world. Plus, the warmth from the sauna relaxes the body, increases blood circulation, and releases more endorphins.
Endorphins are the body’s ‘happy’ chemical, and release boosts mood and reduces stress.
Likewise, endorphins also have a mild yet pleasant ‘tranquilizing effect’. This means they help reduce the pain of issues such as arthritis and muscle soreness from working out.
On a sauna visit, body temperature also increases from the warmth of the sauna. This results in the blood vessels dilating which, in turn, increases blood flow. The quickened blood circulation helps speed up the body’s healing process by relieving aches and improving the healing time of minor injuries such as bruises or cuts.
Many of us don’t work up a sweat daily. However, deep, invigorating sweat offers health benefits for the body.
Sweat production generally works to cool the body. However, deep sweating in a sauna helps flush out toxins that are often absorbed from interacting with the atmosphere and environments. Some of these pollutants include lead, copper, zinc, nickel, and mercury.
These toxins aren’t beneficial, and a deep sauna cleanse will help flush them out, detoxifying the body.
Incredibly, sauna use is also thought to reduce the risk of both Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, visits must be regular for effects to take place. Visiting a sauna four to seven times a week is recommended to help lower the risk of these diseases.
Another of the sauna benefits includes deeper and more relaxed sleeping. Sauna use increases the release of endorphins, and these endorphins start to fall at bedtime.
This slow, healthy, and relaxing decline in endorphins helps promote a richer and more comfortable snooze. Many sauna-lovers adore the deep sleep experiences they have following time spent bathing in the calming warmth of a sauna.
If you’re feeling under the weather, then a trip to the sauna may be just the medicine. Sauna use can significantly lessen the incidences of colds and influenza among regular visitors.
When the body is exposed to the warmth of a sauna and steam, more white blood cells are produced which work to combat illnesses and fight viruses.
Likewise, saunas can help improve the nasty symptoms of sinus congestion that result from colds or allergies. This is especially relevant when saunas are used with steam. The steam vapor helps to reduce congestion and is a lovely feature of the traditional sauna experience.
One of the best sauna effects is that it helps deep cleanse the skin. When the body starts to sweat in a sauna, the skin is cleansed, and dead skin cells are replaced to keep your skin in great working condition.
Deep sweating washes the bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Plus, the cleansing of the pores helps enhance the capillary circulation offering the skin a soft and supple glow.
One positive of regular spa use that isn’t talked about much is the social benefit. While it may not be the first advantage you think of when going to the spa, it’s quite important.
For some, they see the spa as a private, personal space for solitude and relaxation.
However, for others, it can be a relaxing area for socializing with family, friends, and new people. The sauna environment is open to how you’d like it to be, and the beauty of the sauna atmosphere is that this is widely accepted by sauna-goers.
Finally, we get to the number one reason why people love the sauna. It’s incomparably relaxing, of course.
Not only is a sauna great for your body, but it feels incredible too. Whether it’s the physiological shifts that occur during the heat of a sauna, or if it’s the time spent relaxing in the soothing and still retreat of the sauna environment, it feels wonderful.
For many, everyday life can bring many stresses, but the sauna is one place we can turn to for a pampering treat. There we can escape from our daily pressures and can relax both our body and soul.
Sauna bathing allows us to feel better, look better, and sleep better!
Considering how beneficial the sauna is, you may be ready to visit one for a relaxing and invigorating experience.
When it comes to risks, there are very few, especially compared to the positives. Just remember to drink lots of water before, during, and after your spa experience so you stay hydrated. You also shouldn’t spend too much time in the sauna for one session.
For a trip to our spa, book an appointment here. We look forward to welcoming you!
