Health Benefits of Sauna

A sauna is a natural method for cleaning the body and healing various diseases. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates (c.460–377 BC), the father of Western medicine, prescribed sauna procedures for more than half of his patients. Although nowadays, this approach is largely set aside, some health specialists appreciate its benefits. For instance, Dr. Luke Fortney, an integrative medicine practitioner and assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin, is fully convinced of the sauna's healing potency. "I've recommended it to people with high blood pressure, muscle spasms, seasonal affective disorder, and high-stress levels," he says. "It's also effective at detoxifying the body of chemicals from pollutants in the atmosphere and earth, and it's generally much safer than taking many medications." Let's explore which health problems can be improved by sauna bathing and how it works.

Toxins and Infections

In my previous article, I mentioned the successful research in which New York rescue workers exposed to toxic substances participated. However, even in an ordinary environment, we constantly absorb many pollutants (heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria) from air and food. Sauna heat causes intense sweating, and thus toxic substances are discharged. Likewise, a sauna helps with hangover since toxins of alcohol are released. Unlike healthy cells, the ones affected by chemicals or radiation can not withstand heat. Therefore, they also get eliminated while visiting a sauna.

After body tissues are cleansed, the functions of organs and metabolism improve. Besides that, the number of white blood cells which destroy other infected cells increases by up to 58%. Therefore, a sauna is a preventive measure that can also boost the immune system. The study in Germany revealed that children who regularly bathed in saunas experienced colds or other infectious diseases half as often.

Respiratory Diseases

The most suitable for this purpose is a steam sauna. After entering the airways, steam moistens the nose, throat, and lungs, removing mucus and allergens. The concentration of the vapor inhaled in a sauna is higher than by using the humidifier. Accordingly, the effect is more substantial. Sauna steam helps with bronchitis, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, sinusitis, and laryngitis. Even though it may not be enough for full recovery, the experience of some relief encourages you to continue sauna procedures.

Heart Disorders

During the research on heart failure treatment, 64 patients were given regular health treatment along with infrared sauna therapy (in Japan, it was called Waon therapy). The other group of 65 people were being treated the conventional way only. During the 5-year observation, 69% of patients from the latter group had heart problems, and 12 died. Only 31% of the sauna therapy group had similar disorders, and 8 died in the same period. The research authors concluded: "This therapy is a promising non-pharmacological treatment for chronic heart failure."

How does it work in this case? The body produces nitrogen monoxide in a sauna, dilating the blood vessels. It reduces the resistance while the heart is pumping the blood. The blood circulation increases and the muscles get a better oxygen supply. In the same process, high blood pressure becomes normal.

Mental State

The sauna relaxes and pacifies inner turbulence. The heat induces the brain to produce the so-called "hormones of happiness" (endorphins and serotonin). Therefore, inner contentment and quality of sleep increase. Sauna is recommended for healing stress, emotional strain, spells of anger, insomnia, and mild depression. Residents of cold climate zones like to travel to the sunny South on holidays. But sauna bathing is a more simple way to fight seasonal depression.

The Japanese scientists of Kagoshima University have conducted research with patients who had mild depression. After 1 month of infrared sauna therapy, their somatic disorders and inner tension vastly reduced.

Pain

The heat relaxes the mind as well as the muscles. Throes, stiffness, and fatigue go away, and the tissues of muscles become elastic. Increased blood circulation allows a better oxygen supply to injured parts of the body. For best results, an infrared sauna is most suitable.

For a more precise evaluation, a study was conducted in Kagoshima. At the end of the 3-month sauna therapy, the fibromyalgia symptoms of the patients were reduced by 31% to 77%. The effect of 28% up to 68% persisted 6 months after the therapy. The sauna's heat can help with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and peripheral artery disease. In fact, the pain of any source can be diminished this way.

It's necessary to be cautious while bathing in a sauna, especially for people with heart problems and other specific disorders. To avoid trouble, consult a competent specialist if you are unsure. Nevertheless, the sauna is like a treasure for our health. Let's hope conventional medicine will not only recognize its benefits but also thoroughly apply sauna therapy in practice.