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Why Sit In A Sauna?
Health | November 15, 2014
A typical trip to the spa often involves some time spent in the sauna – that dry, hot room with a soaring temperature of up to 185 degrees. For many, this dry heat is relaxing and invigorating while for others it may just be a ridiculously hot room! Though you may get hot and bothered for all the wrong reasons, there are some legitimately good reasons to sit in a sauna. However, I wouldn’t say using a sauna is absolutely necessary and it’s definitely not a substitute for working out, but if one is available it does offer some benefits.
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of studies backed by legitimate research that clearly demonstrate the benefits of using saunas yet (though there are some). Much of the current evidence is based around the sauna’s use in various cultures such as its historic prevalence in Finland and Scandinavia.
Dr. Luke Fortnoy, an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, also offers some insight on the benefits of using saunas. In fact, Dr. Fortnoy frequently recommends using saunas for many of his patients and is a firm proponent of their therapeutic qualities. Dr. Fortnoy believes that saunas can lower blood pressure, relieve muscle tension and have a detoxifying effect, especially for our skin health.
Echoing one of the main reasons that saunas are in a frequent use in places like Finland and Scandinavia, Dr. Fortnoy also states: “It’s also a healthy way to bathe because it releases different toxins, so there are hygienic benefits. Not to mention, it relaxes the mind.”
Personally, one of the reasons that I find saunas and steam rooms to be beneficial is that they just feel good. They can be quite relaxing and often soothe my sore muscles. Do any of you guys use a sauna frequently? What are your thoughts on the benefits of using one?
Private Member |
Funny! I just arrived from a week-end at the Eastman SPA where I attended classes on hypotoxic diet. I tried the Infra Red sauna and indeed it is a lot easier to sustain. I really love the feeling of heat followed with a cold bath. It is great to stimulate and invigorate the body and mind. My husband and I go maybe 4 times a year only. We should go more often.
Private Member |
Personally, I love sauna and hot steam bath, but for me they are different. I’ll do the hot steam bath more to clean my skin, peel it right after it, do another session and end it with a cold shower and a nice body butter !
I’ll do sauna more after a ski day, or a nice intensive workout, cause I think it is really relaxing and help the body to get rid of many toxines. Always end the session with a very cold shower to feel all the benefits of the sauna… and most of it, make time to relax not only during but also after ! Very important…
Private Member |
I find that the sauna are great for all the reasons that you stated Zuzka. I have used them just for that very purpose and very happy that the gym I am apart of has that available. You can achieve that by creating the same atmosphere at home, but much better if you have it available if a member of a club. I enjoy you variety of information. Thank you!
Private Member |
I have read that losing the toxins (via sweating) is actually not a very viable option for some serious detoxification. If you want to detox your body, you’re far better off adjusting your diet and the cleaners that you use around your house. The pores in your skin can’t carry much out.
However, I love saunas, steam rooms, the whole bit. They do help me relax and center myself, and I have a tendency to be really cold, especially after I’ve sweated it out during a tough workout. 🙂 Moreover, when I’m sitting there, I do focus on replenishing fluids, which really helps in cleansing my system.
Private Member |
how often should you visit sauna or steam rooms?
Private Member |
hailey, id
I have a Far Infrared Hothouse Dome that I use for similar reasons.
There’s a thorough website with the history of this approved, medical device, and the benefits of the hothouse, here at: chimachine4u . com / hothouse . html
When I found I had breast cancer in August 2014, I started using it to kill the cancer. That’s how it works. Non-invasive, not overly hot, but still a great, heat that overheats cancer cells.
When I’m not feeling well, or if muscles are not doing well after too much exercise, I use it to relieve the pain, because it works.
I’m sure I’ve killed the cancer, having used it every day since September 2014, for about 3 years. In warmer months, I tend to use it when it’s colder, or on weekends, but not every day.
When my “western medicine” (his exact words in reply to my query about my condition) physician told me, specifically, that the hothouse kills cancer = and he was smiling as he said it, I made, but then promptly canceled my next biopsy appt with him. This breast cancer surgeon didn’t offer the hothouse to me, I had to tell him I’d purchased it. At first he was concerned about my choice, but he then lit up and said: “That kills cancer.” 2x in less than 5 minutes.
So – I love my hothouse and recommend it to anyone, everywhere, to look into it.
Private Member |
I see this article is older but I’m a big believer in the benefits of sauna often practiced by my ancestors. I do hot and cold cycles. I sit in the sauna while attempting to increase my time then take a cold shower and wash my hair. I then return to the sauna and work in my conditioner then hop in a cold shower. Today I brought a vinegar rosemary water blend for a final hair rinse. I sometimes massage in the sauna with my gua sha tool in particular my forearm, wrists and hands 🙌🏼