Thanks to their numerous health benefits, saunas have been used for centuries and are increasingly popular today. Regardless of the type of sauna you use, whether a traditional sauna that uses sauna rocks and can be enjoyed wet or dry or the modern infrared saunas that use light waves from specialized infrared emitters to heat your body, their health benefits are in abundance. 

Keep reading to learn more about a few of the top health benefits of both traditional and infrared saunas. Please note, while infrared saunas undoubtedly offer many benefits, the majority of studies regarding the benefits of regular sauna use are based on traditional sauna use.

1. Flush Toxins

One way through which our bodies flush toxins is through deep sweating. However, a good number of us don’t actively sweat on a daily basis, so this is where saunas come in. Typically, a regular sauna bath triggers deep sweating, which helps flush toxins from the body.

When in the sauna, your body temperature rises, and blood vessels dilate, increasing the blood flow. As more heated blood flows close to the skin, the sweat glands become activated and produce sweat. The sweat being secreted comprises 99% of water and also has a significant amount of toxins. These toxins include copper, zinc, lead, mercury, and nickel, which your body absorbs from its everyday environment.

The detoxification process from saunas increases your energy levels, improves mental clarity, strengthens your immune system, and promotes healthy skin, among other benefits. 

2. Relieve Stress

The heat from the sauna helps regulate the level of hormone cortisol released when you are experiencing stress. These high levels of cortisol can trigger several health issues such as sleeping difficulties, cardiovascular issues, and blood pressure issues, to mention a few.

The heat from the sauna can reduce your hormone cortisol level and instead stimulate the production of another hormone named serotonin. The hormone serotonin is also known as the ‘happy hormone,’ which leaves you feeling good after a sauna bath.

3. Fight Illness

Research has shown that most people who regularly step into saunas are able to reduce the incidences of colds and influenza significantly. This is because as your body gets exposed to the sauna heat, it produces more white blood cells. An increased number of white blood cells helps fight illnesses and kill viruses in the body. The sauna heat also helps relieve sinus congestion from colds and allergies.

4. Burn Calories

Saunas are a great tool when it comes to burning the extra calories in your body. As your body actively sweats, it uses a significant amount of energy derived from the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, a process that helps burn extra calories. The burning of extra calories helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing lifestyle diseases such as heart problems and obesity.

5. Relax Muscles and Soothe Pains

The high heat produced by saunas triggers the body to produce endorphins. Endorphins, also known as ‘feel-good hormones,’ work by binding with the brain’s opiate receptors to reduce your body’s perception of pain. The high endorphin levels help relieve muscle pain and soothe sore joints and muscles. The increased blood flow caused by increased body temperatures also speeds up your body’s natural healing process.

Typically saunas offer much-needed muscle relaxation after an intense physical workout or a tough day at work.

Your Rochester & Greece Sauna Experts

From the health benefits listed above, it’s evident that saunas go a long way in helping you feel good, look good, and lead a happy and healthy life. These hot rooms are good for your general health and are worth the investment. Please stop by one of our two sauna showrooms in Greece or East Rochester to learn more about the different sauna options we carry and to speak with one of the Pettis Pools & Spas sauna experts

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Pettis Pools & Patios is a Greece pool builder proudly serving East Rochester, Wayne County, Ontario County and the surrounding areas. Family-owned and operated since 1962, Pettis Pools & Patios specializes in all pool and hot tub services, including new pool construction, hot tub sales & installation, and swim spa sales & installation. Pettis Pools & Patios also serves as a leading pool & hot tub service provider throughout the area, specializing in regular pool service, inground vinyl liner replacement, hot tub service, LOOP-LOC safety cover installations, and much more. Pettis Pools & Patios is proud to have two conveniently located pool supply stores in Greece and East Rochester, where pool owners can find all of their pool and hot tub care needs. 

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