There is steep history among an array of different cultures surrounding steam baths and sauna usage. For example, Finnish people have used saunas for roughly 2000 years to promote overall wellbeing. Saunas have been prevalent for generations and there are a multitude of reasons why they are still popular today. Here are just some of the main benefits.
Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is really taxing on our bodies. People that have chronic inflammation suffer from headaches, constant fatigue, stomach pains, and can even develop rashes.
A study was performed that tested whether there was a link between sauna usage, and reduced inflammation. Participants from the KIHD prospective cohort study that used saunas at least four times a week had lower levels of inflammation.[1]
With frequent sauna usage, you can experience the benefits of lessened inflammation, minimized headaches & other body pains, and even feel more awake!
Improves cardiorespiratory fitness
Who knew sitting down for forty minutes could increase your cardio? It sounds too good to be true! But a study found that frequent sauna usage improved cardiorespiratory fitness.
Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to the ability for your body to get oxygen to your muscles while working in tandem with your lungs and heart. As your body heats up in the sauna, your blood flow increases. This helps for the oxygen to travel quicker through your body. This reduces the risk of both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.[2]
Relieves stress
In our increasingly busy and stressful daily lives, it’s hard to dedicate time to relaxation. With a long list of professional and personal priorities finding the time to relax is often pushed aside. Saunas are a great way to reconnect to your body and unwind from the daily grind.
Anyone that has experienced a sauna session can attest to that unique feeling of relaxation and reinvigoration they feel afterwards. It’s akin to how most people feel after a hot yoga class or a guided meditation.
Using a sauna is an effortless way to experience this feeling and to prioritize your mental wellbeing.
Builds community
The traditional usage of saunas throughout history was founded on the idea of family and tribe members coming together in a sacred place of healing.
While times have changed significantly since saunas were first created, the need to connect with our community is still important. The art of communication isn’t as strong as it once was. With our already busy schedules we often don’t communicate as much with our loved ones passed liking their photos on social media or sending them a quick text. Taking a sauna with your close friends or family is great way to just sit and talk, free from the distractions of everyday life.
With regular sauna usage inflammation is decreased, cardiovascular health is improved, you’ll feel less stress, and feel more connected to your loved ones.
Remember to always consult with your doctor prior to using a sauna. Especially those who are pregnant and/or have heart conditions.
[1] Setor K. Kunutsor, Tanjaniina Laukkanen & Jari A. Laukkanen (2018) Longitudinal associations of sauna bathing with inflammation and oxidative stress: the KIHD prospective cohort study, Annals of Medicine, 50:5, 437-442, DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2018.1489143 [2] Setor K. Kunutsor, Hassan Khan, Tanjaniina Laukkanen & Jari A. Laukkanen (2018) Joint associations of sauna bathing and cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk: a long-term prospective cohort study, Annals of Medicine, 50:2, 139-146, DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2017.1387927