Surprising Health Benefits of Regular Sauna Use: From Detoxification to Stress Relief
Saunas have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and healing properties.
The origins of the sauna can even be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans and the Greeks.
The Mayans
The Mayans were known to use saunas, which they called “temazcal.” The temazcal was a small, enclosed room made of stone or adobe, with a small entrance and a low ceiling. The room was heated by hot stones, which were placed in a pit in the center of the room and then covered with water to create steam.
The Mayans used the temazcal for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies, healing, and purification.
It was believed that the temazcal had a spiritual cleansing effect, and that it could help to purify the body and mind.
The Mayans also believed that the temazcal could be used to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, such as respiratory problems, arthritis, and muscle pain.
During a temazcal session, participants would enter the small room and sit on the floor, often in a circle. The door would be closed, and the heat from the hot stones would quickly fill the room, creating a humid and steamy environment. The participants would then engage in chanting, singing, or meditation, while the heat and steam worked to detoxify the body and promote relaxation.
Today, temazcal is still used by indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America as a traditional healing practice. It has also become popular among tourists, who are interested in experiencing the ancient Mayan ritual for themselves.
Now…
Saunas have started to become increasingly popular around the world again as people seek out ways to improve their health and wellbeing.
Saunas today are typically heated between 158°F to 212°F (70-100°C), using dry heat or steam. The heat causes you to sweat, which helps to flush out toxins and impurities from the skin, and promotes relaxation and stress relief.
I have even seen studies that showed sauna use may help with heavy metal detoxification!
There are several different types of saunas, including traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, and steam rooms.
Traditional Finnish saunas are heated using wood or electric stoves, and the heat is typically dry, with low humidity levels.
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat, which is absorbed by the body to heat it directly, rather than heating the air around it.
Steam rooms, on the other hand, use a steam generator to create steam, which is then released into the room.
My favorite type are the infrared saunas. I am not really a fan of the steam sauna rooms, but everyone has their own personal preference! I go to a place called Drop Sauna, but they even have saunas you can buy on Amazon now. They are pretty pricey, but eventually I will convince my husband to buy us one for the house.
Each type of sauna has its own unique benefits and properties, but all are designed to promote relaxation, detoxification, and improved health.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of sauna use, and explore the various ways in which sauna therapy can improve your health and wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, or enhance athletic performance, there’s a sauna therapy option for you.
Detoxification
One of the most well-known benefits of sauna use is its ability to aid in detoxification.
The high temperatures in saunas cause the body to sweat, which helps to flush out toxins and impurities from the skin. This process is called thermoregulation, and it is a natural way for the body to regulate its temperature and eliminate waste.
The sweat that is produced during sauna use contains a range of toxins and impurities, including heavy metals, chemicals, and environmental pollutants.
By sweating out these harmful substances, the body is able to reduce its toxic load, which can have a range of health benefits.
Regular sauna use has been shown to improve kidney function, which is responsible for filtering waste and toxins from the body.
In a study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, researchers found that sauna therapy helped to improve kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease, and could be a useful complementary therapy for these patients.
In addition to improving kidney function, sauna therapy has also been shown to help with the elimination of other toxins from the body, including pesticides, plastics, and other environmental toxins.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that sauna therapy could help to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the body, which are known to be harmful to human health.
Overall, the detoxification benefits of sauna use are numerous and can help to improve overall health and wellbeing. If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to flush out toxins and impurities from your body, regular sauna use may be just what you need.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Another major benefit of sauna use is its ability to improve cardiovascular health.
The high temperatures in saunas cause the body to work harder to regulate its temperature, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood flow.
This increased circulation can have a range of health benefits, including improving cardiovascular function.
Several studies have shown that regular sauna use can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that men who used saunas regularly had a lower risk of fatal cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The study followed over 2,000 middle-aged men for over 20 years, and found that those who used saunas 2-3 times per week had a 27% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular events compared to those who only used saunas once per week.
Sauna therapy has also been shown to help lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
In a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, researchers found that sauna use was associated with lower blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals.
In addition to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, sauna use can also improve overall heart health.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that regular sauna use was associated with improved vascular function, which is important for maintaining healthy blood flow and preventing heart disease.
Overall, sauna therapy can be an effective and natural way to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. If you’re looking for a way to improve your heart health, consider incorporating regular sauna use into your routine.
Stress Relief
In addition to its physical health benefits, sauna use can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The high temperatures in saunas can help to increase endorphin levels, which are natural mood-boosters.
Additionally, the heat can help to relax muscles and relieve tension, which can help to reduce stress levels.
A study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics found that sauna therapy was effective in reducing stress levels in athletes. The study followed a group of athletes who used saunas after intense exercise sessions, and found that the sauna therapy helped to reduce stress hormone levels and improve overall mood.
Sauna therapy can also help to promote better sleep. The relaxation benefits of saunas can help to calm the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep, which is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Do you want a few more ways to help with stress relief?
Well then check out my other post about it here….The Harms of Stress and How To Easily Reduce It
Improved Athletic Performance
Sauna use has also been shown to have benefits for athletic performance.
The increased blood flow and circulation that occurs during sauna therapy can help to improve muscle recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Additionally, sauna use can help to increase endurance and improve athletic performance.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that sauna therapy was effective in improving endurance performance in athletes.
The study followed a group of long-distance runners who used saunas after training sessions, and found that the sauna therapy helped to increase time to exhaustion and improve overall endurance.
In addition to its benefits for endurance athletes, sauna use can also be beneficial for strength athletes.
The increased blood flow and circulation that occurs during sauna therapy can help to improve muscle recovery and reduce soreness, which can be especially helpful for athletes who engage in high-intensity strength training.
Overall, sauna therapy can be a useful tool for athletes looking to improve their performance and reduce muscle soreness. If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, consider incorporating regular sauna use into your training routine.
Okay so now you have a bunch of reasons why you should start going to the sauna!
Even just once a week can have massive benefits on your physical and mental health.
Are you interested in starting a sauna routine? Comment below with your thoughts.
Should I do a Part 2? I could literally create a whole new blog post with more sauna benefits if anyone is interested. Send me an email or let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Here are some clinical sources if you want to check them out yourself 🙂
- Crinnion, W. J. (2011). Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems. Alternative medicine review, 16(3), 215-225.
- Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2018). Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. Jama internal medicine, 178(3), 347-355.
- Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Kauppinen, K. (2006). Health effects and risks of sauna bathing. International journal of circumpolar health, 65(3), 195-205.
- Scoon, G. S., Hopkins, W. G., Mayhew, S., & Cotter, J. D. (2007). Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 10(4), 259-262.
