A sauna is a house or room that is designed in such a way that you can experience heat sessions, either wet or dry. When it comes to its benefits, only a doctor can truly determine how a sauna benefits you as an individual, but in general terms it has several benefits.
It helps in the burning of additional calories. The sweating process experienced in a sauna requires a notable amount of energy and this is gotten from the conversion of carbohydrates and fat in a process that burns calories.
One of the oldest skin maintenance technique is heat bathing. Sauna helps in cleansing the skin. Producing sweat via deep-sweating cleanses the skin and replaces dead skin cells. This cleansing improves the capillary circulation giving the skin a softer-looking quality.
Another great benefit of the sauna is fighting illnesses. Exposure to such kind of heat helps in the rapid growth of white cells which in turn create a strong immune system. Sinus congestion from allergies or colds are also relieved by saunas especially when used with steam.
It also improves cardiovascular performance. Cardiac output increases in response to increased heat levels. Taking a cold shower or a cool deep into a pool or a lake after these heat sessions helps even more in cardiovascular conditioning. This is because rapid temperature change increases the heart rate by as much as 60%. The heart muscles are not only trained but it also improves the body’s regulatory system.
It helps in muscle relaxation. Under high heat the body releases endorphins which have a tranquilizing effect on muscle soreness(from an intense workout session) and on pain of arthritis. Due to rise in body temperature, blood vessels dilate causing an increase in body circulation. This in turn speeds up the natural healing process of the body through soothing pains and aches and also by speeding up healing of cuts and minor bruises.
Lastly, sauna’s greatest benefit is definitely its ability to make you feel good. Every seasoned sauna bather agrees that it feels amazing if not wonderful. Whether its psychologically or physically it has a way with people. Going through our every day stressful lives is made easier by its relaxing abilities that restore both body and soul. It’s something that not only makes you sleep and feel better but also look better.