If you’ve ever tried using a sauna, you know how great you feel afterwards! You’re relaxed, energized, and ready to face the challenges of life. And numerous studies indicate that that feeling isn’t just in your head; health benefits of using a sauna are extensive.
Saunas (and heat therapy) are an ancient practice used by cultures around the globe as a vital part of illness prevention, as well as treatment for almost any illness. The heat is believed to flush out toxins and help maintain optimal mental and physical health.
All mammals use fever to deal with infections and heat has been used throughout human history in the form of hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam-rooms, sweat-lodges, steam inhalations, hot mud and poultices to prevent and treat respiratory infections and enhance health and wellbeing.
The National Institute of Health (NIH), “Turning up the heat on COVID-19: heat as a therapeutic intervention”
Over 2,000 years ago, the famous Greek physician Parmenides said, “Give me the power to create fever, and I will cure any disease.” The remains of ancient saunas have been found all over the world. However, the culture most well-known for their usage of saunas is the Finns. Earthen sauna pits dating back to 10,000 years ago have been found in Finland, where the practice is still very popular today.
We’ll be digging into the benefits of heat therapy in future articles. In general, studies show that the health benefits of using a sauna can play a big role in preventing or reversing illnesses such as:
High Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular Disease
Neurocognitive Diseases
Pulmonary Diseases
Arthritis
Headaches
Cold & Flu
Skin Disorders (Including Aging)
Obesity
Stress Related Disorders (Including Depression)
Emerging evidence suggests that sauna bathing may be linked to several health benefits, which include reduction in the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases; nonvascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases; mortality; and amelioration of conditions such as arthritis, headache, and flu.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence.”
Modern medicine is now taking the science of heat therapy seriously. They are seeing impressive results with hyperthermia treatments (which expose the body with temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition, studies found that sauna exposure raises heart rates to 120 beats to 150 beats per minute, giving the same cardiovascular benefits as moderate exercise. Saunas provide a form of whole-body hyperthermia that boosts health.
The practice of sauna usage is linked to lower blood pressure and decreased artery stiffness. In addition, subjects who visit a sauna four to seven times a week have 60 percent lower rates of heart disease and stroke than those who visit just once a week.
“Sauna may be a new way to reduce cardiovascular risk,” says lead researcher Jari Laukkanen, a cardiologist and professor at the University of Eastern Finland. “It is a kind of third factor in addition to diet and exercise.”
This is why we at Move It Studio are especially excited to offer infrared sauna treatments. It’s a part of offering a holistic approach to movement and wellness. We care about helping to support your healthy lifestyle! In this series, we’re taking a deep dive into the benefits of regular infrared sauna use.
We will cover:
In addition, we’ll look at Chromotherapy (Color Therapy) and discuss what exactly a “Far Infrared” sauna is.
Make sure to follow along in this blog series, as we explore sauna use and its life changing results..
NIH: Turning up the heat on COVID-19: heat as a therapeutic intervention
Gisundt Klinik fur Integrative Medizin
Finnish Saunas – History & Traditions
MAYO: Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence
Washington Post, They’re more than relaxing. Research shows saunas can be good for your health.
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