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Sauna, originally a Finnish word, denotes a bath or a room in which
steam is produced by splashing water over heated rocks whose
temperature can be controlled through the heating mechanism, and which
steam is then used for bathing in, because of its medical benefits.
There we have the origin of the Sauna
bath. With the advance of technology, the concept and apparatus of the
sauna bath has undergone tremendous changes. Several new procedures
have been developed to devise newer and better saunas and to control
the operative temperature to derive the most desirable results from the
bath.
A sauna bath helps to open and unclog the pores of the
skin and assists in the detoxification of the body by removing toxins
and other impurities produced within the body, and especially helps to
purify the blood. A sauna treatment causes the heart to pump more blood
and the pulse increases to almost double the normal rate, resulting in
an increase in the blood flow towards the skin so we get the
distinctive sauna flush. The actual effects on the body however vary
from person to person: for some, the blood pressure increases, whereas
for others, it falls. However, a medical study conducted on the health
benefits of sauna has concluded that the sauna is not only safe but
also beneficial for our health, producing results like relaxation and
weight loss.
Sauna Health benefits
A sauna bath works through the exposure of the body to regulated
heat. This causes deep sweating whereby the excretion of bodily toxins
and impurities are affected. Sauna bathers are able to experience
extensive periods of freshness and rejuvenation since the body is
cleansed from deep within, and the increased blood circulation helps
the muscles to heal and relax faster. The buildup of lactic acid in the
muscles is dissipated by the heat and tired muscles can loosen up. At
the same time since the blood reaches all parts of the body more
effectively, this oxygenates the body and enhances the production of
internal bodily fluids leading to the amelioration of stiff joints,
arthritis, and other joint pains. Additionally the increased sweating
cleans and unclogs the skin pores, lending you a fresh, clean, and
vibrant look throughout the day.
The use of the sauna bath for ensuring weight loss is widely
accepted and this is one of the primary reasons for the ever-growing
popularity of the sauna. Not only does the sauna cause all the
unnecessary water retained in the body to be drained out, it works as a
complement or even as an alternative to strenuous exercise since by
increasing the blood circulation in our body. It thereby enhances our
basal metabolic rates, which means that for any activity we burn more
calories, resulting in ensured weight loss. On an average, a 15-20
minute sauna session burns about 300 calories, and is equivalent to 1
to 2 hours of brisk walk or ½ an hour of exercise.
Regular use of the sauna bath can also provide mental relaxation
apart from all its physical advantages. It helps to release tension and
strain, and people with sleep disorders such as insomnia and erratic
sleep conditions benefit from the use of the sauna, which is very
effective in inducing long relaxing sleep.
The heat generated
during a sauna bath helps to boost the immune system in our bodies.
This is achieved by causing our body heat levels to escalate: the skin
temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and the internal body temperature
rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). At these simulated fever conditions, the
body becomes more resistant to germs. There is an increased production
of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon, which
are anti-viral proteins with cancer fighting capacity. Moreover, the
exposure to and the inhalation of steam has various medical benefits
like cleaning the lungs and therefore helps to treat problems like cold
(sinusitis), asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, chest congestion, etc. The
medicinal benefits of the sauna treatment may be enhanced through the
use of aromatic oils like the essence of Eucalyptus and other natural
substances. The fragrant vapors can be regulated to address specific
respiratory ailments. Furthermore, the use of these fragrant oils can
set the perfect ambience for your mood as you relax in harmony with all
your senses.
For many people, depending on their body type
and medical condition, the health benefits from the sauna are not that
significant. However, even in such cases the sauna can continue to
serve as an effective means of leisurely relaxation and a great way to
maintain radiant and glowing skin.
Since our modern-day lifestyles are seldom based on physical labor, most of us do not perspire enough. Along with this, we habitually tend to use cosmetics and antiperspirants; and the increased incidence of air pollution places our skin in contact with greater quantities of smoke, smog, etc. all this serves to clog up our skin pores causing untold damage to our complexion and skin tone along with other dermal problems, even diseases. With the sauna, we have a simple and effective remedy for all this.
For the purpose of your daily relaxation and unwinding regime, the sauna is an indispensable aid. Just consider its many benefits: no chemicals with possible side effects, no complicated pumps, no strenuous physical exertion! All you have is simple heating mechanism fitted to stainless steel body in a fragrant, cedar-lined room. You can have all the relaxation, invigoration, revitalization, and rejuvenation you want from a sauna session just twenty minutes long. As the heat seeps into you and your pores dilate, the sweat pours out along with all the tension and stress accumulated throughout the day. The quintessential sauna sensation is simply unique.
To sum up, the sauna helps to:
* Improve blood circulation and respiration
* Induce weight loss
* Detoxify the body
* Enhance bodily metabolism
* Cleanse, soften, and rejuvenate the skin
* Relieve bodily stress, muscular fatigue, and joint pain
* Relax the mind and diffuse tension
* Promote health, healing, immunity, and vitality
***This article is not medical advice but is for informational purposes only.