The Benefits of Sauna Use

A few minutes a day is all it takes to look and feel better.

The body’s response to gentle, persistent heat is well-documented and proven day in and out by people all over the world. For Centuries people have used the power of heat for healing purposes. The Sauna as known in the western world today originates from Finland, which is where our sauna manufacturer Finnleo began over 100 years ago.

In disciplines such as Yoga, a daily sweat is acknowledged as one of the single best things you can do to stay healthy. Over the next few weeks we will look at the numerous health and wellness benefits of regular sauna use, and the different types of sauna options available at The Sundance Spa Store from Finnleo, the worlds largest Sauna manufacturer.

Saunas come in three varieties: dry, steam, and infrared. A dry sauna is based on the traditional Finnish sauna, with low humidity and a high temperature, from 176 to 212° F. A steam sauna has higher humidity and therefore cannot be as hot as a dry sauna.

Infrared saunas use heat panels that emit infrared light. Far-infrared saunas, such as the S-Series , emit shorter wavelengths that can penetrate the body up to 5 mm so that the heat can have a positive impact on joints and muscles in addition to the benefits of sweating. Due to the deep tissue penetration, infrared saunas operate at slightly lower temperatures than dry saunas while still heating up the body. This generally means that you can sit in the sauna for a longer period of time without becoming uncomfortable.

Chris Kresser, a globally recognized leader in the fields of ancestral health, Paleo nutrition, and functional and integrative medicine has this to say on what happens to your body when you use a sauna:

“Saunas are hot—so hot, in fact, that the body’s usual means of cooling down through sweating cannot compensate for the extreme heat. As a result, the oral temperature rises 1.8 to 5.4° F, and rectal temperature increases up to 1.6° F, depending on humidity, temperature, and duration. Heart rate increases by up to 130 percent. This is accompanied by increased cardiac output and reduced blood pressure.

The endocrine system responds to heat by increasing several circulating hormones. Growth hormone increases, which also happens after a deep sleep or fasting. Beta-endorphins, which are responsible for the “pleasure” and “analgesic” effects of a sauna, also increase. Norepinephrine increases, causing an increased heart rate.

A single sauna session stimulates the immune system. White blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and basophil counts are all increased, which may translate to fewer illnesses. In a six-month study, participants who engaged in regular sauna baths had significantly fewer colds than the control group over the same time period.

Saunas might also reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and degenerative diseases. After a 30-minute aerobic workout, men who recovered in the sauna had significantly lower markers of oxidative stress than those who followed their workout in room temperature.“- (Chris Kresser –The Health Benefits of Saunas).

Saunas not only feel good, but they are also great for your body, mind and soul. Whether it’s the physiological benefits or the mood changes that occur during the warmth of a Sauna session, Many Sauna users agrees – it feels Amazing!

A fantastic escape from our stressful everyday lives, a Finnleo Sauna provides a pampering retreat – where we can relax and restore body and soul. Whatever your taste, budget or space challenges, there is a Finnleo Sauna for you.