Sunday, April 6, 2008

Sauna Benefits


A Sauna is a small room heated to about an average eighty degrees and a place where people come to find relaxation. "Proponents of dry heat bath mention a feeling of psychological peace and contentment as well as physical rejuvenation."(askalice.com) They also have many other healthy benefits; here are a few:

  • Suanas increase metabolism and metabolic rate as much as doing cardiovascular activities.

  • A sauna can burn up to 600 calories in thirty minutes and can be used as a form of exercise for those that don't have the ability to. This is because the intense heat goes penetrates the skin and helps to break up fat and water pockets lying underneath it.

  • It's also been proven that saunas can help your immune system. The temperature of the sauna is equivalent to your body temperature this kills off bad cells and increases your white cell count; which fight off illnesses.

  • "Flushing out toxins via Sauna Therapy is indeed the most effective way in getting rid of years of accumulated toxins!" (savvyspa.com) When your pores release sweat you lose an abundant amount of toxins. Sweating profusely has proven to exert more toxins than both of your kidneys; which, in turn, relieves stress for your kidneys. Flushing out toxins through the skin is a way of reducing many dermatological problems such as; acne, burns, rashes, and extremely dry skin.

  • "High levels of stress put continuous strain in the autonomic nervous system and are one of the elusive causes of many chronic diseases. Heat therapy loosens the muscles and relieves muscular aches and pains. By facilitating the expansion of capillary vessels, thereby improving circulation, physical stress levels are reduced. The infrared rays also clear away build up of lactic acid and carbon dioxide around the muscles, by removing the toxins muscle and joint stiffness disappears. Besides these physiological effects, a sauna session also contributes to stress reduction simply by providing a peaceful and relaxing environmental away from it all." (saunaspa.com)

  • The release of toxins decreases cellulite!

  • Saunas have also been proven to relieve insomnia and other sleeping conditions.

  • There are numerous positive effects of saunas. They also can be recommended by doctors for those that have certain chronic illnesses and cardiac diseases. Saunas help people with heart diseases because they let the blood vessels relax which allows blood to flow more freely to other organs and throughout the entire body. This is exactly what some cardiac medications do so some victims of heart disease. These victims can lower their dose for the day and go to the sauna instead, which will save them a great amount of money over the years.





3 comments:

Sarah said...

I really enjoyed reading this post! I didn't know saunas could have so many positive influences on our bodies, especially the ability of high calorie burning. I need to start visiting the saunas more often!

rachel said...

This is very interesting. It makes sense that saunas would do that, but I hate saunas...maybe I'll have to work on liking them. haha

Geri said...

I love the sauna and use it at the gym about twice a week. It must be why I sleep so well.