When you are on vacation and come across the word ‘spa’ or ‘sauna’, your mind tends to relax instantly. Well, that’s the effect a sauna has on you.

Saunas have been popular in different cultures for centuries- from Finnish to Egyptians, Scandinavians, Turkish, and even Koreans.

A sauna is a small enclosed space meant for dry or wet heat sessions.

It was invented in Finland and Turkey and was used for various benefits to the mind and body, including improved circulation. 

The primary basis of a sauna is the sweating effect it causes, similar to exercising. When the skin temperature rises, sweating occurs.

The heart rate increases to keep the body cool. So, even a short time in the sauna can cause you to sweat.

Types of Saunas

Traditionally, saunas in Finland used dry heat. Today, there are both dry and wet sauna options to choose from.

There are different types of sauna depending upon how the room is heated:

• Steam room: This is a type of wet sauna that provides moist heat and humidity
• Electrically heated room: As the name suggests, these sauna rooms are electrically heated (usually an electrical heater is used) and have high temperatures and low humidity.
• Wood burning: Wood is used to heat the sauna room, which usually has a high temperature and dry heat.
• Infrared room: Unlike wood and electrically-heated sauna rooms, these saunas use far-infrared saunas (FIRS). Special lamps are used to heat an individual’s body instead of the entire room. The temperature of these saunas is usually 60° C.

Potential Health Benefits of Sauna

Sweat is a means by which the body regulates temperature and eliminates waste.

Many ancient cultures believed that sweating was beneficial for health.

For this reason, saunas may have many health benefits. However, many of these have still not been proven.

Here are a few potential benefits of a sauna:

• May reduce stress

One of the first things people experience in a sauna is how relaxing it can be! This is due to improved blood circulation, which promotes relaxation, similar to what you would get after a massage. Additionally, some studies have stated that the sauna heat helps regulate hormones associated with the body’s stress response.

• May ease pain

Sauna is believed to reduce muscle soreness and aches and improve joint movement. This may be because the sauna increases blood circulation, easing pain in different parts of the body. However, more research is required to conclusively prove this.

• May improve cardiovascular health

Reduced stress and lower blood pressure levels may be associated with improved cardiovascular health. Existing studies on the benefits of saunas for the cardiovascular system have been conducted on smaller groups of people. So, more extensive research is required to conclusively prove saunas help improve cardiovascular health.

• May be good for your skin 

A lot is said about how good a sauna is for your skin and hair. Some people with psoriasis ( a dry skin condition) may experience reduced symptoms after a sauna. However, people with atopic dermatitis may worsen their condition (itching increases) after one. So, if you have a skin condition, always consult your dermatologist before going to a sauna!

Side Effects & Risks of a Using a Sauna

While the benefits of sauna are still being studied by the scientific community, it surely comes with a small list of side effects and risks:

• May cause blood pressure fluctuations

A sauna bath has been shown to lower blood pressure levels. So, people with low blood pressure (hypotension) must consult their doctor before using one.

• Can cause a risk of dehydration

Since sauna causes fluid loss via sweat, people with some conditions like kidney disease may be at risk of dehydration. Increased or prolonged exposure to high temperatures may cause dizziness in some people due to dehydration.

What Precautions Should You Take with Saunas?

To avoid the risks associated with saunas, here are a few precautions you can take:

• Avoid consumption of alcohol: It has been found that consuming alcohol before a sauna may result in dehydration, arrhythmias, hypotension and sometimes, even sudden death.
• Pre-existing health conditions: People with unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis must avoid taking a sauna bath.

• Stay hydrated: Regardless of the type of sauna you opt for, you will lose fluid by sweating. So, you must drink at least two to four glasses of water before using a sauna.

• Avoid a sauna if unwell or pregnant: It is best to avoid a sauna if you are ill, as it may affect your health. Since saunas are known to lower blood pressure levels, pregnant women must consult their doctor before using one.

• Supervise children: Saunas are safe for children over 6 years of age. However, their use must be limited to no longer than 10 to 15 minutes at a time and must always be supervised by an adult.

• Avoid switching between a sauna and a swimming pool: This can cause rapid changes to the body temperature, which may cause blood pressure fluctuations.

Key Takeaway!

Saunas offer a hot seat for relaxation, but that’s not all! Some studies have shown that a sauna bath may benefit your mind and body.

The high-temperature sauna improves circulation, eases muscle pain, and reduces stress.

While not a miracle cure, regular sauna use and a healthy lifestyle could contribute to overall wellness.

However, it is important to consult your doctor before starting any new sauna routine, especially if you have health concerns.