5 Health Benefits of Sitting In A Sauna

Are there health benefits of sitting in a sauna?

You bet!

People have enjoyed sauna therapy for years – primarily for relaxation within a stress-free environment.

Having originated in Finland, saunas are now used the world over in both spas and homes. If you enjoy using saunas, did you know that they have a whole array of surprising health benefits? Here are 5 benefits you can enjoy if you use a sauna today.

1. Increased circulation

Everyone who steps foot in a sauna will experience an increase in their circulation. This happens because the heat causes your heart to beat faster, and your blood vessels to widen. This helps blood make its way around your body much more freely.

Why is this such a benefit? Because it can help and improve certain health issues. For example, better circulation can help with muscle soreness, which athletes and other keep fit enthusiasts could benefit from. As well as this, it can improve joint movement, therefore increasing your mobility if you have issues with your joints. Finally, improved circulation can help with arthritis, decreasing pain and increasing mobility. It’s surprising how much improving your circulation can do.

2. Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

A study in Finland followed men over the course of 20 years, to see how they reacted to cardiovascular disease and other similar issues. As part of that study, it kept track of how often these men used a sauna in a given week.

A surprising result that came out of this study was that men who used a sauna at least once a week were much less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, or sudden cardiac death. In fact, the more they used a sauna, the less chance they had of suffering these illnesses.

It’s thought that these results happen because the sauna has a similar effect to moderate exercise in most people. When you use one, your heart rate increases and circulation improves. Because of this, the cells in the heart function better as more blood is being pumped to them.

While a sauna shouldn’t be used in place of a healthy exercise regime, it certainly can supplement it and keep the risk of cardiovascular disease down.

3. Help with weight loss

There are all kinds of ways in which you can try and lose weight these days, but have you thought about how a sauna can help? It’s been found that it can actually help you lose weight by using one. Your heart rate increases while you’re in a sauna, thanks to the dry heat. It’s been suggested that spending 20 minutes in a sauna can help you lose up to 500 calories.

This happens because your body’s metabolism speeds up in a similar way as it does when you exercise. Again, this isn’t going to replace exercise in your lifestyle, but it’s a fantastic way to help you keep your weight under control.

4. Flush toxins from your body

It’s fair to say that most people don’t actively sweat on a daily basis. As many jobs are sedentary, you don’t get the chance to get out there and move as much as you’d like to. That means that you don’t get to sweat as much as you need to.

Yes, you really do need to sweat. You especially need to do so in today’s environment. Just by stepping outside your door, you’re exposed to all kinds of harmful elements that you’re absorbing right into your skin. What’s the solution?

Using a sauna is actually one of the best ways of flushing these toxins from your body. This is because elements such as lead, arsenic and cadmium are all deep in your skin. By spending time in a sauna, you can actually sweat those elements out. It’s a safe and easy way to counteract the effects of these elements in your body.

5. It relieves stress

Many sauna users have known for years that using saunas is a great way to relieve stress. There’s several reasons why:

• You’re choosing to relax: When you step into a sauna, you’re cutting yourself off from the world outside. That means no computers, phones, or anything else that can try and get your attention. All you have to do is sit back and relax.
• Release endorphins: Thanks to the increased heart rate you’ll get after sitting in a sauna, you’ll get more endorphins around your body. These ‘feel good’ chemicals help you relax and feel happier in yourself.
• Social time: If you choose to spend time in a sauna with friends, then it’s a great way to socialise. No one’s spending time on their phone or getting distracted, and you’re all getting the same health benefits. As well as this, socializing in general is a great way to unwind. Why not combine it with the health benefits of the sauna?

A home sauna can give you all these benefits, and more

If all these benefits sound good to you, then perhaps it’s worth having a sauna installed in your own home. There’s all kinds of benefits you can enjoy for yourself, and it’s much more cost effective than you’d think.

• A private sauna: Your sauna will be yours and yours alone to enjoy. You can shut the door behind you and shut the rest of the world out. There’s nothing better than having the whole sauna to yourself.
• Convenience: You no longer have to travel to your nearest spa or gym to use a sauna, you can simply step into the next room and you’re there.
• Health benefits: you can take advantage of the health benefits of saunas whenever you want.

If you live with health conditions that can be helped by a sauna, then getting a home sauna is a smart move. Look after your health in the comfort of your own home.

Now you know just how much a sauna can benefit you. Give it a try and see how a sauna can improve your health. You’ll be amazed by how much better you feel.