Exploring the Health Benefits of Saunas
Custom-Cut Saunas, Far-Infrared Saunas, Infrared Saunas, Saunas
Popularity Is Growing in the US
We have recently begun carrying Finnleo saunas. Finnleo is the market leader in both traditional and infrared saunas—in fact, they have the most complete line available. From entry-level portable saunas, to deluxe custom cut saunas with custom lighting, custom benching and multiple wood choices and styles, Finnleo has a sauna for every taste and budget.
In honor of Finnleo, we wanted to take a moment and explore the reasons why people use saunas for their health!
A traditional sauna allows the human body to sweat, which flushes out toxins. It is the largest organ in the body; and it plays a major role in the detoxifying process (along with the lungs, kidneys, bowels, liver and the lymphatic and immune systems). Skin produces cool sweat to regulate the body’s elevated temperature in a sauna. It also has the ability to transform toxins from lipid-soluble or oil-based, into water-soluble forms, which are easier for the body to eliminate. Sweat carries toxins out of the body and flushes them through the pores.
Much has been made of the health benefits of sauna bathing. The body’s response to gentle, persistent heat is well-documented and proven day in and out by people all over the world.
Key Health & Wellness Benefits of Saunas
1. Saunas relieve stress.
Not surprisingly, sauna bathers most frequently cite stress reduction as the number one benefit of sauna use. Medical studies often determine that stress in our daily lives can negatively affect our health. In fact, the vast majority of disease (i.e. heart disease) is at least partially stress-related. Heat bathing in a sauna provides stress relief in a number of ways. The heat from the sauna relaxes the body’s muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s all-natural “feel good” chemical, and their release provides a truly wonderful “after sauna glow.”.
2. Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints.
Under the high heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable “tranquilizing effect” and the ability to minimize the pain of arthritis and muscle soreness from, say, an intense physical workout. Body temperature also rises from the heat of the sauna. This causes blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This increased blood flow in turn speeds up the body’s natural healing process to soothe aches and pains and/or speed up the healing of minor bruises or cuts. After participating in physical sports, use of an infrared and/or steam sauna promotes muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and eliminating lactic acid and/or other toxins that may be present.
3. Sauna cleanses the skin.
Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty and health 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. Sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve the capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer look and feel.
4. Saunas can induce a deeper sleep.
Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins, body temperature is raised in the late evening only to fall once bedtime comes around. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating sleep. Numerous sauna bathers worldwide recall the deep sleep experiences that they feel after bathing in the calming heat of a sauna.
5. Saunas bring about recreational and social benefits.
While the social benefit is rarely talked about, it’s really quite important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be used as a relaxing environment for socializing with family and friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.
6. Saunas improve cardiovascular performance.
In the high temperatures of a traditional or infrared sauna, skin heats up and core body temperature rises. Blood vessels near the skin dilate and “cardiac output” increases. Medical research has told us that the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm (beats per minute) to 110-120 bpm in the sauna.
7. Saunas burn calories.
While some individuals may experience high amounts of calorie burn at first – particularly those individuals in poor shape to begin with – over the long term, saunas are simply treated as one of many tools in the arsenal when it comes to burning calories. The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from the conversion of fat and carbohydrates in a bodily process that burns up calories.
8. Saunas can help fight illness.
German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional saunas), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies – especially when used with steam.
9. Saunas just feel good.
A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for your body. Whether it’s the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or if it’s simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat of the sauna, every seasoned sauna bather agrees – it feels wonderful! As we progress through our stressful everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat – where we can relax and restore body and soul.
We hope you will stop in and visit our Finnleo “store within a store” display at our East Rochester location to see the quality for yourself. At Pettis Pools & Patio, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have.