Overall well-being
Heat has the power to heal in so many ways, thanks to the body's ability to respond to it. Sweat production, heart rate increases, hormone releases, and more are all ways the body positively reacts to heat. And each response, whether physiological or psychological, offers profound health benefits, emotional well-being, and the list goes on.
The sauna heat combined with your preferred ambiance creates a powerfully relaxing, rejuvenating, healing and therapeutic space. As you settle in, the heat takes over and nourishes your body and mind. In short, regular sauna bathing is a wonderful, feel-good and good-for-you addition to your overall health and wellness plan.
Stress reduction & mood improvement
The enveloping heat, peaceful ambience, and restful setting of a sauna promotes relaxation. It's a perfect opportunity to unwind, rest your mind, breathe deeply, and generally slow down in a way that is healing and restorative. Moments of solitude paired with deep heat and your preferred therapeutic practices (i.e. medication, breath work, prayer) can work wonders on your physical and physiological well-being.
If you're interested in the science and research behind how sauna effects the brain to support stress reduction and mood enhancement.
Fitness support
Sauna relaxes muscles and soothes aches in both muscles and joints. Under the high-heat of a sauna, the body releases endorphins, body temperature rises, blood vessels dilate allowing for increased blood circulation.
Before physical activity, enjoy a few moments in the sauna to warm your body in preparation for work it is going to perform. The sauna is a great addition to your pre-workout warm-up.
After physical activity, allow the heat and steam of a sauna to promote muscle relaxation by reducing muscle tension and eliminating lactic acid and other toxins that may have built up during your workout.
Social connection
The important social benefits of sauna are often underrated or dismissed entirely. While the sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude, it can just as easily be a perfect environment for socializing with family, friends, and soon-to-be-friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate, and quiet conversation.
Calorie burn
Saunas are one of many tools to facilitate calorie burn. Saunas induce sweating, and sweating requires a notable amount of energy.
A 2019 study researched sauna calorie expenditure in young, sedentary, and overweight men (45 participants ages 19-24, with a mean body weight of ~190 lbs.). Results identified caloric burn was present, and influenced by a variety of factors, but specifically by both body mass and sauna duration. In the first of four 10-minute sauna sessions an average of 73 calories were burned, and in the last session the average increased to 153 calories.
Toxin release
In the heat of a sauna core body temperature rises and sweating begins. Sweat production is primarily designed to cool the body, and is composed of 99% water. However, deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of toxins, as well as food additives, preservatives and other environmental toxins in the body which are absorbed simply from interacting with our daily environments.
Skin care
Heat bathing is one of the oldest health and beauty strategies in terms of cleansing one's skin. When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced - keeping your skin in good working condition.
Sweating flushes out dirt and bacteria from the epidermal layer while leaving behind a minimal amount of beneficial oils. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking appearance and healthy glow. Regular sauna use can help purify the body from the inside out.
Relaxation & rejuvenation
Now that you know sauna is good for you, you should also know it just feels good, too. Whether it's the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat, every seasoned sauna bather agrees - it feels wonderful! As we progress through our everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat - where we can relax and restore body and soul. It's the best addition to your personal self-care routine.
